Key takeaways
- Personal loans are versatile. You can use them for a wide variety of needs, including debt consolidation, emergencies, and home improvements.
- The best lenders will offer loans with affordable repayment terms, low interest rates, and few fees.
- Prequalifying for a loan helps you compare options without affecting your credit score.
Now and then, everyone could use a bit of extra cash. You may need to cover medical bills, pay for a move, or finish a home improvement project. A personal loan can be the answer.
These loans are versatile – you can use them for almost any purpose. Their flexibility, low interest rates, and fast access to cash make them a smart choice for many consumers. The question is, how do you know which loan to choose?
We’ve compiled what you should look for in a lender and how to get a loan with the best rates. The best personal loan will be affordable and help you achieve your goals.
What is a personal loan?
A personal loan is an installment loan. You receive the money in a lump sum and repay it in monthly installments. Personal loans are typically repaid over one to seven years at a fixed interest rate. Loan amounts range from $250 to over $100,000, and the annual percentage rate (APR) typically does not exceed 36%.
Most personal loans are unsecured. As an unsecured loan, they do not require collateral. Lenders look at your credit score, credit history, and debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to determine if you qualify. The higher your score and the lower your DTI, the more likely you will be approved with favorable terms.
Personal loans are available from banks, credit unions, and online lenders. The funding timeline varies, but you can expect to receive your funds within one to two business days. You can use the loan proceeds for various purposes, such as home repairs, medical expenses, or consolidating credit card debt.
Reasons to get a personal loan
Common uses for personal loans include:
Emergencies: Life is unpredictable. A personal loan can give you immediate access to cash to cover medical bills, car repairs, funeral costs, or anything else you need.
Debt consolidation: Personal loans are a good way to pay off several high-interest debts. You can simplify your payments, save money on interest, and possibly get out of debt faster.
Home improvement: When it’s time to update or repair your home, personal loans can help with financing. They can be more appealing than secured loans like a home equity loan or lines of credit (HELOC) since you do not have to risk your house.
Major expenses: Weddings, vacations, and moving all cost money. Personal loans can cover these expenses without tapping into savings.
Need money for an emergency?
Where to take out a loan
Finding the right personal loan lender is key to getting the best terms. Potential lenders include online lenders, banks, and credit unions.
Online lenders
Online lenders are popular for securing funding quickly. They often have competitive rates, flexible loan terms, and lenient requirements. Many online lenders will approve borrowers with poor or fair credit. What makes them so appealing is that they are easy to apply for. It usually takes less time to be approved and funded, as everything is done online.
Banks
Banks are a good option if you are already a customer. If you have a good relationship with your bank, you may be able to get a lower rate. In general, banks charge fewer fees and have competitive interest rates. That said, they do have stricter eligibility requirements than online lenders. The application process is also lengthy, and it will take longer to get approved. Not all major banks offer personal loans. Bank of America and Chase do not whereas Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, and Discover do offer personal loans.
Credit unions
Credit unions are nonprofit organizations. They tend to have lower rates and fewer fees than banks and online lenders. In fact, interest rates at federal credit unions are capped at 18%. They are also more willing to consider applicants’ complete financial picture, making it easier for consumers with lower credit scores to secure loans. Membership is required, but joining is often straightforward.
Tips to get the best personal loan
When searching for a personal loan, you will be inundated with options. Here are a few things to watch out for as you sort through potential lenders.
Whenever possible, prequalify
Prequalifying is a smart first step. When you prequalify, you submit financial details, and the lender does a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score. You receive potential offers and can compare them. Look at the interest rates, fees, loan amounts, and monthly payments. Then apply for the best one. There’s no guarantee that you’ll be approved, but you know you meet the lender’s basic criteria.
Look for perks
Some lenders offer perks and benefits that can make their loans more appealing. They may give rate discounts if you set up automatic payments, let you change due dates, or offer an extra long repayment term. Certain lenders will pay your creditors directly if you take out a debt consolidation loan. Take time to research and understand what perks or discounts each lender offers. They can add value beyond just a competitive rate.
Watch out for hidden fees
While evaluating loan offers, consider the fees. Your lender may deduct an origination fee of 1% to 12% from the loan proceeds. Or may charge a prepayment penalty if you pay back the money early. Almost all lenders will charge a late payment fee. Knowing the lender’s fee structure will help prevent nasty surprises.
Read customer reviews
Customer reviews can provide valuable insight into the lender’s reputation and service quality. You learn about other borrowers’ experiences with loan funding, monthly payments, and customer service. Customer support may not seem like a big deal at first, but if you encounter issues, it can be crucial. Reviews can attest if this is a good fit.
Personal loan interest rates
Personal loan interest rates range from 6% to 36%, the highest rate financial experts deem affordable. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis found that at the end of Q4 2024, the average rate for personal loans from commercial banks stood at 12.32%.
The interest rate you get depends on your credit score, income, current debt obligations, and type of loan. Lenders may also consider if you own your home, education level, and work history.
If you have a higher credit score, you are likely to receive a lower interest rate and larger loan amounts. If your score falls in the fair or poor range, you will likely pay more in interest over the life of the loan. The higher rate is because you’re more likely to default.
You may secure a lower interest rate even with bad credit if you have a steady income, low DTI, or a record of on-time payments. Lenders may also offer lower rates for shorter loan terms, higher amounts, or if you set up autopay.
Credit Score Range | Typical Interest Rate (%) |
Excellent (720-850) | 10.73% – 12.50% |
Good (690-719) | 13.50% – 15.50% |
Fair (630-689) | 17.80% – 19.90% |
Bad (639-300) | 28.50% – 32% |
How to compare personal loans
Take the time to compare personal loan offers to ensure you get the best deal. Keep the following in mind.
APR
The annual percentage rate (APR) represents the interest rates and fees the lender charges. It is the total yearly cost of borrowing. APRs make it easy to compare the cost of loans and other financial products – like credit cards. Generally, the lower the APR, the more affordable the financial product.
Fees
Fees can add up quickly. Common fees include application fees, late fees, prepayment penalties, returned payment, and origination fees. Some fees are avoidable, others are not. Look for lenders with few fees to minimize the cost of borrowing.
Repayment term
The repayment term is the length of time you have to repay the money. It can affect your monthly payment and total interest paid. A longer term means lower monthly payments but more interest over time. A shorter term gives you higher monthly payments, but you’ll save money in interest. Choose the shortest term that you can afford.
Funding timeline
The funding timeline is how quickly a loan is processed and delivered. Some lenders offer same-day funding, while others might take several business days. If you need the money urgently, choose a lender with faster access to funds.
Payment flexibility
Payment flexibility refers to options for managing your loan payments. You can choose your initial due date or change when payments are due multiple times. Others offer deferment or forbearance in times of financial hardship. Flexible payment options can be a lifesaver if unexpected expenses arise.
Personal loan pros and cons
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Few restrictions on how funds are used
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The APR is generally lower than that of credit cards
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No collateral needed
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Interest rates are fixed
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Faster funding than secured loans
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Consolidate high-interest debt
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Spread out a significant expense
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Predictable monthly payments for a set period
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Timely payments help build credit
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Receive the money in a lump sum
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Interest rates can be high for bad credit borrowers
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Lenders may charge additional fees or penalties
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Will increase your debt load
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No continual borrowing
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Potentially high monthly payments
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Missed payments will hurt your credit score
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Cannot use the funds for business or school expenses
Step-by-step loan process
Follow these steps to make the application process go smoothly.
1. Check your credit score: Before applying, know where you stand. Most lenders have minimum credit score requirements to qualify, but not all. Your score also helps determine what interest rate you’ll receive. A good credit score can help you secure the lowest rates and favorable terms. If your score is lower than expected, check your credit report for errors.
2. Review your debt-to-income ratio: Your DTI is your current debt compared to your income. It indicates to lenders if you can handle more debt. Most lenders require a DTI under 43%. Knowing your DTI helps you figure out what terms you’ll qualify for.
3. Determine your borrowing limit: Figure out how much you need to borrow. Then, look at how much it will cost regarding fees and interest. It’s important only to borrow what you can afford to repay without straining your finances.
4. Understand lender requirements and gather your paperwork: Each lender has different eligibility criteria. Make sure you qualify with the lender. Then, gather the necessary documents. What you’ll need varies, but typically, lenders will require proof of income – a W-2, a recent pay stub, or bank statements. You’ll also need your address, government-issued ID, and Social Security number.
5. Consider a co-applicant: A co-applicant with a good credit history, low DTI, and steady income can boost your approval odds. The lender will consider you less risky. You are more likely to receive a lower APR with more favorable terms.
6. Prequalify and compare options: Prequalify with at least three lenders. Comparing offers is key to securing the best personal loan rates.
7. Calculate monthly payments: Use a personal loan calculator to estimate how much you will pay each month. Your monthly payments must be affordable. Not being able to afford payments can worsen your financial situation.
8. Choose a lender and apply: Pick a lender and submit a formal personal loan application. The lender will conduct a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. The approval process can take a few business days up to one week.
9. Receive funds: Once approved, you must sign the loan agreement. Always read the fine print first. After you sign, your funds will be deposited directly into your bank account. This usually takes one to two business days.
10. Start repayment: Begin repayments as per loan terms. Consider signing up for autopay so that you never miss a due date.
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Frequently asked questions
1. How long does it take to get a personal loan?
Most lenders approve applicants within a few minutes to a few business days. Online lenders often offer same-day or next-day funding. Banks and credit unions generally take longer due to additional verification steps.
2. Can I get a loan with bad credit or fair credit?
Yes, many lenders offer loans for borrowers with bad or fair credit. While you can borrow money, you will receive a higher interest rate and pay additional fees. Building credit before you apply can help you secure better loan options.
3. How does a personal loan impact your credit score?
When you apply for a loan, the lender will conduct a hard inquiry, temporarily dropping your score by 5 to 10 points. Make on-time payments and your score will increase. Missed or late payments will negatively impact your score.
4. How much can I borrow with a personal loan?
The amount you can borrow depends on the lender, your income, credit score, and current debt, among other factors. Most personal loans range from $1,000 to $100,000, but some lenders may offer smaller or larger amounts.
Bottom line
Personal loans are an easy way to get the funds you need. Be it for consolidating credit card debt, making home improvements, or repairing your car. With numerous lenders on the market, it is possible to borrow even if your credit’s not the best.
It is essential that you manage your loan well. Before you borrow money, make a plan to pay it back. Take a look at the repayment timeline and calculate your monthly payments. Then, adjust your spending habits to ensure you can make payments on time. If you are in danger of missing a payment, contact your lender. Many lenders offer hardship programs or other relief options.
Repaying a personal loan as agreed can improve your financial health. You get a higher credit score and access to even more financial products with favorable terms.