Overview

AI-powered lending is transforming the way people access credit. While traditional lending models rely heavily on credit scores, Upstart’s AI-powered lending utilizes machine learning to look at a broader range of financial and personal factors. This results in faster, more accurate decisions, and better approval odds for more people—based on a more informed understanding of their financial journey.    

How AI-Powered Lending Works

1. Smarter Credit Assessment

Traditional lenders mainly look at credit scores and debt-to-income ratios when deciding who qualifies for a loan. Upstart takes it further—using AI to analyze a multitude of factors to get a more holistic understanding of your complete financial profile, such as:

✔ Employment and income stability
✔ Education and professional background
✔ Spending and saving habits
✔ Other signs of healthy financial behaviors

By looking at more data points, AI helps Upstart make more informed decisions that are more personalized and better informed. 

Note: Neither Upstart nor its lending partners have a minimum educational attainment requirement in order to be eligible for a loan.

2. Instant Loan Decisions

Upstart uses AI to evaluate your application in real-time, instead of a lengthy and manual underwriting process. 

✔ Get an instant loan decision instead of waiting days or weeks.
✔ Get access to funds faster than with traditional loan applications.
✔ Avoid unnecessary paperwork and human bias in loan processing.

3. More Inclusive Lending

Upstart’s AI-powered lending models help reduce bias by using data rather than subjective decision-making. This approach can help:

✔ Expand access to credit for people with limited credit history.
✔ Evaluate borrowers based on real financial habits rather than just credit scores.
✔ Offer competitive rates based on a more comprehensive understanding of risk.

What to Expect When Applying for an AI-Powered Loan

Upstart’s application process is similar to a traditional loan application but with a faster, and more efficient process. All you have to do is share a few details, and you’ll be guided every step of the way.

Step 1: Submit an Online Application

✔ Provide basic personal, employment, and financial details.
✔ AI will analyze your application in real time.

Step 2: Get an Instant Decision

✔ Our advanced models will evaluate your eligibility.
✔ If approved, you’ll see your loan offers right away.

Step 3: Complete Verification and Get Funding

✔ You may need to upload supporting documents (e.g., proof of income).
✔ Once approved, your funds may be sent as soon as the next business day.

Is AI-Powered Lending Right for You?

Upstart offers an easier, faster, and more inclusive borrowing experience. It may be a good option if you:

✔ Prefer a quick and easy loan application process.
✔ Want a personalized loan offer based on more than just your credit score.
✔ Are looking for a lender that uses technology to assess risk fairly.

Next Steps

Interested in an AI-powered loan? You can check your eligibility online in just a few minutes—with no impact on your credit score.* Upstart’s process is designed to be transparent, fast, and make the borrowing experience better for everyone. 

*Checking your rate does not impact your credit score. However, if you proceed with a full application, a hard inquiry may be conducted.