Personal Loans: The Complete Guide (2024)

  • Loans
  • Personal Loans

Understand when it’s a good time to get a personal loan, what you need to know before getting a loan such as interest rates and risks associated with persian loans as well as the best lenders to consider.

Personal Loans

10 Best Personal Loans for March 2024ByLindsay VanSomerenUpdated Mar 06, 2024 Personal Loan CalculatorByJean FolgerUpdated Feb 28, 2024 When Are Personal Loans a Good Idea?ByTim ParkerUpdated Dec 08, 2023 Personal Loan Interest Rates: How a Personal Loan Is CalculatedByJim ProbascoUpdated Dec 12, 2023 What You Should Know Before Taking Out a Personal LoanByJim ProbascoUpdated Dec 18, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the tax consequences of personal loans?

    Personal loans are not counted as income and are therefore not subject to federal income tax. Interest on personal loans is not tax deductible as with mortgage loans, however. If personal loans are ever partially or completely discharged or forgiven as part of a personal bankruptcy or a debt restructuring the amount not paid will be considered income and will be subject to federal income tax.

    Learn MoreAre Personal Loans Tax Deductible?

  • Do personal loans affect credit scores?

    Applying for one or more personal loans can affect your credit score, as lenders must pull your full credit report before approving a loan in order to determine your creditworthiness. A full credit check, also known as a hard pull of your credit, can temporarily lower your credit score by a small amount. How you maintain the status of your personal loan also affects your credit score. If you make payments on time and in full it will help your credit score and if you don’t it will hurt your score.

  • Are there risks associated with personal loans?

    As with taking on any type of debt, personal loans can present certain risks - the biggest being not being able to service the debt in the form of making monthly payments. This can lead to damaged credit, having the debt go into collections and potentially having to take drastic steps like declaring personal bankruptcy.

    Learn More8 Possible Risks of Unsecured Personal Loans

  • Are credit cards considered a personal loan?

    Credit cards are similar to personal loans in that they are extensions of unsecured credit. However, personal loans are generally lump sum loans made by lenders to consumers with a specific repayment term and fixed interest rate. Credit cards are revolving lines of credit with balances that can be paid back over time if not paid in full each month.

    Learn MorePersonal Loans vs. Credit Cards: What’s the Difference?

  • What should you know about personal loan interest rates?

    Interest rates on personal loans can vary significantly based on the credit score of the borrower as well as income level, amount borrowed and the lender involved. Most personal loans are made at fixed interest rates but variable interest rates that are indexed to the prime rate will likely become more common in a rising rate environment as lenders seek to keep consistent profit margins.

    Learn MoreUnderstanding Personal Loan Interest Rates

Find the Best Personal Loan for You

Best Emergency Loans for Bad Credit of March 2024ByLindsay VanSomerenUpdated Feb 28, 2024 Best Bad Credit Loans for March 2024ByKat TretinaUpdated Mar 11, 2024 Our Personal Loan Review and Ranking MethodologyByLars PetersonUpdated Jan 22, 2024 Discover Personal Loans Review 2024 ByRebecca Safier and John EganUpdated Mar 01, 2024 SoFi Personal Loans Review 2024ByJacob WadeUpdated Feb 26, 2024

Key Terms

  • Signature Loan—A Popular Type of Unsecured Loan

    A signature loan is a personal loan that can be used for any purpose and is offered by lenders to known borrowers with only their signature on the loan document as a form of collateral. Signature loans typically carry higher interest rates vs. loans that require physical collateral since they entail more risk to the lender.

    Learn More

  • Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending

    Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending is a type of social lending that allows borrowers to bypass the traditional financial system for getting loans and borrow directly from other individuals through P2P lending platforms like Prosper or Lending Club, which set the terms and interest rates of the loans based on borrower creditworthiness.

    Learn More

  • Collateralization

    Collateralization is the process by which a loan is secured against default by pledging sufficiently valuable assets. If the borrower ever defaulted on a collateralized loan the lender could seize the pledged assets and sell them to recoup the loan loss.

    Learn More

  • Lawsuit Settlement Loan

    A lawsuit settlement loan is a type of short term lump sum loan made by a lender to a borrower who expects to receive a reward settlement as part of a class action lawsuit or personal injury lawsuit. Once a legal settlement is made to the borrower the loan is repaid with interest. Lawsuit settlement loans typically have higher interest rates compared to traditional personal loans.

    Learn More

  • Stretch Loan

    A stretch loan is a short-term form of borrowing meant to cover a shortfall in income. Stretch loans are similar to payday loans and carry higher interest rates than traditional personal loans that have longer repayment terms.

    Learn More

  • Cash Advance

    A cash advance is a very short term loan made through a bank, credit union, credit card issuer or non-traditional financial institution and is often used to cover immediate cash needs resulting from unexpected financial demands such as medical expenses or car repairs.

    Learn More

  • Payday Loan

    Payday loans are a form of short term credit that are typically offered by non-traditional consumer finance companies and carry very high interest rates. The principal of payday loans can be a portion or more of the borrowers next paycheck. Payday loan interest rates are determined by the borrowers income but tend to be among the highest rates charged in the financial markets.

    Learn More

What Is the Average Personal Loan Interest Rate?ByBen WoolseyUpdated Mar 05, 2024 Credit Card Debt Consolidation: A Step-by-Step GuideByKaron WarrenUpdated Jan 19, 2024 Where to Get a Debt Consolidation Loan: Finding the Best LendersByHolly JohnsonUpdated Feb 26, 2024 Employee Loan: What It Is and Should You Get One?ByDori ZinnUpdated Dec 14, 2023 Can You Get a Personal Loan While on Disability?ByHolly JohnsonUpdated Feb 26, 2024

Explore Personal Loans

AllReviews

Can You Get a Signature Loan With No Credit Check?ByHolly JohnsonUpdated Dec 14, 2023 How to Pay Off a Personal Loan FasterByHolly JohnsonUpdated Dec 14, 2023 How to Apply for a Personal LoanByLaToya IrbyUpdated Feb 08, 2024 Personal Loans for Health Care Workers: What to KnowByHolly JohnsonUpdated Feb 26, 2024 Personal Loans for People on Social SecurityByDori ZinnUpdated Dec 08, 2023 How to Get a Personal Loan While UnemployedByDori ZinnUpdated Dec 08, 2023 Funeral Loans for Bad Credit: What to KnowByMiranda MarquitUpdated Dec 08, 2023 How to Compare Personal Loans From Different LendersByMiranda MarquitUpdated Feb 25, 2024 Getting Personal Loans for Divorce Legal FeesByHolly JohnsonUpdated Dec 07, 2023 Need a $200k Personal Loan? Here's How to Borrow a Lot of MoneyByDori ZinnUpdated Dec 07, 2023 Can You Get a Personal Loan With a CPN?ByDori ZinnUpdated Dec 07, 2023 How Extra Payments Affect Future Personal Loan PaymentsByMiranda MarquitUpdated Dec 07, 2023 Why Would a Personal Loan Be Declined?ByMiranda MarquitUpdated Dec 07, 2023 How to Write a Personal Loan AgreementByMiranda MarquitUpdated Dec 07, 2023 What Is a Good Interest Rate for a Boat Loan?ByKaron WarrenUpdated Jan 11, 2024 Is There a Boat Loan Calculator?ByCarrie PallardyUpdated Dec 05, 2023 What Is a Boat Loan?ByCarrie PallardyUpdated Dec 05, 2023 How Long Are Boat Loans? ByKaron WarrenUpdated Jan 11, 2024 What Credit Score Is Needed for a Boat Loan?ByCarrie PallardyUpdated Dec 01, 2023 Ent Credit Union Personal Loans Review 2024ByLorraine RoberteUpdated Feb 26, 2024 Big Banks That Don't Offer Personal LoansByCarrie PallardyUpdated Mar 11, 2024 Credit Union vs. Bank for Auto Loan: What’s the Best Choice?ByMatt Ryan WebberPublished Sep 24, 2023 What Happens If I Don’t Pay My Car Loan? ByMatt Ryan WebberPublished Sep 24, 2023 How Does a Credit Union Personal Loan Work?ByMatt Ryan WebberUpdated Dec 08, 2023 What Is the Max Amount for Personal Loans? ByMatt Ryan WebberPublished Sep 27, 2023 Where to Get a Personal Loan Other than a BankByMatt Ryan WebberPublished Sep 10, 2023 Can I Use a Personal Loan to Buy a Car? ByMatt Ryan WebberUpdated Dec 07, 2023 What Are Veteran Personal Loans?ByMatt Ryan WebberPublished Aug 25, 2023 What Are Personal Loan Eligibility Requirements?ByCarrie PallardyPublished Sep 28, 2023 Does the Federal Government Offer Personal Loans?ByKaron WarrenUpdated Oct 06, 2023 What Are Hardship Personal Loans? ByMatt Ryan WebberUpdated Dec 07, 2023 Can You Get a $500 Personal Loan?ByMatt Ryan WebberUpdated Dec 08, 2023 Managing Personal Loans With Monthly PaymentsByHolly JohnsonUpdated Mar 08, 2024 Is a Personal Loan a Good Choice for a Student?ByDori ZinnUpdated Dec 07, 2023 How to Find a $35,000 Personal LoanByHolly JohnsonUpdated Mar 01, 2024 What Are the Best Uses for a $5,000 Personal Loan?ByHolly JohnsonUpdated Feb 26, 2024 How to Use a Personal Loan Calculator to Pay Off Debt FasterByDori ZinnUpdated Dec 07, 2023 Instant Personal Loans: How Fast Can You Actually Get Funds? ByMatt Ryan WebberUpdated Dec 07, 2023 Is It Possible to Get a $100,000 Personal Loan?ByMatt Ryan WebberUpdated Feb 26, 2024 Should You Get a Personal Loan for School?ByDori ZinnUpdated Dec 07, 2023 What Are Personal Bank Loans?ByMatt Ryan WebberPublished Sep 21, 2023 Can You Use a Personal Loan to Pay for a Wedding?ByMatt Ryan WebberUpdated Dec 08, 2023 Are Personal Loans Available in Canada?ByKaron WarrenPublished Sep 21, 2023 Are There Personal Loans for Disabled Veterans?ByKaron WarrenPublished Sep 21, 2023 Are There Personal Loan Lenders That Work with Chapter 13 Bankruptcy? ByMatt Ryan WebberPublished Sep 21, 2023 Can a $35,000 Personal Loan Be Used for Anything?ByCarrie PallardyUpdated Mar 01, 2024 Should You Get a Personal Loan for an Engagement Ring?ByDori ZinnUpdated Dec 07, 2023 Are a Personal Loan Contract and a Personal Loan Agreement Different?ByMiranda MarquitUpdated Dec 07, 2023 Can You Get a Personal Loan from a Direct Lender with a 450 Credit Score?ByMiranda MarquitUpdated Dec 08, 2023 Getting Personal Loans With an ITINByMiranda MarquitUpdated Nov 07, 2023 How to Find a Personal Loan After BankruptcyByHolly JohnsonUpdated Feb 15, 2024 How to Fill Out a Personal Loan ApplicationByMiranda MarquitUpdated Mar 08, 2024 How to Start a Personal Loan BusinessByMiranda MarquitPublished Sep 06, 2023 7 Alternatives to a Personal LoanByMiranda MarquitUpdated Dec 08, 2023 How to Use a Personal LoanByMiranda MarquitUpdated Dec 07, 2023 What Are the Easiest Personal Loans to Get Approved for?ByHolly JohnsonUpdated Dec 08, 2023 How to Find a Co-Signer for a Personal LoanByMiranda MarquitUpdated Dec 08, 2023 What to Do if You’re Denied a Personal LoanByMiranda MarquitPublished Aug 16, 2023 When Are Personal Loans a Bad Idea?ByMiranda MarquitPublished Aug 16, 2023 Banks vs. Credit Unions: Which Is Best for Taking Out a Personal Loan?ByDori ZinnUpdated Dec 08, 2023

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Personal Loans: The Complete Guide (2024)

FAQs

What to say to get approved for a personal loan? ›

To get a better idea of what you may want to tell your lender, below are some of the most common reasons to get a personal loan:
  • A Short-Term Unexpected Emergency Expense.
  • To Consolidate Debt.
  • A Large Purchase.
  • Home Repair and Renovation.
  • Covering Costs for Major Milestones and Goals.
  • Paying for School.
  • Buying Real Estate.
Dec 8, 2021

What is the easiest bank to get a loan from? ›

The easiest banks to get a personal loan from are USAA and Wells Fargo. USAA does not disclose a minimum credit score requirement, but their website indicates they consider people with scores below 640, so even people with bad credit may be able to qualify.

What are the three most common mistakes people make when using a personal loan? ›

5 mistakes to avoid when taking out a personal loan
  • You don't do your homework. No one likes homework. ...
  • You settle for a high-interest rate. ...
  • You ignore your credit score. ...
  • You forget to make repayments on time. ...
  • You don't consider your budget.

Which bank gives a loan easily? ›

HDFC Bank offers pre-approved loans to customers in 10 seconds flat*. Non – HDFC Bank customers can get loans in 4 hours. If you've wondered how to get an instant loan, wonder no more.

What not to say when getting a loan? ›

10 Things Not To Say To Your Mortgage Broker | Loan Approval
  1. 1) Anything untruthful.
  2. 2) What's the most I can borrow?
  3. 3) I forgot to pay that bill again.
  4. 4) Check out my new credit cards.
  5. 5) Which credit card ISN'T maxed out?
  6. 6) Changing jobs annually is my specialty.
Mar 10, 2023

What credit score do you need to get a $30,000 loan? ›

In general, lenders extend $30,000 loans to borrowers with good to excellent credit, which is typically 670 and higher. But there may be lenders who lend to borrowers with bad credit. If you're having difficulty qualifying, you may consider getting a cosigner or co-borrower to help you get approved for the loan.

What credit score do I need for a personal loan? ›

To qualify for a personal loan, borrowers generally need a minimum credit score of at least 580 — though certain lenders have even lower requirements than that. However, your chances of getting a low interest personal loan rate are much higher if you have a “very good” or “excellent” credit score of 740 and above.

What type of personal loan is easiest to get approved for? ›

Personal loans with essentially no approval requirements typically charge the highest interest rates and loan fees, although they may deliver funds fast. Some of the easiest loans to get approved for if you have bad credit include payday loans, no-credit-check loans, and pawnshop loans.

Who is the easiest person to get a loan from? ›

  • Upgrade. : Easiest personal loan to get.
  • Prosper. : Best for peer-to-peer lending.
  • LendingClub. : Best for debt consolidation.
  • SoFi. : Best for member perks.
  • LendingPoint. : Best for holistic eligibility requirements.
  • Upstart. : Best for borrowers with bad credit.
  • Rocket Loans. : Best for autopay discount.
  • PenFed Credit Union.
4 days ago

What is one huge disadvantage of a personal loan? ›

Before deciding to get a personal loan, you must consider potential downsides, such as high interest rates, steep fees and a hit to your credit score if used incorrectly.

What situation can not be used for a personal loan? ›

An unexpected medical emergency or a sudden financial crunch in the family at a time when one is not able to raise money through physical assets such as gold are good enough reasons for availing a personal loan. But such loans should not be taken to fund extravagant expenses such as vacations, say financial planners.

What types of loans are bad? ›

Here are six types of loans you should never get:
  • 401(k) Loans. ...
  • Payday Loans. ...
  • Home Equity Loans for Debt Consolidation. ...
  • Title Loans. ...
  • Cash Advances. ...
  • Personal Loans from Family.

What is the easiest bank to get approved for? ›

What are some of the easiest bank accounts to open online?
5 easiest bank accounts to open online
BankAccountUse of ChexSystems
Ally BankSpending AccountChexSystems pulled
Capital One360 Checking accountNo ChexSystems
ChimeChime Online Checking AccountNo ChexSystems
2 more rows
Jul 26, 2024

What is the best bank for a personal loan? ›

Summary: Best Personal Loans From Banks
CompanyForbes Advisor RatingLearn More CTA text
Discover3.5Compare Rates
Wells Fargo3.5Learn More
PNC Bank3.0Learn More
Citi® Personal Loan3.0Check Rates
2 more rows
4 days ago

How can I increase my chances of getting a personal loan? ›

How To Improve Your Chances of Getting a Personal Loan
  1. Check the lender's eligibility criteria. ...
  2. Track your fixed-obligation-to-income ratio (FOIR) ...
  3. Apply for the right loan amount. ...
  4. Avoid applying for too many loans at the same time. ...
  5. Improve your credit score. ...
  6. Add your spouse or parents as co-borrowers.
Jun 5, 2024

What is the best thing to say you need a personal loan for? ›

The lender needs to determine whether the money will be used for something they allow. Debt consolidation, making large purchases or emergency expenses are all common uses for personal loans.

What to say when asking for a loan? ›

A well-written loan request letter should include basic details of the business, a clear explanation of the loan's purpose, evidence of a feasible repayment plan, and a professional and courteous closing.

How to boost your chances of getting a loan? ›

How to boost your chances of being accepted for a loan
  1. Review your credit report. ...
  2. Calculate your affordability. ...
  3. Fill out your loan application carefully. ...
  4. Choose the right lender. ...
  5. Keep things consistent. ...
  6. Be mindful of your debt-to-income ratio and credit utilisation. ...
  7. And most importantly…
Mar 13, 2024

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