
The best personal loan rates are typically reserved for those with the highest credit scores. Some lenders offer a prequalification process, which lets you see what rates and terms you may be eligible for without impacting your credit score. The interest rate you receive determines the overall cost of your loan. Shorter terms can help you repay your debt faster and save money on interest longer terms make for more affordable monthly payments but you’ll pay more in interest over time. Much like loan amounts, different lenders also offer different repayment periods. When comparing lenders, make sure your preferred lender offers loan amounts that cover your needs. Be sure to confirm a lender’s minimum qualification requirements before applying to understand your chances of approval. Lenders consider your credit score, income, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and overall credit history when determining your eligibility. For example, you typically can’t use personal loan funds for business purposes or higher education. While you can generally use personal loans for any legal personal expense, some lenders place restrictions. How to Compare Personal LoansĬonsider these factors when comparing personal loans: You can find unsecured loans through banks, credit unions and online lenders. However, this means that lenders typically charge higher interest rates and enforce more stringent qualification requirements. Unsecured personal loans require no collateral, meaning you don’t have to pledge a personal asset to secure the loan. However, a select few online lenders may offer them.

Secured personal loans are most commonly found through traditional banks and credit unions. Lenders typically offer flexible qualification requirements and lower interest rates because the collateral reduces the financial risk prospective borrowers pose. Secured personal loans require collateral, which is something of value that the lender can repossess if you default. There are two main types of personal loans: secured and unsecured. That said, available APRs vary by lender, and only the most qualified borrowers can access the lowest rates. Current personal loan rates range from around 4% to 36%, with the average hovering around 10% throughout 2022. A good interest rate on a personal loan is one that is lower than the national average.
