How to Prequalify for a Personal Loan

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Key takeaways

Prequalifying for a loan is a preliminary step that allows borrowers to assess their likelihood of approval and potential loan terms without impacting their credit score.
Prequalification helps borrowers shop around for the best loan offers. It allows them to compare rates, terms, and eligibility criteria from multiple lenders.
Being prequalified does not guarantee approval, but it’s a good first step. Provide accurate detailed information for best results.

Before you apply for a personal loan, see if you prequalify. Many lenders make it easy for you to check online. Prequalifying lets you compare offers from multiple lenders, see your estimated interest rate, and give you an idea of your terms all without any commitment or damage to your credit score. It’s a great way to explore personal loan offers and see what you can get.

Being prequalified doesn’t guarantee you’ll be approved for the loan. You have to formally apply and most likely undergo a hard credit check. Still, it’s a good first step to take when you’re in the market for a personal loan.

Here’s how you can prequalify, tips to boost your approval odds, and what to do if your credit score is on the low end.

Why Prequalifying for a Personal Loan is Important

Prequalifying for a personal loan is akin to laying the groundwork before building a house. It gives you a clearer picture of what loan terms you might receive, such as the interest rate and loan amount. It lets you compare potential APRs across multiple lenders so that you can find the best terms, and lowest interest rate, and save money all without affecting your credit score.

5 Steps to Prequalify for a Personal Loan

1. Fill out the Prequalification Form

Start by filling out a prequalification form with a lender. Before you fill out the form, consider how much you need to borrow and make sure the monthly payments will fit into your budget. The lender will most likely want to know:

The desired amount and reason for the loan.

Annual income and details about your employment.

Contact information like your phone number and address.

Personal details including your date of birth and Social Security Number.

If you have other assets like savings or retirement accounts.

2. Undergo a Soft Credit Check

Lenders will conduct a soft credit check to determine your creditworthiness. This is a basic review of your credit history that doesn’t affect your credit score and won’t show up on your credit report, unlike a hard credit pull.

3. Find Out If You Prequalify

After the soft credit check, the lender will inform you if you prequalify for a loan. You usually find out in a matter of minutes.

This is not a guarantee of approval, but a signal that you meet the basic criteria. You will typically see the amount you prequalify for, a potential APR, the total interest cost, and an estimate of your monthly payments.

The lender can always change the offer when you formally apply. To reduce the chances of that happening, give as much detailed information as possible on your prequalification form.

4. Compare Loan Offers

If you prequalify, you’ll receive tentative offers. It’s crucial to compare these offers based on interest rates, monthly payments, repayment terms, additional fees, and other loan features. Look and see if any offers have perks like flexible payment dates, hardship assistance, or no prepayment penalties.

Do your analysis and find the one that works best for you. Make sure you’re comfortable with the estimated monthly payments before you proceed.

5. Apply for the Best Loan Offers

Once you’ve compared offers, apply for the best one that suits your needs.

This step will involve a hard credit check – which can cause your credit score to dip – and additional documentation. You’ll likely have to provide bank statements, pay stubs, and recent tax returns. The lender will use all this documentation to verify the information you submitted during prequalification.

If approved, you could receive your money in as little as one business day. Other lenders take up to a week to send the funds.

What to Do If You’re Not Approved

If you don’t prequalify, don’t despair. The lender should send you an adverse action notice or letter that will explain why you were denied, state your credit score, and how to get a free copy of your credit report.

Review the letter and start addressing your problem areas. You may need to improve your credit score, pay down debt, or increase your income. It could be as easy as staying at your job for a few more months to show stability.

Tips to Boost Your Prequalification Odds

Improve your credit score: Pay bills on time, reduce debt, keep your credit utilization below 30%, and correct any errors on your credit report.

Lower your debt-to-income ratio: This ratio is crucial in lending decisions as it helps gauge your ability to afford new debt. Most lenders want a ratio of 35% or less. Pay down existing debts as much as possible.

Increase your income: More income can improve your loan eligibility.

Consider a co-signer: A co-signer with good credit can significantly increase your chances of being approved, and you can usually get lower rates too. Note that your co-signer will now be on the hook for any missed payments.

Research lenders: Find lenders for your credit profile. There are plenty of online lenders and credit unions who specialize in loans for bad credit. Don’t bother to apply if your score is below the lender’s minimum.

Secured personal loan: If you’re unable to prequalify for an unsecured personal loan, try for a secured one since they’re easier to get approved for. You will have to put up collateral like your car or savings account to guarantee the loan and you may lose it if you fail to make payments.

Use a loan marketplace: Online loan marketplaces make it easy to prequalify for multiple offers at once with lenders who match your financial profile. Take advantage of them and save yourself time.

What to Know About Prequalifying with Bad Credit

Even with bad credit, prequalifying for a personal loan is possible.

Look for lenders who specialize in bad credit loans. Credit Unions tend to offer flexible terms for members with low credit scores. Some online lenders will consider other parts of your financial life like your education, employment, and housing situation, not just your credit score.

Be prepared to pay higher interest rates if your score is on the low end.

Need to lower your debt-to-income ratio?

Check out how you can negotiate credit card debt!

Pre-qualification vs. Preapproval

Pre-qualification and preapproval are two different stages in the loan process, each with distinct purposes and impacts on your credit.

Pre-qualification is the initial step where a lender evaluates your financial information, such as income and debt, to give you an estimate of the loan amount and terms you might qualify for. This process involves a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score. Pre-qualification provides a general idea of your borrowing capacity and helps you compare different loan offers without any commitment.

Preapproval, on the other hand, is a more detailed evaluation. It requires a formal application and a hard credit inquiry, which can temporarily lower your credit score. During preapproval, the lender thoroughly reviews your credit history, income, employment, and other financial details to provide a specific loan amount and terms. A preapproval indicates that the lender is willing to offer you the loan, pending final verification of your information.

Understanding the difference between pre-qualification and preapproval is crucial. Pre-qualification is useful for initial research and comparison, while preapproval is a stronger indication of your loan eligibility and often required when making significant financial commitments, like buying a home.

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Pros and Cons of Prequalifying for a Personal Loan

Pros of Prequalifying for a Personal Loan:

No impact on credit score: Prequalifying involves a soft credit check, which doesn’t affect your credit score, allowing you to explore loan options without any negative consequences.
Better financial planning: It provides an estimate of loan terms, including potential interest rates and loan amounts, helping you plan your finances more effectively.
Identifies red flags: Prequalification can highlight any issues on your credit report that may affect your loan application, giving you a chance to address them before formally applying.
Comparison shopping: You can compare offers from multiple lenders to find the best terms without committing to any one lender.
Increased confidence: Knowing you prequalify can boost your confidence and streamline the process when you move forward with a formal loan application.

Cons of Prequalifying for a Personal Loan:

Not a guarantee: Prequalification is not a guarantee of loan approval. Final approval requires a hard credit check and more detailed verification of your financial information.
Limited accuracy: The terms and amounts provided during prequalification are estimates and may change upon final approval.
Potential for overestimation: Some lenders may provide optimistic estimates that don’t align with what you ultimately qualify for, leading to potential disappointment.
Incomplete information: Prequalification doesn’t provide a comprehensive picture of all the fees and conditions associated with the loan, which may only become clear during the formal application process.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I prequalify for a personal loan?

Yes, you can prequalify for a personal loan. This process involves a soft credit check, which doesn’t impact your credit score. Prequalification provides an estimate of the loan terms you might receive, helping you understand your borrowing power. To prequalify, you’ll typically need to provide basic information about your income, employment, and financial situation. Many lenders offer online prequalification forms, making it a convenient first step in securing a personal loan. This process is especially beneficial if you have less-than-perfect credit, as it allows you to explore options without a hard inquiry on your credit report.

2. What credit score do I need to get a personal loan?

The credit score needed to get a personal loan typically ranges from 580 to 700, depending on the lender. While a score of 580 might qualify you for a loan, it often comes with higher interest rates. For better terms, aim for a score of 670 or higher. Each lender has its own criteria, so it’s beneficial to check with multiple lenders to understand their specific requirements and improve your chances of securing favorable loan terms.

3. Does loan preapproval hurt your credit?

Loan preapproval does not hurt your credit because it usually involves a soft credit inquiry, which does not affect your credit score. This process allows you to see potential loan terms and interest rates without any negative impact. However, if you proceed with a formal loan application after preapproval, the lender will perform a hard credit inquiry, which can temporarily lower your credit score. Therefore, preapproval is a safe way to explore your loan options before making a final decision.

Final Thoughts

Prequalifying for a personal loan is an excellent first step in the borrowing process. It provides insight into the loan terms you might expect, helping you plan your finances more effectively. This preliminary step allows you to gauge potential interest rates and repayment periods without impacting your credit score, as prequalification typically involves a soft credit inquiry. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy credit score, especially if you are considering multiple lenders.

Additionally, prequalifying can give you a clearer understanding of your borrowing power and help you identify any potential red flags on your credit report that might affect your loan application. By addressing these issues early, you can improve your chances of securing favorable loan terms. Even with less-than-perfect credit, many lenders offer prequalification, allowing you to explore your options without committing to a particular lender right away.

To navigate the prequalification process confidently, start by researching various lenders and their specific requirements. Gather all necessary documentation, such as proof of income and employment history, to streamline the process. By comparing different prequalification offers, you can identify the best loan terms for your financial situation. Taking these steps ensures you are well-prepared and informed, ultimately leading to a better borrowing experience and a loan that fits your needs.

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.

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3. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.

4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

5. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC

6. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Qualifying Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 30-day period. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions.

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9. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. A qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more is required for 4.00%. No minimum balance required. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.

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11. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.

12. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.

13. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

14. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

15. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

16. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

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18. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

19. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

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23. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.

24. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.

25. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

26. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

27. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.

28. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

29. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

30. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.

31. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.

32. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

33. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.

34. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.

35. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.

36. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.

37. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.

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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.

How to Prequalify for a Personal Loan

Key takeaways

Why Prequalifying for a Personal Loan is Important