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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Personal Loans by State
When you need a personal loan, where you live can affect your choice of lenders and loan terms. Comparing personal loans by state can help you find the best borrowing…
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Personal Loans for Investments
It’s often best to avoid personal loans for investing because the risks are high, and it makes little financial sense. But can it work out at certain times?
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Point-of-Sale (or Buy Now, Pay Later) Loans
In some cases, point-of-sale loans can offer convenient and inexpensive financing, but they can result in overspending and extra charges if you're not careful.
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What Does “Same as Cash” Mean?
Same-as-cash financing may sound like a terrific option to cover a large purchase. But these offers can cost you if you don’t read the fine print.
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Chime Card™ Review 2026: How It Works + Pros and Cons
Chime Credit Builder is a secured credit card with no minimum security deposit and no credit checks, offering an easy way to build credit.
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Happy Money Personal Loans Review 2026: Best for Credit Card Debt
Happy Money personal loans are for paying off credit card debt. There’s no hard credit check and loan options are displayed within minutes.
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What Is a Credit Builder Loan? Simple Guide to Building Credit
A credit builder loan is one way to build or rebuild credit history. Credit builder loans can have both pros and cons, and it's helpful to know what they can…
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CreditStrong Review 2026: Do Its Revolving and Installment Plans Actually Help Build Credit?
CreditStrong's credit building loan reports to all three credit bureaus while also growing your own savings account.
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9 Types of Personal Loans Explained, With Definitions and Examples
With so many types of personal loans available, make sure you know how to tell the difference and find which one is right for you.
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Personal Loans for Vehicles
Personal loans for vehicles grant flexibility for borrowers, but they usually come at the cost of a higher interest rate.