Key takeaways
- Personal loans provide flexible funding for various needs. Common uses include debt consolidation, medical expenses, and large purchases.
- Interest rates and terms vary based on your credit profile and the lender’s policies.
- Prequalifying with multiple lenders allows you to compare offers, potentially saving money by securing lower rates and fewer fees.
Personal loans are flexible and can give you the extra funds you need when you need them. They can be used for anything you’d like, from surprise medical bills and debt consolidation to unexpected travel or funeral expenses. Lenders generally send the money directly to your bank account within one to three business days of approval. Some even offer same-day approval.
Read on to learn more about personal loans and how to choose the right one for you.
What are personal loans?
Personal loans are a way to borrow money for anything you need. They can be used for home improvement, debt consolidation, major purchases, and more. They are typically installment loans with fixed interest rates. You receive the money in one lump sum and repay it in fixed monthly payments.
Most personal loans are unsecured. They do not require collateral like your vehicle or property. This makes them a popular choice for quick financial needs.
You can get a personal loan from your local bank, credit union, or online lenders. Online lenders and credit unions tend to offer competitive rates and flexible terms tailored to your needs.
Why consider a personal loan?
Personal loans are an ideal choice when you need quick access to cash without putting up an asset. The fixed interest rates mean your monthly payments remain consistent throughout the loan term. A huge advantage when it comes to budgeting and financial planning.
Moreover, personal loans often feature competitive rates and flexible terms compared to higher-interest credit cards. With excellent credit, you can secure the lowest rates and save money.
Common uses for personal loans
Personal loans can be used for just about anything. The most common uses are:
Debt consolidation: This is when you take out a new loan to consolidate high-interest debts into a single, manageable monthly payment, ideally with a lower interest rate. Consolidating debt can be a good way to simplify payments, avoid late payments, and save money. Investopedia found that debt consolidation is the number one reason people took out personal loans.
Home improvements: Personal loans can help cover a variety of home repairs that will increase the value of your property. They can be preferable since you don’t have to put your home up as collateral.
Large purchases: The extra money can be used to cover major expenses both planned and unexpected. You can use it for medical expenses, car repairs, moving costs, vacations, and more.
A few things you either can’t or shouldn’t use personal loans for are education, purchasing property, or illegal activities. If you need money for education, a student loan, either federal or private is preferable. Mortgages are a better choice if you want to buy property and auto loans are designed for financing a vehicle.
Best same-day personal loans
Personal loans can help you cover unexpected expenses. They offer lower rates and more flexible terms than credit cards making them a popular option.
Below we’ve listed few types of loans that offer fast funding and approve candidates with poor credit.
Car title loan
Car title loans use your vehicle’s title as collateral. They offer quick access to a lump-sum of cash that is 25% to 50% of your vehicle’s worth. You receive the money right away – no credit check – and can continue to drive your car. The downside is that they are short-term loans with high interest rates. The APR (annual percentage rate) can reach up to 300% and you typically have to repay the money within 30 days. If you do not, you risk losing your vehicle.
Pawnshop loan
Pawnshop loans provide cash by using personal items as collateral. They do not affect your credit score since there’s no credit check and the lender doesn’t report to the credit bureaus. The biggest advantage of a pawnshop loan is that it can be processed within a business day so you’ll walk away with cash. Once again, the interest rates can be high, and the repayment term is short at 30 days. Failure to repay may result in losing your pawned item.
Buy now, pay later services
Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services allow you to purchase items immediately and pay for them over time in installments. They are often interest and fee-free, if payments are made on time. There’s generally no credit check making them easy to access. This option can prevent credit card debt but requires careful management to avoid late payments and overspending.
Considering a BNPL app?
Cash advance app
Cash advance apps offer small loans that you can access directly from your smartphone without a credit check. Instead, you link your bank account and the app decides whether or not to lend to you and how much based on your transaction history. They usually do not charge interest but may require a tip or subscription fee. Cash advances can be helpful for short-term needs without affecting your credit. They are typically paid back in full after 14 days but many apps let you change the due date if necessary.
Payday alternative loan
Payday alternative loans are offered by some federal credit unions as a more affordable option than traditional payday loans. They typically come with lower fees and competitive interest rates are capped at 18% APR. To qualify, borrowers need to be credit union member for at least one month and provide proof of income.
Benefits of getting pre-qualified online
Getting pre-qualified can save you thousands of dollars in interest and fees. When you prequalify with multiple lenders, you’ll receive a snapshot of potential monthly payments, interest rate, fees, repayment terms, and other charges. Basically prequalifying lets you compare offers so you can select the best one for your financial situation.
A huge benefit of prequalifying is that it does not affect your credit score. Lenders will only do a soft credit inquiry. Hard credit checks are what dings your score. You get to gauge your eligibility and view offers without hurting your credit.
Need a little extra cash?
How to compare rates from lenders
Taking out a personal loan is a big decision that can impact your finances for years to come. Take the time to prequalify with multiple lenders and then compare personal loan offers.
Annual percentage rate (APR)
The APR includes both the interest rate and fees. It is usually the most significant factor impacting your total repayment cost, so securing a competitive rate is essential.
Personal loan APRs range from 7% to 36%. Which one you receive depends on your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, and your lender. If you have good to excellent credit – a FICO score over 670 – you’ll qualify for lower rates. If you score falls in the poor to fair range, you’ll likely receive an APR over 30%, if you qualify at all.
Add up all the fees
Fees can significantly increase the total cost of your loan. Pay attention to what fees your lender charges and which you can avoid. Potential fees include:
- Origination fee covers the processing your loan and the distribution of funds. The fee ranges from 1% to 12% of the total amount and is deducted upfront.
- Application fee covers the costs of processing your application.
- Processing fee is a monthly fee for processing your payment.
- Prepayment penalty is charged by some lenders if you pay your debt early in order to recoup interest payments.
- Late or returned payment fee is when your payment is late or returned. Check the exact fee amount so you know what to expect.
- Insufficient funds fee is charged if the lender attempts to withdraw a payment and there are not enough funds in your bank account to complete the transaction.
Upfront fees like an origination fee are expressed in the loan’s APR. Avoidable fees like a late payment fee are not. Understanding all of the potential fees will give you a clearer picture of the actual cost of borrowing.
Affordable repayment terms
Repayment terms can vary from less than one year to over 10 years, depending on the lender and the loan’s purpose. Most personal loan terms range from two to seven years.
Generally, the longer the term, the smaller the monthly payments but the more interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan. The shorter the term, the higher the monthly payments, but you’ll save money in interest. It can be helpful to calculate how much interest you’ll pay in total and compare loan options that way. Experts recommend choosing the shortest loan term you can comfortably afford.
Funding speed
When you need money to cover unexpected expenses, the funding speed can be incredibly important. How long it takes varies by lender. Many online lenders process loan applications quickly, depositing funds the same-day or within one or two business days. Banks and credit unions generally take more time, possibly five to ten business days or even longer.
Large loan amounts
Loan amounts vary by lender but are typically between $1,000 to $50,000. Some lenders offer loans up to $200,000. Make sure the lender offers the amount you need and that you qualify for it. Even if you qualify for a large amount, be sure to only borrow what you can comfortably repay to avoid potential financial strain.
Pros and cons of personal loans
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You can use the funds for almost anything.
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The fixed interest rates make budgeting predictable.
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Amounts range from small to very large.
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You receive the money in one lump-sum.
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Personal loans generally have lower APRs than credit cards.
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You may be able to get same-day funding.
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Personal loans are usually unsecured, meaning they don’t require collateral.
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Plenty of lenders do not charge fees.
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The repayment period is long, generally 2-7 years.
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Personal loans generally cannot be used for business or school expenses.
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To secure a lower APR, you will have to have good to excellent credit.
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Borrowers with fair or bad credit will potentially receive a high APR.
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Missing or being late with a payment will hurt your credit score.
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Lenders may charge additional fees like an origination fee or a prepayment penalty.
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Some lenders have hidden fees.
Tips for choosing the right loan
Taking out a personal loan is a big financial decision. Here are few things to consider:
Assess your needs: Determine exactly how much money you need to borrow. This helps you avoid borrowing more than necessary, which can lead to higher interest payments and debt.
Identify the most suitable loan type: Not all personal loans work for every situation. You may get a lower interest rate if you put up collateral for a secured loan. If you don’t have collateral or are afraid you might lose it, an unsecured loan is a better choice.
Consider your credit score: Your credit score plays a significant role in determining the interest rate and terms you’ll receive. If you have poor or fair credit, consider improving it before applying to secure more favorable terms.
Evaluate lender reputation: Research the lender’s reputation by reading customer reviews and checking ratings from Consumer Affairs or the Better Business Bureau. A reputable lender will have clear communication, good customer service, and fair practices.
Ask about potential discounts: Some lenders offer perks like discounts for setting up automatic payments or the option to skip a payment after you’ve made a certain number of full, on-time payments. Any discount can save you money over the life of your loan.
Use online personal loan calculators to estimate monthly payments, ensuring they fit within your budget. Always check for any rate discounts that might apply to you, as these can significantly reduce your costs.
Searching for a card with less-than-perfect credit?
Questions to ask lenders
When considering a personal loan, don’t be afraid to ask questions. The right line of inquiry can help you identify the best lender and loan for you. Here are some potential questions to consider:
- What is the interest rate and how is it determined?
- Are there any fees associated with the loan?
- What is the repayment term?
- Is there a prepayment penalty?
- What are the eligibility requirements?
- How long is the application process?
- How fast are funds disbursed?
- Can I change my payment due date?
- What happens if I miss a payment?
- Are there any rate discounts for things like automatic payments?
- Are there options for loan modification if my financial situation changes?
Asking these questions can give you a clearer understanding of the loan terms and the lender’s policies, helping you make an informed decision.
Frequently asked questions
1. Are personal loans secured or unsecured?
Personal loans can be either secured or unsecured. Secured loans require collateral, like a car or savings account, which the lender can claim if you default. Unsecured loans don’t require collateral and are based on your creditworthiness, making them riskier for lenders.
2. How can I improve my chances of approval?
The most important thing you can do to improve your approval odds is to increase your credit score. To do this, make on-time payments and reduce your credit card balances. Paying off credit card balances will also help improve your debt-to-income ratio, another factor lenders consider. Lastly, you need to have proof of steady annual income to show you can comfortably afford monthly payments.
3. What should I do if I can’t repay my loan?
If you find yourself unable to make payments, contact your lender. They may be able to adjust to your loan terms, extend the repayment period, or provide temporary forbearance. All before you miss a payment. Avoid ignoring the situation. Missing a payment can damage your credit report and result in additional fees.
Bottom line
Personal loans are incredibly useful and versatile. They can help you pay off high-interest debt, cover a major purchase, or even go on vacation. If you don’t have good credit, don’t despair; you can still borrow money. The terms you’re offered may be less than ideal, so make sure to compare offers and only take out a loan you can afford to repay.
Better yet, wait to borrow until you’ve improved your credit score and reduced your current debts. A higher credit score and lower debt-to-income ratio will increase your approval odds. You’ll get more offers with more favorable terms and can potentially save thousands.
Whichever option you choose, ensure the loan aligns with your financial goals.