Looking for a personal loan? You’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about securing a personal loan with competitive rates – even if your credit isn’t perfect.
Key Takeaways
- Personal loan amounts typically range from $200 to $50,000
- Interest rates vary from 6.99% to 35.99% based on credit score
- Most lenders offer same-day approval with funding in 1-3 business days
- Minimum credit score requirements start at 580 for most lenders
- Zero prepayment penalties with many top lenders
Many online lenders offer same-day approval, and money can be deposited within 1-3 business days. If you’re pre-qualified and have all the necessary documents ready, the process can be faster.
A soft credit check, used during the pre-qualification process, doesn’t affect your credit score and gives you an estimate of rates and terms. A hard credit check occurs during the formal application process and may temporarily lower your score by a few points.
Personal loans generally range from $200 to $50,000. The amount you qualify for depends on your credit score, income, and the lender’s policies.
Interest rates typically range from 6.99% to 35.99%, depending on your credit score. Higher credit scores (670+) usually receive lower rates, while fair (580-669) or poor credit scores (below 580) may result in higher rates.
Pre-qualification involves a soft credit pull, which does not impact your credit score. It provides estimated loan rates and terms and takes only a few minutes to complete.
Some personal loans may include fees such as origination fees (0-8% of the loan amount), late payment fees ($15-30), returned payment fees ($20-50), and, though rare, prepayment penalties.
How Much Can You Borrow?
Personal loan amounts vary by lender and your qualifications:
Good to Excellent Credit (670+)
- Loan amounts: Up to $50,000
- Interest rates: 6.99% – 15.99%
- Terms: 12-84 months
- Quick approval: Often same day
Fair Credit (580-669)
- Loan amounts: Up to $35,000
- Interest rates: 15.99% – 25.99%
- Terms: 24-60 months
- Approval time: 1-2 business days
Poor Credit (below 580)
- Loan amounts: Up to $10,000
- Interest rates: 25.99% – 35.99%
- Terms: 12-36 months
- Approval time: 2-3 business days
Keep in mind these are estimates based on industry averages. You may be able to qualify for a better rate or a higher loan amount due to other strengths of your credit and work history.
Understanding Eligibility and Qualification
Pre-qualification Process
- Some lenders offer soft credit pull that won’t impact your credit score
- Provides estimated rates and terms you could qualify for
- Takes 2-3 minutes to complete
- No commitment required or upfront fees
Basic Qualification Requirements
- Age 18 or older
- US citizen or permanent resident
- Valid bank account
- Steady income source
- Minimum credit score (varies by lender)
Alternative Qualification Paths To A Personal Loan
- Co-signers can help improve approval odds
- Some lenders consider non-traditional income
- Alternative data (rent, utilities) may be considered
- Self-employed borrowers can use tax returns
Credit Score Impact
- Higher scores unlock better rates and terms
- Recent credit events may affect approval
- Credit mix and history length matter
- Debt-to-income ratio influences decisions
What You Need to Apply
Ready to apply? Here’s your quick checklist:
- Valid government ID
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs or W-2 usually for higher loan amounts)
- Bank statements (last 3 months may be required)
- Proof of address
- Social Security number
Our Top 3 Choices for Quick Personal Loans
1. Sofi
- Loan amounts: $5,000 – $100,000
- Interest Rates: Starting at 7.99%
- Minimum credit score: 680
- Best for: High loan amounts and low rates
2. Upstart
- Loan amounts: $1,000 – $50,000
- Interest Rates: Starting at 7.4%
- Minimum credit score: 580
- Best for: Fair credit and quick funding
3. GetMoney.com
- Loan amounts: $100 – $35,000
- Interest Rates: Starting at 8.05%
- Minimum credit score: All credits welcomed
- Best for: Debt consolidation and competitive rates
Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
Before signing, verify these potential fees:
- Origination fee (0-8% of the loan amount)
- Late payment fees ($15-30)
- Returned payment fees ($20-50)
- Prepayment penalties (rare but check)
How to Get the Best Rate
Follow these steps to secure the lowest possible rate:
- Check your credit scorefirst
- Fix any errors on your report
- Make all current payments on time
- Shop around with multiple lenders
- Use pre-qualification tools
- Compare at least 3 offers
- Consider a co-signer
- Can lower your rate by 2-4%
- Must have good credit (700+)
- Opt for autopay
- Many lenders offer 0.25-0.5% discount
- Ensures on-time payments
Calculator: Estimate Your Monthly Payment
Use Our simple to use calculator to estimate your monthly payments:
Ready To Get Money?
Getting a personal loan is easier than ever. Follow these steps:
- Get pre-qualified
- Takes 2-3 minutes
- No upfront fees
- No Obligations to accept a loan
- Choose your loan terms
- Select amount needed
- Pick a repayment period that suits your needs
- Determine a monthly payment you can manage
- Submit formal application
- Upload required documents
- Verify your identity
- Sign loan agreement
- Receive funds
- As fast as same-day
- Direct deposit to your bank
- Start using funds immediately
The Bottom Line
Personal loans offer a flexible way to get the money you need with competitive rates and quick approval. By comparing offers from multiple lenders and preparing your documentation in advance, you can secure the best possible terms for your situation.
Ready to take the next step? Click below to check your rate with our network of lenders:
Looking for more information on consumer loans
Check out these trusted resources:
- The Pew Charitable Trusts: Pew Charitable Trusts provides valuable insights and guidance for borrowers.
- Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Information page: Learn about your rights and make informed financial decisions at the FTC’s Consumer Information page Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information.
Additional Reads You My Find Useful
- Comprehensive Guide to Getting The Best Personal Loans Online with Bad Credit
- Empowering Individuals: Microfinancing and Its Impact on Access to Fast Installment Loans
- Secured & Unsecured Personal Loans
Rates and terms accurate as of November 2024. Actual rates and terms may vary based on credit score, income, and other factors.