The rate in the table is based on a loan available to A* borrowers. By cutting out the banks and dealing direct with Zopa lenders, all borrowers at Zopa get great rates - but the exact rate you'll be offered depends on your creditworthiness.

The Sunday Telegraph

"The benefits for borrowers are that interest rates can be lower than those charged by traditional lenders and that there are no early repayment penalties. This has made Zopa particularly attractive to the self-employed and others who, because they have fluctuating earnings, may find it difficult to borrow from the banks and may also wish to repay loans early."