Personal loans

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What is a Personal loan?

Personal loans are, in a sense, small private loans that individuals usually take out to cover personal expenses.

Some common personal loan purposes include education, home purchases and renovations, car purchases or upgrades, wedding or family expenses, and emergencies.

A personal loan is often considered an obligation that requires a monthly minimum payment. However, the complexity of this type of loan can vary depending on who offers them and what its features are. Some are easy to repay for the borrower with little monthly payment; others require high-interest rates with large payments over time.

The types of lenders that offer these types of loans include banks as well as credit unions, and payday lenders.

How Do Personal Loans Work?

Borrowers often take out personal loans to pay for immediate expenses. Personal loans are not as common as a mortgage or car loans, which require more permanent borrowing.

The amount of money borrowed through a personal loan is usually lower than through a mortgage loan and higher than through a car loan. The borrower pays the lender back in monthly installments until the entire amount is paid off. Most lenders charge interest on the unpaid balance at certain intervals, usually daily if it’s an installment loan or monthly if it’s a revolving credit loan.

Personal loans may be unsecured, secured, or partially secured, so you’re essentially putting yourself and your assets on the line to offer you this type of credit.

What to Know About Personal Loans

An agreement between you and your lender covers all loan-related costs and terms. Be sure to read the fine print, as the agreements differ between lenders.
If you have a poor credit score, it may be more difficult to obtain a personal loan. Some lenders may require co-signers or collateral in order to secure their loans with you.

With most lender agreements, it’s common for the borrower to pay closing costs when obtaining a loan; however, these fees may vary by lender. In addition, most lenders charge origination fees, although these are typically included in the interest rate that is charged on a loan.

Personal Loan Types

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If you have no cushion to fall back on and no established relationship with a bank, you should think about what you would do

What Credit Score is Required For a Personal Loan

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Personal Loans by Purpose

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Personal Loan Term Length

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How Much Can I Borrow With Personal Loans?

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Compare Personal Loans with other Loan Types

Personal Loans vs Payday Loans

Payday loans are similar to personal loans in some ways, a borrower takes out money and repays it within the next two weeks. However, in the case of a payday loan, the interest rates are often much higher than with a typical loan. Borrowers may also be required to provide proof they have a job before they can access the loan.

Personal loans may be offered by banks or lenders that specialize in small consumer loans, as well as credit unions and savings institutions that offer financial services to their members or customers.

Personal loan vs. Home equity loan

A home equity loan functions much like a personal loan in terms of the fact that there is a set period of repayment. The difference between the two types of loans lies in the nature of their collateral; home equity loans are secured by the value of the real estate itself.

Personal loans require some sort of asset as collateral, they are typically used to purchase an item or service that can be converted into cash.

Personal loans vs Auto loans

If you need to borrow money to buy a car, you may be offered an auto or personal loan. Personal loans may be easier to obtain because you will not need proof that you are employed.

The interest rates on auto loans can vary based on factors such as your credit rating and vehicle condition. Auto loans typically require a down payment, while personal loans don’t.

Personal loan vs Business loan

There are many similarities between the two loans, but one of the main differences lies in their purpose. Personal loans are meant to help individuals with their personal needs, while entrepreneurs use business loans to start and expand their businesses.

Personal Loan Information

Do you need collateral for a personal loan?

You can use your car, home, or furniture as collateral for a personal loan. However, you must have considerable credit and pay off the loan in full before the title or property goes back to the lender.

Even if you don’t need collateral, people sometimes choose to pledge personal property as security against a personal loan.

Average apr for a personal loan

Ok, let’s look at the typical APR for a personal loan. The average APR for a personal loan can vary depending on how the lender calculates and reports it.
The average APR for a personal loan depends on how long the borrower has to pay off the loan and the amount borrowed.

According to the Federal Reserve Board, an individual with excellent credit could expect an APR of 17% over 12 months.  An individual with moderate credit could expect a 12% APR on a year-to-year basis.  A person with poor or very poor credit would probably never be approved for a personal loan.

Personal loans are not available to everyone. Credit ratings and loan amounts that would have been approved for a person only a few years ago may not be available now.

The interest rates paid by people approved for personal loans may also vary depending on the borrower’s credit rating, how long they have been in the United States, and the current state of their debt.

Personal loan maximum amount

Another question often asked by those looking to take out a personal loan is:  How much can I borrow? Well, some lenders have a minimum and maximum amount of money they will lend to their customers.

For example, if a person wants to borrow $3500 for the purpose of purchasing a new car, he or she might face rejection by some lenders–or be offered only a lower portion of the requested sum.

With other lenders, however, it’s possible to borrow almost any amount from $100 to $35000. The potential borrower also has the opportunity to negotiate with some lenders in order to get more money than was first offered.

Am I eligible for a personal loan?

There are several criteria you have to meet before being eligible for a personal loan. You need to be a poor credit risk and live in the US. As long as you meet those basic requirements, there aren’t any other rules for eligibility that lenders have to follow.

The factors that most affect your ability to get approved for a personal loan include your income and how much debt you already have – particularly how much credit card debt you may have. Lenders use your income to determine whether they think you’ll be able to repay the loan without defaulting (i.e., missing payments).

Does a personal loan hurt your credit?

If you’re looking at taking out a personal loan and you’re worried it’ll mess up your credit, don’t be.

In general, the more you borrow in order to purchase something, the less credit there will be available for other purposes (like paying off debt). So if you have $10,000 of credit card debt to pay down and use only $4000 to pay for a car or some home improvement project, that could hurt your overall credit.

However, if you have a substantially higher loan amount and attach your title or car as collateral, that can reduce what remains of your credit score.

 

Pros and Cons of Personal Loans

What is the benefit of obtaining a personal loan?

A personal loan can be used for a variety of purposes. Some common uses for a personal loan include consolidating debt, home improvement projects and funding small businesses. Loans can also be used to purchase cars and other major items.

When you use an online lender to get a personal loan, there are many benefits that you will enjoy. You get to skip the waiting room and can complete the entire process at your convenience. The application process is quick and simple, which eliminates an entire step when applying for a personal loan.

It is very important that you know the facts about personal loans before you decide to borrow from a payday lender. Before you sign any agreement or defer any money, ask yourself the following questions.

  1. What are my goals with this loan? Why am I taking out this loan?
  2. How much do I need to borrow? How fast will I pay back the amount I borrow?
  3. How long will it take me to pay off the loan?
  4. Who is offering the personal loan? Does there seem to be anything wrong with their business practices or a history of complaints against them by other victims of their services?

Cons of personal loans

When it comes to taking out a personal loan, there are some drawbacks to consider.
If a borrower stops making the payments on a personal loan, the lender could repossess the secured property (if it’s a car or other valuable item) or foreclose on the home if it is being used as collateral.

Personal loans that are easily accessible also come with higher interest rates than other loans might have.

The cost of more immediate gratification may be greater than delayed gratification when taking out a personal loan. Wise budgeting practices can help borrowers avoid getting into debt by using these types of loans for their purposes.

Personal Loan Requirements

Although all lenders have their own requirements for personal loans, it is important to know the minimum requirements and whether there are special terms and conditions.
Different lenders have different written policies as to what they will accept and how they want you to fill out their application forms.

Lenders may require a cosigner when the applicant’s credit limit is less than or equal to 60% of the loan amount requested.  Lenders might also simply require that the person bring proof of income when applying for a loan.

Other requirements that vary from lender to lender include how much money must be paid each month, how long it will take to get paid back and what expenses are deducted from your loan each month.

What Do You Need To Get a Personal Loan?

To get a personal loan, you will need a valid Social Security number, proof of income and assets, evidence of the loan amount requested, your expected monthly payment in an application format that is acceptable to the lender, and a signed loan agreement.

The lender will also want to see what other sources of credit you have accessed in the past as well as information about any credit accounts you may have opened.  This information will allow them to determine whether you will likely be able to pay back the money you borrowed.

Lenders usually require an applicant for a personal loan to provide a copy of his or her driver’s license and/or state ID card upon initial contact with them.

Personal Loan Application

When applying for a personal loan, it is important to fill out the application correctly. Applications can be filled out online.  It is also important to have all your loan information available when filling out the application.

Personal Loan Processing Time

Although banks and other lenders will state a processing time for personal loan applications, it will take longer than you might expect. This may be due to a high number of applications that must be processed or sent out.  Also, other paperwork may require handling before the application is approved.

Many lenders have what they call an inquiry process that they use while they are reviewing your complete information on file with them.

Where Can I Apply For Personal Loan

You can apply for personal loans at banks, financial institutions, credit unions, and online. You can fill out the application on our website, and we will help you find lenders that you may like.

How To Fill Out a Personal Loan Application

It is important that you put your name, address, and other personal information exactly how it is asked for on the application form.

Make sure you understand all the terms of your loan request before you complete the lender’s application form and sign any documents.

If there are any questions about what information you need to provide, don’t hesitate to ask.

The Bottom Line

Personal loans are widely available, but you need to be prepared for interest rates, fees and the personal loan application process to ensure you get approved for the loan amount that is right for you.