Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
How to get a loan in 8 steps
Knowing about the process before you apply can help you on your road to financing.
Compare Loans
Best Loans For
Taking out a loan can help you buy a new vehicle, pay for home renovations, get married and consolidate debt, among other uses (you can even cover adoption costs). But what really goes into getting a loan?
Step 1: Decide how much you can borrow
Finding the right loan starts with you knowing how much you need and what your current financial circumstances are. Finding the right loan amount is crucial to staying within your means and ensuring you can meet monthly repayments in full and on time. You also need to think about how long you’ll need to repay it and what kind of payments you can afford. Any additional features you’d like from your loan, such as the ability to pay it off early, should also be noted.
Step 2: Find the right loan type
There are different types of loans available for different financial needs. Applying for a loan that directly matches what you plan to use it for will improve your chances of getting approved. The most common loan types are:
- Personal loans. Can be used for almost anything.
- Auto loans. For buying a car.
- Student loans. For paying for school expenses such as tuition, housing and books.
- Business loans. For launching or growing your business.
- Short-term loans. For when you’re in a tight financial spot and need cash quick (these include installment, payday and auto title loans).
- Home loans (mortgages). For buying your next home.
Here are some other factors you should look at when considering different loan types:
- Secured vs unsecured. Secured loans require you to put up collateral, while unsecured loans don’t. If you take out a secured loan and aren’t able to make repayments, your lender can repossess anything you use as collateral and resell it to cut losses. Assets that can be put up as collateral include vehicles, your home and jewelry.
- Fixed vs. variable rate. Loans that are fixed rate will have the same interest rate throughout its entire term, while variable rate loans can have their interest rate change during its term. The main benefit to getting a fixed rate loan is that you can expect your monthly repayments to never change, while a variable rate loan typically has lower interest at the beginning of repayments.
You may also want to compare the maximum loan amounts offered by lenders to be sure you can get all the funding you need.
Step 3: Check your credit score
Checking your credit score is important in figuring out what loan amounts and interest rates you may qualify for. Say you’re looking to purchase a car. If you have a good credit rating, a secured personal loan might give you a lower annual percentage rate (APR). However, if you have bad credit, you may need to consider getting a cosigner in order to qualify. You also may not get as good of an APR.
You can view for credit score and history for free through each of the three major credit reporting companies (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax). You can also check with your credit card company to see if you can access your score for free.
Get your credit score here
Step 4: See what lenders are offering
Different lenders have varying loan types on offer. For instance, a bank will offer a range of personal loan and credit card products, but is less likely to have solutions for you if your credit score is low beyond possibly being able to offer you a higher APR. Other lenders may only have products for bad credit borrowers, such as payday and installment loans.
Step 5: Find out about eligibility requirements and APR
This is one of the most important steps to take before applying. Lenders list basic eligibility criteria that needs to be met before you can apply for the loan, make sure you meet those terms before you apply. Lenders may also list an APR range that the personal loan can fall in online.
Bad credit loans such as payday loans come with a standard APR that is offered to all borrowers. Some lenders, such as peer-to-peer lenders, let you get a rate estimate without it affecting your credit score. It’s important to know what your credit score is and have a fair idea of what APR you may be eligible for before you apply.
Step 6: Compare your options
The way to find the best loan for you is to decide what you want and then to compare all of your options to make sure you’re getting a competitive loan. How much is the lender charging in fees? How does this compare to other similar loans? It can also help to compare the additional features offered by lenders. Remember to keep in mind the eligibility criteria of loans and the APR you may be offered.
Step 7: Gather what you need to apply
The information you need to apply will depend on the lender, and the type of loan you’re applying for. For most loans you will need documents to confirm your identity, prove your address, verify your income and other financials, and you’ll also need information regarding your employment. If you’re applying for a secured loan, you will need additional documentation regarding the collateral.
Some documentation that you might be required to have on hand when applying for a loan include:
- Driver’s license
- Bank statements
- Recent tax documents
List of documents required to get a loan
Step 8: Fill out and submit an application
Once you’ve settled on the right loan, it’s time to apply. The majority of lenders offer a convenient online application, but you may also be able to apply in-branch or over the phone. You usually won’t have to fax over any documents if you apply online, but you should check this before you apply. Turnaround time for approval and receiving your funds differs – timeframes fluctuate from a few hours to a few weeks.
7 tips to increase your chances of getting approved for a personal loan
Compare personal loan providers
{"niche":"USFPL"}
Bottom Line
Personal loans can be an option to consider when you’re in need of funds. Understanding the ins and outs of the process can help you confidently decide on the right loan and apply.
Frequently asked questions about getting loans
More guides on Finder
-
HMBradley account review
HMBradley is a hybrid checking and savings account that earns up to 3.0% APY.
-
Zeta Joint Card review
Zeta Joint Cards allow two people to share one account, but there are several drawbacks.
-
How to avoid Wells Fargo account fees
Here’s a breakdown of Wells Fargo’s common account fees and how to avoid them.
-
Best bank accounts for freelancers and the self-employed
Compare the five best bank accounts for self-employed professionals and freelancers.
-
Unifimoney account review
Unifimoney lets you spend, save and invest, but it’s only free for high-income individuals.
-
How to start a solo 401(k)
A retirement plan for self-employed individuals but may come with high administrative fees.
-
Mutual fund expense ratios: How they work and why they matter
These pesky fees can eat into your bottom line: here’s how to identify them.
-
How to trade options on Robinhood
Trade multiple options strategies with this popular free app for basic and advanced traders — including 6 steps to get started with options.
-
Moving expenses deduction for 2020-2021
Learn what the moving expenses deduction is, how to claim it on your taxes and more.
-
Does a car loan affect your mortgage application?
Find out how to increase your borrowing power and get approved for a mortgage even if you have a car loan.
Ask an Expert
Can I get a loan while bankrupt
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your question.
Yes, you can still get a loan even if you’re bankrupt. Please compare your options and ensure you check the features of the loan you’re interested in.
Kindly review the eligibility criteria and the relevant terms and conditions of the loan before submitting your application.
Cheers,
Anndy