Online Personal Loans in Virginia

Virginia personal loans provide quick access to funds when unexpected expenses arise.

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Updated June 7, 2024
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Key takeaways

  • Virginia personal loans are available to borrowers with excellent credit or very poor scores.
  • Personal loan types include short-term, installment, and secured loans.
  • Managing your personal loan responsibly can help improve your credit score and financial stability.

Personal loans are versatile and can be tailored for a wide range of uses. That’s what makes them so popular. The money can go toward debt consolidation, medical bills, or unplanned expenses, just to name a few options. They are convenient and accessible online, allowing you to apply without leaving your home.

Virginia residents with bad credit can still obtain funds. Although interest rates might be higher and lenders may charge additional fees, borrowing money is still an option. This guide will cover everything you need to know about online personal loans across Virginia, from Richmond to Roanoke, and everywhere in between.

Virginia personal loans

A personal loan can help address various financial needs. Use them to manage debt, handle medical costs, or finance major expenses. You can choose between secured and unsecured loans, with the loan amounts and interest rates based on your credit score, income, and other factors.

While you can go through banks, many lenders now offer online loans in Virginia. The application process is quick and easy, with generally more relaxed eligibility requirements. These personal loans can range from small short-term loans to larger installment loans. Below, we’ll cover all the various personal loan options available to you.

Secured personal loan

A secured personal loan requires you to use your assets as collateral to ensure repayment. Assets you can use include cars, savings accounts, or property. Secured loans typically offer larger amounts, lower interest rates, and longer repayment terms. Common examples are auto loans and mortgages.

Secured personal loans are easier to obtain for those with poor credit due to the use of collateral. Lenders are more likely to overlook a low score because they can claim your asset if you default. Before borrowing money, review the loan terms and be certain that you can handle the monthly payments.

Short-term loans

Short-term loans are a common choice for Virginians needing fast cash for unexpected expenses. True to their name, short-term personal loans are usually repaid in under 12 months. They are usually for smaller amounts and offer fast approval.

Payday loans are a well-known type of short-term loan. They are typically repaid in a single payment on your next payday, which is how they got their name. Instead of considering your credit score, most payday lenders require proof of employment for approval.

Virginia enacted a new law in 2020 called the Fairness in Lending Act. The law regulates payday loans – now officially termed short-term loans – to make them more affordable and protect borrowers from debt traps. The law stipulates:

  • Interest rate (APR): 36%
  • Minimum loan amount: Not specified
  • Maximum loan amount: $2,500
  • Minimum loan term: 4 months
  • Maximum loan term: 24 months
  • Number of rollovers: 0
  • Monthly maintenance fee: Up to 8% of the initial loan amount, cannot exceed $25
  • Total cost: Capped at 50% of the loan amount or 60% for loans of more than $1,500

The Pew Charitable Trusts found that the new law allows lenders to offer short-term personal loans while protecting borrowers from excessively high payments. Borrowers no longer have to repay the money in a lump sum, plus the caps on fees and interest charges help them save money.

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Installment loans

An installment loan refers to a personal loan that is repaid through equal monthly installments. The fixed monthly payment, including interest, makes them easier to budget for since you’ll always know the amount of money due each month. They are more affordable due to their extended repayment terms, which can last from several months to a few years.

Installment loans in Virginia include both secured and short-term loans. They are offered to customers with various income levels and credit scores. If your FICO score is below 670, finding an installment loan may be more challenging, but it’s still possible. While many traditional banks may reject your application, online lenders and credit unions provide loans for bad credit in Virginia.

You can also find loans in Virginia without a credit check. Lenders who do not require a credit check tend to charge higher interest rates to compensate for the risk. Before you take out a no-credit check loan, make sure that you can afford the monthly payment. It may be better to improve your score before you borrow money.

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Personal loan application process in Virginia

Applying for personal loans in Virginia is easy. Start by collecting all the necessary documents. You will need:

  • A government-issued ID (driver’s license or passport)
  • Two years of W-2 statements
  • Two years of tax returns
  • Recent bank statements (checking, savings, and retirement accounts)
  • Recent pay stubs
  • VA disability awards letter (if applicable)
  • A DD-214, Statement of Service or Points Statement (if applicable and depending on your service type)

Next, research lenders offering personal loans in Virginia. Look for lenders that work with borrowers at your credit level—there’s no sense in applying for a loan you don’t qualify for.

Then, evaluate their interest rates, loan terms, loan amounts, and approval times. Make sure that you can repay the funds as agreed. Many credit unions offer loans with competitive rates, flexible repayment terms, and quick approval to customers with low scores. To qualify, you often must be a member.

Once you’ve picked a lender, complete the online application by providing the required details. If approved, the funds are typically transferred directly to your bank account, sometimes within the same day.

Prequalify for VA personal loans before you apply

Virginia personal loans

Before you apply for a personal loan, it’s a good idea to prequalify. Prequalification allows you to see potential offers without impacting your credit score. This is because when you prequalify, the lender will only conduct a soft inquiry. They can see your credit history and score, but the inquiry does not go on your credit report. Since the inquiry is not noted, it will not impact your score. Prequalifying does not guarantee approval when you formally apply. What it does is let you know if you’re eligible and what terms you’re likely to receive.

Take the time to prequalify with a few lenders you’re interested in. Next, compare the loan amounts, interest rates, fees, and loan terms. Generally, you want the lender with the lowest annual percentage rate (the APR includes both the interest rate and fees) and the shortest repayment term you can afford. Ensure the monthly payments fit your budget. Once you’ve chosen the lender that offers you the best deal, it’s time to submit a formal application.

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Do I need good credit to get a personal loan?

While having an excellent credit score can improve your chances of getting a personal loan, it’s not always necessary. Many lenders offer loans for bad credit in VA. These lenders consider more than your credit history. Other factors they take into account include your income and employment history, current debt levels, and education.

While it is possible to borrow with less-than-perfect credit, the loan you’ll get often won’t come with the best terms. You can expect to pay more interest and receive a shorter repayment period. Even so, they provide a viable option for those who may not qualify elsewhere.

Do I need a certain income for personal loans in Virginia?

While income is an important factor, there is no set minimum income requirement across all lenders. Some lenders may also accept other forms of income, including government benefits, alimony, or child support.

Lenders generally determine your ability to repay based on your income, debt obligations, and overall financial situation. Some lenders may accept lower income levels if your credit score is strong or your debt-to-income ratio is low. If you have a steady income and can demonstrate your ability to make payments, you have a good chance of securing funds, even without a high salary.

Is the personal information I share with a lender secure?

When applying for a personal loan, it’s natural to be concerned about the security of your personal information. Reputable lenders prioritize protecting sensitive data by using advanced encryption technologies to safeguard your information during the application process. This means that details like your Social Security number, income, and banking information are kept secure from unauthorized access.

Before you apply, research the lender and what type of protection they offer. Make sure that they provide clear and transparent privacy policies that outline how your information will be used, stored, and protected.

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What should I do if I cannot make payments?

If you’re in danger of being unable to pay, contact your lender as soon as possible. Ideally, before you miss a single payment. Many lenders offer temporary solutions to help you out, especially if you’ve been on time in the past. They may be able to adjust your monthly payment schedule, offer a grace period, or set up a forbearance plan to help you get back on track. Be honest about your financial situation and polite. It never hurts to ask, as lenders are people too.

Avoid ignoring the problem. If you miss a payment, the lender will charge a late fee and report it to the credit bureaus. Miss enough payments, and your account could end up in collections, significantly hurting your credit score.

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What impact does a personal loan have on my credit score?

A personal loan can potentially affect your credit score in both positive and negative ways. It largely depends on how you handle the loan and whether the lender reports to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If the lender reports your credit activity, the loan will impact your score; otherwise, it generally won’t affect it at all.

When you first apply for a personal loan, the lender will likely perform a hard inquiry. This will cause a dip of five to ten points in your score. The dip is only temporary.

If your credit profile consists solely of credit cards, adding a loan can diversify and strengthen your credit mix. Lenders care about the variety of accounts you hold and your ability to manage them responsibly. Maintaining a mix of revolving and installment credit can positively impact your score.

Your mix of accounts and any new credit applications each contribute 10% to your FICO score. Your payment history, on the other hand, contributes 35% to your score. This is the biggest factor and the one you really need to pay attention to.

Pay on time every month, and you’ll likely see your score increase. Timely payments show responsible financial behavior, which is exactly what lenders look for. Conversely, late or missed payments can have a major negative impact on your credit score. A single late payment can negatively affect your score and stay on your credit report for as long as seven years. Defaulting on a loan can cause long-term damage and make recovery difficult.

Managing your loan responsibly is key to maintaining or improving your credit score.

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Frequently asked questions

1. What is the best place to get a personal loan from?

The best place depends on your credit score and personal finances. Online lenders frequently offer quick approvals and fast funding, even for applicants with poor scores.

2. Is it possible to borrow $5,000 with bad credit?

Yes, it’s possible, though the interest rate may be higher. Explore online lenders, as many cater to applicants with lower scores.

3. What is the minimum credit score required for a personal loan?

The minimum credit score required will vary by lender. A lot of big banks prefer a score of 670 or higher on the FICO scale. Credit unions and online lenders tend to accept applicants with scores below 670. Many financial institutions go as low as a 500 credit score or don’t require a minimum score at all. Be aware that lower scores typically come with higher interest rates and stricter conditions.

4. Can you get payday loans in Virginia?

Payday loans are available in Virginia. They are called short-term loans and are heavily regulated to protect consumers. Virginia law caps the amount, limits the interest rates, and extends the repayment period to at least four months. Even so, they can still be expensive.

Bottom line

Virginia personal loans come with an array of advantages. They provide flexible financing that can cover anything from unexpected expenses to car repairs or travel. Personal loans often offer lower interest rates than credit cards, a significant advantage for debt consolidation. They can also build credit when you pay on time. Like everything else, they come with risks and should be considered carefully.

Before taking out a personal loan, assess your financial situation and compare your options. Personal loans for bad credit are available in Virginia, but they usually carry higher interest rates and costs. Be certain you can afford to repay the loan comfortably before committing to any agreements. Responsible use of personal loans can strengthen your finances and improve your credit score without creating a debt cycle.

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About the author

Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor’s credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA.