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Personal Loans Articles

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Compare Loan Companies for Every Loan Type
Apr. 28, 2021
3 min read

Compare Loan Companies for Every Loan Type

There are many types of personal loans, sometimes also referred to as signature loans, available from online lenders. Although most loan providers offer more than one loan type, each usually has one area in which it specializes.

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Compare Our Top 5 Personal Loan Lenders of {year}
Mar. 03, 2021
3 min read

Compare Our Top 5 Personal Loan Lenders of 2021

Whether you are taking out a personal loan to better your debt situation or you’re finally getting the kitchen remodel you’ve been dreaming of, the lender you choose is important. The right lender and rate could save you thousands over the lifetime of your personal loan.

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Should You Use a Personal Loan to Help Pay Off Your Student Debt?
Feb. 02, 2021
2 min read

Should You Use a Personal Loan to Help Pay Off Your Student Debt?

So, you have student debt? You’re not alone, according to the latest Federal Reserve data, which shows that Americans owe more than $1.5 trillion on student loans. Among the Class of ’16, average debt at graduation topped $30,000 in 17 states, according to the Institute for College and Success’s 12th Annual Student Debt Report.

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Cover Your Medical Expenses with These Personal Loan Providers
Feb. 02, 2021
3 min read

Cover Your Medical Expenses with These Personal Loan Providers

High medical costs can add insult to injury when you're recovering from a medical emergency. Even people who have medical insurance can find themselves struggling with high copays, an insurance company that refuses to pay up, or simply face a long delay until insurance payments are approved.

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7 Signs an Online Loan Company is Legitimate
Feb. 02, 2021
2 min read

7 Signs an Online Loan Company is Legitimate

There are plenty of ways to borrow money. A popular choice is to go with an online personal loan provider. If you do not like the terms of a traditional lender, like a large bank, or you don’t have the credit score required, there is likely a non-traditional online lender that will approve your loan application.

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What It’s Really Like to Take out a Personal Loan: Tips and Tricks From 3 Borrowers
Feb. 02, 2021
4 min read

What It’s Really Like to Take out a Personal Loan: Tips and Tricks From 3 Borrowers

If you haven’t applied for a personal loan before, you may not know what to expect. Thankfully, the process is pretty straightforward at most online lenders. Once you’ve decided on a lender, you usually just have to fill out a quick application. Then, the lender makes a decision and, if you’re approved, deposits funds into your account a handful of days later.

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The Dos and Don'ts for Borrowing Money During a Crisis - Professionals Weigh In
Feb. 02, 2021
2 min read

The Dos and Don'ts for Borrowing Money During a Crisis - Professionals Weigh In

This new reality that we’re experiencing is changing everything, including the way we borrow money. We asked leading finance professionals to present the good and the bad options for American households and businesses seeking a loan.

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Find the Right Home Improvement Loan for You
Feb. 02, 2021
4 min read

Find the Right Home Improvement Loan for You

If you’re looking to make renovations but don’t yet have the cash flow, a home improvement loan is a solid way to get the funds you need, with terms that won’t hurt your wallet.

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Everything You Wanted to Know About Personal Loans But Were Too Afraid to Ask
Feb. 02, 2021
2 min read

Everything You Wanted to Know About Personal Loans But Were Too Afraid to Ask

Taking the time to research—and in particular getting some advice—can help you make sure you get a personal loan that gives you some financial relief, without getting yourself further into debt with high fees and interest rates.

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A Guide to Finding a Personal Loan with a Cosigner
Feb. 02, 2021
2 min read

A Guide to Finding a Personal Loan with a Cosigner

If you have less than ideal credit or no collateral to put down, it can be difficult to get a personal loan with a low interest rate. This is where cosigning a loan can really help. With a low credit score (620 or lower), you stand to face some real reluctance, if not just flat out rejection, with many lending houses. Even if you are approved you stand to pay a high interest rate of 15% or higher.

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10 Personal Finance Habits That Will Set You Up For Financial Security
Feb. 02, 2021
4 min read

10 Personal Finance Habits That Will Set You Up For Financial Security

Good personal finance habits aren’t only about saving money. They are about building patterns of behavior that keep you in control of your money, whether you choose to spend it, save it, or give it away.

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How to Find the Right Loan for You Based on Your Credit Score
Feb. 02, 2021
3 min read

How to Find the Right Loan for You Based on Your Credit Score

Many people seek out personal loans without really understanding the mechanics behind the process. Getting accepted by a lender for a personal loan is determined by several factors, some of which you may not have control over.

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Personal Loans: Are They Always a Good Idea?
Feb. 02, 2021
3 min read

Personal Loans: Are They Always a Good Idea?

If you’re in need of a large sum of money to pay off credit-card debt or fund a large purchase, a personal loan can be a tempting option.

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Personal Loans 101
Feb. 02, 2021
4 min read

Personal Loans 101

From peer-to-peer lenders and micro loan websites to major brick and mortar banks, there are plenty of avenues for you to find your personal loan.

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Compare 5 Long-Term Personal Loan Lenders
Feb. 02, 2021
4 min read

Compare 5 Long-Term Personal Loan Lenders

A long-term personal loan is essentially any loan with a repayment period longer than around 3 years. Long-term personal loans usually offer higher loan amounts, lower interest rates, and are frequently secured to some item of collateral, such as your home or your car. Unsecured long-term personal loans will not have lower rates or higher loan amounts because the risk to the lender is still high.

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Compare These 5 Personal Loan Providers If You Have Bad Credit
Feb. 02, 2021
4 min read

Compare These 5 Personal Loan Providers If You Have Bad Credit

Getting a personal loan with bad credit can be tough, but thanks to a few specialist lenders it’s a lot easier than you may think. When a lender assesses a personal loan application, they usually start with the applicant’s credit score. If the applicant has bad credit, this tells the lender there’s a high risk of them not repaying the loan in full.

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5 Excellent Providers of Short-Term Personal Loans
Feb. 02, 2021
4 min read

5 Excellent Providers of Short-Term Personal Loans

Short-term loans are generally unsecured personal loans that have repayment terms of 3 years or fewer.

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These are the Top 3 Personal Loans for Debt Consolidation Loans
Feb. 02, 2021
2 min read

These are the Top 3 Personal Loans for Debt Consolidation Loans

If you need a personal loan to consolidate credit card debt, there are plenty of lenders who can help you pay off your debt faster and more efficiently.

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These 7 Essential Budgeting Tips Will Help You Save Money for What Really Matters
Nov. 28, 2020
3 min read

These 7 Essential Budgeting Tips Will Help You Save Money for What Really Matters

Having an effective budget means you'll be able to save money and feel more secure so that you can splurge on things like a fancy meal with friends without worrying that it might have pushed you into the red.

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No Credit Check Loans: Reasons to Avoid Them and the Alternatives Available
Nov. 12, 2020
3 min read

No Credit Check Loans: Reasons to Avoid Them and the Alternatives Available

When you need instant cash, it might be tempting to take whatever loan you can—including a no credit check loan. But before taking this or any other type of loan, you should understand the loan you’re getting, and how it might affect your financial future.

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The Top Personal Loan Providers for Funding Holiday Purchases
Nov. 12, 2020
3 min read

The Top Personal Loan Providers for Funding Holiday Purchases

‘Tis the season for early holiday gift shopping–and for figuring out how to fund all those expensive purchases.

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How to Make This Your Last Personal Loan And Set Yourself Up for Financial Security
Nov. 12, 2020
2 min read

How to Make This Your Last Personal Loan And Set Yourself Up for Financial Security

If you’re in the market for a personal loan, you’re not the only one. Personal loans are the fastest-growing consumer credit product in the United States, thanks to low unemployment, supportive regulations, and the rise of online lenders.

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Compare Recommended Personal Loan Providers for Students
Nov. 12, 2020
2 min read

Compare Recommended Personal Loan Providers for Students

If, like most undergrads, you’re defined as a “dependent student,” you’re entitled to borrow up to $5,500 in federal student loans (also known as Stafford Loans) in your freshman year, $6,500 in your sophomore year, and $7,500 in both your junior and senior years.

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How to Find the Right Loan For You
Nov. 11, 2020
1 min read

How to Find the Right Loan For You

Now that you’ve decided to take out a loan, how do you decide which type is the right personal loan for you? The first question to ask yourself is, “What is this loan for?” Is it for a small business or personal use? Is it to pay for a big expense, like a wedding or a car, or to cover personal expenditures? Is it to help you buy a home? The loan’s purpose will impact which type of loan is right.

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The Millennial's Guide to Being a Grown Up With Money
Nov. 10, 2020
4 min read

The Millennial's Guide to Being a Grown Up With Money

Millennials have more positive opportunities than Baby Boomers and Gen Xers did. Millennials have a wealth of internet knowledge at their fingertips and more flexibility and benefits than previous generations.

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The Dos and Don’ts of Taking Out a Personal Loan
Nov. 10, 2020
4 min read

The Dos and Don’ts of Taking Out a Personal Loan

Taking out a personal loan can be a smart and highly-effective way to consolidate your debt, which is the most common reason to take out such a loan, or you can also use one to get the funds necessary to pay for a sudden expense. You might need to deal with an emergency, pay for a large household expense, or just cover a temporary personal cash-flow issue.

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Professional Tips on How to Manage Your Money During Chaotic Times
Nov. 09, 2020
2 min read

Professional Tips on How to Manage Your Money During Chaotic Times

We gathered four leading professionals on personal finance to discuss the state of the economy, how it affects American households and what you can do to keep your head above water during this high tide.

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Looking for a Pool Loan? Compare These Lenders
Nov. 09, 2020
2 min read

Looking for a Pool Loan? Compare These Lenders

If you love the idea of adding a pool to your home but don’t have the financial means to do so, a personal loan can be a good option for making your dream come true.

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This 7-Step Guide Will Ensure You Choose a Personal Loan Provider You Can Trust
Nov. 06, 2020
3 min read

This 7-Step Guide Will Ensure You Choose a Personal Loan Provider You Can Trust

Getting a personal loan can be a long and complex process. Ideally, your personal loan will help you to make the purchases you need or cope with emergencies and not be a source of debt and anxiety.

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SoFi vs. Marcus: Which Personal Loans Company is Right for You?
Nov. 06, 2020
3 min read

SoFi vs. Marcus: Which Personal Loans Company is Right for You?

The choice of reliable, reputable online loan companies that offer good rates, high-level customer service, and fast turnaround times for personal loans is greater than ever. We put SoFi and Marcus head to head to evaluate their application process, loan terms, eligibility requirements, fees, security, and customer service so that online borrowers can choose which one is right for them.

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Short Repayment Terms vs. Longer Loans: How They Work and Which is Right For You
Nov. 06, 2020
2 min read

Short Repayment Terms vs. Longer Loans: How They Work and Which is Right For You

The monthly cost of a personal loan is determined by 3 factors: loan amount, interest rate, and loan term. The bank decides the interest rate based on your credit score and other factors (and tacks on fees to form your APR). Assuming we hold loan amount and interest rate constant, the size of your monthly payments will be determined by the duration of your loan, also known as the loan term.

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Learn How to Make the Most of the New FICO Credit Score Formula
Nov. 06, 2020
2 min read

Learn How to Make the Most of the New FICO Credit Score Formula

Your FICO credit score is a big deal. The slightest change in your score can mean the difference between loan approval or rejection, or between a good or bad interest rate. That’s why it’s important to understand how FICO’s new credit rating scale will affect you – and what you can do to emerge stronger.

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Direct Lenders vs. Lending Marketplaces: What’s the Difference and Which is Right for You?
Nov. 05, 2020
2 min read

Direct Lenders vs. Lending Marketplaces: What’s the Difference and Which is Right for You?

Direct lenders provide personal loans and other lending products directly to consumers. The big banks used to dominate the direct lending space, but online lenders have grabbed a significant portion of the market share in recent years. Online lending marketplaces leverage powerful algorithms to match consumers with the direct lenders that meet their needs.

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Find the Right Unsecured Personal Loan for You
Nov. 05, 2020
4 min read

Find the Right Unsecured Personal Loan for You

Sometimes you may need to secure a loan and find this easier said than done. A popular option is to look for unsecured personal loans—offered by many personal loan companies. These are often easier to get than secured loans, though there are some guidelines to keep in mind before moving forward.

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Compare Different Secured Personal Loans of {year}
Nov. 05, 2020
4 min read

Compare Different Secured Personal Loans of 2021

A secured personal loan is called that because the loan is secured by some form of collateral. Unsecured personal loans rely on your personal credit score, financial history, and debt load to determine whether you can be eligible for a loan or not.

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Compare Personal Loan Options for Military Veterans
Oct. 26, 2020
2 min read

Compare Personal Loan Options for Military Veterans

Getting back to civilian life can be tough for military veterans, and financial issues can often arise. Many vets find that without the regular service pay and benefits, they may not have the funds they need, and that when it comes to job experience, their service often doesn’t help them put together the type of resume that employers are looking for.

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The 7 Recommended Loans for People with Bad Credit
Oct. 22, 2020
3 min read

The 7 Recommended Loans for People with Bad Credit

Bad credit can make loan providers wary of lending money to you. Personal unsecured loans, which are the fastest and easiest type of borrowing, might not be open to your credit score but there are other ways to access money if you need it in an emergency, to cover temporary cash flow issues or to pay for a large purchase. Here are 7 of the best types of loans to turn to if you have bad credit.

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Do You Have Good Credit? Check Out These Personal Loan Companies
Oct. 22, 2020
2 min read

Do You Have Good Credit? Check Out These Personal Loan Companies

When you apply for a personal loan, one of the factors that stands above all others in determining your rate is your credit score. The higher your credit score, the lower the rate. Generally speaking, a good credit score should be enough to qualify for an interest rate below the national average of 10.1%. An excellent credit score is needed to qualify for the lowest APRs of 5%-7%.

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6 Steps Towards Getting a Competitive Personal Loan with Low Rates
Oct. 22, 2020
3 min read

6 Steps Towards Getting a Competitive Personal Loan with Low Rates

What do you do when extra expenses come knocking and you just don’t have the money? You can borrow against your house or car, but then there’s a risk of losing your collateral. If you get an unsecured personal loan that risk is eliminated - but because it’s a riskier loan for the lender than a secured loan, you end up with higher interest rates and fees.

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How to Get the Most Out of Personal Loan Interest Rates
Oct. 22, 2020
2 min read

How to Get the Most Out of Personal Loan Interest Rates

Whether it's for purchasing a car or house, consolidating debt or for general expenses, you may be considering taking out a personal loan. Personal loans can be secured or unsecured, at fixed or variable rates, and range from as little as several hundred dollars to $100,000 for major expenses.

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5 Ways You Can Rebuild Your Bad Credit Score
Oct. 21, 2020
2 min read

5 Ways You Can Rebuild Your Bad Credit Score

Your credit score reflects your financial health, and you probably only notice it when it’s bad. Every adult in the US has a 3-digit credit ranking that shows whether their credit is good or bad. A credit score of over 680 is considered good or excellent, whereas a credit score under 600 is below average. A poor credit score of 580 or lower can seriously affect your life.

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Secured vs. Unsecured Loans in a Nutshell
Oct. 21, 2020
1 min read

Secured vs. Unsecured Loans in a Nutshell

If you need some extra funds, one of the most important things to know is the best type of personal loan for your needs. When it comes to personal loans, there are 2 major categories that you will come across: secured loans and unsecured loans.

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SoFi-Wealth: The Wealth Management Platform for the Average Joe
Sep. 09, 2020
2 min read

SoFi-Wealth: The Wealth Management Platform for the Average Joe

In its latest move towards educating and empowering its customers, leading personal loan provider SoFi has introduced SoFi Wealth, a native wealth management platform. But, what is SoFi Wealth all about, how does it work, and what makes it different than the rest?

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Personal Loans for Bankrupts: How to Get Back on Your Feet
Sep. 09, 2020
4 min read

Personal Loans for Bankrupts: How to Get Back on Your Feet

Declaring bankruptcy used to carry stigma, but today declaring bankruptcy is mainly seen as a necessary step taken to repair financial well-being. While it does afford you a fresh start, it also brings new issues to contend with.

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The Smart Way to Repay Your Loan
Aug. 06, 2020
2 min read

The Smart Way to Repay Your Loan

The best strategy for paying off a personal loan can be summed up in one word: preparation. No 2 borrowers are equal, and a loan perfectly suited to one person could easily be a cause of stress for another. That’s why it’s crucial to be prepared. Before taking out a personal loan, it’s important to figure out what you need the money for, how much you need, and how you plan to pay it back.

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How Long Does it Really Take to Get Approved for a Personal Loan?
Aug. 06, 2020
3 min read

How Long Does it Really Take to Get Approved for a Personal Loan?

If you’re waiting for approval for a personal loan, you’re likely eager to find out that you’ll be approved. Although it feels like it takes a long time, when you think about what needs to be done, approval for a personal loan actually happens relatively fast.

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5 Facts About Personal Loans You Need to Know
Aug. 06, 2020
2 min read

5 Facts About Personal Loans You Need to Know

More Americans are using personal loans in 2018 than at any other time in history, thanks largely to the rise of online lenders. To understand why, take a look at how online lending is re-shaping the personal loans market and the other trends that are helping borrowers to save on personal loan rates – and to favor personal loans over other lending products.

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How to Use a Personal Loan to Finance Your Wedding
Aug. 06, 2020
2 min read

How to Use a Personal Loan to Finance Your Wedding

The cost of planning a wedding has climbed high, making it difficult for the average Jane to make a wedding on the average monthly salary. For this reason, more people are turning to personal loan services to fund their wedding.

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Why Payday Loans Are a Bad Idea and What You Can Do Instead
Aug. 06, 2020
2 min read

Why Payday Loans Are a Bad Idea and What You Can Do Instead

A payday loan (or cash advance loan) is a high-interest loan that borrowers can turn to when they have an immediate need for cash. Payday loans are usually for small amounts (anything from $50-$1,000), and are offered by non-bank lenders and marketed mainly to low-income customers.

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SoFi Community: This Loan Provider Wants to Take You Out For Drinks
Aug. 06, 2020
3 min read

SoFi Community: This Loan Provider Wants to Take You Out For Drinks

How would you like it if your loan provider invited you out for drinks? Maybe yoga is more your speed? That's no problem. If you're working with SoFi, you can find any number of events that may appeal to you. But, since when do money-lenders get involved in the private lives of their customers? When your name is Social Finance, it shouldn’t come as a big surprise.

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What to Look For When Applying for a Personal Loan
Aug. 06, 2020
3 min read

What to Look For When Applying for a Personal Loan

Taking out a personal loan can be a wise decision if you’re looking to consolidate debt or make a purchase that you simply don’t have the funds to make at the moment.

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Personal Loans vs Credit Cards: Which Should You Choose?
Aug. 06, 2020
2 min read

Personal Loans vs Credit Cards: Which Should You Choose?

Maintaining financial security isn’t just a matter of making all your expenses every month, it also means clearing enough to put some away for a rainy day or for major purchases down the road.

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Paying Off a Loan Early: Should You or Shouldn’t You?
Aug. 06, 2020
2 min read

Paying Off a Loan Early: Should You or Shouldn’t You?

A personal loan is typically a small loan ranging from several hundred dollars to as much as $100,000. These are more likely to be unsecured loans. That is, the borrower wasn’t required to put down any collateral, but typically pays a higher interest rate to compensate for the risk the lender is taking.

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Get the Lowdown on How to Calculate Your Credit Score
Aug. 06, 2020
1 min read

Get the Lowdown on How to Calculate Your Credit Score

If you’ve ever applied for a loan, tried to buy a large item on a financing plan, or have a credit card, you’ll have been asked about your credit score. Your credit score is a way of measuring how financially responsible you are so that banks and other lenders can decide how risky it is to give you a loan.

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Consumers Turning to Personal Loans Over Credit Cards
Aug. 06, 2020
1 min read

Consumers Turning to Personal Loans Over Credit Cards

The number of people taking out loans in the US has been steadily on the rise in the years since the mortgage crisis. As the economy recovers, more consumers are avoiding traditional credit alternatives in favor of better deals and safer terms thanks to new loan options.

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Online Personal Loans vs. Traditional Bank Loans: Which is Better for You?
Aug. 06, 2020
3 min read

Online Personal Loans vs. Traditional Bank Loans: Which is Better for You?

Online lending has become a booming industry in recent years, providing loans to countless people who prefer the ease, speed, and competitive rates of online lenders.

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How Are Interest Rates and APR Percentages Calculated?
Aug. 06, 2020
2 min read

How Are Interest Rates and APR Percentages Calculated?

Before you head to the bank to take out a loan for a new car, small business or other investments, take the time to fully understand how your interest rate is calculated. This will help you to better understand your loan terms and conditions with your bank, and put you in a better position to negotiate your rates.

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These Simple Steps Can Help You Improve Your Credit Score
Aug. 04, 2020
2 min read

These Simple Steps Can Help You Improve Your Credit Score

Applying for a term loan can be difficult and tedious, not to mention all the different eligibility criteria. Applying for a loan? Be aware of the debt-to-income limit. Business loan? Let’s hope you’re making more than the minimum monthly revenue. Personal loan? Get ready to reveal your annual income.

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How Much Will the Fed’s Near-Zero Rates Actually Help Borrowers?
Mar. 24, 2020
3 min read

How Much Will the Fed’s Near-Zero Rates Actually Help Borrowers?

Here is proof that even the darkest clouds have a silver lining. As humanity faces its greatest challenge this century, one small upshot is that borrowing costs will fall.

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Personal Loans to Become Cheaper as Fed Cuts Interest Rates
Feb. 25, 2020
2 min read

Personal Loans to Become Cheaper as Fed Cuts Interest Rates

Personal loans are the fastest growing form of consumer credit in the United States and they’re about to become even more popular.

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Lending Club vs. Prosper: Which Lender is Best for You?
Feb. 16, 2020
3 min read

Lending Club vs. Prosper: Which Lender is Best for You?

Today, there are more lenders and funding options available than ever. From debt consolidation to innovation funding, borrowers look toward these resources for financial help. With thousands of lenders to choose from, how can you tell which one is the best fit for your needs? Compare LendingClub and Prosper, 2 reputable lenders, to see which one comes out ahead in this head-to-head comparison.

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The One Hack That Will Instantly Boost Your Credit Score
Dec. 08, 2019
3 min read

The One Hack That Will Instantly Boost Your Credit Score

What if there were something you could do to instantly improve your credit score, possibly by more than 20 points? That something, according to a new TransUnion study, is a debt consolidation loan. Read on to find out how.

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LightStream vs. SoFi: Which Lender is Best If You Have Good Credit?
Aug. 06, 2019
3 min read

LightStream vs. SoFi: Which Lender is Best If You Have Good Credit?

The financial services industry of today is full of companies promising easily approved loans with good rates no matter what your credit’s like. These companies advertise loans for people with credit scores hovering around 500, who don’t have a cosigner or assets to put up for collateral, but need some financial assistance, at least in the short term.

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Best Egg vs LendingClub: Which Loan Provider Comes Out On Top?
Aug. 06, 2019
3 min read

Best Egg vs LendingClub: Which Loan Provider Comes Out On Top?

In a world where financial crisis is a commonly-used term, knowing a good lender can make the difference to someone struggling with their own financial situation.

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Top 8 Warning Signs of a Lending Scam
Jul. 31, 2019
2 min read

Top 8 Warning Signs of a Lending Scam

A personal loan is a loan for all seasons, and lenders will let you use them for virtually anything. Planning to consolidate debt, make home improvements, or go on a long vacation? A personal loan isn’t the only way to get funding, but it is generally the simplest and quickest way to borrow at a potentially single-digit interest rate.

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