Finding the right loan can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you need a small sum to cover unexpected expenses or a large loan for a significant purchase, there’s an option out there for you. The key is to find the best lender with the most competitive interest rates and terms. It may be from a credit union, online lender, or even from your local bank.
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Where to get a personal loan
Finding the right personal loan starts with understanding where to apply. Each type of lender offers unique advantages and potential drawbacks. Here’s a closer look at your options:
Online lenders
Online lenders let you apply for a loan from the comfort of your home. Depending on the lender and your qualifications, you can get a loan for $1,000 up to $100,000. Online lenders usually feature streamlined application processes, fast funding, and lenient loan requirements. You can often be approved and receive the funds in your bank account the same day.
One key advantage of online lenders is their flexible requirements. Many lenders will approve borrowers with bad credit. Some place less emphasis on your credit score, preferring to look at income, debt levels, and employment stability. Others do not conduct a credit check at all.
The downside of bad credit loans from online lenders is they often come with higher costs. When you have bad credit, you may be stuck with a 36% APR (annual percentage rate) – the maximum APR financial experts consider affordable. Of course, if your credit score is good – above 690 – then the APR you receive will be considerably less.
It’s essential to do a little research and read customer reviews to ensure you’re working with a reputable company. While there are always lenders to steer clear of, there are also plenty of great options out there.
Credit unions
Credit unions are non-profit member-owned financial institutions. They are known for providing more personalized service and lower rates than banks. The National Credit Union Association (NCUA) actually capped the interest rate at 28% APR for credit union personal loans. Their loan amounts are also lower than banks ranging from $200 to $50,000. If you’re already a member of a credit union, or willing to join one, this can be a great way to secure a personal loan.
Credit unions are known for their willingness to work with borrowers who may not meet traditional credit requirements. They often focus on building relationships and helping members achieve their financial goals rather than credit scores. Because they are nonprofit, any earnings are reinvested into member benefits, including better loan terms.
The main limitation is that credit unions require membership. Membership criteria may involve living in a specific area, working in a certain industry, or being part of an affiliated organization.
Cash advance apps
Cash advance or paycheck advance apps are revolutionizing the lending industry by offering small personal loans directly through mobile platforms. Approval often only takes a few minutes and funds are available within an hour for a fee. Loan amounts range from $20 up to $1,000.
These apps do not consider your credit score. Instead, they look at your income, bank activity, and spending habits to determine how much to lend you. The lack of a credit check does not translate into a higher interest rate as they don’t charge interest.
Most cash advance apps do charge fees. The fee model varies. It could be a monthly subscription, one-time fee, or optional tip. There’s often a fast funding fee if you need the money the same day. Otherwise, you can receive the funds for free within one to three business days.
Advances are typically deducted from your next paycheck. While this can make budgeting tight, most apps let you change the date or have lenient consequences if you’re unable to pay on time. Many – not all – do not charge late fees or report missed payments to the credit bureaus. Typically, they simply won’t let you borrow again until you repay the money owed. Check with your app to find out its exact rules.
Banks
Banks provide the reassurance of working with a long-established financial institution. They are a traditional source of loans with borrowing options from $1,000 to $50,000 (up to $100,000 for some). Banks are a great choice if you have an existing relationship with one. Many offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms. They tend to be particularly favorable for customers with strong banking relationships and good credit.
To apply, you can visit a branch in person or apply online. If you choose to apply in person, a specialist can walk you through the different loan products and help you find the right one for your financial situation. Either way, the process often takes longer as it involves more paperwork and manual underwriting.
The main drawback to banks is that they have stricter eligibility requirements. The bank may require a good credit score or necessitate that you have an account with them before lending to you. It’s harder for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit to qualify, but, if you’re eligible, a bank loan can be an excellent option for low rates and predictable terms.
How to compare personal loans
Choosing the right personal loan requires understanding the key factors that affect its cost and convenience. Here’s how to evaluate each aspect:
Annual percentage rate
The annual percentage rate or APR represents the total cost of borrowing. It includes both interest and fees, expressed as a yearly percentage. It’s one of the most important factors to compare because it determines how much you’ll pay over the life of the loan.
Lower APRs save you money, but they may require good to excellent credit. Be wary of lenders advertising low interest rates but charging high fees that inflate the APR. Always compare APRs between lenders, not just the interest rate, to get the most accurate picture of costs.
Repayment term
The repayment term is the length of time you’ll have to pay back the money. It can range from a few months to several years. Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but lower overall interest costs. Longer terms, on the other hand, reduce monthly payments but increase the total cost.
Consider your budget when choosing a term. Can you afford a higher monthly payment to save on interest. Or do you need lower payments for flexibility? It’s very important to be able to make payments on time. Choose the shortest repayment term you can comfortably afford.
Fees
Fees can significantly affect the total cost of a loan. Common fees include origination fees (a percentage of the loan amount), late payment penalties, and prepayment penalties for paying off the loan early.
While some lenders charge no fees, others may include them in the loan terms, raising the overall cost. Always ask for a breakdown of fees before committing to a loan. Look for lenders that offer transparency and minimal additional charges.
Funding timeline
If you need cash quickly, the speed of funding is crucial. Some lenders can deposit funds within a day or two, while others may take a week or more.
Online lenders and cash advance apps tend to have the fastest turnaround times. They often can send the money the same-day if you pay a fee or apply before noon. Banks and credit unions usually have more extensive approval processes. Check the lender’s estimated funding timeline and ensure it aligns with your needs, especially for emergencies.
Unique perks
Many lenders offer perks that can set them apart. They may provide rate discounts for autopay, free financial education resources, or flexible payment options like skipping a payment after you’ve made a certain number of on-time payments. Other lenders might offer loyalty benefits if you have multiple accounts with them. Consider these perks when comparing loans. They may end up saving you money or make it more convenient to borrow from a specific lender.
Pros and cons of personal loans
Pros
– Can be used for a various purposes
– You can spread out large expenses
– Consolidate high-interest debt
– Predictable monthly payments
– Fixed interest rates
– Fast funding
– No collateral required
– Lower interest rates than credit cards
– Lump sum disbursement
– On-time payments will build credit
Cons
– A strong credit profile and decent income are necessary for the lowest rates
– Increase your debt load
– No continuous borrowing
– Lenders may charge upfront fees
– Potentially high monthly payments
– Missed payments will hurt your credit score
– Cannot be used for business or educational purposes
Ways to use a personal loan
Debt consolidation
Personal loans are often used to combine multiple high-interest debts into a single payment with a lower interest rate. The monthly payments are simplified into one more affordable bill. You have a timeline on when you’ll be out of debt. And you can save money on interest.
Home improvement
Whether it’s remodeling a kitchen or upgrading your HVAC system, a personal loan can provide the funds for home improvement projects. Unlike home equity loans, personal loans don’t require collateral, making them a less risky option.
Large expenses
Big-ticket purchases like appliances, furniture, or electronics can be financed through a personal loan. Loans allow you to spread payments over time instead of paying upfront.
Life events
Weddings, vacations, or other major milestones can be expensive. Personal loans can help you cover the costs without draining your savings.
Emergencies
Unexpected expenses, such as car repairs or urgent travel, can strain your budget. A personal loan provides quick access to cash to manage these situations.
Medical bills
Healthcare costs can be overwhelming. Personal loans can bridge the gap, helping you pay for treatments, procedures, or unforeseen medical expenses.
Things to consider before applying
Taking out a personal loan is a significant financial decision. Before you borrow, assess your financial situation.
Check your credit
Your credit score plays a major role in whether you’re approved for a loan and at what rate. Check your credit score so that you know where you stand. Then, review your credit report for errors. If you find any inaccuracies, dispute them with the issuing credit bureaus. You can get your credit reports for free via annualcreditreport.com. A higher score can unlock better terms and lower costs.
Review your debt-to-income ratio
Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio shows how much of your income goes toward paying debt. Most lenders prefer a DTI below 35%. Calculate yours to ensure you’re not over-leveraging your finances. If your DTI is too high, try to bring it down before applying.
Research lenders
Research multiple lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online platforms. Compare interest rates, fees, loan terms, and funding timelines to find the best fit for your needs.
Add a co-applicant
If your credit isn’t strong, adding a co-applicant with good credit can increase your approval chances and result in a better interest rate. This is because a co-applicant is equally responsible for paying the loan and so reduces the lender’s risk.
Consider secured personal loans
Secured loans are backed by collateral. Collateral can be a vehicle, property, or savings account – anything of value. The advantage of secured loans is they often have lower interest rates, even for borrowers with bad credit. Lenders lower the rates and accept poor scores because they can seize your asset if you fail to repay. Assess whether this trade-off is worth the savings.
Consider your overall financial well-being
Ensure your budget can handle monthly loan payments without straining other obligations. Make sure that loan aligns with your long-term goals and stability.
How to get a personal loan
1. Calculate your payments
Before applying, determine how much you can afford to borrow and repay monthly. Use a loan calculator to estimate payments based on the loan amount, interest rate, and term. Ensure the payment fits comfortably within your budget to avoid financial strain. This step helps you set realistic borrowing expectations and prevents overextending your finances.
2. Pre-qualify and compare offers
Pre-qualifying allows you to check potential rates and terms without affecting your credit score. It also gives you insight into your approval chances. Most lenders offer this perk and only ask for basic personal information.
Prequalify and compare offers from at least three different lenders. Look at the APR, fees, loan amount, and repayment terms. Then select the best loan for your situation.
3. Gather documents
The exact documents you’ll need will vary based on your lender. Generally, you’ll have to provide proof of identity, income, and residence. Common documents include government-issued ID, pay stubs, bank statements, and utility bills. Having these ready speeds up the application process.
4. Formally apply
Once you’ve chosen a lender, complete the application online or in person. Provide accurate information and submit the necessary documents. Be prepared for a hard credit check. A hard inquiry may drop your credit score by a few points but it’s only temporarily. Approval times vary but can be as quick as a few minutes.
5. Get your money
After approval, review the loan terms before accepting. Read the fine print and make sure that you can afford the payments.
Funds are typically deposited directly into your bank account. Online lenders may provide same-day or next-day funding. Banks and credit unions may take a few days. Once you receive the funds, use them responsibly and stick to your repayment plan.
Frequently asked questions
1. How do I know which loan is best for me?
To figure out which loan is the right one, you will have to prequalify and compare offers. Take a look at the APRs, fees, repayment terms, and amounts. The best loan will have affordable monthly payments, few additional fees, and a low APR.
2. When will I receive the personal loan funds?
Funding timelines vary by lender. Online lenders and cash advance apps may send money into your account the same day or the next day. Banks and credit unions might take several days. Check the lender’s processing time before applying, especially if you need funds urgently.
3. How do personal loans affect your credit?
Personal loans can impact your credit positively or negatively. Their effect mainly depends on how you handle them. Applying will likely trigger a hard inquiry, temporarily dropping your score. On the other hand, adding a loan to your credit mix can boost your score. Make on-time payments each month, and you will build credit. Late or missed payments will damage your score.
4. Can I get a loan with bad credit or no credit history?
Yes, some lenders specialize in loans for borrowers with bad or no credit. Options include online lenders, credit unions, or secured loans requiring collateral. Expect higher interest rates or stricter terms. Improving your credit before applying can help get you better offers.
5. What are good alternatives to loans?
If you don’t want to take out a loan, see if you can dip into savings, borrow from loved ones, or get a balance transfer credit card with a 0% APR introductory offer. Another route is to explore community assistance programs that can help with rent, utilities, and food. Call 211 to find resources near you.
6. What is the minimum income needed for a personal loan?
There’s no standard minimum income requirement; it varies by the lender. Lenders are usually more interested in your ability to repay the loan. They will also consider your DTI. If you have a low ratio – below 35% – you may qualify for a loan even with a low income. Other ways to get around a low income is to apply with a cosigner or ask for a smaller amount. Online lenders and credit unions are usually more flexible with their lending requirements.
Bottom line
Finding the perfect loan doesn’t have to be daunting. Whether you’re covering an unexpected expense, consolidating debt, or financing a major life event, there’s a loan tailored to your needs.
Choosing the right borrowing option starts with understanding your financial situation. Both what you need to borrow and what you can afford to repay. Then, compare lenders, evaluate terms, and make an informed choice. By carefully weighing these factors, you can secure a loan that fits your needs and sets you up for financial success.