Explore the Basics of Personal Loans
How Do You Apply for a Personal Loan?
Learn how to apply for a personal loan. Here’s an overview of the steps involved in applying for a personal loan and what documents you need.
What to Do If You Are Denied a Personal Loan
You may be denied a personal loan for reasons such as poor credit or incorrect paperwork. Learn what to do if you're denied a personal loan.
What is a Long-Term Personal Loan?
Long-term personal loans may be a great choice for better debt management. Read more about the benefits and details of long-term personal loans.
What is an Unsecured Personal Loan?
Most personal loans are unsecured. Unsecured personal loans do not require collateral and can be used to cover a variety of expenses.
The Pros and Cons of Personal Loans
Flexibility and convenience are some of the benefits of personal loans. Learn more about the pros and cons of personal loans to see if they fit your needs.
What is a Personal Loan Origination Fee?
A personal loan origination fee is charged by a lender upfront to process new loan applications. Learn about personal loan origination fees and how they’re applied.
What is a Personal Loan?
A personal loan is a type of installment loan. Discover how personal loans work, common types of personal loans and how these flexible loans may help you.
Secured vs. Unsecured Loans
Secured loans require the borrower to put up collateral, such as a house or car, while unsecured loans do not. Learn more about how they differ.
What is an Installment Loan?
An installment loan is any loan where you receive the principal in a lump sum and repay what you owe over time. Learn how installment loans work.
What is a Short-Term Personal Loan?
A short-term personal loan is an unsecured loan that can help cover one-time expenses, such as home repairs. Learn how it works and if it's right for you.
Personal Loans Vs. Credit Cards
While both personal loans and credit cards involve borrowing money to pay, there are key differences in how you receive and repay the money.
Home Equity Loans vs. Personal Loans
Given their approval timelines, eligibility and term lengths, home equity loans and personal loans may be useful for different expenses and situations.
Fixed vs. Variable Rate Loans
Fixed and variable rate loans are both widely available and offer different advantages and disadvantages. Learn more about fixed vs. variable rate loans.
How Does a Personal Loan Affect Your Credit?
If you manage it responsibly, a personal loan can affect your credit positively by establishing a sound repayment history and diverse credit mix.
Types of Personal Loans
Different types of personal loans, such as secured or unsecured loans and fixed or variable rate loans, can be used to cover different types of expenses.
Balance Transfer vs. Personal Loan: What's the Difference?
Learn the difference between balance transfers and personal loans and the pros and cons of each, so you can decide which debt consolidation option is right for you.
Personal Loan Requirements and Eligibility
Personal loan requirements and eligibility may vary by lender. Learn more about personal loan requirements and eligibility.
Applying for a personal loan when you're self-employed
If you're self-employed, you can still get a personal loan, but you may need to show different documentation. Learn about applying for a personal loan while self-employed.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Personal Loan?
The amount of time it takes to get approved for a personal loan depends on the lender. Learn more about the personal loan process and how long each step can take.
5 Tips for Paying Off Personal Loans Early
Looking to pay off your personal loan early? Learn about the pros and cons of paying your personal loan before the due date and find out tips for maximizing payments.
How Many Personal Loans Can You Have At Once?
You can have more than one personal loan, but lenders might limit the number or amount you can borrow. Learn how multiple personal loans may impact your credit score.
6 Reasons to Get a Personal Loan
Wondering whether you should get a personal loan? Here are 6 reasons to get a personal loan, including debt consolidation, wedding costs, and emergency expenses.
What Happens If You Default on a Personal Loan?
Defaulting on a personal loan means missing payments for a certain amount of time. Read on to discover the effects of personal loan default.
What Is a Personal Loan With a Cosigner?
Learn how a personal loan with a cosigner works, the pros and cons of cosigner personal loans and considerations before using a cosigner for a personal loan.
What Credit Score Do You Need for a Personal Loan?
Your credit score can be crucial when applying for a personal loan. Find out about credit score requirements for personal loans and effective tips to boost your score.
Business Loan vs Personal Loan: What You Need to Know
Learn the differences between business loans and personal loans, including how they work, pros and cons, and usage scenarios to select the best option for you.
Auto Loan vs. Personal Loan: Which Should You Use to Buy a Car?
Personal loans and auto loans can both be used to finance a car. Learn the differences between the two and the pros and cons of financing a car with each.
How to Apply for a $5,000 Personal Loan
It’s possible to apply for a $5,000 personal loan from a credit union, bank or other lender. Learn the steps to applying for a $5,000 personal loan.
What Can Increase Your Total Loan Balance?
In some cases, interest, fees or replacing your original loan for a new one can increase your total loan balance. Learn more about what may increase your balance.
Loan Deferment vs. Forbearance
Loan deferment and forbearance both provide temporary payment relief, but they work differently. Learn how each option affects loan payments and interest.
What Is a Fixed Interest Rate?
A fixed interest rate is an interest rate that stays the same for the life of a loan or line of credit. Discover how fixed interest rates are set and common fixed interest rate loans.
Can You Get a Loan with No Bank Account?
While you may be able to get a loan without a bank account, options are limited. Learn about options for loans with no bank account and discover alternatives.
Personal Loans for Fair Credit
It may be possible to get a personal loan with fair credit, but the options may be more limited. Learn how personal loans for fair credit work.
What Is Loan Deferment?
Loan deferment is a temporary pause on payments, but it can look different depending on what type of loan you have. Learn more about deferment.
How to Get a Loan Without a Cosigner
If you have poor credit but can’t find a cosigner, you may still have options for loans. Learn more about applying for a loan without a cosigner.
What is a Title Loan?
Learn what a title loan is. Understand the ins and outs of title loans and explore the risks of title loans and potential alternatives.
Bond vs. Loan: What’s the Difference?
Discover the difference between bond and loan options. Compare types, benefits and risks to choose the best financing or investing strategy for you.
How to Calculate Personal Loan Payments
Learn how to calculate monthly personal loan payments, including factors like loan amount, interest rate, and term. Use a loan calculator to help plan your budget.
What Is Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on a Personal Loan?
Annual percentage rate (APR) represents the true yearly cost of borrowing money, including interest and fees. Learn more about how APR works for personal loans.
How to Pre-qualify for a Personal Loan
Learn what it means to pre-qualify for a personal loan, how to research lenders and what steps to take to get pre-qualified for a loan.
Can You Refinance A Personal Loan?
Refinancing a personal loan replaces your current loan with a new loan, typically with more favorable terms. Learn how you can refinance a personal loan.
What Is a Secured Loan?
A secured loan is backed by collateral. Learn how secured loans work, what types of loans are secured, how they differ from unsecured loans and more.
What is a Signature Loan?
A signature loan is an unsecured personal loan based on creditworthiness rather than collateral. Learn how they work and when to consider one.
