Knowing about the process before you apply can help you on your road to financing.
Personal loans 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 personal loan?
Our top pick: LendingClub Personal Loan
- No prepayment penalties
- Flexible loan terms
- Fast and easy application
Our top pick: LendingClub Personal Loan
- Min. Credit Score Required: 640
- Min. Loan Amount: $1,000
- Max. Loan Amount: $40,000
- APR: 6.95% to 35.89%
- Requirements: US citizen or permanent resident, verifiable bank account, steady source of income, ages 18+.
Step 1: Decide what you need
Finding the right loan starts with you knowing what you need and what your current financial circumstances are. 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 also need to think about how much you need to borrow, 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.
Get your credit score here
Step 2: Find the right loan type
There are various loan types available: secured loans, unsecured personal loans, fixed rate, variable rate. There are also an array of loans for bad credit, including payday loans, auto title loans and installment loans. Once you’ve decided what features you need from your loan, have a look at the different loan types and decide what which one best suits your needs.
You may also want to compare the maximum loan amounts offered by lenders to be sure you can get all the funding you need.
A selection of personal loans you can apply for today
Step 3: 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 4: Find out about eligibility 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 5: Compare your options
The way to find the best personal loan 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 6: 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.
Step 7: Submit your 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
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.
Can I get a loan while bankrupt
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your question.
The lenders on this page may consider you for a loan.
Kindly review the eligibility criteria and the relevant terms and conditions of the loan before submitting your application.
Cheers,
Anndy