Best Personal Loans in 2025 (Kenya + Global Comparison Guide)

Personal loans remain one of the most accessible forms of credit in 2025. Whether you’re looking for money to fix an emergency, consolidate debt, fund a project, pay school fees, or invest in a business, a personal loan is often the quickest option.

However, interest rates, fees, and loan terms vary significantly depending on your country, bank, and credit score. This guide compares the best personal loans in 2025 across Kenya, the United States, and the United Kingdom, helping you choose the most affordable and reliable lender.

 1. What Makes a “Good” Personal Loan in 2025?

Before choosing a lender, consider these important factors:

✔ APR (Annual Percentage Rate)

APR is the true cost of the loan including fees—much more accurate than headline interest rates.

✔ Loan Limits

Different lenders offer between $500–$50,000 (or KSh 5,000 to KSh 7M in Kenya).

✔ Fees

Look out for:

• processing fees

• insurance

• late payment penalties

• prepayment charges

✔ Credit Score Requirements

Your credit rating influences your rate and approval chances.

✔ Loan Tenure

Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but lower total cost.

🇰🇪 2. Best Personal Loans in Kenya (2025)

Interest rates in Kenya remain relatively high due to market inflation and lender risk. In 2025, most banks offer personal loans ranging between 13% and 20% per annum.

Here are the best lenders this year:

 2.1 KCB Personal Loan (Kenya Commercial Bank)

Interest Rate: 13%–18% p.a
Loan Amount: KSh 50,000 – 6,000,000
Tenure: Up to 72 months
Pros:

• Flexible repayment

• Salary check-off option

• Fast processing

Ideal for: salaried workers needing medium to large loans.

 2.2 Equity Bank Personal Loan (Eazzy Loan)

Rate: 14%–20% p.a
Loan Limit: Based on salary or account activity
Pros:

• Accessible through mobile (Eazzy Banking App)

• Quick approvals

• Available to small business owners

Ideal for: borrowers needing instant or small-to-medium loans.

 2.3 Co-operative Bank Personal Loan

Interest: 13%–19% p.a
Tenure: Up to 96 months
Pros:

• Longest repayment period among Kenyan banks

• Suitable for larger amounts

Ideal for: long-term repayment customers.

 2.4 Absa Bank Kenya Personal Loan

Interest: From 13.5% after CBK rate cuts
Pros:

• Competitive rates

• Excellent customer support

• Attractive for salaried borrowers

Ideal for: borrowers focusing on low-interest secured/unsecured loans.

 Top Loan Apps in Kenya (2025)

Loan apps provide fast access but generally have higher APRs. Use only for emergencies.

• Branch – KSh 500 – 300,000

• M-Shwari – Instant mobile loans

• KCB M-Pesa – Flexible limits

• Tala – Good for first-time borrowers

🇺🇸 3. Best Personal Loans in the USA (2025)

The U.S. has one of the most competitive loan markets globally with APRs depending heavily on credit score.

Average U.S. Loan Rates (2025)

• Excellent credit: 6% – 11% APR

• Good credit: 12% – 17% APR

• Fair credit: 18% – 24% APR

• Bad credit: 24% – 36% APR

⭐ 3.1 SoFi Personal Loan

APR: 8% – 21%
Limit: $5,000 – $100,000
Pros:

• No fees

• Fast approval

• Great for high-credit borrowers

⭐ 3.2 LightStream (SunTrust Bank)

APR: 7% – 20%
Limit: Up to $100,000
Pros:

• Very low rates

• Excellent for high-income professionals

⭐ 3.3 Discover Personal Loans

APR: 8% – 24%
Pros:

• No origination fees

• Flexible terms

⭐ 3.4 LendingClub (Fintech)

APR: 9% – 36%
Pros:

• Accepts fair credit

• Peer-to-peer system

🇬🇧 4. Best Personal Loans in the UK (2025)

The UK currently offers some of the lowest APR personal loans globally—especially for borrowers with strong credit scores.

Average UK Personal Loan Rates (2025)

• Good credit: 5.8% – 10% APR

• Average credit: 10% – 17% APR

 4.1 M&S Bank Personal Loan

APR: From 5.8%
Pros:

• One of the lowest rates

• Fixed monthly payments

 4.2 Nationwide Personal Loan

APR: 6% – 12%
Pros:

• Fast online application

• Good for existing members

 4.3 Tesco Bank Loan

APR: 6.5% – 14%
Pros:

• Flexible borrowing amounts

• Quick approval

• Popular across the UK

 5. Kenya vs USA vs UK — Loan Comparison Table (2025)

 6. How to Get the Cheapest Personal Loan in 2025

✔ Improve your credit score

Pay consistently, reduce debts, and avoid late payments.

✔ Compare APR, not just interest

APR includes hidden fees.

✔ Shorten your loan tenure

You’ll pay less interest in the long run.

✔ Borrow only what you need

Avoid debt traps.

✔ Check for promotions

Banks often offer discounted rates to salaried workers.

 7. Risks of Personal Loans in 2025

• High-interest burden

• Debt trap from multiple loans

• Penalties for late payments

• Negative credit score impact

• Mobile loan apps’ hidden fees

Borrow responsibly and calculate repayment before applying.

 Conclusion: Which Country Has the Best Personal Loans in 2025?

• If you’re in Kenya, go for mainstream banks — they offer better rates than mobile apps.

• In the USA, borrowers with good credit will get the lowest rates from lenders like SoFi or LightStream.

• In the UK, M&S Bank and Nationwide remain unbeatable for low APR loans.

Regardless of where you live, always compare APRs, calculate repayment, and choose a lender that aligns with your financial goals.