You’re our first priority.
Every time.
We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners.
How to Apply for a Personal Loan
Lead Writer | Buy now, pay later loans, debt consolidation, personal loans
Lead Writer | Personal finance, Personal loans
Lead Assigning Editor | Consumer lending
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Visit your My NerdWallet Settings page to see all the writers you're following.
How to Apply for a personal loan
- IRA vs. 401(k)
- What is a bond market crash?
- What's an adjustable-rate mortgage?
- What is ESG?
- What is an overdraft protection transfer?
- How to earn a Chase checking account bonus
- What is a lady bird deed?
- What is a W-4?
- 6 steps to opening a Roth IRA
- Definitions: Money Transfer Rates
- Dividend definition
- See CD rates by term and type
- Can you pay the mortgage with a credit card?
- Life insurance buying guide
- What is the home office deduction?
- Fidelity is best for:
- Charles Schwab is best for:
- Bizee: Easily form your new business
- What are undervalued stocks?
- Mortgage rates this week
- Quick tips for where to exchange currency
- 5 Best Ways to Send Money Internationally
- 1. Use your credits
- 2. Maximize any bonuses linked to spending
- 3. Review free trials that may be expiring
- 4. Consider dusting off unused credit cards
- 5. Look behind to plan ahead
- What is a 1099?
- How much should you tip your hairdresser?
- Determining how much mortgage I can afford
- What is passive income?
- The difference between Roth and traditional IRAs
- Hawaiian Airlines checked bag fees
- What is the Fed funds rate?
- How much is an oil change?
- What are dividend stocks?
- What is Etsy?
- About Travelers home insurance
- Stocks
- How to get paid on TikTok
- 401(k) contribution limits 2023
- Target Circle Week 2024
- What is an index fund?
- High-yield savings accounts defined
- What is a 401(k) loan?
- Medical expense deduction 2023
- Can you withdraw money from a 401(k) early?
- 7 best-performing AI stocks
- Choosing an IRA vs. a 401(k)
- How to start an LLC in Texas
- Why did the Treasury bond market crash in 2022 and 2023?
- How much is a speeding ticket in California?
- What's the best S&P 500 ETF?
- 1. Report lost debit cards ASAP
- 7 of the best apps to make money
- Food and drink
- 1. Not figuring out how much house you can afford
- Key findings
- Institutions with low or no overdraft fees
- Does Singapore Airlines have Wi-Fi?
- What is an interest-only mortgage?
- What does APY mean?
- What are stock options?
- How to get paid on YouTube
- Decide what fees make sense for you
- How much should you spend on rent? It depends
- What is a CD early withdrawal penalty?
- How to use a savings goal calculator
- What is Amazon Prime?
- How much does a wire transfer cost?
- Best ETFs as of April 2024
- What are credit history, credit report and credit score?
- What is a savings account?
- Why you shouldn't sign up
- What are Vanguard index funds?
- Why would my credit score drop after paying off debt?
- What you need to open a bank account
- Mobile, manufactured and modular homes: What's the difference?
- Getting to New York City
- What makes a good business idea for teens?
- Best Prepaid Debit Cards
- 1. Certificates of deposit (CDs)
- Personal loans vs. home equity loans: What’s the difference?
- What is a down payment?
- Microsoft Office Excel budget templates
- What are closing costs?
- 1. Start investing as early as possible
- Home business ideas
- 1. Make extra payments toward the principal
- 1. Open an IRA
- Things to know about flying Southwest and its loyalty program
- What is Prime Day?
- What is the child tax credit?
- Vending machine costs
- What is a mortgage underwriter?
- What is OpenAI?
- How to value a small business
- What is earned wage access?
- How does leasing work?
- When will the IDR adjustment happen if I don’t get automatic forgiveness?
- General advice for international money transfers
- Average car loan interest rates by credit score
- You can temporarily self-report income
- Key findings
- The best car insurance
- How to estimate your home insurance
- Frugal food tips
- Why is having a low credit utilization important?
- How much can you contribute to a 401(k)?
- CD early withdrawal penalty calculator
- How do CDs work?
- Best-performing U.S. equity mutual funds
- Down payments: Quick tips and more resources
- What does this value mean?
- What rights do you have when your car is being repossessed?
- 50/30/20 budget calculator
- What is a DUNS number?
- What is credit card processing?
- 401(k) contribution limits 2024
- FuboTV cost per month
- What is Target Circle (the free one)?
- Booking hotels through American Airlines
- Who can get a business credit card?
- January
- United miles don't expire
- 1. Set your budget
- First, some background
- California state income tax brackets and rates
- How do LLC taxes work?
- Calculate your closing costs
- The best cheap car insurance
- Auto insurance
- Independent insurance agents, explained
- What is a resort fee?
- The best budget apps
- Comparing the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card vs. the Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- What is Clear?
- Step 1: Check your credit
- Fidelity at a glance
- What to expect flying economy with Korean Air
- How does a second mortgage work?
- 1. Consider an IRA
- How much does an investment advisor cost?
- What is the child and dependent care tax credit?
- Pell Grant limit 2022-23
- Best places to sell clothes online
- Chase checking account bonuses 2024
- Average savings account rate: 0.46%
- Can I get my miles back if I change or cancel my award flight?
- 1. Refinancing your car
- Best fleet fuel cards
- When to refinance your car loan
- Pros of electric cars
- What does 50,000 Marriott points get you?
- How is overdraft protection different from overdraft coverage?
- Index fund vs. mutual fund
- 17 passive income ideas for 2024
- How to find a currency exchange near you
- How does a lady bird deed work?
- Book short nonstop Delta flights via Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Best day to book a flight
- What does a business use for collateral?
- How to earn Free Spirit points
- Who sets the Federal funds rate?
- Best ways to consolidate credit card debt
- Site-built, detached single-family houses
- Summary: The best places to save money and earn interest
- Options for getting a higher credit limit
- A
- 1. A $10 statement credit
- How to spot origination fees
- What is the gift tax?
- How to consolidate your debt
- Shopify vs. Etsy: Deciding factors
- What is a business credit report?
- Small-business grants for veterans
- How a balance transfer could hurt your credit score
- How to start a consulting business in 9 steps
- What does a CD early withdrawal penalty cost?
- How much does an Amazon Prime membership cost?
- How to find and evaluate inquiries
- Government startup business grants and resources
- How does the home office tax deduction work in 2023-2024?
- American’s generous new change fee policy
- 6 ways to buy Bitcoin
- Debit card transaction type
- Bank of America interest rates
- What is a state income tax?
- How does a credit-builder loan work?
- 5 of the best index funds tracking the S&P 500
- How to budget money
- How do credit union loans work?
- What goes into the credit card interest calculation
- In this article
- Our picks for the best life insurance companies in April 2024
- Pros and cons of a 401(k) loan
- Charles Schwab at a glance
- How long does it take to close on a home?
- California loop
- Set your car payment budget
- 1. You have time to kill
- Should you finance your wedding?
- How to send money online, on mobile or in person
- What is the 401(k) early withdrawal penalty?
- When is Prime Day 2023?
- 1. Don’t assume any one company is the cheapest
- The best money-making apps
- How much of my credit card should I use?
- Travel trends among U.S. travelers
- Roth vs. traditional IRA
- Wise
- How to make money online
- Women are less likely to manage their own investments
- What is an overdraft fee?
- Oil change prices at chain shops
- Merchants push for lower fees
- Banks that offer joint business accounts
- Summary of cash advance apps
- Conceptualize and research your Etsy idea
- They differentiate their business
- Breakdown of central air costs
- Find out how much your car is worth
- How to invest in stocks in 6 steps
- How the cards compare
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best credit card for groceries
- How do index funds work?
- What are the risks of over-the-phone credit card transactions?
- Which banks have the best savings interest rates?
- Netflix subscription cost
- Traditional IRA contribution rules
- Transaction types
- The U.S. narrowly escaped debt default
- How to find your EIN
- Wells Fargo and the CFPB
- While you’re in school
- What are the advantages of a sole proprietorship?
- Why you need a business budget template
- Why are stocks undervalued?
- Impact to your credit scores
- What kind of medical expenses are tax deductible?
- The plan
- Frontier Airlines Discount Den is for you if …
- What should I look for in my TransUnion credit report?
- How much are closing costs?
- What is a 1099 form used for?
- At a glance
- Do you have to tip a hairdresser?
- ARMs vs. fixed-rate mortgages
- How long does underwriting take?
- Differences between mutual funds and index funds
- How does earned wage access work?
- Most parents don’t plan to have more children
- What is the current Fed interest rate?
- How to lower your credit utilization
- What happened at the MOHELA Senate hearing
- Understanding your required coverages
- How to pay your mortgage with a credit card
- 20 high-dividend stocks
- Cheapest cars to insure among popular models
- Colonial Penn life insurance
- 1. A high-yield online savings account that earns 4% or more
- How employee stock options work
- What is the 50/30/20 rule?
- Where Shopify wins
- Ways to avoid seat selection fees
- Wire transfer fees by financial institution
- ETF advantages and disadvantages
- The difference between bad credit and no credit
- Why you need a savings account
- Our take
- Banking
- Why do CPNs exist?
- Federal tax brackets and tax rates
- 1. Estimate retirement income needs
- Top credit cards you can use instantly after approval
- When to pick the JetBlue Card
- Cheap car insurance
- What reasons can you withdraw from your 401(k) early?
- How much is the child tax credit worth?
- Is another Treasury bond crash imminent?
- How to choose an S&P 500 ETF
- Chase College Checking℠: $100 bonus
- 2. Getting just one rate quote
- How to fill out a W-4
- What to know before leasing a car
- How much IDR credit will I get?
- NerdWallet's car insurance estimator
- What you'll need to apply for income-driven repayment
- What are dividend stocks and why buy them?
- Think about how much you'll need in retirement
- Calculator assumptions
- How a higher credit limit can help you
- Where Travelers stands out
- Bank wire transfer
- Who needs a DUNS number?
- Work out how much of your income should go to rent with the 50/30/20 rule
- Best car insurance in Florida overall: Travelers
- Earn United miles quickly
- How Bank of America compares to online banks
- YNAB, for hands-on zero-based budgeting
- 20 high-dividend stocks
- What is a credit card hardship program?
- How we ranked the top life insurers
- AARP life insurance
- Stacked rewards let Flex cardholders score big
- New York state income tax rates
- When a personal loan is best
- Is an investment advisor worth the cost?
- Do you need to put 20% down on a house?
- Google Sheets budget templates
- Can I get my points back if I cancel my hotel reservation?
- 2. Refinance if you have good credit and a steady job
- When is Amazon Prime Day October?
- The largest banks in the U.S.
- How to start a vending machine business: A step-by-step guide
- The mortgage underwriting process
- How much money do I need to buy a house?
- Can you buy OpenAI stock?
- What types of accounts can be linked for overdraft protection?
- Billing error
- Best place to exchange currency: Your bank or credit union
- Roth vs. traditional IRA: How to choose
- Best day to fly
- Business loan collateral requirements
- Frugal shopping tips
- Conventional vs. synthetic
- 1. Brigit: Best for budgeting tools
- Who can qualify for an interest-only mortgage?
- How to convert Skywards miles to dollars
- Best car insurance in Utah overall: Travelers
- How to compare lender fees and rates
- Factors that go into your business credit score
- Request an offer, then consider it
- Does my employer match count toward 401(k) limits?
- Best affordable homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania: Erie
- What is Target Circle 360 (the paid one)?
- Why the Chase Sapphire Reserve® wins by a nose
- Booking hotels through Delta
- Why invest in index funds?
- What you need to know about savings accounts
- Our take on financial fears
- How state income tax rates work
- Who benefits the most from credit-builder loans?
- Best car insurance in Texas overall: Travelers
- Why you should sign up
- Understanding consensus mechanisms
- HODLing as an investment strategy
- How Roth IRAs are different
- What mobile home insurance covers
- What happens at a mortgage loan closing?
- Bluebird by American Express
- Other rules for the medical expense deduction
- 2. Cash management accounts
- 2. Decide how much you want to invest
- How much is the child and dependent care credit worth?
- 2. Sell or trade in your car
- Why you might want the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- ESG investing
- Are auto loan interest rates rising?
- Condos
- They have a layout strategy
- 2. Immersive experiences
- How the annual gift tax exclusion works
- Bonds
- An early withdrawal’s other cost: future interest forfeited
- Why you might want a business credit card
- February
- 2. Shop for a loan
- What is a mega backdoor Roth?
- How LLCs pay income taxes
- Pricing transparency
- How an independent insurance agency can help you
- Consolidation vs. refinancing
- Can you upgrade the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®?
- How do Vanguard index funds work?
- Best credit union personal loans for 2024
- Grace period
- The most undervalued stocks in the S&P 500
- 2. You want free food
- Look for high-yield interest rates
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- How Pell Grant lifetime limits work
- Who gets a 1099?
- Is an ARM a good idea?
- 2. Don’t ignore local and regional insurers
- How to get Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Cheap car insurance in Florida
- 2. Account frozen? Submit documentation
- Is 0% credit utilization bad?
- Some non-parents don’t plan to have kids because of the cost
- Singapore Airlines Wi-Fi cost
- No-penalty CDs: the big exception
- Investing for income: Dividend stocks vs. dividend funds
- How to choose the best mutual funds for you
- Colonial Penn life insurance policies
- Where Travelers falls short
- Debt consolidation calculator
- How does credit card processing work?
- Can I max out both my 401(k) and Roth 401(k)?
- Trading in a car with positive equity
- Booking hotels through United
- Examples of three high-interest online savings accounts
- What are the benefits of Amazon Prime?
- What to do if you spot a problem
- Getting a mortgage with nontraditional credit
- How do you calculate closing costs on a house?
- Bank of America CDs and other savings options
- Step 2: Pre-qualify and compare offers
- AARP life insurance policies
- Ways to get good value
- Potential for unintended debt
- What kind of medical expenses are not tax deductible?
- Ways to pay for your wedding
- Are paid surveys worth it?
- Key features of IRAs vs 401(k)s
- 1. Chase: $2.61 trillion
- Are there exceptions to the 15%-20% rule?
- Bond risks
- What to do after you get a speeding ticket in California
- How to qualify for an earned wage access service
- Overdraft protection
- Fees for checked surf, kite, paddle and wake boards
- How does the value of Skywards miles change when booking business class?
- Checking your business credit score
- Can I take the home office deduction as a work-from-home employee?
- Award flights
- Our tips
- Our take on life insurance
- Bank collapses triggered fear of widespread failures
- Investing for income: Dividend stocks vs. dividend funds
- How to avoid a CPN scam
- Clear’s bag drop service
- The true cost of a 401(k) loan
- How to pay off debt and help your credit score
- During a forbearance
- Capterra’s Free Small-Business Budget Template
- 28 business ideas for teens
- How do lenders determine a car payment?
- The budget
- How to determine your closing costs
- Historical national rates
- 2. Set financial priorities
- What do you need to do?
- 3. Ask about discounts
- Pros and cons of a lady bird deed
- First things first: Check your IRA eligibility
- How to estimate car insurance costs
- How to use average car interest rates
- How we got here
- What to consider
- Think carefully before requesting a higher limit
- C
- State availability
- What is the Target Circle™ Card (the plastic one)?
- Is it worth it?
- How a balance transfer can help your credit score
- How much rent can you afford?
- Know your protections
- How do I keep my United miles from expiring?
- Traditional IRA income limits
- Savings accounts with strong APYs can help your money grow
- Consolidating private student loans
- Where to find a credit card hardship program
- Best life insurance companies: Pros and cons
- Types of second mortgages
- 3. You NEED to work
- 2. Consider common rules of thumb
- Minimum down payment requirements
- NerdWallet’s budget planner
- Requirements: Who qualifies for the child tax credit?
- What mortgage can I afford?
- Can you use a credit card for overdraft protection?
- 3. Ask your bank for relief
- Another money-change option: online currency converters
- 3. Not checking credit reports and correcting errors
- About 7 in 10 women learned how to choose investments
- Lube shops vs. dealerships
- Dividend vs. growth stocks
- An IRA might be a better option
- Factors to consider when paying a mortgage with a credit card
- How to calculate APY
- Can you negotiate mortgage origination fees?
- How to get a DUNS number
- Are there income limits for 401(k)s?
- Best car insurance in Florida for your budget: Geico
- See CD rates by bank
- What is an index?
- How to apply for a business credit card without a business
- Mega backdoor Roth 2024
- Standby for free on all routes
- Overall cost
- Card network
- When are state income tax returns due?
- Credit cards
- How independent insurance agents get paid
- Are Vanguard index funds a good investment?
- Find ways to keep costs low
- How to claim the medical expense deduction
- 3. High-yield money market accounts (MMAs)
- What is the difference between an investment advisor and a financial advisor?
- Who is a qualifying dependent?
- How to dispute your TransUnion report online
- What are AI stocks?
- Can travel insurance help recoup my miles and points?
- 3. Lease a car
- Should you refinance?
- ESG investing benefits
- Cheapest for 20-year-old drivers
- You only need one S&P 500 ETF
- Chase Secure Banking℠: $100 bonus
- Child care eats up a significant percentage of income for many
- How car models affect insurance rates — down to the trim
- Typical uses for an interest-only mortgage
- Best Utah car insurance for your budget: Auto-Owners
- They know their neighborhood and its residents
- When debt consolidation is a smart move
- You can ask for offers all year
- What CD early withdrawal penalties cost at some big banks
- March
- 3. Determine other ownership costs
- Best car insurance in Texas for your budget: State Farm
- How proof of stake works
- 4. You need to rest
- What to do instead
- Skip Frontier Airlines Discount Den if …
- 2. Decide how much to invest
- Do I need a 1099 to file my taxes?
- What do you tip if you’re unhappy with the result?
- How to prepare for a bond crash
- Why is OpenAI in the news so often?
- Popular earned wage access companies
- How to benefit from the account adjustment
- OFX
- Overdraft fees by institution
- Does Singapore Airlines have free Wi-Fi?
- Frugal entertainment tips
- 2. Empower: Best for fast cash
- Tip about banks vs. credit unions
- Townhouses
- When is the best time to book with points on Emirates?
- 3. Exclusive merchandise for purchase
- What happens when you get your car repossessed?
- Cash App
- Best homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania for coverage: Openly and Erie
- Best car insurance companies: Our winners
- Trading in a car with negative equity
- Should you sign up for Target Circle?
- How to calculate your home office tax deduction
- Our tips
- Las Vegas Strip hotels without resort fees
- Average daily balance
- Standard deduction
- During a deferment
- AARP customer complaints and satisfaction
- Limitations of the Roth
- PDFConverter.com 15 Best Budgets
- Watch out for foreign transaction fees
- How to find undervalued stocks
- The personal rewards
- When to pick the JetBlue Plus Card
- Average interest checking account rate: 0.08%
- How to claim the child tax credit
- IRA vs. 401(k): A road map
- Types of adjustable-rate mortgages
- Regret or user error
- 4. Monitor bank transactions online
- How credit utilization affects your scores
- Factors at play
- Book domestic Delta flights via Flying Blue
- Best car insurance companies: Our winners
- What happens when the Fed raises interest rates?
- How are dividends paid out?
- Travelers home insurance coverage
- When to exercise stock options
- DUNS number vs. EIN: What’s the difference?
- Fubo add-ons
- How to meet your monthly savings goal
- Don’t worry about the rest
- California income tax deadlines and extensions
- How a savings account works: withdrawal limits
- Card readers and apps
- Episode transcript
- How to choose and manage a credit-builder loan
- Try a simple budgeting plan
- Student debt cancellation got struck down, payments resumed
- How can I boost my credit instead of using a CPN?
- 401(k) loans are tied to your company
- ITIN: What it is and how to get one
- What is the CFPB?
- HODL and cryptocurrency
- 3. Explore passively managed index funds
- When a home equity loan is best
- Closing costs calculator
- Why you might want the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- 4. Work on your credit
- Things to consider when using overdraft protection
- Where to exchange currency outside the U.S.
- 4. Making a down payment that's too small
- Factors that affect the cost of car insurance
- What happens after you apply for income-driven repayment?
- How to avoid checked bag fees on Hawaiian Airlines
- What it means for your money
- Who can open a joint business account
- Average mutual fund return
- What's next?
- What to do after a repossession
- Comparing stocks and bonds
- Chase Freedom Flex℠: Best credit card for bonus cash back
- What you can do to protect yourself
- Startup business grants from private companies and nonprofits
- Shop mortgage lenders
- Improvements to basic economy
- Types of state income tax
- How much does it cost to buy Vanguard index fund shares?
- How do I keep my credit score from dropping?
- More about AARP
- What you need to bring to the closing
- 5. You need to refresh
- Serve American Express Prepaid Debit Account
- The Federal Trade Commission’s budget worksheet
- What to know if you take online surveys
- 2. Bank of America: $2.34 trillion
- Average car insurance rates after a speeding ticket in California
- Glossary of overdraft terms
- Avoiding the upsell
- Exceptions to state minimum car insurance requirements
- No guarantee that savings will be passed on
- Co-ops
- 2. An interest-bearing checking account that earns 1% or more
- Gift tax limit 2024
- Where Etsy wins
- Think twice before canceling
- Can I have a 401(k) and an IRA?
- Strategies to avoid a CD penalty
- How to choose the best high-yield savings accounts
- 4. Find the right car for you
- How do streaming services fit into your budget?
- Regulated versus unregulated debit cards
- Where to find credit-builder loans
- Pros and cons of working with independent insurance agents
- Goodbudget, for hands-on envelope budgeting
- How it works
- Best life insurance company overall: MassMutual
- Roth IRA income and contribution limits
- Annual Business Budget in Google Sheets
- Qualifying for a second mortgage
- New York state supplemental income tax
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- 4. Peer-to-peer lending
- Who pays the closing costs?
- 3. Enroll in autopay
- What's next?
- 5. Know the bank’s timeline
- How do you set up a lady bird deed?
- How to get a business loan without collateral
- 401(k), IRA, Roth: Know the tax impact
- CD early withdrawal penalties at banks and credit unions
- Pros and cons of an interest-only mortgage
- How flexible are Emirates Skywards miles?
- What’s needed to process credit cards?
- Does the cost of FuboTV fit into your budget?
- Best car insurance in Florida for having few customer complaints: Auto-Owners
- How much do index funds cost?
- Can you get a business credit card with no business income?
- When to estimate closing costs
- Point-of-sale hardware
- Circumstances that may qualify for a hardship program
- Should you use a 401(k) loan to pay off debt?
- 6. You value exceptional customer service
- Consider investing or buying bonds for long-term savings
- 3. Use a retirement calculator
- How to dispute your TransUnion report by mail
- Episode transcript
- Do credit cards give me my miles and points back?
- 4. Talk to your lender
- When should I receive my 1099?
- Chase Total Checking®: $300 bonus
- Earned wage access pros and cons
- Why the Roth IRA works for many savers
- Some parents are taking or took steps to reduce child care costs
- Frugal DIY project tips
- 6 types of dividends
- APR vs. APY: What’s the difference?
- E
- 4. Complimentary glam services
- Factor in other costs
- April
- Your 401(k) plan allows after-tax contributions
- How to build credit
- Top 3 index funds for the Nasdaq-100
- How to find another company's EIN
- Why should I open a bank account if I'm undocumented?
- What you'll pay at closing
- The next step
- Who must register as an investment advisor?
- Eligible child and dependent care expenses
- 3. Open an investment account
- Do you tip assistants?
- Women tend to be less confident, more anxious than men about investing
- How to get overdraft fees waived
- How to connect to Singapore Airlines Wi-Fi
- How to apply for a joint business bank account
- Quarterly category cards
- Colonial Penn customer complaints and satisfaction
- Open your Etsy shop
- Is it a good idea to consolidate credit cards?
- Simplified version vs. actual expense deduction
- Do I have to pay California state tax?
- How many banks have collapsed?
- Independent insurance agents vs. brokers
- How to consolidate private student loans
- Travel exceeded pre-pandemic numbers
- What else will change for tax year 2024?
- Fines and legal actions: Wells Fargo’s recent history
- Microsoft Office Template
- Making the choice
- Additional child tax credit
- Can you invest in OpenAI’s partners?
- Dissatisfaction
- Submit recertification information every year
- How does the Fed raise interest rates?
- Optional coverages
- How to invest in dividend stocks
- Multifamily homes
- Best Utah car insurance for having few customer complaints: American Family
- Gift tax limit 2023
- What happens if I exceed my 401(k) limit by mistake?
- Final steps
- Diversifying with index funds
- Is my money safe in a high-yield savings account?
- Domestic vs. international fees
- Integrations with accounting software
- Payment processing fees
- Best car insurance in Texas for having few customer complaints: Chubb
- Downsides to upgrading the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- After consolidation
- Your decision: Is HODL for you?
- Final thoughts on flying Korean Air economy class
- More ways to take charge of your budget
- Next steps
- 5. Skip comprehensive and collision coverage for an older car
- 6. Rebounding from bank account fraud
- Where to avoid exchanging currency
- W-4 form 2024
- How much car insurance you need
- 3. EarnIn: Best for large advances
- Where Colonial Penn stands out
- How did NerdWallet determine the value of Skywards miles?
- 3. A CD ladder
- F
- Get more help with monthly budget planning
- How does a debt consolidation loan work?
- Google Pay
- Is a balance transfer a good idea?
- 5. Contact the seller or visit a dealership
- Your 401(k) lets you move your after-tax money
- How much to keep in your savings account
- How to store the Bitcoin you buy
- How to invest in dividend stocks
- Step 3: Choose your lender and loan
- Your accounting software
- Rocky Mountains
- When a car payment doesn't fit your budget
- 5. Online savings accounts
- 4. Think about how much you want to actively trade
- Reasons to get a personal loan vs. home equity loan
- Frontier’s Discount Den benefits
- How to invest in AI stocks
- The best time to lower your car payment
- 3. Wells Fargo Bank: $1.68 trillion
- What if you can’t afford to tip?
- ESG investing vs. socially responsible investing vs. CSR
- 5. Not looking for first-time home buyer programs
- How to lease a car
- Xoom
- Consumer takeaways
- Limiting the cost of Singapore Airlines Wi-Fi
- Best homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania for consumer experience: Nationwide
- What do closing costs include?
- Deposit timing
- Interest rate
- How do you get a second mortgage?
- Where to get an airport lounge day pass
- 4. Revisit regularly
- How to dispute your TransUnion credit report by phone
- Consider the costs of cashing out your 401(k)
- The bottom line
- 4. Make biweekly payments
- Types of 1099 forms
- Cons of electric cars
- How ARM rates are set
- Tips to get through mortgage underwriting
- Skip currency exchange: Use a credit or debit card
- Alternatives to a lady bird deed
- Obstacles to paying a mortgage with a credit card
- Where Colonial Penn falls short
- How the lifetime gift tax exclusion works
- Do debt consolidation loans hurt your credit?
- Look for savings
- Can you use a business credit card for personal expenses?
- May
- Do the math on high-yield savings
- Additional costs for international wires
- Other options for building credit
- Gas prices went on a roller coaster
- Best life insurance company for applicants with HIV: Guardian
- Getting started with a Roth IRA
- When are New York state income taxes due?
- ONE VIP Visa Prepaid Card
- Average certificate of deposit rate: 1.81% for one-year CDs
- What are fleet cards?
- Maintaining good standing for your Texas LLC
- 6. Raise your deductible
- Earned wage access vs. cash advance apps
- Budgets loom
- Fly Delta One to mainland Europe via Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Frugal home expenses tips
- Is it worth trying to earn Free Spirit points?
- What is the Federal Reserve Board?
- How credit card rewards look in other countries
- Manufactured homes
- How compound interest works
- Market your Esty shop and products
- Travelers home insurance rates
- Best car insurance in Florida for ease of use: State Farm
- What is California's standard deduction?
- LLC payroll taxes
- Contract periods
- Under income-driven repayment plans
- State thresholds for the medical expense deduction
- 3. Get disability and life insurance
- When to expect your child tax credit refund
- Cheapest car insurance companies after a speeding ticket in California
- Chase Private Client Checking℠: Up to $3,000 bonus offer
- How to find the 2024 W-4
- Americans perceive investing advantages, disadvantages for women
- Best Utah car insurance for ease of use: State Farm
- G
- When debt consolidation isn't worth it
- How much are credit card processing fees?
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best basic travel rewards credit card
- Quick start guide: How to invest in index funds
- Alternatives to savings accounts
- Should you use a personal loan to build credit?
- Credit union personal loan rates
- How to change or cancel an EIN
- 401(k) loan alternatives
- Do I have to pay New York state income tax?
- Benefits of a larger down payment
- Who counts as a qualified care provider?
- The most popular surveys for cash apps
- What happens next in a TransUnion credit dispute?
- 4. Pick an investment strategy
- Which card is right for you?
- Fraud
- If you need help applying, contact your servicer
- 6. Inspect and test-drive the car, if applicable
- Other ways to cut wire-transfer costs
- More reading about ETFs
- You’ve got money left over for savings
- No-closing-cost mortgages
- Customer support
- Best car insurance in Texas for ease of use: Farmers
- Workers scored contract wins through disruptive strikes
- How to upgrade the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Credit unions and banks that don’t require Social Security numbers to open an account
- The bottom line
- Designing your budget
- What’s not covered
- Citi Custom Cash® Card
- How to find AI ETFs
- 5. Pay off capitalized interest
- How do fleet cards work?
- 7. Consider usage-based or pay-per-mile insurance
- Why some cars cost more to insure
- Tips to find cheap flights any day of the week
- Want cheaper insurance? Avoid these vehicles
- More about Colonial Penn
- What part of my income gets taxed by California?
- Consult your payment processor
- 2023 state income tax rates and brackets
- Why did First Republic Bank fail?
- Step 4: Gather loan documents
- What to keep in mind about a day pass
- 6. High-yield checking accounts
- 5. Learn about dollar-cost averaging
- 4. Citibank: $1.01 trillion
- How can you take the guesswork out of tipping?
- ESG investing examples
- The bottom line on OpenAI
- Making the call
- What's next?
- 4. Varo: Best for existing bank customers
- H
- Discounts
- 3 tips to control central air conditioning installation costs
- Shopify vs. Etsy: Pricing
- PayPal
- Don’t pay for advance seat selection
- Full list of the best homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania
- Is a credit-builder loan good for my situation?
- EveryDollar, for simple zero-based budgeting
- Federal student loan consolidation
- How do you buy Vanguard Index fund shares?
- Other financing options
- How much should you put down on a house?
- 2024 child tax credit news update
- 6. Ignoring VA, USDA and FHA loan programs
- Do I have to update my W-4 every year?
- Modular homes
- Warehouse club cards
- Mutual fund fees
- Is APY variable?
- 2024 lifetime gift tax exemption
- June
- If you're considering an upgrade from the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Days in the cycle
- Steps for getting into a hardship program
- When undervalued stocks become popular
- Chase checking account referrals: Up to $500 bonus
- Should you pay your mortgage with a credit card?
- Full list of the best car insurance companies in Utah
- Why you might prefer the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Full list of the best car insurance in Florida
- Other home office deduction rules and considerations
- The bottom line
- Mortgages became more expensive
- Best life insurance company for consumer experience: Northwestern Mutual
- What is New York state's standard deduction?
- Additional child and dependent care credit requirements
- Closing costs for the buyer
- 6. Stick to the standard repayment plan
- Types of ESG investments
- Reconsideration for PSLF applications
- 'Holds' on a credit card
- What if I’m enrolled in Public Service Loan Forgiveness?
- MoneyGram
- Find the best homeowners insurance in your state
- Building your business credit score
- What's next?
- Best uses for a high-yield savings account
- 7. Determine which warranties are right for you
- Cheaper ways to send money
- Bottom line
- Am I a resident for California state tax purposes?
- LLC self-employment taxes
- How to get a loan from a credit union
- 8. Check insurance costs when buying a car
- Exchange frequently? Consider a multicurrency account
- Using Aeromexico for certain domestic flights
- Singapore Airlines Wi-Fi, recapped
- Consumer complaints
- How much does homeowners insurance cost in Pennsylvania?
- Seller-paid closing costs
- Why did Silicon Valley Bank fail?
- Hotels to book with points in New York City
- FamZoo Prepaid Card
- 5. U.S. Bank: $646.73 billion
- 7. Not knowing whether to pay discount points
- How to adjust your Form W-4
- How to save on car insurance
- How to evaluate dividends
- What's next?
- Tiny houses
- Sharing a Prime membership Using Amazon Household
- Where to find the best savings accounts
- What to do with the Bitcoin you buy
- Full list of the best car insurance companies in Texas
- Frequently asked questions
- Other considerations to determine your down payment
- Average money market account rate: 0.66%
- Could we be in an AI bubble?
- 5. Understand your investment options
- More ARM terms to know
- Interest-based passive income ideas
- NerdWallet home insurance calculator methodology
- Consumer experience
- Who pays the gift tax?
- Should you exercise early?
- Why you can trust NerdWallet
- July
- How often do savings rates change?
- The federal government nearly shut down — twice
- What are the best Vanguard index funds?
- What's next?
- How much is mobile home insurance?
- Am I a resident for New York state income tax purposes?
- 7. Use 'found' money
- Small-business valuation methods
- 5. Dave: Best for repayment flexibility
- Are these the best dividend stocks?
- Can you lose money in mutual funds?
- K
- How to finance central air installation
- Venmo
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best credit card for travel perks
- LLC sales taxes
- Step 5: Submit your application and get funded
- What are the disadvantages of sole proprietorship?
- Fleet fuel cards: benefits and drawbacks
- The best place to exchange currency at the end of your trip
- Chase Business Complete Checking℠: $400 bonus offer
- Fees across U.S. airlines
- Do you pay taxes when you receive a gift?
- 8. Negotiate the best price
- 2024 state income tax rates and brackets
- Off-Strip hotels without resort fees
- What are the best dividend stocks?
- Credit union vs. online lender
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Other ways to sell clothes online
- You can refinance an ARM
- 8. Emptying your savings
- The bottom line
- How to improve credit after a car repossession
- Average cost of homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania by city
- How to open a high-yield savings account
- Why you can trust NerdWallet
- How to consolidate federal loans
- Best life insurance company for coverage amounts: New York Life
- Route 66
- Consequences of a child tax credit error
- Costs of starting an LLC in Texas
- Anti-fraud preauthorizations
- The problem with 'cents off per gallon'
- L
- How much money can you make on YouTube?
- Is Amazon Prime worth it?
- Empower Personal Dashboard, for tracking wealth and spending
- How to get Discount Den membership for free (or cheap)
- How to claim the child and dependent tax credit
- 6. PNC Bank: $551.13 billion
- ESG investing: How to get started
- Currency exchange: Frequently asked questions
- If you're looking to save miles on Delta flights
- If you fly Hawaiian Airlines with luggage
- Travelers vs. competitors
- Is the gift tax deductible?
- August
- Why did Signature Bank fail?
- Deciding whether to buy an EV
- Western Union
- Which card should you get?
- LLC tax forms and deadlines
- Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard
- Who can form an LLC in Texas?
- What not to do
- Important considerations when opening a Roth IRA
- 6. MoneyLion: Best for existing customers
- How much is the gift tax rate?
- Walmart2Walmart
- The cheapest homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania
- 9. Maximize trade-in value, if applicable
- How to sell clothes online
- The difference between interest rate and APY
- State child tax credits
- What to know about Chase checking account bonuses
- M
- Shopify vs. Etsy: Which is right for your business?
- Manufactured and mobile home insurance companies
- The other Frontier program: Frontier Miles
- Should you invest in AI stocks?
- Fuel card vs. business gas credit card
- 9. Applying for credit before the sale is final
- What happens if I can’t open a savings account?
- Next steps
- Potential hurdles and drawbacks of a hardship program
- Bottom line: Is it worth claiming the child and dependent care tax credit?
- Earn an audience, and earn more in the long run
- September
- What’s happening with Silvergate Capital Corp.?
- Best life insurance company for permanent life insurance: Pacific Life
- What is the $500 credit for other dependents (ODC)?
- 7. Goldman Sachs: $463.99 billion
- Cheapest for 30-year-old drivers
- Are dividends taxed?
- What to know about Pennsylvania homeowners insurance
- Discover it® Student Chrome: Best credit card for college students
- 10. Make the purchase
- One-time IDR account adjustment for PSLF borrowers
- Gas credit card savings calculator
- N
- Common gift tax return triggers
- The bottom line
- LLC tax tips for business owners
- What happened to Credit Suisse?
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- Child tax credit vs. child and dependent care credit
- Next steps
- 7. SoLo Funds: Best for peer-to-peer cash advances
- What is credit card consolidation?
- California state tax credits
- The bottom line
- W-4 calculator
- What's next?
- Other ways to make money
- Western Union
- Small-business incubator programs
- Walmart MoneyCard
- If you’re considering joining the Discount Den
- How the FDIC calculates national rates
- 8. Truist Bank: $534.93 billion
- Apparel and shoes
- The bottom line
- October
- PocketGuard, for a simplified budgeting snapshot
- Does your business need a fleet fuel card?
- Are Chase bank promotions worth it?
- How does credit card consolidation work?
- O
- Investing
- How to get resort fees waived
- 10. Shopping for a house before a mortgage
- How to choose among the best ways to send money internationally
- Consulting niches to consider
- Are other banks are in trouble?
- Best life insurance company for customer satisfaction: State Farm
- What else to know about Form W-4
- Alternatives to a credit card hardship program
- Reconsideration for rejected PSLF applications
- 8. Klover: Best for no-fee advances
- P
- Should you buy stocks or bonds?
- November
- Should I take my money out of the bank?
- When to pay the resort fee
- NYC income tax rates
- 9. Capital One: $468.23 billion
- Is consolidating credit card debt a good idea?
- Additional tips for making money on TikTok
- Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best credit card for building credit
- Alternatives to startup business grants
- OK, what's next?
- Frequently asked questions
- S
- Zelle:
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
- Best stocks for beginners
- New England loop
- 11. Underestimating the costs of homeownership
- Can I still use my credit card after debt consolidation?
- Are we in a recession?
- If you’re heading to Las Vegas
- Mortgages
- Best life insurance company for older applicants: AARP
- Low-fee alternatives to prepaid cards
- 10. TD Bank: $366.25 billion
- Don't qualify for PSLF? You have other options for relief
- Pros and cons of loan apps
- December
- Honeydue, for budgeting with a partner
- T
- The upside down: When debt and equity roles reverse
- Pennsylvania department of insurance
- Additional resources for veteran entrepreneurs
- Closing costs for the seller
- How to track your California state refund
- Looking for more insurance in Pennsylvania?
- The bottom line on investing in stocks
- Are we headed for a depression?
- How to find the best mobile home insurance
- Cheapest car insurance by state
- Decide the best use of Bonvoy points for you
- 12. Miscalculating repair and renovation costs
- U
- What to know about the best ways to send money
- The bottom line
- 6 things to know about New York state income tax
- The bottom line
- Best term life insurance companies of April 2024
- Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
- 11. BMO: $260.79 billion
- Top cards with staying power
- California state sales tax
- What is a 1099 employee?
- Best whole life insurance companies of April 2024
- Prepaid-like options from fintechs: Apple Cash and Cash App
- Beauty and personal care
- How to make money from home
- Budgeting resources from NerdWallet
- 12. Citizens Bank: $224.96 billion
- 5 things to know about California state tax
- Best no medical exam life insurance companies of April 2024
- How to get cheap car insurance
- Are cash advance apps payday lenders?
- Other ways to earn money
- Personal loans
- How to choose the best life insurance company
- Methodology to identify the best budget apps
- Other notable options
- 13. First Citizens Bank: $213.59 billion
- Are apps like DailyPay and Payactiv cash advance apps?
- The South
- Risks of getting cheap auto insurance
- Cheapest for 40-year-old drivers
- Best prepaid debit cards: Summary of fees and ATMs
- Pros and cons of starting a vending machine business
- What are prepaid debit cards?
- Alternatives to cash advance apps
- Major issuers and their policies on instant credit access
- 14. Fifth Third Bank: $211.98 billion
- Student loans
- Prepaid debit cards vs. regular debit cards
- More about top-rated life insurance companies
- How to make money offline
- Frequently asked questions about prepaid cards
- 15. M&T Bank: $208.61 billion
- Alternatives to small-business grants for veterans
- Entertainment
- Taxes
- 16. Huntington National Bank: $186.36 billion
- Cash advance app star rating methodology
- Travel rewards
- Other ways to save money
- Full list of the best car insurance companies
- 17. Ally Bank: $185.72 billion
- Get your free birthday stuff and deals
- Full list of the best car insurance companies
- The bottom line
- Best car insurance companies by state
- Best car insurance companies by state
- 18. KeyBank: $185.57 billion
- How to find the best car insurance
- 19. American Express National Bank: $174.80 billion
- Cheapest for 50-year-old drivers
- How to find the best car insurance
- 20. HSBC Bank USA: $161.30 billion
- Tips for starting a home-based business
- The bottom line
- Cheapest for 60-year-old drivers
- Watch out for making money scams
- Cheapest for 70-year-old drivers
- How to get cheap car insurance in Florida
- Minimum car insurance requirements in Florida
- No-fault insurance in Florida
- Why you can trust NerdWallet
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.
Personal loans from our partners
on SoFi
SoFi
5.0
NerdWallet rating5.0
NerdWallet rating8.99- 29.99%
$5K- $100K
on SoFi
on Avant
Avant
4.0
NerdWallet rating4.0
NerdWallet rating9.95- 35.99%
$2K- $35K
on Avant
on Best Egg
Best Egg
4.5
NerdWallet rating4.5
NerdWallet rating8.99- 35.99%
$2K- $50K
on Best Egg
on Discover
Discover
5.0
NerdWallet rating5.0
NerdWallet rating7.99- 24.99%
$2.5K- $40K
on Discover
on Upgrade
Upgrade
5.0
NerdWallet rating5.0
NerdWallet rating8.49- 35.99%
$1K- $50K
on Upgrade
on Upstart
Upstart
4.5
NerdWallet rating4.5
NerdWallet rating7.8- 35.99%
$1K- $50K
on Upstart
on SoFi
SoFi
5.0
NerdWallet rating5.0
NerdWallet rating8.99- 29.99%
$5K- $100K
on SoFi
on Avant
Avant
4.0
NerdWallet rating4.0
NerdWallet rating9.95- 35.99%
$2K- $35K
on Avant
on Best Egg
Best Egg
4.5
NerdWallet rating4.5
NerdWallet rating8.99- 35.99%
$2K- $50K
on Best Egg
on Discover
Discover
5.0
NerdWallet rating5.0
NerdWallet rating7.99- 24.99%
$2.5K- $40K
on Discover
on Upgrade
Upgrade
5.0
NerdWallet rating5.0
NerdWallet rating8.49- 35.99%
$1K- $50K
on Upgrade
on LightStream
LightStream
4.5
NerdWallet rating4.5
NerdWallet rating7.49- 25.49%
$5K- $100K
on LightStream
on SoFi
SoFi
5.0
NerdWallet rating5.0
NerdWallet rating8.99- 29.99%
$5K- $100K
on SoFi
on Avant
Avant
4.0
NerdWallet rating4.0
NerdWallet rating9.95- 35.99%
$2K- $35K
on Avant
on Best Egg
Best Egg
4.5
NerdWallet rating4.5
NerdWallet rating8.99- 35.99%
$2K- $50K
on Best Egg
on Discover
Discover
5.0
NerdWallet rating5.0
NerdWallet rating7.99- 24.99%
$2.5K- $40K
on Discover
on Upgrade
Upgrade
5.0
NerdWallet rating5.0
NerdWallet rating8.49- 35.99%
$1K- $50K
on Upgrade
on OneMain Financial
OneMain Financial
3.5
NerdWallet rating3.5
NerdWallet rating18.0- 35.99%
$1.5K- $20K
on OneMain Financial
on LightStream
LightStream
4.5
NerdWallet rating4.5
NerdWallet rating7.49- 25.49%
$5K- $100K
on LightStream
on Avant
Avant
4.0
NerdWallet rating4.0
NerdWallet rating9.95- 35.99%
$2K- $35K
on Avant
on SoFi
SoFi
5.0
NerdWallet rating5.0
NerdWallet rating8.99- 29.99%
$5K- $100K
on SoFi
on Best Egg
Best Egg
4.5
NerdWallet rating4.5
NerdWallet rating8.99- 35.99%
$2K- $50K
on Best Egg
on Upstart
Upstart
4.5
NerdWallet rating4.5
NerdWallet rating7.8- 35.99%
$1K- $50K
on Upstart
on Upgrade
Upgrade
5.0
NerdWallet rating5.0
NerdWallet rating8.49- 35.99%
$1K- $50K
on Upgrade
on SoFi
SoFi
5.0
NerdWallet rating5.0
NerdWallet rating8.99- 29.99%
$5K- $100K
on SoFi
on Avant
Avant
4.0
NerdWallet rating4.0
NerdWallet rating9.95- 35.99%
$2K- $35K
on Avant
on Best Egg
Best Egg
4.5
NerdWallet rating4.5
NerdWallet rating8.99- 35.99%
$2K- $50K
on Best Egg
on Discover
Discover
5.0
NerdWallet rating5.0
NerdWallet rating7.99- 24.99%
$2.5K- $40K
on Discover
on LightStream
LightStream
4.5
NerdWallet rating4.5
NerdWallet rating7.49- 25.49%
$5K- $100K
on LightStream
on Upstart
Upstart
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