Earnest Reviews 

8,660
•
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.6

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 1,252 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. People frequently share that the loan application platform is exceptionally simple, smooth, and easy to navigate from start to finish. Consumers appreciate the helpful support staff, noting that agents are polite, resourceful, and always available to answer questions. Borrowers mention finding much better rates compared to other providers, making the refinancing journey extremely rewarding. However, some customers also noted that their final interest rates were slightly higher than the rates originally advertised. Some reviewers experienced frustrating communication issues or lengthy delays when trying to resolve problems with customer support.

What people talk about most

User experience

Customers had positive experiences with user experience, highlighting that the application process was... See more

Customer service

Reviewers highlight positive aspects of customer service, frequently noting that advisors are helpful,... See more

Service

Clients share positive opinions on service, highlighting top-notch, quick, and efficient support that makes... See more

Staff

Users describe positive interactions with staff, consistently highlighting that every representative is... See more

Price

Consumers find price to be ambiguous, with many reviewers praising the competitive rates and lower APRs... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

After receiving an outrageous rate from Sallie Mae that they gave us without doing an actual credit check, we were so relieved when Earnest came through with a fair and reasonable rate. Student loans... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My goal was to get the interest and constantly changing payments through the federal student loan under control. You have done that. My payment doesn't change, and I actually have a definitive payof... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I was getting denied everywhere and I really needed a loan since my brother has not been paying his educational loans for 7 years and my mom could no longer cosign. My dad straight up said no to me wi... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Ernest is only one of two entities listed as working with the University of Edinburgh. Sally Mae was the other one. Comparing cost of loan over life of the loan, with interest, Ernest was about $30,00... See more


Company details

  1. Financial Institution
  2. also in
  3. Financial advisor

Information provided by various external sources

Earnest is an online lender that looks beyond a simple credit score to offer the lowest possible interest rates on student loan refinancing and personal loans. Earnest determines if someone is financially responsible by looking at thousands of data points including saving patterns, 401k investments, career growth potential, and employment history. Earnest offers a quick and easy application process online to learn about a potential client’s education and employment history and see if they are a good fit. The client dashboard makes it easy to pay off loans. Clients can tailor their loan term, minimum monthly payment, set up bi-weekly payments, make extra payments, and skip a payment and make it up later. The Earnest Client Happiness team strives every day to take the borrowing experience from robotic, to one that recognizes people as individuals. The team hears client’s stories all day and uses those to shape the future of the company. They work one on one with clients to address their questions or concerns until the issue is resolved. Earnest isn't content with providing reactive support, they push themselves to be proactive to make the borrowing process easier for their clients. If you want to help Earnest be proactive, leave a review! If you are having issues please reach out to customer service to get help.

Earnest

Written by the company

Earnest is committed to providing the lowest possible rate to our clients.
Earnest works every day to assure that clients get the lowest rate possible on their loan. Earnest data scientist, engineers, and designers use technology to bring the most savings possible to people with debt. The company uses precision pricing to find the sweet spot between what clients should be paying in interest and what they can afford. Visit earnest.com to get your low rate!

Contact info

4.6

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

9k reviews

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4.6

All reviews

(8,660)

1,229 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 4 out of 5 stars

It was the lowest rate but the UI/UX…

It was the lowest rate but the UI/UX for the site is basic/clunky. It was hard to see the important information to ensure I was not only picking the right loan, but also to get status on interest paid in total, etc when you do have the loan. It is mostly there, just hard to get to and shouldn't require clicks to see it.

7 September 2026
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Reply from Earnest

Thank you for your review and feedback! We apologize for the less-than-exceptional experience. We have emailed you directly with more information.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The loan was easy to apply for

The loan was easy to apply for, a quick process and decision. Also the products and rates offered were competitive. The only item I would change is more frequent communication about he loan getting certified and applied to the school’s tuition. Thanks.

7 August 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent!

Excellent service, easy to use, and Earnest made it so that I don't have to stress about how to pay for my final year of law school. THANK YOU!! I am forever grateful.

31 August 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Earnest was incredible

Earnest was incredible! Quick, efficient, respectful. I truly couldn't be happier with a loan company. After having a true nightmare with Sallie Mae, and being treated like dirt by them, Earnest was the most wonderful experience I could have ever had!

7 September 2026
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Had WAY too many problems this time

Usually had an easy time. This time we had so many problems with the application, things getting sent via email, signing the the package etc. Took from a Wednesday to the next Friday to finish the application which also included 3, hour long phone calls with customer support. It was stressful and annoying and about 4 times I was ready to quit and go through a different loan company. Seriously debating on whether using Earnest again bc it was such a hassle. Very poor experience and very unsatisfied.

4 September 2026
Earnest logo

Reply from Earnest

Thank you for your review and feedback! We apologize for the less-than-stellar application experience. We have emailed you directly with more information.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Earnest fills an important role in the…

Earnest fills an important role in the education diaspora. It help ls thousands of students achieves their dreams. They are always courteous and professional.
I wish they improved their wen interface and online application process and get it rid of the bugs. This is my daughter’s 4th loan from Earnest and i have never been able to have a loan processes without getting an IT issue addressed by their customer care. So in the service industry i call it a 100% failure rate.

4 September 2026
Earnest logo

Reply from Earnest

Thank you for your review and feedback! We apologize for the less-than-exceptional application experience. We have emailed you directly with more information.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great knowledge

Customer representative answered all my questions which help me to determine the outcome of my loan.

28 August 2026

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