Earnest (earnest.com) has a 4.6 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 174 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Money & Insurance and its reputation is excellent. Praise is nearly unanimous, with 90% rating it 4 stars or higher; The business has replied to 63% of negative reviews. Last updated 2026-08-12.
Earnest has always given me the lowest rates; first, when I shopped for my initial student loan, and second, when I shopped for my refinance. Their customer service team has also always been so helpful each time I have had to call to get my questions answered. Finally, their website is easy to use and navigate.
The process was very difficult but Kem was super helpful and assisted me in getting documents identified and uploaded. After we got documents uploaded it was smoother.
It was quick, easy and they got the information to and from the school within a day. It was almost easier to do than federal loans and I was concerned because I’ve never taken out private. Earnest is easily the best that I could find!
The process is very easy, and the approval does not take long at all. Customer service was helpful and friendly. This is the second time I've used them. Would highly recommend.
I love this lending company Theyve always been so nice and transparent and willing to work with you on your loan.
The process of applying and getting approved for a refinance could not have been quicker or easier. I wish everything in life worked as smoothly.
Everything was easy. 2B forthright, my daughter did all the research and made the decision to go with Ernest. It was seamless. They provided so much support and helped her to connect with all different options. As a cosigner, it was very easy for me to participate, but I left it to her. And I’m speaking on her behalf. She thought it was amazing. Her loans are for grad school.
Easy to apply and student loan was pending certification at my daughter’s school within 24 hours!!
It was so nice to actually speak to a polite human for a change!
The online application is user friendly and easy to follow instructions
ZERO STARS!!! My school successfully certified my private student loan via ELM on July 29, 2026. This was exactly 3 weeks after my application date. Earnest's internal platform failed to sync the transmission or glitched or something, leaving my file erroneously stuck in "waiting for certification". Customer service agents repeatedly read a generic script citing a "3 week timeline for the certification process" which was WRONG because once a school certifies electronically through the ELM system it should immediately generate the disclosure paperwork. All the agents refused to get a live supervisor on multiple calls. When a manager finally called on Monday, August 3, she never took accountability, and promised a callback for Tuesday, August 4, but NEVER called back. On August 6, another manager called me but they still DID NOT take accountability for their internally failing processes, and this manager confirmed that they instead sent a new certification to my school (on Aug 3 or 4) which the school certified through the same electronic system on August 4, with no justification or motivation to identify the problem with the original July 29 certification that never seemed to register in their system. Not a single person took accountability, and essentially pushed blame around on every call. Not to mention, I was repeatedly promised that they will get in touch with the "Earnest school success team" to find out what the problem is with the first certification, but the manager who called me on August 6 was completely unprepared, had not spoken with the school success team and still had no idea why the certification that was sent by my school on July 29 did not register in the system, but somehow the certification that was sent by my school on August 4 did go through. Apparently the public cannot speak directly with the school success team but they are the ones who are meant to figure out these types of issues. I filed an official complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Earnest's internal communication failures and technical glitches that they are denying, are actively threatening my college enrollment. AVOID THIS LENDER IF YOU CAN!
The interest rates advertised (2.19%+) drew me in but was given a rate 4x as high (9.98%). I wish I would've been able to see the rate BEFORE getting hit with a hard inquiry on my credit. My credit score is just under 800. I feel like the rate should've been lower. Or explain to me why it came back as such.
We appreciate you taking the time to share your review and feedback. We regret that your experience didn't meet the standards we strive for. We have emailed you directly with more information.
Straightforward process and information. Communication was timely. Quoted rate adjusted slightly higher within a couple of days of submitting, which was disappointing. Overall, to this point I am satisfied with the experience and competitive options.
Excellent customer service. User friendly app and quick responses. Highly recommend!
Process was easy and fast.
Fast and smooth refinance process for student loans. Rates are better than Sofi.
Easy to use and visualize the different repayment options.
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