If you’re planning to undergo in-vitro fertilization (IVF), it’s important to know that it can cost between $15,000 and $20,000 per cycle, and unfortunately, many insurance plans do not cover this expense. One way to handle the high cost is by taking out a personal loan.
LightStream is Investopedia’s top pick for IVF loans this August due to its broad range of loan amounts, flexible repayment plans, fast funding, and competitive interest rates.
Investopedia reviewed extensive data from 59 lenders and thousands of data points to come up with its list of the best IVF loans for August 2025. Below is a breakdown of their top picks, how IVF loans work, and what to look for when choosing the best option for your needs.
🏆 Top IVF Loans in August 2025
| Lender | APR | Credit Score Estimate | Loan Amount | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LightStream | 6.49% – 25.14% | 680+ | $5,000 – $100,000 | Best Overall, Repayment Terms, Fast Funding |
| SoFi | 8.99% – 35.49% | Not disclosed | $5,000 – $100,000 | Flexible Repayment Terms |
| BHG Financial | 11.96% – 27.87% | Not disclosed | $20,000 – $200,000 | High Loan Amounts |
| Upgrade | 7.99% – 35.99% | 580+ | $1,000 – $50,000 | Fair/Bad Credit |
| Upstart | 6.70% – 35.99% | 300+ | $1,000 – $50,000 | Lowest Credit Requirement |
| Patelco Credit Union | 9.30% – 17.90% | 640+ | $300 – $100,000 | Best Credit Union |
🔍 Highlights of the Top IVF Loan Providers
1. LightStream (Best Overall)
- APR: 6.49% – 25.14%
- Loan Terms: 2 to 20 years (up to 240 months)
- Loan Amounts: $5,000 – $100,000
- Why it’s great: Offers large loans, long repayment terms, no fees, and fast same-day funding.
- Drawbacks: No pre-qualification and requires excellent credit.
2. SoFi (Good for Long Repayment Terms)
- APR: 8.99% – 35.49%
- Loan Terms: 2 to 7 years
- Why it’s great: Generous repayment options (up to 84 months), no late fees, and same-day funding.
- Drawbacks: Best rates require having a SoFi bank account. Origination fees may apply.
3. BHG Financial (Best for Big Loans)
- APR: 11.96% – 27.87%
- Loan Amounts: $20,000 – $200,000
- Loan Terms: 3 to 10 years
- Why it’s great: Ideal for covering multiple IVF cycles due to very high maximum loan amount.
- Drawbacks: Higher minimum loan amount and may take longer to process.
4. Upgrade (For Bad or Fair Credit)
- APR: 7.99% – 35.99%
- Credit Score: 580+
- Loan Terms: 2 to 7 years
- Why it’s great: Accessible to borrowers with lower credit scores and offers secured and joint loans.
- Drawbacks: May come with high origination and interest fees.
5. Upstart (Lowest Credit Score Requirement)
- APR: 6.70% – 35.99%
- Credit Score: 300+
- Loan Terms: 3 to 5 years
- Why it’s great: Connects borrowers with lenders using alternative credit evaluation methods.
- Drawbacks: Lower loan cap ($50,000) and potentially high fees.
6. Patelco Credit Union (Best Credit Union Option)
- APR: 9.30% – 17.90%
- Loan Terms: 6 months to 7 years
- Loan Amounts: $300 – $100,000
- Why it’s great: No origination fees and broad range of loan sizes and terms.
- Drawbacks: Membership required and higher interest rates for longer-term loans.
💡 How Do IVF Loans Work?
IVF loans are personal loans specifically aimed at helping individuals or couples afford fertility treatments. After applying and getting approved, you receive a lump sum of money which you use to pay the fertility clinic. Some lenders may even pay the clinic directly. You’ll repay the loan monthly over a fixed term, which can range from 6 months to 20 years, depending on the lender and loan amount.
💬 Common IVF Loan Terms You Should Know
- Fertility Loan: A general term for loans used to cover fertility-related treatments, including IVF and medications.
- Credit Score: A key factor lenders use to determine your creditworthiness. Higher scores lead to better loan terms.
- Interest Rate: The cost of borrowing, typically expressed as an APR (Annual Percentage Rate).
- Repayment Term: The duration over which you’ll repay your loan, usually in monthly installments.
- Health Insurance: Some policies may offer partial coverage for IVF treatments, but many don’t.
✅ IVF Loan Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Saves your savings: Allows you to cover medical expenses without dipping into your emergency or retirement funds.
- Fast access to cash: Many lenders offer same-day or next-day funding.
- Flexible plans: You can choose terms that fit your monthly budget.
Cons:
- Interest and fees: Loans come with additional costs such as origination and late payment fees.
- Credit impact: Applying results in a hard credit check, and missed payments can harm your credit score.
- Paying more overall: With interest, you may end up paying thousands more than the actual IVF cost. For example, a $20,000 loan at 15% APR over five years could cost you over $8,500 in interest alone.
📋 Steps to Apply for an IVF Loan
- Estimate the full IVF cost: Check with your fertility clinic and see what your insurance covers, if anything.
- Check your credit score: A higher score improves your chances of getting better rates.
- Create a budget: Know how much you can afford to repay monthly.
- Research lenders: Compare interest rates, loan terms, fees, and qualification requirements.
- Pre-qualify if possible: Many lenders allow you to check eligibility without affecting your credit.
- Gather your documents: Prepare proof of identity, income, and tax returns to speed up the process.
- Submit your application: Apply and undergo a credit check.
- Receive approval and sign the loan: Review the final terms and accept the loan.
- Get your funds: Money is sent to your bank or directly to the clinic.
- Start repaying: Set up automatic payments to avoid missing any due dates.
🔍 How Investopedia Picked the Best IVF Loans
Investopedia analyzed over 2,600 data points from 59 lenders, including online lenders, banks, credit unions, and fintech companies. The evaluation process began in July and ended in October 2024. Their team ranked lenders based on four weighted categories:
- Loan Costs (30%) – APRs, origination fees, and autopay discounts.
- Borrowing Requirements (24%) – Minimum credit score, income proof, and membership requirements.
- Lender Features (24%) – Online tools, pre-qualification options, and customer service.
- Loan Terms (22%) – Loan size, repayment duration, and funding speed.
The review process also included interviews with hundreds of real borrowers to understand the loan application experience and gather feedback on lenders.
If you’re planning to start a family through IVF and finances are a concern, the options above can provide financial flexibility. Always compare multiple lenders, carefully review the terms, and choose the one that best aligns with your budget and needs.
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