Summary: Personal loans in 2021
- 5 easy steps to apply for a personal loan
- Details: Best personal loan rates in 2021
- What is a personal loan?
- What are current personal loan interest rates?
- How does the coronavirus affect personal loans?
- Pros and cons of personal loans
- How to choose the best personal loan lender for you
- Types of personal loans and their uses
- Frequently asked questions about personal loans
| LENDER | CURRENT APR RANGE | LOAN TERM | LOAN AMOUNT | BEST FOR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SoFi | 5.99%–18.85% (with autopay) | 2 to 7 years | $5,000–$100,000 | Overall personal loan |
| LightStream | 2.49%–20.49% (with autopay) | 2 to 12 years | $5,000–$100,000 | Generous repayment terms |
| Avant | 9.95%–35.99% | 2 to 5 years | $2,000–$35,000 | People with bad credit |
| Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 6.99%–19.99% (with autopay) | 3 to 6 years | $3,500–$40,000 | Debt consolidation |
| Best Egg | 5.99%–29.99% | 3 to 5 years | $2,000–$50,000 | Low APRs |
| Upgrade | 5.94%–35.97% (with autopay) | 2 to 7 years | $1,000–$50,000 | Fast funding |
| Payoff | 5.99%–24.99% | 2 to 5 years | $5,000–$40,000 | Paying credit card debt |
| Upstart | 6.95%–35.99% | 3 or 5 years | $1,000–$50,000 | Little credit history |
| LendingClub | 8.05%–35.89% | 3 or 5 years | $1,000–$40,000 | Using a co-borrower |
| PenFed | Starting at 5.99% | 1 to 5 years | $600–$35,000 | Small loan amounts |
| TD Bank | 6.99%–21.99% | 3 to 5 years | $2,000–$50,000 | Few fees |
| PNC Bank | Starting at 5.99% (with autopay) | 6 months to 5 years | $1,000–$35,000 | In-person banking |
5 easy steps to apply for a personal loan
Being knowledgeable about your financial situation and researching lenders can help you find the best loan for your needs. Here are six steps for getting a personal loan:
- Determine how much you need. Make sure to factor in any origination fees, which may be deducted from your loan proceeds.
- Check your credit score. The higher your credit score, the better APR you'll receive. Consider a co-signer if you have fair or bad credit for more favorable rates.
- Get prequalified. This lets you check your rates with multiple lenders without hurting your credit score.
- Compare rates and loan terms from a variety of lenders, including banks, credit unions and online lenders, to see which offers you the best deal.
- Complete the application process. You’ll need to submit documents such as pay stubs, tax returns and personal identification.
Details: Best personal loan rates in 2021
- SoFi: Best overall personal loan
- LightStream: Best personal loan for generous repayment terms
- Avant: Best personal loan for people with bad credit
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs: Best personal loan for debt consolidation
- Best Egg: Best personal loan for low APRs
- Upgrade: Best personal loan for fast funding
- Payoff: Best personal loan for paying credit card debt
- Upstart: Best personal loan for little credit history
- LendingClub: Best personal loan for using a co-borrower
- PenFed: Best personal loan for credit union members
- TD Bank: Best personal loan for few fees
- PNC Bank: Best personal loan for in-person banking
SoFi: Best overall personal loan
Overview: SoFi, a digital lender, offers products ranging from personal loans to student loan refinancing, private student loans, home loans, investing and various types of insurance. It’s working on becoming an all-encompassing place to save, spend and manage your money. Personal loans, which are fee-free, range from $5,000 to $100,000 and must be repaid in two to seven years. Fixed-rate loans range from 5.99 percent APR to 18.85 percent APR.
Why SoFi is the best overall personal loan: SoFi offers a wide range of benefits that go beyond just funding your personal loan, including an autopay discount and unemployment protection in case you lose your job and need to pause payments on your loan.
Perks: SoFi offers career counseling and a referral bonus if a qualifying friend signs up. Members get personalized financial planning and aren’t charged any fees.
What to watch out for: You’ll need to have a solid credit score — at least 680 — to qualify for a SoFi loan.
| LENDER | SoFi |
|---|---|
| BANKRATE RATING | 4.6 / 5.0 |
| MIN. CREDIT SCORE | 680 |
| EST. APR | 5.99%–18.85% (with autopay) |
| LOAN AMOUNT | $5,000–$100,000 |
| TERM LENGTHS | 2 to 7 years |
| MIN. ANNUAL INCOME | Not specified |
| FEES | None |
Read Bankrate's expert SoFi Review
LightStream: Best loans for generous repayment terms
Overview: LightStream, a division of Truist, offers loans for practically any occasion, such as medical needs, pre-K-12 education or a family need.
Why LightStream is the best personal loan for generous repayment terms: Its loan terms range from two to seven years for most loans (and up to 12 years for loans for home improvement, swimming pools and solar energy systems), which means you can take longer to pay off your loan and benefit from lower monthly payments.
Perks: Loan amounts go up to $100,000, which is good if you have significant expenses. There are no fees and no prepayment penalties, and you get a 0.5 percentage point discount on your interest rate when you sign up for autopay.
What to watch out for: You’ll need to prove that you have a few years’ worth of credit history with many different account types to qualify. Delinquencies, defaults and late payments could hurt your eligibility chances.
| LENDER | LightStream |
|---|---|
| BANKRATE RATING | 4.6 / 5.0 |
| MIN. CREDIT SCORE | Not specified |
| EST. APR | 2.49%–20.49% (with autopay) |
| LOAN AMOUNT | $5,000–$100,000 |
| TERM LENGTHS | 2 to 12 years |
| MIN. ANNUAL INCOME | Not specified |
| FEES | None |
Read Bankrate's expert LightStream Review
Avant: Best loan for people with bad credit
Overview: Avant offers loans as low as $2,000, which is helpful if you don’t need to borrow a lot of money but still need fast access to cash. Terms go as long as five years.
Why Avant is the best personal loan for people with bad credit: Avant specializes in lending to people with fair or poor credit. Most of its customers have credit scores between 600 and 700.
Perks: You can get your money within one business day after you’re approved.
What to watch out for: Interest rates start at 9.95 percent APR and can go as high as 35.99 percent APR, which is higher than interest rates from other lenders. Avant also charges an administration fee of up to 4.75 percent and a $25 late fee.
| LENDER | Avant |
|---|---|
| BANKRATE RATING | 4.5 / 5.0 |
| MIN. CREDIT SCORE | 580 FICO and 550 Vantage |
| EST. APR | 9.95%–35.99% |
| LOAN AMOUNT | $2,000–$35,000 |
| TERM LENGTHS | 2 to 5 years |
| MIN. ANNUAL INCOME | Not specified |
| FEES | Administration fee: up to 4.75%; Late fee: $25; Dishonored payment fee: $15 |
Read Bankrate's expert Avant Review
Marcus by Goldman Sachs: Best loan for debt consolidation
Overview: Interest rates on personal loans from Marcus start as low as 6.99 percent, and you can borrow as much as $40,000.
Why Marcus by Goldman Sachs is the best personal loan for debt consolidation: Marcus specializes in debt consolidation loans with broad loan amounts and a relatively low APR cap of 19.99 percent. With a debt consolidation loan, you borrow money with one loan to pay off many smaller loans or credit cards that were charging much higher interest rates.
Perks: Marcus doesn’t charge any fees. Also, if you make 12 consecutive months of loan payments in full and on time, Marcus allows you to defer a payment for one month without incurring additional fees or interest.
What to watch out for: Marcus doesn't list any specific credit score, income or debt-to-income ratio requirements to help you learn if you're eligible, and it doesn't allow co-signers.
| LENDER | Marcus by Goldman Sachs |
|---|---|
| BANKRATE RATING | 4.8 / 5.0 |
| MIN. CREDIT SCORE | Not specified |
| EST. APR | 6.99%–19.99% (with autopay) |
| LOAN AMOUNT | $3,500–$40,000 |
| TERM LENGTHS | 3 to 6 years |
| MIN. ANNUAL INCOME | Not specified |
| FEES | None |
Read Bankrate's expert Marcus by Goldman Sachs Review
Best Egg: Best for low APRs
Overview: Best Egg offers personal loans for a variety of purposes, whether it’s debt consolidation, credit card refinancing, family needs or home improvements. Loans start at $2,000, and you can borrow as much as $50,000.
Why Best Egg is the best personal loan for low APRs: Best Egg’s interest rates start as low as 5.99 percent APR for those with the best credit. At 29.99 percent, its rate cap is roughly 6 percentage points lower than that of some lenders profiled on this page.
Perks: There are no prepayment penalties for paying your loan off early.
What to watch out for: Origination fees range from 0.99 percent to 5.99 percent, and $15 late payment fees are charged within three days of a missed payment.
| LENDER | Best Egg |
|---|---|
| BANKRATE RATING | 4.6 / 5.0 |
| MIN. CREDIT SCORE | 600 |
| EST. APR | 5.99%–29.99% |
| LOAN AMOUNT | $2,000–$50,000 |
| TERM LENGTHS | 3 to 5 years |
| MIN. ANNUAL INCOME | Not specified |
| FEES | Origination fee: 0.99% to 5.99% of the loan amount; Late fee: $15; Returned payment fee: $15 |
Read Bankrate's expert Best Egg Review
Upgrade: Best for fast funding
Overview: Upgrade personal loans range from $1,000 to $50,000. You can use your personal loan for nearly anything, including debt consolidation, home improvement or a major expense.
Why Upgrade is the best personal loan for fast funding: You can get your funds within one business day after approval with an Upgrade loan.
Perks: Terms of two to seven years let you pay off your loan on a schedule that’s best for your budget. Interest rates start at 5.94 percent APR as long as you have strong credit to qualify.
What to watch out for: All personal loans come with a 2.9 percent to 8 percent origination fee. There’s also a $10 failed payment fee.
| LENDER | Upgrade |
|---|---|
| BANKRATE RATING | 4.8 / 5.0 |
| MIN. CREDIT SCORE | Not specified |
| EST. APR | 5.94%–35.97% (with autopay) |
| LOAN AMOUNT | $1,000–$50,000 |
| TERM LENGTHS | 2 to 7 years |
| MIN. ANNUAL INCOME | Not specified |
| FEES | Origination fee: 2.9% to 8%; Late fee: Up to $10; Returned check fee: $10 |
Read Bankrate's expert Upgrade Review
Payoff: Best loan for paying credit card debt
Overview: Payoff loans are specifically for borrowers who want to pay off high-interest credit card debt. If you’re struggling to get out of credit card debt and facing mounting interest rates, you can use a Payoff loan to get rid of it and then make fixed monthly payments to your one Payoff loan.
Why Payoff is the best personal loan for paying credit card debt: While the average rate for credit cards currently hovers around 16 percent, Payoff loans start at 5.99 percent, which could save borrowers money on interest and help them get out of debt faster.
Perks: Payoff gives you access to your free FICO score, updated monthly. There’s no penalty for paying your loan off early or making additional payments. There are also no late payment fees or fees if you have a returned check.
What to watch out for: You’ll need to have a credit score of at least 640 to qualify. There’s an origination fee of up to 5 percent.
| LENDER | Payoff |
|---|---|
| BANKRATE RATING | 4.5 / 5.0 |
| MIN. CREDIT SCORE | 640 |
| EST. APR | 5.99%–24.99% |
| LOAN AMOUNT | $5,000–$40,000 |
| TERM LENGTHS | 2 to 5 years |
| MIN. ANNUAL INCOME | Not specified |
| FEES | Origination fee: 0% to 5% |
Read Bankrate's expert Payoff Review
Upstart: Best loan for little credit history
Overview: You can borrow as little as $1,000 and as much as $50,000 with an Upstart personal loan. Loans come with three- or five-year terms and APRs from 6.95% to 35.99%
Why Upstart is the best personal loan for little credit history: While Upstart has minimum credit score requirements, it evaluates more than just your credit score when you apply. The lender looks at your education, your job history and some credit score factors when determining your eligibility.
Perks: You can apply even if you don’t have a long credit history. If you’re relatively new to borrowing money, you might be eligible. Also, there’s no prepayment penalty for paying your loan off early.
What to watch out for: Co-signers aren’t allowed, and Upstart charges an origination fee of up to 8 percent and a late fee that’s the greater of $15 or 5 percent of the payment due.
| LENDER | Upstart |
|---|---|
| BANKRATE RATING | 4.5 / 5.0 |
| MIN. CREDIT SCORE | 600 |
| EST. APR | 6.95%–35.99% |
| LOAN AMOUNT | $1,000–$50,000 |
| TERM LENGTHS | 3 or 5 years |
| MIN. ANNUAL INCOME | Not specified |
| FEES | Late fee: greater of 5% or $15; Origination fee: up to 8%; Returned check fee: $15; One-time paper copies fee: $10 |
Read Bankrate's expert Upstart Review
LendingClub: Best loan for using a co-borrower
Overview: LendingClub’s rates range from 8.05 percent to 35.89 percent on loans of $1,000 to $40,000. Terms of three or five years are available.
Why LendingClub is the best personal loan for using a co-borrower: If you’re struggling to find a lender that will let you borrow, you might need to enlist the help of a co-borrower. Not every lender offers the option to do this, but LendingClub lets you submit a joint application to help you qualify for a loan or get a better interest rate.
Perks: There’s a 15-day grace period in case you can’t pay your loan the day it’s due.
What to watch out for: It takes around four days to receive your funds. There’s also an origination fee ranging from 3 percent to 6 percent.
| LENDER PARTNER | LendingClub |
|---|---|
| BANKRATE RATING | 4.3 / 5.0 |
| MIN. CREDIT SCORE | 600 |
| EST. APR | 8.05%–35.89% |
| LOAN AMOUNT | $1,000–$40,000 |
| TERM LENGTHS | 3 or 5 years |
| MIN. ANNUAL INCOME | Not specified |
| FEES | Origination fee: 3% to 6%; Late fee: greater of 5% or $15 |
Read Bankrate's expert LendingClub Review
PenFed: Best loan for small loan amounts
Overview: You don’t need to go with a traditional bank or an online lender to find the best deals. Credit unions also offer personal loans. While PenFed is geared toward military and service members, there are other ways to become a member.
Why PenFed is the best personal loan for small loan amounts: You can get a PenFed personal loan for as little as $600, which is ideal if you don’t need a lot of cash and don’t want to incur much debt.
Perks: APRs start at 5.99 percent, and there’s no origination fee or prepayment penalty.
What to watch out for: You’ll need to become a member of PenFed before receiving a personal loan. While anyone can become a member — you just have to maintain a $5 savings account with the company — it's still an extra step in the process that could be a deal breaker.
| LENDER | PenFed |
|---|---|
| MIN. CREDIT SCORE | Not specified |
| EST. APR | Starting at 5.99% |
| LOAN AMOUNT | $600–$35,000 |
| TERM LENGTHS | 1 to 5 years |
| MIN. ANNUAL INCOME | Not specified |
| FEES | Late fee: $29; Returned check fee: $30 |
Read Bankrate's expert PenFed Review
TD Bank: Best loan for few fees
Overview: TD Bank's Fit Loan can provide funding in as little as one business day, with loan amounts of $2,000 to $50,000. Its highest APR is 21.99 percent, while other lenders go as high as 35.99 percent.
Why TD Bank is the best personal loan for few fees: TD Bank charges only one fee: a late payment fee of 5 percent of the minimum payment due or $10, whichever is less. It doesn't have any origination fees, monthly fees, annual fees, prepayment fees or insufficient funds fees.
Perks: While getting an online loan is usually fast and easy, it’s not always the most convenient option for everyone. If you need to visit a branch to talk to a human about borrowing a personal loan, try TD Bank. You can apply online or at your local branch.
What to watch out for: TD Bank loans are only available to residents of Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
| LENDER | TD Bank |
|---|---|
| BANKRATE RATING | 4.9 / 5.0 |
| MIN. CREDIT SCORE | Not specified |
| EST. APR | 6.99%–21.99% |
| LOAN AMOUNT | $2,000–$50,000 |
| TERM LENGTHS | 3 to 5 years |
| MIN. ANNUAL INCOME | Not specified |
| FEES | Late fee: 5% of minimum payment due or $10, whichever is less |
Read Bankrate's expert TD Bank Review
PNC Bank: Best loan for in-person banking
Overview: PNC Bank’s personal loan amounts start at $1,000 and go up to $35,000, with rates starting at 5.99 percent APR.
Why PNC Bank is the best personal loan for in-person banking: Sometimes you just need to see someone face-to-face. PNC Bank has nearly 2,300 locations across 23 states and Washington, D.C., making it a good choice for people who prefer in-person banking.
Perks: There are no application, origination or prepayment fees with PNC personal loans. You can apply online, over the phone or in person. You can also apply with a co-applicant, which can help you qualify if you wouldn’t on your own.
What to watch out for: PNC products and features vary by location. When you visit PNC Bank online, you’re required to enter your ZIP code before seeing offers. The details listed here are accurate for the 10019 ZIP code.
| LENDER | PNC Bank |
|---|---|
| BANKRATE RATING | 4.5 / 5.0 |
| MIN. CREDIT SCORE | Not specified |
| EST. APR | Starting at 5.99% (with autopay) |
| LOAN AMOUNT | $1,000–$35,000 |
| TERM LENGTHS | 6 months to 5 years |
| MIN. ANNUAL INCOME | Not specified |
| FEES | Late fees vary |
Read Bankrate's expert PNC Bank Review
What is a personal loan?
Personal loans are short-term loans that consumers can receive from banks, credit unions or private lenders like online marketplace lenders and peer-to-peer lenders. The loan funds can be used for just about any purpose, such as paying off other debt, financing a home renovation or paying for family needs, like a wedding or adoption. A personal loan is repaid in monthly installments, similar to a car loan or home mortgage, with loan terms ranging from 24 months to 60 months or even longer. Personal loans are typically unsecured, meaning they are not backed by collateral such as a car, house or other assets. If you need cash fast, these loans are a good choice because the approval and funding process is often faster than that of a home equity line of credit, which lets you borrow funds as you need them rather than in a lump sum.
What are current personal loan interest rates?
Personal loan interest rates currently range from about 3 percent to 36 percent, depending on your credit score. As of June 16, 2021, the average personal loan interest rate is 10.49 percent.
The better your credit score, the more likely you are to qualify for a personal loan with the lowest interest rate available. Compare personal loan offers to see what you are eligible for before applying for a personal loan.
Average personal loan interest rates by credit rating
Average personal loan interest rates range from 10.3 percent to 12.5 percent for “excellent” credit scores of 720 to 850, 13.5 percent to 15.5 percent for "good" credit scores of 690 to 719, 17.8 percent to 19.9 percent for "average" credit scores of 630 to 689 and 28.5 percent to 32.0 percent for “poor” credit scores of 300 to 629.
| CREDIT BAND | CREDIT SCORE RANGE | AVERAGE PERSONAL LOAN INTEREST RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent Credit | 720–850 | 10.3%–12.5% |
| Good Credit | 690–719 | 13.5%–15.5% |
| Average Credit | 630–689 | 17.8%–19.9% |
| Bad Credit | 300–629 | 28.5%–32.0% |
Excellent-credit loans
Excellent-credit loans are loans that are geared toward borrowers with excellent credit, typically with credit scores between 720 and 850. Having such a high credit score can come with many benefits, including average APRs as low as 10.3 percent — though some lenders go even lower. If your credit score falls into this range, look for excellent-credit lenders with low advertised rates and few fees.
Good-credit loans
Good-credit loans offer competitive interest rates and generally low fees. You're considered to have good credit if you have a credit score between 690 and 719, and with such a high score, you may qualify for average APRs as low as 13.5 percent. However, if you have good credit and are interested in a personal loan, shop around; you may be able to qualify for an even lower interest rate.
Fair-credit loans
If you have a fair or average credit score, it can be hard to find a personal loan that offers reasonable rates and fees. If your credit score falls between 630 and 689, your credit score is average. While this is considered a less-than-stellar score, you still may be able to qualify for a personal loan with an average APR as low as 17.8 percent. This list of the best personal loans for fair credit features lenders that cater to people with scores in the mid-600s.
Bad-credit loans
You can get approved for a loan even with bad credit, although you won't qualify for the best APRs. If your credit score is between 300 and 629, the best interest rate available could be around 28.5 percent. However, a bad-credit loan, even one with a rate close to 30 percent, is a better financial option than a payday loan; to see what rates are available, compare offers from a few bad-credit lenders.
How does the coronavirus affect personal loans?
The impact of COVID-19 has left millions of Americans without a reliable source of income, and many may be searching for personal loans to cover emergency expenses. In response to unprecedented market conditions, some banks have announced new loan offerings and lower interest rates, though many have also tightened their eligibility requirements.
For existing borrowers, some lenders have extended their loan relief programs into 2021, waiving fees or letting customers temporarily defer payments. Long-term unemployment will mean some borrowers continue to rely on these programs, says Greg McBride, Bankrate’s chief financial analyst. He encourages those who are having trouble making payments on their personal loans to contact their lenders rather than ignoring the problem.
Who gets a stimulus check?
The American Rescue Plan Act brought a third stimulus check in March 2021, when the IRS started sending eligible Americans payments of up to $1,400.
Between July and December, eligible families will also receive half of their child tax credit as monthly payments. The other half will be paid out in 2022, and those who don’t want monthly payments can instead get a lump sum next year. Families could receive a total of $3,600 for children aged 5 and under, $3,000 for children between the ages of 6 and 17 and $500 for 18-year-olds and full-time college students who are 19 to 24.
There could be a fourth stimulus check coming, too, with 21 Senate Democrats urging President Joe Biden in a March 30 letter to support recurring stimulus payments for Americans.
What are coronavirus hardship loans?
Coronavirus hardship loans are short-term personal loans designed by lenders specifically to help people affected by the coronavirus pandemic. These loans are typically less than $5,000 and may have to be repaid within three years or less. Coronavirus hardship loans are popular among credit unions, in particular; if you need short-term relief, ask your local credit union about its offerings.
Pros and cons of personal loans
Pros:
- One lump sum, usually with a fixed interest rate, which helps keep monthly payments on track.
- Get money quickly, sometimes within as little as a day, depending on the lender you choose.
- Many are unsecured loans, which means your home or car isn’t used to borrow money.
- Interest rates are much lower than those of payday loans, which charge upward of 400 percent.
- Unlike highly risky payday loans, personal loans give you a reasonable amount of time to repay the loan.
Cons:
- APRs are generally higher than those of some secured loans.
- If you have a low credit score, you might not qualify.
- Some lenders charge fees, like origination, late and prepayment fees. The lower your credit score, the more likely you are to have a lender that charges more fees.
- Some lenders don’t allow co-signers, which means you can only use your credit score and history to qualify.
- You’re adding another bill to your monthly payments, which might stretch or even break your budget.
How to choose the best personal loan lender for you
It's always best to get quotes from a few lenders before applying for a personal loan. When comparing lenders, keep an eye on the following factors.
- Approval requirements. Every lender has its own threshold for approving potential borrowers, considering things like your income, credit score and debt-to-income ratio. If you have below-average credit, look for lenders that utilize other approval criteria; some will take into account things like your area of study or job history.
- Interest rates. The lowest advertised rate is never guaranteed, so compare your actual quotes. When comparing interest rates, also make sure to incorporate any fees or penalties; origination fees or application fees can significantly add to the overall cost of your loan.
- Loan amounts. If you need a loan for something small, like a minor car repair, you'll look at different lenders than you would if you need to pay for tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills.
- Repayment options. A good personal loan lender usually offers multiple repayment terms so you can choose the one that makes the most sense for your situation. If you're borrowing a lot of money, you may want to look for a lender with long repayment terms to decrease your monthly payment. If you have a smaller loan, a shorter repayment term will cut back on the amount of interest you pay overall.
- Unique features. Keep an eye out for lenders with any unique perks (or restrictions). Be sure to check that any lender you're considering will allow you to use your loan for the purpose you're intending. Some, like Payoff, restrict their personal loans to specific uses, like debt consolidation.
- Customer service. It's also wise to investigate a company's customer service options, particularly if you prefer in-person service to online. If you need more information, you can always look up reviews about the company or check out its Better Business Bureau profile.
Types of personal loans and their uses
With the exception of loans from a few niche lenders, like Payoff, most personal loans can be used for any purpose. The most common types of personal loans are:
- Debt consolidation: If you have multiple lines of credit card debt, for instance, you can pay them off with a personal loan and repay the loan over time, often with a better interest rate.
- Emergency expenses: Unexpected expenses like a car repair or hospital bill can throw off your monthly budget, and a small personal loan can alleviate the immediate cost.
- Home renovations: A personal loan is a great way to pay for a large home renovation project and boost the equity in your home.
- Major purchase or event. Personal loans are often used to cover major expenses, such as a wedding or vacation.
To learn more, read our article on the top nine reasons to apply for a personal loan.
Frequently asked questions about personal loans
What is APR?
APR stands for annual percentage rate. It refers to the extra amount borrowers pay on top of their loan amount, or principal. APR is different from your interest rate; it equals your interest rate plus any loan fees.
What's the difference between a secured loan and an unsecured loan?
Secured loans are backed by a piece of the borrower’s property as collateral, typically a vehicle or house. Because the borrower stands to lose personal property if they default, secured loans tend to have lower interest rates.
Unsecured loans are not backed by collateral, but instead by the borrower’s creditworthiness. Because the lender takes on more of a risk with an unsecured loan, interest rates tend to be higher. Lenders also require that borrowers seeking unsecured loans have higher-than-average credit scores.
Learn more about the key differences between secured and unsecured loans.
What's a repayment term?
A repayment term refers to the length of time borrowers have to repay their loans. A personal loan's repayment term is typically between one and 10 years, depending on the lender.
How does my credit score affect my offer?
Because personal loans are often unsecured, they may come with higher APRs than other types of loans. With unsecured loans, lenders tend to pay extra attention to a borrower's credit score.
The lower a borrower's credit score is, the more they'll have to pay in interest. Lower credit scores can lead to APRs in the double digits. Loan rates differ by lender, but opting for a secured loan can often help lower the loan's APR, even for someone with bad credit. In some cases, secured loans can offer APRs up to 6 percent less than unsecured loans.
Will a personal loan hurt my credit score?
A personal loan can temporarily hurt your credit score since lenders will do a hard credit check when you apply. However, you should be able to recover and even improve your credit score if you make on-time payments for the duration of your loan. If you miss payments or make consistently late payments, be prepared to see a more significant dip in your score.
What’s the difference between fixed and variable interest?
Depending on the loan and the lender, you may have a choice between a fixed rate (which stays the same over the life of the loan) and a variable rate(which can rise or fall depending on changes in the market).
The interest on a variable-rate loan often starts low but may increase over time. The terms of the loan agreement will specify how often the lender is allowed to raise the interest rate, and some loans cap the maximum rate at a certain percentage. By contrast, the payments and interest charges on a fixed-rate loan will remain the same.
Base your decision on whether you prefer the stability of a fixed rate or the possibility of saving on interest with a variable rate.
Is a personal loan worth it?
A personal loan could be a good option for you if you need a large sum of money up front and the stability of a predictable monthly payment. Personal loans typically have better APRs than credit cards or lines of credit, and most personal loans maintain that fixed rate over the life of the loan.
However, before committing to a personal loan, weigh the APR you're offered to make sure that a monthly loan payment fits into your budget. Some loans have repayment periods as long as 10 years, and some companies charge a fee if you choose to pay your loan off early. It's also important to take out only as much as you need for your project or expense; borrowing extra will increase your monthly payments and the total amount you'll pay in interest.
If you're unsure if you can afford a loan, try using a personal loan calculator to see how much you'll pay in interest on top of the cost of your loan.
What is a good interest rate on a personal loan?
A "good" interest rate on a personal loan depends on your credit score. In general, you should look for a rate below the average APR — 10.3 percent to 12.5 percent for excellent credit, 13.5 percent to 15.5 percent for good credit, 17.8 percent to 19.9 percent for average credit and 28.5 percent to 32 percent for bad credit.
The rate you're quoted depends on many factors, including your credit score, credit history and annual income. Many lenders offer prequalification, a step that allows you to see if you're eligible for a loan without a hard pull on your credit score. Checking your rate with a few companies can help you determine which will offer you the best APR.
What are the requirements for a personal loan?
While every lender's requirements will vary, you may be granted a personal loan based on three factors: your credit score, your income and your payment history. While all of these elements are important to overall financial health, lenders typically focus more heavily on your credit score. The lower your credit score, the less likely you are to get approved for the loan and the higher your interest rates if you are approved. It's important to assess your credit and financial history to determine if a personal loan is the right fit for you.
When you're applying for a personal loan, the lender may also require you to show documentation, such as proof of your identity, employer, income and address.
What is better: Personal loans or low-interest credit cards?
When it comes to debt consolidation, both personal loans and credit cards could be useful in paying off high-interest debt. With a personal loan, you'll be able to borrow a specific amount from the bank and then pay it back in monthly installments. With a credit card, you'll be able to complete a balance transfer, a method in which you transfer your existing debt to a new credit card.
Both options have drawbacks and benefits. With a personal loan, you're given the security of knowing the total loan costs, and you'll pay a fixed monthly amount, making it easier to budget and keep track of your expenses. The downside is that in some instances, a personal loan could have more up-front fees and a higher starting APR.
With a balance-transfer credit card, many card issuers will offer a 0 percent APR introductory period, which gives you the opportunity to pay down debt without accruing interest for a certain number of months. However, if you still have debt remaining after the introductory period, the APR could be higher than that of a personal loan, which may put you at risk of accumulating even more debt.
Before choosing a method, compare the rates and fees of each option and evaluate how much flexibility you're looking for when consolidating debt.
How much can you borrow with a personal loan?
The amount you can borrow with a personal loan depends on the lender and your credit score. Many lenders offer loans between $5,000 and $50,000, but some may offer loans as low as $500 or as high as $100,000.
Can I pay my loan off early?
There are some situations where you may want to pay your personal loan off early; if you get a raise or receive a cash gift, putting those funds toward your personal loan can help you save on interest and eliminate the loan from your monthly expenses. Many lenders will even let you pay your loan off early without charging a prepayment penalty.
If you'd like to make extra payments on your loan, let your lender know that you'd like the extra payment to go toward the principal — otherwise, the lender may apply the funds toward your next payment.
Keep in mind that paying your loan off early may not be worth it if you have other higher-interest debt on your plate, like credit card debt, or if you don't have emergency savings built up. In those cases, it may be better to put extra funds toward those projects instead.
What happens if I can't pay back my loan?
If financial hardship means that you can't pay back your loan, your loan will eventually fall into default. With some lenders, default could happen as soon as you miss a payment, while with others it could happen after a few months of missed payments.
With a defaulted loan, you'll likely rack up late fees and see a dip in your credit score. If you miss enough payments, your loan may also be sent to collections. To minimize the impact of a defaulted loan, contact your lender as soon as you know that you won't be able to make a payment; your lender may be willing to work with you on an adjusted payment plan.