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 5 out of 5 stars

Smooth Loan Process and Helpful Customer Service

I recently applied for a private student loan through Earnest to help cover my graduate school tuition and education expenses. The application process was straightforward, and I received clear information about my loan terms and final disclosure.

The customer service experience has been helpful overall. I appreciated being able to receive updates about my application and loan status. The process of completing the required documentation was also relatively easy.

One area where clearer communication could be helpful is explaining the timing of loan certification and disbursement through the school, since the final funding depends on the university's financial aid process.

Overall, my experience with the application and customer service has been positive so far, and I appreciate the support provided throughout the process.

7 September 2026
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Explore other options

Earnest changed the length of the loan term after I signed it, forcing me to begin repayment before I graduate, or seek deferment. When I brought this to their attention, they first stated that they needed the correction to come from my school, but later (after the deadline to cancel the loan) said there was nothing they could do about it after my school confirmed the correct graduation date. Their customer service has given me incorrect information as well as been overall unhelpful and very slow to respond. I would tell anyone to seek other options.

14 September 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very simple and easy

Very simple and easy, I used the estimator tool to see if it was worth pursuing. The calculator was extremely accurate and after using it I received a call from an Earnest agent that offered to help and answered any questions I had. The rest was straight forward, it can all be done online, there is not even a need to speak to an agent directly. it is that easy! great rates as well.

3 September 2026
Rated 3 out of 5 stars

VERY difficult to reach in person help

Once I was able to reach someone by phone, things were pretty smooth. BUT I tried several times on different days and held on for over 2 hours hoping to speak to someone to clarify what I needed to do. It seems that there may be only one person answering the phone. I finally called at exactly 9 AM and got through. That is not what I think is good service.

26 August 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 5 out of 5 stars

Easy

Did the entire application on my phone. Very easy.

12 September 2026
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

EXCELLENT SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

The company has been helpful to me because it has shone light at the end of the tunnel for me to further my studies with the help of their loan which I had applied earlier and how I put my hopes on this company to help me pursue my course.
Thank you as I will refer my fellow friends to you.

9 September 2026
Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Could be better

Difficult. Could be better. Too much b.s.

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.

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