Many national and local banks offer personal loans that can be used to consolidate debt, to make home improvements or for other large expenses. Bank loans range from $1,000 to $100,000 and can have low interest rates as well as perks for existing customers — making them a smart option for borrowers.
Here are five steps to guide you through the process of getting a personal loan from a bank.
» COMPARE: Best bank loans
1. Check whether you qualify for a bank loan
Before applying for a bank loan, see if you qualify. Some banks lend only to current customers or those with a preapproved offer.
Most banks require applicants to have good to excellent credit (a score from the mid-600s or higher), though some banks may accept borrowers with fair credit (a score from the mid-500s to the low 600s).
Banks may evaluate your debt-to-income ratio and whether you have enough cash flow to take on new debt. Though most banks don’t disclose a maximum, 36% or lower is generally considered a good DTI.
One of the best ways to check your eligibility for a loan is to pre-qualify with the bank. Pre-qualifying only takes a few minutes and won’t hurt your credit score. The process involves filling out a quick application to see what rate, loan amount and repayment term you may be eligible for.
Not all banks offer this option, though. If your bank doesn’t, call customer service and ask about eligibility criteria. Try to get as much detail as you can, including any minimum credit score and income requirements.
2. Compare rates and terms on bank loans
Even if you have a bank in mind, it’s still important to compare loans from different lenders to ensure you find the best option.
The annual percentage rate, which includes interest and any fees, is the best way to compare a loan’s cost. Finding the lowest APR can mean significant savings.
For example, if one bank offers a $20,000, four-year loan at 18% APR, you’ll make monthly payments of $587.50 and pay $8,200 in interest. But if another lender offers the same loan at 12% APR, you’ll make monthly payments of $527 and pay only $5,280 in interest.
Many banks list their APR ranges on their websites. Here are the personal loan rates of some of the banks we review.
| Bank | APR range | Loan term |
|---|---|---|
 on NerdWallet's secure website | 5.91% - 19.97% | 1 - 5 years. |
 on NerdWallet's secure website | 11.79% - 20.84% | 3 - 6 years. |
 on Citibank's application | 11.49% - 20.49% | 1 - 5 years. |
| 7.99% - 24.99% | 3 - 7 years. | |
 on NerdWallet's secure website | 8.19% - 24.99% | 6 months - 5 years. |
 on SoFi's website | 8.99% - 35.49% | 2 - 7 years. |
 on NerdWallet's secure website | 8.99% - 23.99% | 3 - 5 years. |
 on NerdWallet's secure website | 8.87% - 17.82% | 2 - 7 years. |
 on NerdWallet's secure website | 10.19% - 17.74% | 1 - 7 years. |
 on NerdWallet's secure website | 7.49% - 23.74% | 1 - 7 years. |
Also, consider pre-qualifying with a few online lenders. Almost all online lenders will let you pre-qualify, so you can have more loan options with no risk to your credit score.
» MORE: Where to get a personal loan
As you compare rates, determine what repayment term and monthly payment best fit your budget. The longer your repayment term, the smaller your monthly payment, but the more you’ll pay in interest.
Use NerdWallet’s personal loan calculator to estimate your monthly payment by plugging in your desired loan amount, rate and term.
Loan details
Your loan estimate
Monthly payment
$212.47
Total principal
$10,000
Total interest payments
$2,748.23
Total loan payments
$12,748.23
Payoff date
07 / 2030
Show amortization schedule
3. Submit your application for a bank loan
Once you’ve checked eligibility, compared rates and selected the best option, it’s time to apply.
Some banks may require you to apply at a local branch if you’re a new customer, but most applications are online.
The application itself will vary by bank, but you’ll likely need to submit:
- Personal details, including name, address, phone number, date of birth and Social Security number.
- Loan details, including desired loan amount, purpose and repayment term.
- Proof of employment and income.
- Information about current debts.
Once you submit the application, there will be a hard credit check, which lowers your credit score by a few points. Depending on the bank, you could get a decision within minutes, while others may take a couple days.
4. Review and sign the loan agreement
If you’re approved for a loan, the bank will send you the loan agreement. Some banks may require you to sign it at a local branch, but most will let you sign electronically.
Make sure to read the loan agreement carefully to confirm that the loan amount, repayment term, APR and monthly payment amount are correct.
Also pay close attention to any fees, including late payment fees.
5. Receive your funds
After signing the loan agreement, you should receive the funds in a lump sum within a week, though some banks promise same or next-day funding after you’re approved. You can have the funds directly deposited into your checking account, or a check may be mailed to you.
Once you receive the money, make a plan to repay your loan. Most banks offer an automatic payment option, which could help you avoid late fees, and some banks provide a discount for opting into autopay.
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