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Updated 4 July 2026 - Personal loans
Compare Banks for Personal LoansWhat to compare in 2026
Personal loan suitability depends on eligibility, affordability checks, representative APR, loan amount, term length, early repayment rules and the type of borrowing you actually need. This guide uses BankAdvisor review data to highlight banks and providers worth comparing, without naming one universal winner.
Quick answer
Zopa, Kroo and Monzo are relevant digital providers to compare for app-based borrowing or credit products, while Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, HSBC, Nationwide, Santander, Halifax, TSB and other high street banks may suit people who want borrowing options alongside a wider banking relationship. Always check the provider's current APR, eligibility rules and repayment terms before applying.
What this page is
- Helps readers compare banks for personal loans using features, fees, protection and practical fit.
- Highlights watch-outs and links to wider comparison pages before readers choose a provider.
What this page is not
- Does not provide personalised financial advice or guarantee eligibility for any account or product.
- Does not replace checking live provider rates, fees, terms and protection wording before applying.
What to compare first
Before looking at individual banks, check the features, fees and limitations that matter most for this type of account.
APR and total cost
Compare representative APR, total repayable amount, fees, term length and whether your actual rate could differ.
Repayment flexibility
Look for early repayment rules, overpayment options, payment dates and support if circumstances change.
Borrowing type
Decide whether you need a personal loan, overdraft, credit card, car finance or specialist finance product.
Banks to Compare
Review each bank's strengths, limitations and key checks for this guide. The order does not imply an overall ranking.
Barclays
Broad high street borrowing options
Barclays is worth comparing if you want personal loans, credit cards, overdrafts or wider borrowing options from a large high street bank.
High streetLoansCredit products
Watch
Check the current representative APR, eligibility criteria, total repayable amount and whether you already need to bank with Barclays.
Co-operative Bank
Ethical high street banking with lending checks
Co-operative Bank is worth checking if you want branch-backed banking with potential borrowing products and an ethical positioning.
High streetEthicalCheck rates
Watch
Loan availability, rates and eligibility can vary. Check the current provider terms before applying.
First Direct
Telephone and app-led high street lending
First Direct can suit people who prefer strong phone support and app banking while still using a high street banking group.
Phone supportLoansHSBC group
Watch
Check whether the loan route, overdraft rules and eligibility match how you already bank.
Halifax
Main bank borrowing with Lloyds Group backing
Halifax is useful to compare if you want personal lending, cards or overdrafts alongside a familiar current account and savings range.
High streetLoansCards
Watch
Check APR, fees, early repayment rules and whether loan pricing depends on your circumstances.
HSBC
Large bank lending and international relationship banking
HSBC is worth comparing if you want borrowing options from a large high street bank with a broad product range.
High streetLoansGlobal bank
Watch
Eligibility, APR and available loan amounts depend on the product and your circumstances.
Kroo
Current account with separate Kroo Lending route
Kroo is relevant because the project review data notes personal loans through a separate Kroo Lending route alongside its current account.
Digital bankKroo LendingCheck eligibility
Watch
Check the lending division, eligibility, credit checks and current APR before applying.
Lloyds Bank
Established main bank borrowing
Lloyds is worth comparing if you want borrowing options from a major UK banking group alongside current accounts, cards and savings.
High streetLoansMain bank
Watch
Check representative APR, total repayable amount and whether existing customer status affects options.
Metro Bank
Branch-backed borrowing conversations
Metro Bank is worth checking if you value branch access and want to compare borrowing options with a provider that keeps a branch-led identity.
BranchesLoansHigh street
Watch
Check product availability, rates and eligibility directly because lending details can change.
Monzo
In-app borrowing controls and Monzo Flex
Monzo is relevant for app-based credit features such as Monzo Flex and arranged overdrafts, managed inside the main app.
Digital bankFlexOverdrafts
Watch
Monzo Flex and overdrafts are credit products rather than a like-for-like personal loan for every borrower. Check eligibility, cost and repayment terms.
Nationwide
Building society-style banking with borrowing routes
Nationwide is worth comparing if you prefer a member-owned provider and want borrowing products alongside current accounts and savings.
Building societyLoansHigh street
Watch
Check APR, loan amount, term and any member or account eligibility rules before applying.
NatWest
App-led high street borrowing
NatWest is relevant if you want a large high street bank with app support, current accounts and borrowing products in one relationship.
High streetLoansApp
Watch
Representative APR, eligibility and repayment options should be checked directly before applying.
Santander
Everyday banking plus lending options
Santander is worth comparing if you want personal banking, cards, savings and potential borrowing products from one high street provider.
High streetLoansCards
Watch
Check current loan rates, fees, early repayment terms and whether your account type affects eligibility.
Tandem
Green finance and specialist lending routes
Tandem is relevant because the project data covers savings, green finance, home loan support and legacy personal loan support.
Digital providerGreen financeLending
Watch
Check whether Tandem currently offers the borrowing product you need, as availability differs by product area.
TSB
High street current account plus lending checks
TSB is worth comparing if you want a high street current account relationship with potential borrowing options.
High streetLoansCheck rates
Watch
Check representative APR, application criteria, fees and support routes before applying.
Virgin Money
Broad banking brand with lending routes
Virgin Money is worth checking if you want to compare borrowing products alongside savings, cards and current account options.
High streetLoansCredit products
Watch
Product availability and rates can change. Confirm current terms on the provider site before applying.
Zopa
App-based personal loans and credit products
Zopa is a relevant digital provider because the project review data includes personal loans, credit cards, car finance and savings.
Digital providerPersonal loansCredit products
Watch
Approval, APR and loan terms depend on eligibility, affordability and credit checks. Check Zopa's current terms before applying.
What to check before choosing
- Check the representative APR, total amount repayable and whether the rate is guaranteed or representative.
- Check eligibility, affordability checks and whether applying could affect your credit file.
- Compare loan amount, term length, early repayment rules and any arrangement or late payment fees.
- Decide whether a personal loan, arranged overdraft, credit card, car finance or specialist finance product is the right borrowing type.
- Use BankAdvisor as a starting point, then confirm current rates and terms directly with the provider before applying.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you compare banks.
How should I use this personal loans guide?
Zopa, Kroo and Monzo are relevant digital providers to compare for app-based borrowing or credit products, while Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, HSBC, Nationwide, Santander, Halifax, TSB and other high street banks may suit people who want borrowing options alongside a wider banking relationship. Always check the provider's current APR, eligibility rules and repayment terms before applying.
Compare UK banksWhat should I check before choosing?
Check the representative APR, total amount repayable and whether the rate is guaranteed or representative. Check eligibility, affordability checks and whether applying could affect your credit file. Compare loan amount, term length, early repayment rules and any arrangement or late payment fees.
Continue researching →How does BankAdvisor compare banks?
We compare banks using provider information, review criteria and practical checks such as fees, features, protection, eligibility and limitations.
Read how we review banks →Are the banks listed fairly?
Yes. The cards are intended to help readers compare strengths, limitations and key checks. The order does not imply an overall ranking.
Compare the full list →Continue researching
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