Estimated APR by Credit Profile
Your APR is personal — but approval patterns cluster clearly by credit tier. Here's where applicants typically land:
| Credit profile | Typical FICO | Estimated APR range | Approval odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 720+ | 6.99% – 10.99% | Very high |
| Good | 660 – 719 | 11.00% – 17.99% | High |
| Fair | 620 – 659 | 18.00% – 24.99% | Case-by-case |
| Building | Below 620 | — | Unlikely currently |
Illustrative ranges based on typical approval patterns. The only way to know your rate is a free soft-pull rate check.
Monthly Payment by Amount & Term
| Amount | 12 mo | 24 mo | 36 mo | 48 mo | 60 mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500 | $43.26 | $22.38 | $15.44 | $11.97 | $9.90 |
| $1,000 | $86.52 | $44.77 | $30.87 | $23.94 | $19.80 |
| $2,000 | $173.04 | $89.54 | $61.75 | $47.88 | $39.59 |
| $3,000 | $259.57 | $134.30 | $92.62 | $71.82 | $59.39 |
| $5,000 | $432.61 | $223.84 | $154.36 | $119.71 | $98.98 |
Fixed monthly payments at our best 6.99% APR. Run your own numbers in the loan calculator.
What Determines Your Rate?
Credit History
Your FICO score and track record of on-time payments are the biggest factors. 720+ typically unlocks our lowest tier.
Debt-to-Income Ratio
Lenders compare monthly debt obligations to income. Keeping DTI under 36% strengthens your offer significantly.
Loan Term
Shorter terms carry lower rates because lender risk is lower. A 24-month loan usually prices better than a 60-month one.
Income Stability
Steady, verifiable income of $25,000+ per year is required — and higher, consistent income supports better pricing.
5 Ways to Get a Lower Rate
Check your rate first — it's free
Our soft pull shows your real offer with no score impact. Never guess when you can know.
Pay down card balances before applying
Cutting credit utilization below 30% can raise your score within one or two billing cycles.
Choose the shortest term you can afford
Rates are tiered by term length. A tighter payoff window usually earns a lower APR and dramatically less total interest.
Fix credit report errors
Roughly one in five reports contains an error. Dispute inaccuracies at all three bureaus before you apply.
Compare true APR, not teaser rates
Many lenders advertise low rates, then add 1%–8% origination fees. With Discover's zero fees, our APR is the full price.
Want the deep dive? Read what credit score you need for a Discover personal loan.