How to Get a $1,000 Personal Loan

Banks, credit unions, online banks, and other lenders offer personal loans. You can use them for various purposes, such as debt consolidation, home repairs and improvements, and large purchases.

These loans are often unsecured, meaning you don’t have to provide collateral for approval. But this makes them riskier for lenders, many of which require good to excellent credit and have income or debt-to-income (DTI) requirements.

An unsecured $1,000 personal loan may be the right choice for you—and you might even qualify for a loan with less-than-perfect credit. Here’s what to know about $1,000 personal loans and how to get one.

What lenders offer personal loans for $1,000?

Many lenders offer personal loans in different amounts. However, personal loan limits vary. Some lenders offer personal loans of $100,000 or even higher. 

If you’re approved for a personal loan, the lender’s quote will be personalized to you. It will use various factors to determine your loan amount and interest rate, including your credit score, income, DTI, and employment history.

Your quote will contain an annual percentage rate (APR), which is comprised of the following loan components:

• Interest rate: This is the cost of borrowing money.
• Risk assessment: The lender will use your creditworthiness and other factors to determine how risky it is to lend you money. The riskier the lender sees you, the higher the APR.
• Origination fees: Some lenders charge origination fees for paperwork and loan setup. These fees are added to the simple interest rate and expressed as an annualized percentage—your APR.

Be sure to avoid predatory lenders, which are known for charging excessive APRs and using aggressive sales tactics. Instead, consider these lenders for a $1,000 personal loan.

Lender	Rates (APR)	Loan amounts
Credible	7.49% – 35.99%1	$1,000 – $200,000
Upgrade	8.49% – 35.99%	$1,000 – $50,000
Upstart	7.80% – 35.99%	$1,000 – $50,000

Credible – Best marketplace

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LendEDU rating: 5.0 out of 5

• Trusted by thousands of borrowers
• Allows comparison of multiple lenders at once
• No hidden fees

Credible is our favorite marketplace for comparing personal loans because of its straightforward and efficient process, which allows users to find the best loan options. We also like the platform for its transparency. Users can easily compare loan terms from various lenders without worrying about hidden fees. 

For individuals valuing time and ease of use, Credible is an exceptional choice. The platform’s ability to aggregate offers from multiple lenders in one place not only saves time but also ensures borrowers can make quick, informed decisions.

Upgrade – Best for fair credit

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LendEDU rating: 4.9 out of 5

• Accepts borrowers with fair credit
• Provides free credit monitoring
• Offers hardship plans

Upgrade is a terrific option if you have a FICO credit score in the 580 to 669 range. It presents an opportunity to obtain a loan at fair rates. This inclusivity is a significant advantage, making Upgrade a viable option for a wider range of borrowers. 

Beyond lending, Upgrade’s free credit monitoring service is a standout feature, offering borrowers tools to understand and improve their credit scores over time. The addition of hardship plans underscores Upgrade’s commitment to supporting borrowers during financial difficulties, highlighting its role not just as a lender but as a financial partner.

Upgrade charges an origination fee, which is standard for borrowers with less-than-stellar credit. But if you have a credit score of 670 or better, you might be able to avoid an origination fee altogether by applying with a lender that targets good-credit borrowers. 

Upstart – Best for little to no credit

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LendEDU rating: 4.8 out of 5

• Considers education and job history in addition to credit
• Quick funding, often within a business day
• No prepayment penalties

Upstart is a revolutionary lending platform that offers more than just traditional credit evaluations, making it an excellent choice for those with minimal credit history. By considering a borrower’s education and employment background, Upstart acknowledges the potential beyond what a credit score can show. 

This broader assessment approach can benefit those who are new to credit or have been disadvantaged by conventional credit scoring methods. Quick funding times enhance the appeal, providing financial relief when it’s needed most.

The absence of prepayment penalties affords borrowers the flexibility to manage their loans without extra costs, further solidifying Upstart’s position as a forward-thinking and borrower-friendly platform. Like Upgrade, Upstart charges an origination fee.

How to get a $1,000 personal loan 

A $1,000 personal loan can be useful for many purposes, but not everyone will qualify. Ideally, you should have a good credit score (at least 670 on FICO’s scoring model), which will show you have used credit responsibly in the past. 

A higher income and lower DTI can also help you qualify. The goal is to show the lender you’re a responsible credit user who will be able to repay the loan. There are no hard-and-fast rules here, but better numbers will improve your chances.

To get a $1,000 personal loan, follow these steps:

1. Check your credit score. First, check your credit score to ensure you’re at least within striking distance of the “good” range. This should increase your chances of approval. Many banks and credit card issuers let you check your credit score for free.
2. Shop around. Look for personal loan offers from several financial institutions, such as banks, credit unions, and online lenders. The lenders mentioned in this article are a terrific starting point. Obtain quotes from a few strong contenders.
3. Choose a lender and apply. Check your quotes for important details, such as rates, fees, and repayment terms. Decide which lender has the best offer, and submit an application.
4. Receive approval. After you apply, your information will go through a rigorous underwriting process to determine your creditworthiness. In some cases, you may need to provide more details. If all is well, you’ll get your approval for the loan. 
5. Review loan terms and sign. Before you sign, check the rates, loan amount, and repayment terms. They could vary from the original quote.

Once you review and sign the agreement, you expect to get your money within a few business days. In some cases, same-day funding might be available.

How to repay a $1,000 personal loan 

Repaying a $1,000 personal loan is straightforward, assuming you have the money to cover at least the minimum payment. For a loan this size, the typical repayment lasts a few months to a few years. Payments are often fixed at regular monthly intervals.

“Fixed” means the minimum amount you must pay will remain the same for the life of the loan. In other words, the payment will be the same every month unless you decide to pay more. Each payment will cover a portion of the original loan amount plus interest.

Here are a few ways to potentially pay less overall on a personal loan:

• Pay more than the minimum. Paying more than the minimum amount will reduce the loan balance and the amount of interest you pay. Some lenders don’t allow extra payments, but it’s smart if you can do it.
• Round up. Every time you pay, consider rounding up to the nearest $10 or $20 (if your lender allows it). These small increases can reduce your interest payments.
• Put windfalls toward loan payments. Again, if your lender allows extra payments, put windfalls, such as tax refunds and bonuses, toward your loan. This will result in less interest.

As you may have noticed, the common theme is to pay more than the minimum. This is often the best way to save with a personal loan.

What are the payments on a $1,000 personal loan?

Several factors affect the payments on a $1,000 personal loan. For instance, a higher interest rate means paying more over the life of the loan and potentially higher payments. A longer loan term can result in smaller payments (but more interest).

Here are two examples of $1,000 loans with different rates and terms:

	Loan 1	Loan 2
Terms	12 months	36 months
Interest rate	12%	15%
Monthly payment	$88.85	$34.67
Total interest	$66.19	$247.95

Loans with longer terms often have higher interest rates because this can increase the chance you won’t be able to pay the loan back. The second loan’s payment is much lower, but it results in far more interest.

Pros and cons of a personal loan for $1,000 

Borrowing $1,000 with a personal loan can be useful for many purposes. However, like all forms of lending, it has pros and cons.

Pros

• Can be easier to qualify for than other forms of credit

• Usually few restrictions on how you can use the money

• Fixed payments result in a predictable repayment schedule

• Potential to help build credit

Cons

• Interest rates can be higher on smaller loans, leading to a high borrowing cost relative to the principal

• Some lenders charge origination fees, processing fees, and other fees that can increase the cost to borrow

• The ease of taking out a personal loan can make it tempting to overspend, leading to a debt cycle

• Some lenders have minimum loan amounts above $1,000

A personal loan can be an excellent way to borrow $1,000. If you need quick access to a smaller amount, have good credit, and earn the income to repay it, this could be the right option.

Remember that any lending product can lead to a debt cycle if you can’t pay, and it could damage your credit history. Weigh the pros and cons before proceeding.

Other ways to borrow $1,000 

Personal loans can be useful, but they aren’t the only way to borrow $1,000. You might consider these alternatives in some situations, such as when you want to avoid interest.

Here are a few possibilities:

• 0% introductory APR credit cards: If you have good credit, you may qualify for a 0% introductory APR card. This period can sometimes last almost two years and lets you repay the balance interest-free during that period.
• Credit unions: Some credit unions may offer lower interest rates on personal loans than larger banks, especially for borrowers without perfect credit. Personal rates through credit unions are capped at 18.00%—so if online lenders quoted you higher rates, check to see whether you’re eligible to join a credit union in your area.
• Salary advance apps: Many apps offer small salary advances that you repay out of your next paycheck. This can help you access the cash you need fast.
• Borrow from friends or family: One way to get quick access to cash is to borrow from friends or family. This can result in little to no interest, but it can put strain on relationships if you can’t pay them back.

If you can’t qualify for a personal loan on your own, one potential option is to use a cosigner or co-borrower. With this arrangement, someone with good or excellent credit signs on to the loan, which can help you qualify.

However, keep in mind that the cosigner will be responsible for the loan. If you miss a payment, it will damage your and their credit history. If your cosigner is a friend or family member, it will be similar to borrowing money from them. In either case, failing to pay can damage your relationship with the person.

FAQ 

What is the minimum credit score required to qualify for a $1,000 personal loan?

The minimum credit score required may vary by lender. However, a credit score of 580 or higher can be sufficient for a $1,000 personal loan from several lenders. Remember, the higher your credit score, the better your terms are likely to be.

Can I apply for a personal loan if I’m self-employed or have irregular income?

Yes, you can. While traditional income sources can make the process easier, it’s possible to get a loan if you’re self-employed or have irregular income. You just might need to provide additional information or documentation.

How long does it take to receive the funds once I’m approved for a personal loan?

Once approved, most lenders can deposit a personal loan into your bank account within a few business days. Some might even offer instant funding.

Are there any restrictions on how I can use a personal loan?

Generally, personal loans can be used for a wide range of purposes. However, it’s always wise to check with lenders for any specific restrictions.

What happens if I miss a payment on my personal loan?

Missing a payment can result in additional fees, increased interest rates, and harm to your credit score. If you’re having trouble making payments, contact your lender as soon as possible.

Can I pay off my personal loan early, and are there any penalties for doing so?

It’s rare, but some lenders might charge a prepayment penalty for paying off a loan ahead of schedule. Check with your lender for its specific policies.

How do lenders determine the interest rate for a $1,000 personal loan?

Interest rates for personal loans are based on factors such as your credit score, income, loan term, and the lender’s current rates.

Recap: Lenders offering $1,000 personal loans

Lender	Rates (APR)	Loan amounts
Credible	7.49% – 35.99%1	$1,000 – $200,000
Upgrade	8.49% – 35.99%	$1,000 – $50,000
Upstart	7.80% – 35.99%	$1,000 – $50,000