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- 3. Taking the standard deduction vs. itemizing
- Pricing based on tracked driving habits
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- 4. Leverage memberships
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- Frugal DIY project tips
- Bathrooms
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- The drawbacks of multiple IRAs
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- 3. Apple Pay Later
- What is the compound interest formula?
- Who must register as an investment advisor?
- Eliminate mortgage insurance
- Episode transcript
- How much interest will I earn on $10,000?
- How many banks have collapsed?
- For Medicaid beneficiaries
- 5 steps to applying for a mortgage
- Today’s rates for specific kinds of mortgages
- How to apply for a joint business bank account
- Alternatives to co-signing
- Buying a brokered CD: the details
- How has the value changed over time?
- Is forgiveness taxable under the 'SAVE' repayment plan?
- 8. Follow your favorite brands
- How to choose a financial therapist
- 5. There are no other Merrick Bank credit cards to graduate to
- How long does passport processing take?
- 5. Reward redemption is limited
- How to open a brokerage account
- Mixed-status families still face FAFSA glitches
- Simplified version vs. actual expense deduction
- The Bitcoin ETF price war
- Best car insurance in New Jersey for customer satisfaction: NJM
- 5. Know how mortgage interest rates work
- How to get a quote from WorldTrips
- Other tech tools to help you manage your money
- How to negotiate a credit card debt settlement yourself
- VA loan refinance eligibility
- How to get gap insurance
- 6. Reach out to religious groups and nonprofits
- Alaska plane seating chart
- How did we determine the value of Capital One miles?
- Married filing jointly vs. separately
- Defaulted FFELP Loans and the Fresh Start Program
- Is my money safe in a high-yield savings account?
- ‘Why IUL is a bad investment’
- Discounts
- How to get an apprenticeship
- Arranging to see a private seller's car
- Do I have to keep paying my student loan if my parent or spouse dies?
- Other ways to build credit
- Buying bundles: the Works and the Perks
- Should I take a lump sum payment or annuity payments?
- 4. Get fair compensation
- Cheap cell phone plans from brands that resell network service
- Reviewing the results
- Penalties for getting caught without insurance
- How to prioritize various financial goals
- What states are increasing minimum wages in 2024?
- Extend or find new insurance
- Best homeowners insurance in Minnesota for consumer experience: American Family and Nationwide
- 4. The card is essentially fee- and interest-free
- Make an attractive listing
- How do you sign up for a Costco membership?
- 5. Contact the seller or visit a dealership
- What affects your credit score?
- Watch out for capital gains taxes
- How does a Miller trust work?
- 5. Online savings accounts
- Get more help with monthly budget planning
- Alternatives to canceling a credit card
- Types of life insurance trusts
- What is American Airlines Main Plus?
- W-4 form 2024
- Mattress-buying tips
- How to redeem rewards on the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
- The long straddle
- Best homeowners insurance in North Dakota for consumer experience: Nationwide and American Family
- How to invest in dividend stocks
- 3. EarnIn: Best for large advances
- Complaints and customer satisfaction
- More about Guardian Life insurance
- 4. Think about how much you want to actively trade
- Who might prefer the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- How much rideshare insurance costs
- Auto loan preapproval vs. pre-qualification
- Pros and cons of investing in biotech stocks
- Step 3: Choose your lender and loan
- Clothes, vintage and crafts
- Other partners worth considering
- When do you have to pay taxes on stocks?
- The bottom line
- Why is the 10-year Treasury yield important?
- 7. Ask friends and family for hand-me-downs
- Xoom
- How do you get a second mortgage?
- What if you don’t have enough JAL miles?
- How do tax refund loans work?
- Driving a Kyte car
- Return protection
- How much Medicare Part A costs
- How flexible are American miles?
- Potential impact of multiple credit cards on your credit scores
- How a financial therapist can help you overcome your fears
- The bottom line
- Interest rate
- What do closing costs include?
- How to dispute your TransUnion credit report by phone
- Which one is better?
- Will death trigger a student loan tax bill?
- Do spot Bitcoin ETFs have custodianship risk?
- Other ways to skip baggage fees
- What is the difference between an inheritance tax and an estate tax?
- How do balance transfers work?
- For the human parent: The Children’s Place credit card
- Adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN)
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- What if a seller lies on the disclosure statement?
- How to invest in AI stocks
- Get the most out of your cash value growth
- How to calculate quarterly estimated taxes
- Should I do a balance transfer?
- Does Section 179 cover real estate?
- Are FFELP loans eligible for PSLF?
- Do the math on high-yield savings
- 9. Try out generic labels
- Types of 1099 forms
- Consumer complaints
- 5 types of employer-sponsored retirement plans
- Estimate your 2024 IRS tax refund date
- How to handle these bills
- ONE VIP Visa Prepaid Card
- How to get into the Plumeria Lounge at HNL
- Moving forward
- Invoice factoring vs. invoice financing
- If you have insurance, but no proof
- Storing your Bitcoins: Hot wallets vs. cold wallets
- 5. It’s made of metal
- How the qualified business income deduction works
- How do you pay for purchases at Costco?
- Is an ARM right for you?
- Is there an income limit to qualify as a first-time home buyer?
- LLC payroll taxes
- How to save money every month
- What are fleet cards?
- How to prepare for a forgiveness tax bomb
- What kind of investment is Bitcoin?
- Average certificate of deposit rate: 1.81% for one-year CDs
- Qualifying for a better credit card APR
- Buying a call option vs. owning the stock
- Which card should you get?
- 5. Find your luggage
- How to protect your child from identity theft
- Frugal home expenses tips
- What isn’t covered by WorldTrips insurance?
- Search for individual tickets if traveling in a group
- How to get a good credit score
- 3 ways to avoid inheritance tax
- The most popular surveys for cash apps
- 2. Certificates of deposit
- Benefits of a larger down payment
- Credit union personal loan rates
- How to find the 2024 W-4
- Save for nonemergencies
- If you haven’t received your passport
- What happens next in a TransUnion credit dispute?
- How much does The Hartford business insurance cost?
- 5. Opt for economy cars
- What you can do to protect your family
- Students and parents: Here’s what you can do
- Getting your Frontier baggage and other fees waived
- Best car insurance in New Jersey for ease of use: State Farm
- How to get a preapproved car loan
- How do I deal with lottery taxes?
- 6. Shop mortgage lenders like a bargain-hunter
- What’s the right number of IRAs?
- Buying a put option vs. short selling
- Minimum wage increases
- Best Medicare Advantage plans
- Other Roth IRA rules
- Are 10-year Treasury notes a good investment?
- 6. Inspect and test-drive the car, if applicable
- Returning a Kyte car
- How to avoid Spirit cancellation fees
- How to get American Airlines Main Cabin Extra Seats for free
- Compare at a glance: brokered vs. bank CDs
- 10. Use credit cards strategically
- How to buy bank stocks
- Consumer experience
- IRAs
- No-closing-cost mortgages
- More about AAA auto insurance
- Cards to consider despite their balance transfer fee
- Brokerage accounts are taxable accounts
- Learn more about cash value life insurance
- Manage your 401(k)
- 4. Klarna
- What is net investment income tax?
- How to compare personal loans
- Types of life insurance policies you can use as an investment
- Why did First Republic Bank fail?
- 6. High-yield checking accounts
- 2023 state income tax rates and brackets
- What if you don’t qualify for Section 179?
- How do fleet cards work?
- How did we determine the value of American miles?
- What if you can’t afford your tax bill?
- 5. Learn about dollar-cost averaging
- Who should avoid United Airlines?
- How to buy rideshare insurance
- What do the approvals mean for Bitcoin?
- How much does Medicare Supplement Insurance cost?
- Step 4: Gather loan documents
- How to reduce or avoid the federal estate tax
- What to look for in a balance transfer card
- Examples of other Comenity/Bread-issued store cards
- What is the median household income in the U.S.?
- How to find AI ETFs
- Which insurance companies sell gap coverage?
- Is a Costco membership worth it?
- EveryDollar, for simple zero-based budgeting
- How do you buy Vanguard Index fund shares?
- HELOC requirements
- How much should you put down on a house?
- Can (or should) I consolidate my FFELP loan?
- 11. Establish your local supermarket circuit
- Where's my 2024 state tax refund? Track your status
- 4. Varo: Best for existing bank customers
- 3 tips to control central air conditioning installation costs
- How to buy biotech stocks
- Things to consider
- Don’t pay for advance seat selection
- Next steps
- Preparer tax identification number (PTIN)
- Some helpful links from the IRS
- For the uninsured
- How to pick seats on Alaska
- Kyte pricing
- Is getting a Spirit credit worth it?
- Do I have to update my W-4 every year?
- How to look up passport numbers recapped
- Mutual fund fees
- The best homeowners insurance in North Dakota
- Days in the cycle
- 4. Keep an eye on popular tax deductions and credits
- Life, home and renters insurance from AAA
- Should you purchase business insurance from The Hartford?
- Fees across U.S. airlines
- Is WorldTrips travel insurance worth it?
- Is a Comenity/Bread credit card right for you?
- Exercise your stock options
- How do you buy 10-year Treasury notes?
- You don’t need to have $10,000 to take advantage of compound interest
- How to minimize the tax impact of a bonus
- 3. Bonds
- Final thoughts on JAL's economy class
- How much does a tax refund loan cost?
- 12. Consider a wholesale membership
- The long strangle
- How important is it to pay no balance transfer fee?
- 6. Stick to one driver
- Other home office deduction rules and considerations
- 6. Make last-minute plans to pass the time
- The bottom line
- If you inherit or bequeath something, watch out for capital gains tax
- How to pay lower taxes when selling stocks
- Full list of the best homeowners insurance in Minnesota
- 7. Determine which warranties are right for you
- MoneyGram
- 3. SEP IRA
- How to get a home equity line of credit
- LLC self-employment taxes
- Medicare Part A eligibility
- How to get a loan from a credit union
- Best uses for a high-yield savings account
- How to track your passport status, recapped
- How to get a tax refund sooner
- If you fly to Baja California with American Airlines
- If you’re considering flying United Airlines …
- The bottom line
- Full list of the best car insurance in New Jersey
- Electronics
- How to rebook quickly for a canceled flight
- Closing costs for the buyer
- Tips for calculating how much life insurance you need
- Provide top-notch customer service
- How to pay estimated taxes
- Why did Silicon Valley Bank fail?
- How to safely cancel a credit card
- Navient aims to transfer FFELP loans to MOHELA
- Bitcoin and volatility
- Seller-paid closing costs
- Which card should you get?
- What happens if you have an accident while driving for Uber, Lyft or other app?
- FamZoo Prepaid Card
- Take a beat before you start job hunting — then dive in
- How much does gap insurance cost?
- Do you pay tax on T-notes?
- How to earn more interest in a savings account
- Other considerations to determine your down payment
- How to evaluate dividends
- How to adjust your Form W-4
- Choosing between cards? Rewards and perks might make the difference
- The bottom line
- Why do I need a business credit score?
- Paying for a car purchased from a private seller
- Brokerage accounts vs. IRA
- Alternatives to The Hartford business insurance
- 7. Wait it out in the airport
- How to switch plans and keep your number
- Practical matters
- 5. PayPal
- Benefits of refinancing
- What are the best Vanguard index funds?
- Which type of life insurance should I put in a trust?
- How often do savings rates change?
- 13. Look at the price per unit
- How much does homeowners insurance cost in North Dakota?
- Average money market account rate: 0.66%
- What's next?
- Interest-based passive income ideas
- 7. Use your own insurance
- What do the approvals mean for other crypto investments?
- Getting to the Plumeria Lounge inside HNL
- Chase transfer partners to avoid
- Term vs. whole life insurance tool
- Could we be in an AI bubble?
- How much does homeowners insurance cost in Minnesota?
- Next Steps
- What to do if you’re not approved
- Pros and cons of tax refund loans
- How much can you borrow with a HELOC?
- LLC sales taxes
- Trip delay reimbursement
- Servicing changes are underway
- Investing and saving for retirement
- Can you lose money in mutual funds?
- Other insurance companies to consider
- Retirement accounts for small-business owners and self-employed individuals
- 5. Dave: Best for repayment flexibility
- 5. Know what tax records to keep
- How to finance central air installation
- Selling a call option
- Why you can trust NerdWallet
- When is the best time to sign up for Medicare Supplement Insurance?
- What to do if you discover child identity theft
- Step 5: Submit your application and get funded
- Other marketing tactics for small businesses
- 8. Negotiate the best price
- Finding the right small business financial advisor
- 2024 state income tax rates and brackets
- If you need to expedite a U.S. passport…
- Fleet fuel cards: benefits and drawbacks
- Credit union vs. online lender
- How do I get my business credit score?
- What are the best dividend stocks?
- Frequently asked questions about estimated tax payments
- How to open a high-yield savings account
- The bottom line
- Your readiness to buy a home
- Rideshare insurance: Key takeaways
- Other HNL lounges to consider
- Best ways to earn Chase points
- Alternatives to gap insurance
- How to boost your personal loan approval odds
- Empower Personal Dashboard, for tracking wealth and spending
- How much money can you make on YouTube?
- 8. Forgo the extras
- 8. Get a refund
- Last-minute flight deals are out there
- Citi Custom Cash® Card
- Other reasons to buy life insurance
- What is the highest credit score, and how many people have it?
- Why did Signature Bank fail?
- 14. Understand sale cycles
- Why a financial advisor's fee structure matters
- Average cost of homeowners insurance in North Dakota by city
- Average cost of homeowners insurance in Minnesota by city
- VA refinance fees
- Western Union
- Should I get The Platinum Card® from American Express?
- Tax refund loan alternatives
- Is Kyte worth it?
- Final thoughts on picking plane seats
- Is Main Cabin Extra worth it on American Airlines?
- LLC tax forms and deadlines
- The synthetic long
- 3. Make the most of your savings
- Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard
- Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap?
- Is the Plumeria Lounge Honolulu worth it?
- 6. Sezzle
- If you’d like to do Universal Studios Orlando in one day
- 9. Maximize trade-in value, if applicable
- 6. MoneyLion: Best for existing customers
- Important considerations when opening a Roth IRA
- Credit cards that earn ThankYou points
- Alaska Airlines seat selection recapped
- The difference between interest rate and APY
- 6. Tweak your W-4
- 9. Price out prepaid gas
- Dealing with last-minute flight cancelations
- Is getting a HELOC a good idea?
- Fuel card vs. business gas credit card
- Next steps
- What happens if I can’t open a savings account?
- What is the normal fee for a financial advisor?
- The cheapest home insurance in North Dakota
- Should you invest in AI stocks?
- The cheapest home insurance in Minnesota
- 4. SIMPLE IRA
- What’s happening with Silvergate Capital Corp.?
- Earn an audience, and earn more in the long run
- Travel accident insurance
- Selling a put option
- Learn more about cash value life insurance
- 10. Make the purchase
- Are dividends taxed?
- Enjoying Emirates first class
- Completing the purchase of a car from a private seller
- AmEx Centurion Lounge locations
- 10. Walk or ride
- What happened to Credit Suisse?
- Lenders that offer small loans and fast funding
- LLC tax tips for business owners
- The bottom line
- Can doctors refuse to accept Medigap insurance?
- Redeeming through the Chase's travel portal
- Common mistakes a financial advisor can help you avoid
- What is credit card consolidation?
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Next steps
- Related articles
- What to know about North Dakota homeowners insurance
- 7. SoLo Funds: Best for peer-to-peer cash advances
- 7. Zip
- What to know about Minnesota homeowners insurance
- Taxes on bonuses: The bottom line
- 4. Money market funds
- Other ways to make money
- W-4 calculator
- 7. Tax strategies to shelter income or cut your tax bill
- Small-business incubator programs
- Why call options can make sense
- Walmart MoneyCard
- Earning AAdvantage Miles
- PocketGuard, for a simplified budgeting snapshot
- How the FDIC calculates national rates
- How does credit card consolidation work?
- Does your business need a fleet fuel card?
- How do Medigap insurance companies set their prices?
- How to choose among the best ways to send money internationally
- Are other banks are in trouble?
- Is it better to get a home equity loan or line of credit?
- 3 best cold wallets
- Consulting niches to consider
- Final thoughts on Centurion Lounge access
- If you want to transfer Chase points
- When to skip renting through Kyte
- What else to know about Form W-4
- How much does it cost to become a life coach?
- 8. Klover: Best for no-fee advances
- Should I take my money out of the bank?
- 5. Mutual funds
- What are tax deductions?
- If you're looking for the best use of AA miles
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
- Is consolidating credit card debt a good idea?
- OK, what's next?
- What to do if you can’t keep up with your HELOC payments
- Alternatives to startup business grants
- Can a Medigap policy be canceled by the insurer?
- Compare buy now, pay later apps
- Additional Visa Infinite benefits
- Final thoughts on the best flight booking site
- Call vs. put options
- 5. Defined benefit plan
- Best stocks for beginners
- The bottom line
- Should you use a buy now, pay later app?
- Are we in a recession?
- Can I still use my credit card after debt consolidation?
- 6. Index funds
- Low-fee alternatives to prepaid cards
- Can I have both a Medigap and a Medicare Advantage plan?
- Classes of service
- Alternative options to a small business financial advisor
- Honeydue, for budgeting with a partner
- Pros and cons of loan apps
- North Dakota insurance department
- 4. Be persistent
- The four options market participants and their incentives
- Closing costs for the seller
- Are we headed for a depression?
- The bottom line on investing in stocks
- Cheapest car insurance by state
- Who is Kyte best for?
- What are tax write-offs?
- Advantages of put options
- Minnesota insurance department
- The bottom line
- Where to open a retirement plan if you’re self-employed
- Do you need a small business financial advisor?
- What is a 1099 employee?
- Prepaid-like options from fintechs: Apple Cash and Cash App
- Looking for more insurance in Minnesota?
- How to make money from home
- Budgeting resources from NerdWallet
- How do you claim tax deductions?
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Alternatives to buy now, pay later
- 7. Exchange-traded funds
- How to get cheap car insurance
- Other home insurance companies to consider
- Are cash advance apps payday lenders?
- Methodology to identify the best budget apps
- Extra fees
- 8. Stocks
- Are apps like DailyPay and Payactiv cash advance apps?
- Risks of getting cheap auto insurance
- Best prepaid debit cards: Summary of fees and ATMs
- What are prepaid debit cards?
- Alternatives to cash advance apps
- The fine print
- Navy Federal Credit Union® More Rewards American Express® Credit Card
- Etihad vs. Emirates vs. Qatar recapped
- Prepaid debit cards vs. regular debit cards
- How to make money offline
- How to find the right business idea for your small town
- Frequently asked questions about prepaid cards
- 9. Alternative investments
- Cash advance app star rating methodology
- 10. Cryptocurrency
- Full list of the best car insurance companies
- Other ways to save money
- Full list of the best car insurance companies
- Amtrak Guest Rewards® World Mastercard®
- The bottom line
- 11. Real estate
- Best car insurance companies by state
- Best car insurance companies by state
- How to start a profitable business
- How to choose the best investments in 2024
- How to find the best car insurance
- How to find the best car insurance
- General travel cards to consider
- How to find the best home insurance policy in five common scenarios
- Want to start a business?
- Reasons to buy a business
- How to compare homeowners insurance
- Watch out for making money scams
- Find the best homeowners insurance in your state
- How we ranked the best homeowners insurance companies
The process of applying for a personal loan may feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin or what you need.
Below are five steps and common questions to help you through the process of choosing and applying for the best personal loan for your financial situation.
Step 1: Check your credit
Start the process by checking your credit. The interest rate and loan amount you receive depend a lot on your credit score, so reviewing your credit report lets you spot and fix any errors — like a falsely reported late payment — and strengthen your score before applying for a personal loan.
How does my credit score impact personal loan offers?
Good- or excellent-credit borrowers (those with scores of 690 or above) typically receive lower rates and have a wider group of lenders to choose from. On the other hand, bad- and fair-credit borrowers (scores below 690) may have fewer options and receive higher interest rates.
How do I see my credit score for free?
You can get a free credit score and credit report with NerdWallet. You can also request free credit reports directly from the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Step 2: Pre-qualify and compare offers
Pre-qualifying for a personal loan gives you a preview of estimated rates, monthly payments and terms before you submit a formal application. Many lenders allow prospective borrowers to pre-qualify on their websites.
Will pre-qualifying affect my credit score?
No, pre-qualifying for a personal loan requires a soft inquiry, which doesn’t affect your credit score.
What do I need to pre-qualify for a personal loan?
To pre-qualify, you’ll need to submit information such as:
Loan purpose. Unsecured personal loans can be used for almost anything, and most lenders ask how you intend to use the money.
Requested loan amount. Lenders typically offer personal loans from $1,000 to $50,000.
Preferred loan term. Personal loans usually have repayment terms from two to seven years.
Personal and financial information. This could include your name, email address, date of birth, address, income and Social Security number.
If you’re unable to pre-qualify for a loan on your own, consider a co-signed or joint loan. Adding someone with a strong credit score and higher income can help you get approved and lower your rate. But keep in mind that a co-borrower or co-signer will be required to make loan payments if you fail to.
How long will it take to pre-qualify?
Pre-qualifying can take up to a few minutes after you submit your information. If you qualify for a loan offer, the lender will show you potential rates and terms to choose from.
Step 3: Choose your lender and loan
The best personal loan is usually the most affordable one. Carefully consider things like APR, monthly payments and fees before you accept an offer.
APR: The annual percentage rate is the total cost of borrowing and includes your interest rate and all additional fees. The lower the APR, the lower the cost of the loan.
Loan term: The loan term is how long you will be paying off the loan. A longer term can lower your monthly payments, but you’ll end up paying more in total interest than you would with a shorter-term loan.
Fees: Some lenders charge an origination fee, which is usually 1% to 10% of the loan amount. This fee increases your APR and a lender may take it upfront, effectively lowering your total loan amount.
Monthly payments: Check the monthly payment and make sure that you can comfortably afford the loan in your budget.
Features and benefits: Identify features that are important to you, like flexible payment options, help with building your credit or direct payment to creditors if you’re consolidating debt.
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4.5
NerdWallet rating4.5
NerdWallet rating7.8- 35.99%
$1K- $50K
on Upstart
Step 4: Gather loan documents
Once you’ve chosen a loan with the rate, term and features that best fit your needs, it’s time to complete the application. Depending on the lender, you may apply for the loan online or in person.
What do I need for my loan application?
You’ll need to provide some or all of the following:
Proof of identity, including a government-issued ID or driver’s license.
Proof of address, including a recent utility bill or lease agreement.
Proof of employment status.
Income details, including bank statements or pay stubs, and proof of additional income like retirement, alimony or child support.
Social Security number if it wasn’t submitted during pre-qualification.
If you have a co-borrower on your personal loan application, they will need to submit similar documents to verify their identity, address and income details.
» MORE: Requirements for a personal loan
Step 5: Submit your application and get funded
Submitting a formal loan application triggers a hard credit inquiry. This inquiry will shave up to five points off your score and remain on your credit report for two years.
If everything checks out, you could get same-day loan approval. If the lender requests additional documents, approval may take longer.
After you are approved, carefully read and sign the loan agreement, which lays out the loan amount, APR and terms. The lender will disburse funds once the loan agreement has been signed.
If a lender does not approve your loan application, it is required to tell you the reason for the denial or to inform you of your right to seek out that information. Knowing why your application was declined can help you improve your chances of future loan approval.
How quickly you receive the money will likely depend on the type of lender you choose. Many online lenders can provide same- or next-day funding, while some banks and credit unions may take up to a week.
» MORE: Best lenders for quick cash
Once you receive funding, expect your first loan payment to be due within 30 days. If you’ve opted into automatic payments, the funds will be debited from the bank account you provided. Add your monthly payment amount to your budget to manage your debt repayment.
on NerdWallet
on NerdWallet