Personal Loans
Learn more about how personal loans work, what you can use them for, compare our picks for the best personal loan lenders, and read reviews of the top lenders in the industry.
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.
- Timeshare Loans
- Loans Using Your Car as Collateral
- Loans That Accept Chime
- Legal Loans
- Long-Term Personal Loans
- Home Improvement Loans
- Debt Consolidation Loans
- Medical Loans
- What Can a Personal Loan Be Used For?
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 lender 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.
- Credible Personal Loans Review
- Upstart Personal Loans Review
- Prosper Personal Loan Review
- SoFi Personal Loans Review
- LightStream Personal Loans Review
- Upgrade Personal Loans Review
All personal loan articles
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2026 Guide to Personal Loan Eligibility Requirements
When you need a loan, it helps to know what lenders look for to approve borrowers. Personal loan requirements typically hinge on a combination of credit scores, income, and debt,…
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Guaranteed Personal Loans: Do They Exist?
Guaranteed personal loans sound like a sure bet, but here’s the catch: They don’t exist. You can get preapproved for a personal loan to find out what terms you might…
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Personal Loan vs. Cash Advance: Which Is Right for You?
If you’re short on cash and just need a little something to tide you over until payday, a cash advance might do the trick. But if you’re looking at a…
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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, the rate you receive will impact your overall cost of borrowing. Ideally, you’d choose the…
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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 you need cash to consolidate debt, pay…
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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 lower rates and more flexible terms. To protect both parties and avoid misunderstandings, it’s essential…
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Easiest Personal Loans to Get in 2026
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 options. However, a personal loan is a…
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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 a large purchase. In addition, these loans…
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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 everyone, you might look into personal loans…
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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 offer the funds you need. Personal loans…