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If you’re looking to make a big purchase, a number of small purchases or consolidate existing debt, you might wonder if a personal loan is the right choice for you. Not all loans are made equal, so familiarize yourself with your options before jumping into an application.
A personal loan is money you borrow from a financial institution and repay monthly with interest. Both the principal and interest must be repaid by the end of the loan term, which is usually between one and seven years. You may be able to borrow between $1,000 and $100,000, though it varies by lender. APRs typically range from 4% to 36% depending on your creditworthiness and financial situation.
You can usually find personal loans offered by online lenders, brokers, banks, credit unions and peer-to-peer lenders. Personal loans can be used for almost any legitimate purpose, including consolidating your debts, making a large purchase or going on vacation.
When you’re ready to get started, there are a few different types of personal loans to consider:
Compare types of personal loans
Many lenders allow you to apply for a personal loan online, though some banks and credit unions might ask you to visit a local branch to sign you loan documents in person. Before you apply, check that you’re eligible — many lenders have credit and income requirements you need to meet. If you think you qualify, confirm the loan is offering everything you’re looking for, gather any required documents you need and begin the loan application process.
A personal loan allows you to borrow money from a bank, credit union or online lender to cover a major expense, consolidate your debts and more. You usually have the choice between fixed or variable rates, and can opt to back it with collateral for a more competitive deal.
You can learn more about how they work and compare lenders with our guide to personal loans.
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