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Personal Loans

Learn more about how personal loans work & what you can use them for, see our picks for the best personal loan lenders, and read reviews of the top lenders in the industry.

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See our editorial team’s picks for the best personal loans.

How personal loans work

Personal loans don’t often seem complicated, but you should understand several specific terms before you apply for one.

Personal loan uses

You can use personal loans for almost anything, including paying off debt and home improvements.

Personal loans by credit range

Your credit score is critical in determining eligibility for a personal loan. Before applying, check your credit score to determine whether your credit is excellent, good, fair, or poor. Compare companies that lend to borrowers in your credit range to boost your chances of approval.

Personal loan reviews

If you’re considering applying for a personal loan through a specific company, you should understand how that company operates and the repayment terms.

Latest on personal loans:

Personal Loan vs. Cash Advance

A personal loan is an installment loan that offers borrowers relatively quick access to cash, a lower interest rate than a credit card,...

What Is the Highest Legal Interest Rate on a Personal Loan?

Before you take out a personal loan, you should understand its interest rate. After all,...

What Are 401(k) Loans and Should You Get One?

A 401(k) plan allows you to save for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis, with contributions that come straight out of your paychecks. If...

Why You Need a Personal Loan Agreement Between Family Members or Friends

Borrowing money from family or friends can be a terrific alternative to traditional loans, offering...

Easiest Personal Loans to Get in 2024

If you need cash and don’t have a great credit score, you might be tempted to turn to payday loans or other high-cost...

Personal Loans vs. Payday Loans

Personal loans and payday loans can be useful when money is tight. They can help when an unexpected expense arises or you’re making...

Personal Loan vs. Credit Card

In a perfect world, you’d have the cash to cover any expenses that come your way.  But because this isn’t the case for...

How to Get a $5,000 Personal Loan

If you need $5,000 to finance a home repair, pay medical bills, consolidate debt, or cover another personal expense, a personal loan could...

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...

How to Get a $50,000 Personal Loan

The 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Consumer Lending Satisfaction Study called personal loans a “financial lifeline,” especially for those who are financially vulnerable. If...