Personal loans can help you overcome financial difficulties, pay off debt quicker, or buy big-ticket items. Personal loans are usually unsecured and can be obtained through credit unions, banks and online lenders.
Many types of personal loans are available, including home improvement loans, debt consolidation loans, and medical loans. However, before applying for a loan, it is important to understand that many steps are involved in the application process. You will be able to anticipate what you can expect and avoid surprises.
- Do the math.
- Your credit score.
- Take into account all options.
- Choose your loan type.
- Compare rates for personal loans.
- Select a lender to apply to.
- Documentation is required
- Accept the loan and begin making payments.
- How to prepare for a loan application
Gather all necessary documents and information before starting the personal loan application process. This will help you get through each step efficiently and quickly receive your funds.
These are some of the items that you might need:
- Personal identification includes a driver’s license, Social Security card, or passport.
- You will need proof of income such as W-2s, paystubs, or tax returns.
- Information about the employer, including the company name, the manager’s name, and the number.
You will need to prove your residence by providing proof of residence, such as a utility bill showing your name and address or a lease agreement.
8 Steps to get a personal loan
A personal loan can be used for many reasons, such as an unexpected medical bill or car repairs. These eight steps will help you apply for a personal loan if you have decided this is the right type.
1. Do the math
You and lenders don’t want you to get a personal loan that you can’t pay back. Although lenders will do their best to ensure you can repay the debt, it is smart to check your finances and ensure it works out.
First, determine how much cash you will need. Remember that lenders may charge an origination fee deducted from your loan proceeds. After paying the fee, ensure you borrow enough money to cover your needs.
To calculate your monthly payments, use a personal loan calculator. It can be hard to know lenders’ rates and repayment terms. However, you can play with the numbers to get a rough idea of the cost of the loan and determine if it is within your budget.
Takeaway:
- Ask your lender if they charge an origination fee before applying for a personal loan.
- If it does, inquire about the cost.
- Calculate how much money you will need after fees and what monthly payments you can afford.
- Next steps: Use Bankrate’s loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments.
2. Examine your credit score
Most lenders will conduct a credit check to determine your ability to repay the loan. Online lenders may now look at other credit data, but they will still look at your credit score.
Personal loans that are the best require you to have at least fair credit. This is usually between 580-669. You will have the best chance to get approved for a loan with a competitive interest rate if you have excellent credit over 670.
You can get a copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com. You will receive a free copy every 12 months of your credit reports from all three credit bureaus. You can check the report to find any errors. You can contact TransUnion, Equifax and Experian, the three major credit reporting agencies, to correct errors.
You may still be eligible for a loan even if your credit score has fallen due to other factors. However, the fees and interest rates may not be worth it. Take steps to improve your credit score before you apply.
The bottom line: A credit score check will help you determine where you are at the moment. Your credit score will determine how likely you are to be approved for a loan. It can also affect your interest rates.
Next, check your credit score. You don’t need a loan immediately if your credit score is below the requirements.
3. Take a look at your options
You may need a cosigner, depending on your creditworthiness, to be approved for a personal loan at a reasonable interest rate. You may be able to obtain a secured personal loan if you are unable to find one or your lenders don’t allow cosigners.
To get better terms, secured loans require collateral. This could be a vehicle or a house, cash in a savings account, or a certificate of deposit. The lender may seize the collateral if you default on the loan repayments.
Also, it would help if you considered where to obtain a personal loan. If you have poor credit, it may be not easy to get approved by traditional banks. Online lenders can work with bad credit borrowers, and many credit unions offer short-term loans as an affordable alternative to payday loans.
If you do not meet the requirements and your purchase cannot be made, you should take the time to improve your credit score to qualify.
Takeaway: A co-signer is needed if you do not meet the requirements to get a loan at a reasonable rate.
Next steps: If your chances of getting approved are slim, you can research the loan options and talk to someone you trust with financial responsibility about becoming your co-signer.
4. Choose your loan type
After you have assessed your credit score and considered all your options, you can decide which loan type is right for you. Some lenders will allow you to use the funds; others may not.
One lender may allow you to take out a personal loan for your small business. But another lender may not allow you to borrow money for business purposes. Finding a lender who will lend you money only for what you need is a good idea.
For different types of loans, such as:
- Consolidating debt: This is the most popular use for personal loans. You can reduce the number of monthly payments that you have to make and get one interest rate (potentially lower).
- The payoff is a company that specializes in credit card refinancing loans. Personal loans are typically cheaper than credit card rates, so a loan can be a great way to pay off your credit card debt and clear it faster.
- Home improvement loans: A home improvement loan might be an option if you want to finance a major renovation without taking out a secured loan.
- Personal loans for medical expenses: A personal loan can greatly reduce your immediate financial burden while also paying down debt for many years.
- You can use emergency loans for many reasons. This type of loan is available for various reasons, including a car accident, smaller medical expenses or a burst pipe.
- Personal loans for weddings: The cost of vacations and weddings can be expensive. You don’t have to worry about the costs of a special occasion. Instead, you can spread your payments over several years.
Takeaway: Look for a lender who offers loans tailored to your needs.
Next steps: Use the Bankrate personal loan marketplace for the best loan deal that suits your needs.
5. Compare rates for personal loans
Do not accept the first offer that you are offered. Instead, shop around to find the best interest rate. To understand your eligibility, compare different loan types and lenders.
Personal loan offers can be found at banks, credit unions, and online lenders. You should check your bank or credit union if you have a long-standing account. Sometimes, if you can show that you have made good financial decisions over the years, your bank or credit union might be willing to overlook any credit problems and offer you a better rate.
You can also get prequalified online by a soft credit check. This won’t affect your credit score. To find out if lenders offer prequalification, check with them. This option will give you a complete understanding of the available rates.
Lenders who don’t offer prequalification will often run hard credit inquiries as part of the loan application process. You can limit the impact of hard inquiries on credit scores by rate shopping within a 45-day window. This will allow you to count them as one inquiry for credit scoring purposes.
The takeaway: Do not accept the first offer that you are offered. To avoid credit damage, compare different lenders and loan types before applying.
Next steps: Compare rates, fees and offers to find a loan at competitive rates. If this is an option, get prequalified.
6. Select a lender to apply
Once you have researched, choose the lender that offers the best deal for your needs and begin the application process.
You may be able to complete the application online depending on which lender you are applying to. Some lenders will require you to apply in person at a bank or credit union branch.
Each lender will require different information. However, you will need to include your name, address, contact information, income, employment, and reason for the loan.
A lender may also ask you to share the amount you wish to borrow. After a soft credit check, the lender may offer you some options. The loan agreement will also be available for you to read, including the fees and repayment period. To avoid any hidden fees or other pitfalls, make sure you carefully read the loan agreement.
The takeaway: Different lenders may have different qualifications requirements and require different information. Some lenders may require you to apply in person, while others allow you to complete the application online.
Next, determine the application process for your chosen lender. Once you’re ready to apply, gather all the information necessary and apply as instructed.
7. Documentation is required
Each lender will have different requirements. After submitting your application, your lender may ask you for additional documentation. You might be asked to upload or fax your most recent pay stub, driver’s licence, or proof of residency.
If the lender requires documentation, it will inform you. The lender will also tell you how to get it. You will get a decision faster if you give the information as soon as possible.
Takeaway: You should be prepared to provide additional documentation if requested during the application process.
Next steps: To speed up the application process, gather pay stubs and proof of residency, driver’s licence information, and W-2s. To get your lender’s decision quickly, submit all required documentation as quickly as possible.
8. Accept the loan offer and begin making payments
Once the lender has notified you, you must sign the loan documents and agree to the terms. You’ll usually receive the loan funds within a week, but online lenders can take it out in as little as one to two days.
Once approved, keep track of your due dates and set up automatic payments from the checking account. If you set up autopayments, some lenders offer interest rate discounts.
Pay more each month. Although personal loans are cheaper than credit cards and can save you money on interest, it’s still a good idea to pay off the loan early. You can save money by adding a small amount to your monthly payment.
The good news is that you could get the funds within one to two days of being approved and agreeing to the terms. After you have been approved, you can start to plan how you will pay off your balance.
Next steps: Make a plan for your monthly payments and pay off your loan. To save interest, consider automatic payments. You might also want to pay more each month.
Tips to speed up the process
You want the money fast if you are looking for a personal loan. These tips will help you avoid delays in applying for a personal loan.
Before applying for a personal loan, check your credit report. Before you apply for personal loans, it is important to know your credit score. A personal loan with a lower interest rate can be easier for those with good credit. It is important to spot and fix errors as soon as possible so that you don’t have any problems later when applying for a loan. Reduce your debt. Paying off debt can help you raise your credit score.
Talk to your financial institution. A customer who has had a long-standing, positive relationship with a bank or credit union might be more likely to apply for a personal loan.
Get prequalified. Prequalification is a process you can go through with some lenders without passing a credit check. Before applying, you can get a rough idea of the loan terms and rates to help you decide if it is worth it.
Online lenders are worth considering. Online lenders often offer quick loan approvals, and funds can be deposited into your bank account in a matter of days if approved.
You can pick up loan funds in person. Ask your lender if you can pick up funds at a branch if they have one.
How to get the best personal loan rates
Online lenders, credit unions, and banks can offer personal loans. It can be not easy to find the right product with the right terms and interest rates for you. You can sign up for a Bankrate Account to be prequalified for personal loans in less than two minutes. Also, you can compare interest rates and fees.
