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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How to Get a $1,000 Personal Loan: Top Lenders and Rates in 2026, and Alternatives to Consider
A $1,000 personal loan can help cover unexpected expenses, consolidate debt, or manage short-term financial needs. Many lenders offer loans in this amount, but interest rates, fees, and approval requirements…
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How to Get a $50,000 Personal Loan: 5 Best Lenders to Try
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 you have high-interest debt or a house…
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Best Hardship Personal Loans in 2026
If you’re facing a financial emergency, a hardship personal loan can be a lifeline. Lenders that offer hardship personal loans tend to have more flexible lending criteria and can distribute…
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Personal Loans for People on Disability
A personal loan allows eligible individuals to borrow a lump sum based on their income and credit history. Disability income counts as one of the qualifications, but the loan amount…
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Balance Transfer Card vs. Personal Loan
Research shows money is one of the main sources of stress for people in nearly every age bracket. One way to alleviate financial stress, especially if your high-interest debt is…
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What to Do If You’re Denied a Personal Loan
Being denied a personal loan doesn’t mean you’re out of options. By understanding the reasons behind the decision, you can take steps to improve your credit and finances for future…
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Best Debt Consolidation Loans for Bad Credit
If you feel trapped by mountains of debt (and your credit has suffered because of it), don’t panic. You aren’t out of options. A debt consolidation loan could help. These…
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Best Personal Loan Apps
Borrowing a personal loan is easier than ever these days. Many lenders offer a streamlined application process you can complete online or via a mobile app. Although not all lenders…
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How to Get a $35,000 Personal Loan
Personal loans can come from online lenders, banks, and credit unions. To qualify for a personal loan, you often need a steady source of income, a good credit score, and…
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How to Get a $2,500 Personal Loan
A personal loan is a handy way to borrow money for a variety of purposes—often spending less on financing than you would with a credit card. You can use them…