If you’re ready to take the next step towards improving your financial security, getting a personal loan may be just what you need. Whether it’s for consolidating debt, making home repairs, or any other worthwhile expense, the idea of securing a loan can seem overwhelming. But with some smart planning and research, it’s actually quite doable. In this post, we will discuss how to approach the process of getting a personal loan in six easy steps, from choosing a lender and figuring out how much you need to calculate interest rates and understanding repayment schedules. Let’s get started!

What is a Personal Loan?

First things first, let’s define what a personal loan is. A personal loan is an unsecured form of borrowing that typically comes with a fixed interest rate and repayment terms. It can be used to cover any number of expenses, such as home repairs, medical bills, or debt consolidation. Personal loans usually have a lower interest rate than credit cards, which makes them a more financially feasible option for many situations.

6 Steps to Getting a Personal Loan

Now that you know what a personal loan is, let’s look at the steps for getting one.

Step 1: Check Your Credit Score

Before you apply for a personal loan, knowing where you stand financially is essential. One way to determine this is by checking your credit score. A high credit score not only increases your chances of being approved for a loan but also gives you access to lower interest rates.

Credit scores can be categorized as follows:

• Excellent credit: 720 and higher 
• Good credit: 690-719 
• Fair or average credit: 630-689 
• Bad credit: 300-629

If your credit score falls on the lower end of the spectrum, don’t worry. There are steps you can take to improve it. Start by reviewing your credit report for any errors that may negatively impact your score. You can request a free credit report and dispute any inaccuracies, such as wrongly reported missed payments. This can help boost your creditworthiness and improve your loan chances.

Step 2: Determine How Much You Want to Borrow

Now, let’s figure out how much money you need to borrow. It’s important to factor in any fees that the lender may charge. These fees, known as origination fees, can range from 1% to 10% of the loan amount and are usually subtracted from the loan itself.

To understand the interest rate and monthly payments you might expect on a personal loan, take a closer look at your loan amount and credit score.

The length of the loan term is also a key factor in determining the overall cost of the loan. While opting for a longer loan term can lead to lower monthly payments, keep in mind that you’ll pay more in interest over time.

We recommend using a loan calculator to find an accurate estimate of your payments. There are various free loan calculators available online that can help you determine the best loan terms for your situation.

Step 3: Get Pre-Qualified

When you pre-qualify for a personal loan, lenders will show you the offers they have for you. Don’t worry, a lot of online lenders and even some banks will only do a soft credit check during pre-qualification, so it won’t hurt your credit score. To pre-qualify, you usually just need to give some basic information about yourself, like your name, birthday, income, and why you need the loan.

The great thing about pre-qualifying with multiple lenders is that you can see different interest rates and payment amounts to compare and find the best deal for you. If you want to boost your chances of getting approved, you could consider getting a co-signed or secured personal loan. This means bringing in someone with good credit or using an asset as collateral. It could help you qualify for the loan or snag a lower interest rate.

Just one thing to keep in mind: if you can’t pay back the loan, both the co-signer and the collateral might be affected. So make sure you weigh the risks carefully.

Step 4: Shop Around and Compare Lenders

When it comes to personal loans, you’ve got options! Online lenders, banks, and credit unions all offer personal loans. But don’t settle with the first one you find – it’s worth it to shop around and compare what different lenders can offer you in terms of loan amounts, monthly payments, and interest rates.

Online lenders are the way to go if you’re looking for convenience. With just a few clicks, you can pre-qualify, apply, and receive funds online. Plus, lenders like SoFi, Happy Money, and Best Egg are known for their speedy funding and willingness to work with borrowers of all credit scores.

On the other hand, if you prefer the familiarity of a traditional bank, PNC, Discover, and Wells Fargo offer unsecured personal loans. And if you happen to have an account with them already, you may enjoy the benefits of flexible loan terms and rate discounts. If you have good to excellent credit, there’s even more good news! Take a look at your current options and see what kind of personal loan you can secure.

Here’s a little tip: credit unions can be a real game-changer, especially if your credit score isn’t the best. They often offer lower interest rates and more flexible terms. Plus, if you only need a small loan, like $2,500 or less, credit unions are your go-to. Just remember, you usually have to be a member to apply for a loan. When you apply, brace yourself for a thorough credit score check. It could dip a little, but it’s worth it for that loan you need.

Step 5: Always Read the Fine Print

When considering a loan, it’s essential to understand the terms and have all your questions answered before signing. Here’s what you should watch out for:

1. Fees: While prepayment penalties are uncommon, lenders may have other fees like origination and late payment fees. Make sure to be aware of them.

2. Automatic Withdrawals: If your lender automatically withdraws loan payments from your checking account, setting up a low-balance alert with your bank is a good idea. This will help you avoid overdraft fees.

3. APR surprises: The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) should clearly indicate the total cost of your loan, including the interest and any origination fees. It’s crucial that this information is disclosed in a transparent manner.

Also, keep an eye out for lenders who offer loan features that are friendly to consumers. For example, find ones that report your payments to the three major credit bureaus, allow you to change your payment date if needed, or even send the funds you borrow directly to your creditors on debt consolidation loans. These perks can make a big difference in the long run.

Step 6: Put in an Application

Ready to apply for your loan? Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Identification: Make sure to have your passport, driver’s license, state ID, or Social Security card handy.

2. Verification of address: Bring along utility bills or a lease agreement to confirm where you live.

3. Proof of income: Don’t forget to include your latest pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns.

When you apply for a loan, the lender will check your credit score, which might cause a temporary dip of a few points. This check will be recorded on your credit report for two years. If your loan application is approved, you can expect to receive the funds within a week, as per the lender’s agreement. Once you have the money, creating a repayment plan and staying on top of your personal loan payments is important.

What to Do After Your Application is Accepted

Congratulations on getting approved! Now, it’s important to remember that personal loans are serious financial commitments, and you need to keep your end of the agreement. Pay attention to when payments are due and always make them as scheduled. This will help you maintain a good credit score over time.

Also, be mindful of loan consolidation options if you want to lower your total loan costs. Finally, if you ever feel overwhelmed by debt, don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are qualified financial counselors who can offer guidance and potential solutions for managing your finances or even repaying your loan.

Pro Tip: Always Review the Loan Terms and Sign the Agreement!

When you’ve found the loan that works for you, review all of the terms carefully and make sure it’s a good fit. This is your last chance to negotiate terms with the lender before signing on the dotted line. Once everything looks good, go ahead and sign the agreement – this binds you to abide by the loan’s terms, so make sure you understand what you’re getting into.

Can Anyone Apply for a Personal Loan?

Yes, anyone can apply for a personal loan – but you’ll need to meet certain criteria to qualify. Generally, you must have a steady source of income and be able to demonstrate your creditworthiness. This means having a good credit score or providing collateral or co-signers.

What Do People Typically Get Personal Loans For?

Personal loans are used for various reasons – home improvements and paying off credit cards and medical bills. The most popular uses are wedding expenses, debt consolidation, and vacations. People also use them to finance cars or start businesses.

Does My Credit Have to Be Perfect for My Application to Be Accepted?

No, it doesn’t have to be perfect for your application to be accepted. Many lenders offer unsecured personal loans regardless of your credit score, and some may even consider applicants with a score as low as 600. But the higher your credit score is, the more likely you are to qualify for lower interest rates and better repayment terms.

So don’t let a few credit hiccups discourage you. With some savvy research and strategic planning, you can secure the right loan for your financial needs – all without breaking a sweat.

What Do I Do if My Application is Rejected?

If your loan application is denied, don’t give up. A rejection doesn’t mean you can never get a loan. It just means that the lender didn’t think it was a good fit for you at this time. If you want to try again, go back to step one and work on improving your credit score or finding a co-signer or collateral to use as security.

Keep in mind that there are lenders out there willing to work with less-than-perfect credit, so you just have to be persistent in your search for the right one. With a little patience and research, getting a personal loan is possible! Good luck on your journey to financial freedom.

Alternatives to Personal Loans:

Sometimes, a personal loan may not be the best option for your situation. You might want to consider other alternatives like credit cards (for short-term financing needs) or borrowing money from family and friends. Before choosing any of these options, make sure you understand all the terms involved and create an appropriate repayment plan.

The Bottom Line

Taking out a personal loan can be a great way to fund your aspirations. While obtaining one may seem daunting, if you stay organized and look for the best rate, everything should go as planned. With that in mind, ensure you have all your documents ready beforehand and read through the loan agreement terms carefully before signing anything. Taking the time to shop around for the best rate and paying particular attention to the small details are critical in successfully acquiring a personal loan – no matter your individual needs. Ultimately, with patience and planning, you should be able to secure a financial instrument geared toward helping you reach your goals as effectively as possible. Here’s wishing you all the best in getting what works for you!

Key Takeaways:

• A personal loan can be a great way to fund your aspirations.
• Ensure you have all your documents ready when applying for a loan.
• A credit score is an important factor in the approval process.
• Take the time to shop around for the best rate and read the terms carefully before signing anything.
• Alternatives to personal loans include credit cards and borrowing money from family and friends.
• With patience and planning, you should be able to secure the loan that works for you!