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
- What is a cashier's check?
- Why is retirement planning important?
- What is modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)?
- Key takeaways
- Investing for kids
- Compare types of bank accounts
- 6 steps to opening a Roth IRA
- Life insurance buying guide
- Shopping for Medicare plans? We have you covered.
- The parts of Medicare
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medigap plans
- Our Take
- What is a W-4?
- What is an authorized user?
- When does Medicare start?
- » These offers have expired
- » This page is out of date
- See how to get your business started quickly
- What is a home equity line of credit?
- About AARP
- About UnitedHealthcare
- Find the right Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medicare Part D Plans
- What is Upwork?
- IRA vs. 401(k)
- Webull is best for
- E*TRADE is best for:
- What is mortgage pre-qualification?
- Medicare Advantage companies
- What is a put option?
- Ready to get started? Here's what to do next
- What is a lady bird deed?
- Find the right Medicare Advantage plan
- What is loan-to-value ratio?
- Coinbase is best for:
- Current promotional CD rates
- See CD rates by term and type
- Can you pay the mortgage with a credit card?
- Registered investment advisor definition
- What is a rollover IRA?
- What is married filing jointly?
- What are dividend stocks?
- What is a spot Bitcoin ETF?
- How many IRAs can you have? How many Roth IRAs?
- What is a credit freeze?
- Best for:
- What is debt-to-income ratio?
- Market order vs. limit order
- 1. Determine how much to save for a down payment
- Bullish vs. bearish: What’s the difference?
- 2024 child tax credit news update
- What is a VA home loan?
- Determining how much mortgage I can afford
- What is a 1099?
- What is a utility bill?
- Stocks
- Georgia Dream program highlights and eligibility requirements
- 1. Talk to the merchant
- Dallas-Fort Worth airport quick facts
- Where to find them
- What is a 529 plan?
- Good credit utilization follows the 30% rule
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- The best pet insurance companies at a glance
- When do I need a cashier's check?
- S&P 500 index (SPX) today
- 7 of the best apps to make money
- How to write a two weeks’ notice letter
- 1. Joining Marriott Bonvoy is free
- What is MAGI used for?
- Roth IRA taxes
- Consult Walmart.com
- The cheapest car insurance companies by category
- Savings accounts
- Choose a business name and structure
- Invest based on your goals
- How much is YouTube TV a month?
- How does the Fear and Greed Index work?
- What is a solo 401(k) plan?
- How to upgrade your boarding position on a Southwest flight
- Pros & Cons
- How to get paid on YouTube
- 7 best-performing AI stocks
- Step 1: Choose your health insurance marketplace
- 1. Learn the basics
- Sell to an iBuyer
- Microsoft Office Excel budget templates
- How much are taxes on lottery winnings?
- 1. Certificates of deposit (CDs)
- What you need to open a bank account
- Food and drink
- What is forex trading?
- How much does a wire transfer cost?
- What is Affirm?
- How Roth IRAs work
- Is Upwork a legit way to make money?
- Domestic travel
- Choosing an IRA vs. a 401(k)
- What is self-employment tax?
- What the Fed did and why
- How are Dogecoin tokens produced?
- What are variable expenses?
- What is Global Entry?
- Capital gains tax on stocks: Do you have to pay?
- 1. When your Bitcoin is taxed depends on how you got it
- What are small-cap stocks?
- What are restricted stock units, or RSUs
- What's the best S&P 500 ETF?
- Mortgage options
- Best stocks by one-year performance
- Where can you work as a Dasher?
- How many bags can you bring on TAP Air Portugal?
- What is married filing separately?
- What makes a good business idea for teens?
- 1. Set expectations around costs — and how you’ll split them
- 50/30/20 budget calculator
- Most profitable small businesses
- How a cash advance works
- Program for homebuyers and new residents
- The best budget apps
- How we found the best travel insurance
- What are financial boundaries?
- Why is having a low credit utilization important?
- 14 food franchise opportunities
- 39 green business ideas
- What flights offer Flagship Business Plus?
- Medicare home health care coverage
- How long should I wait after filing for bankruptcy to get a car loan?
- What to expect flying economy with Emirates
- How early direct deposit works
- California-specific small-business grants
- What does homeowners insurance cover?
- How do LLC taxes work?
- 1. You'll earn rewards at Gap Inc. stores and anywhere Mastercard is accepted
- What is a growth stock?
- What goes into the credit card interest calculation
- The best flight booking sites
- Step 1: Check your credit
- Is it illegal to postdate a check?
- What's the best way to invest $10,000?
- QuickBooks Online pricing
- Best business insurance options for sole proprietors
- What information is on a utility bill?
- Best places to sell clothes online
- 1. Open an IRA
- Where to find your homeowners insurance declarations page
- How to value a small business
- Webull at a glance
- E*TRADE at a glance
- January
- 1. What does American Express trip cancellation insurance cover?
- Calculate your closing costs
- DFW airport map
- What is a personal loan?
- What to do before applying for a mortgage
- 40 best startup business ideas
- Factors we considered when picking travel insurance companies
- What the data says about holiday travel on miles
- Humana Medicare Advantage
- 1. Starting without a detailed business plan
- Robinhood is best for:
- Coinbase at a glance
- How to estimate your home insurance
- How do CDs work?
- Refinance to a lower rate
- Registered investment advisors vs. advisers
- Illinois state income tax rates and tax brackets
- 2023 Arizona state income tax rates and tax brackets
- How startup funding works
- What is a home inspection?
- 1. New cardholder bonus
- High CD rates for now
- How do credit union loans work?
- Financial advisor fees
- No Roth IRA taxes on earnings
- When an EIN is required for sole props and LLCs
- 1. Know your bank’s mobile check deposit requirements
- When to write a financial aid appeal letter
- Send & Split: The basics
- How to budget money
- 4 common check fraud scams
- Late winter and early spring
- 5 rules of thumb to find a scholarship
- What nonstop routes does American operate to Hawaii?
- Ways to pay yourself: Salary vs. owner’s draw
- What is lifestyle creep?
- The bull call spread
- 2. Let an app be your guide
- 5 things to know about Frontier flight delay compensation
- What is a home equity loan?
- Which mortgage lenders got hacked?
- What does this value mean?
- 5 Ways to get started in real estate investing
- 1. Clean up your credit
- 1. It’s an unsecured card for credit building …
- How to get a loan with bad credit
- 1. Create or build up an emergency fund
- How to get Chase Freedom rental car insurance
- Why mortgage rates climbed so high
- Penny stock investing
- Make updates if:
- What Airbnb cleaning fees are and what they cost
- 2. Prepare your paperwork
- Where should you start?
- How does a lady bird deed work?
- Best ways to consolidate credit card debt
- With a 650 score, you may pay higher rates than others
- You’re paying unnecessary fees
- Average savings account rate: 0.47%
- 1. Check your account statements
- What is a state income tax?
- About Marriott Cash + Points reservations
- The hotel cards, side by side
- Average retirement savings balance by age
- Taxes on 401(k) contributions
- 1. Skip the airport
- What does it mean to invest in the S&P 500?
- Jewelry insurance from your home insurer
- The best money-making apps
- When can you retire?
- Is refinancing federal student loans a bad idea?
- How to watch the World Cup
- 1. Create a spending plan
- Synchrony-branded credit cards
- 1. Salamander Middleburg Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Virginia
- 1. 529 Savings and investing accounts
- How to make money online
- Top 10 spot Bitcoin ETFs by fee
- Possible consequences
- What is the 10-year Treasury?
- How to freeze your credit with all 3 bureaus
- Tax filing status options
- Bluebird Card Pros
- Multiple applications suggest risk
- Summary of cash advance apps
- How to find your EIN
- Market orders: Make the trade now
- What responsibilities does an authorized user have?
- Table of Contents
- Medicare age and eligibility
- How to invest in stocks in 6 steps
- How does a VA home loan work?
- VA funding fee: How much you'll pay
- 1. Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor
- 28 ways to save money
- 1. Your landlord’s insurance won’t cover you
- How to get the most from your Chase Freedom® this quarter
- Lottery tax calculator
- Key takeaways
- What is a 1099 form used for?
- 11 best investments right now
- What is a bridge loan?
- AARP Medicare Part D pros and cons
- If you’re buying soon, your debt-to-income ratio could be lower
- The self-employment tax rate for 2023
- How much do Instagram influencers make?
- How does Dogecoin's supply affect its price?
- Variable expenses examples
- Do you pay taxes on stocks you don't sell?
- Investing in Bitcoin
- Mint vs. NerdWallet at a glance
- Find out how much your car is worth
- The best term life insurance companies in March 2024
- Banner life insurance
- How we got here
- Robinhood at a glance
- What are the requirements for delivering with DoorDash?
- How married filing separately works
- Retiring can pose challenges
- 50 best small businesses to start
- What is a business credit score?
- Big credit card bonuses
- Start with your student loan servicer
- Credit cards with no balance transfer fees
- Options for an old 401(k)
- Who can use the married filing jointly status?
- Where can I get a cashier’s check?
- What is the 50/30/20 rule?
- New York state income tax rates
- Complete the consolidation application
- Browse coupon websites
- Chase Freedom Flex℠: Factors to consider
- The best metal credit cards
- How to lower your credit utilization
- 20 high-dividend stocks
- How Vrbo works
- What is a life insurance policy?
- What does the value of Hilton points mean?
- State Farm life insurance
- Student loan forgiveness programs
- Compare car insurance rates by age
- Front-end and back-end DTI
- Best crypto credit cards
- How to fill out a W-4
- How cash back works on credit cards
- How we found the best auto insurance
- Consolidating federal student loans more than once
- What is the child tax credit?
- 22 popular tax deductions and tax breaks
- Do you need insurance to rent a car?
- Wire transfer fees by financial institution
- 2. Get your 401(k) match
- Roth IRA pros and cons
- How to get Upwork jobs
- The best whole life insurance companies of March 2024
- Make your stance clear in job postings
- You need more financial aid
- Prices shoot the moon
- How to use the pre-qualification calculator
- Who can get Global Entry?
- 1. Affirm
- Cheapest term life insurance companies for March 2024
- How much are closing costs?
- Best small-cap stocks, ordered by one-year performance
- Types of RSUs
- How will the Student Aid Index be calculated?
- Credit card issuers won’t allow debt transfer among their own products
- What you need to qualify for a personal loan
- Are these the best stocks to buy now?
- How to pay your mortgage with a credit card
- What can registered investment advisors do?
- Do I have to pay Arizona state income tax?
- 1. T.J. Maxx loyalists can rake in rewards ...
- ASPCA: Best for broad coverage
- YNAB, for hands-on zero-based budgeting
- Roth IRA taxes on withdrawals
- 2. ABLE accounts
- Airport perks
- Are we in a recession?
- How you’ll receive scholarship funds
- What can I add on to YouTube TV?
- Where are layoffs happening?
- 1. Request a balance transfer
- Table of Contents
- Does Zelle report to the IRS?
- 3. Make it a family outing
- Google Sheets budget templates
- Understanding forex trading
- Which income-driven repayment plan is best for you?
- What’s on a home insurance declarations page?
- Who is most likely to earn minimum wage?
- Dogecoin basics
- How put options work
- How to choose an S&P 500 ETF
- An overview of the best annual travel insurance
- Ways to beef up your 650 credit score
- Our take
- 2. Categorize your expenses
- Budget apps for couples
- Who can access JAL lounges
- What’s changing, exactly?
- Illinois state income tax deductions and credits
- 529 plan benefits
- How to calculate your credit utilization ratio
- How can I get a cashier’s check?
- Financial advisor fees by service
- Two weeks’ notice templates
- Best affordable homeowners insurance in Florida: Nationwide
- 2. Set financial boundaries
- 2. Confirm the check amount is within mobile deposit limits
- Best affordable homeowners insurance in Colorado: Auto-Owners
- The benefits of having multiple IRAs
- How is the Fear and Greed Index used?
- What kind of car loan can I get after a bankruptcy?
- Bluebird Card Cons
- When to be extra cautious
- 1. Brigit: Best for budgeting tools
- 2. Use money tips to accelerate your savings
- When Medicare starts: Turning 65
- Find a top-notch listing agent
- 2. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
- Best-performing growth stocks
- Grace period
- How do lottery taxes work?
- How to convert American miles to dollars (calculator)
- 2. Cash management accounts
- How much money do I need to buy a house?
- Today’s HELOC rates
- Who gets a 1099?
- Best car insurance in Massachusetts overall: Travelers
- 3. Pay down high-interest debt
- How to convert Virgin Atlantic points to dollars
- How we ranked the top life insurers
- The self-employment tax rate for 2024
- How many Instagram followers do you need to make money?
- Forgive student loan debt
- Your savings APY hasn’t increased recently
- 1.5 cents per mile is good for holiday travel
- 2. Overlooking your finances
- So which is better, Robinhood or Coinbase?
- Married filing separately: Standard deduction
- CD rate trends 2024: Higher short-term CDs
- Refinance to a longer term
- How state income tax rates work
- Median retirement savings balance by age
- How to transfer a 401(k) to IRA
- 2. Ongoing rewards
- Best credit union personal loans for 2024
- Why cash advances are expensive
- 5 steps for retirement planning
- Benefits of getting an EIN for sole proprietors and LLCs
- General travel credit cards
- Why are financial boundaries important?
- How to send money with 'AmEx Send'
- 4 steps to spot a fake check and avoid trouble
- Holiday weekends
- 3. Certificates of deposit
- Information you need to freeze your credit
- What types of institutions offer early direct deposit?
- Step 2: Compare types of health insurance plans
- Is there a Zelle tax loophole?
- How LLCs pay income taxes
- Etymology of bullish vs. bearish
- Chase Freedom Flex℠ rotating categories
- 2. Rewards can be redeemed only at Gap Inc. brands
- How does a home equity loan work?
- Your identity theft deterrent kit
- QuickBooks Self-Employed pricing
- Bonds
- Best car insurance in North Carolina overall: Travelers
- Who can use Affirm?
- Georgia first-time home buyer programs
- February
- Differences between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry
- Write to your creditor
- Airlines that service DFW
- When is a personal loan a good idea?
- How we ranked the top life insurers
- Banner life insurance policies
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
- How does DoorDash work for drivers?
- Why the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card wins
- Types of startup business funding
- When does the home inspection happen?
- When should you refinance government loans?
- 3. Endorse the check
- 1. Are you eligible for the Chase Freedom Flex℠?
- Investing for income: Dividend stocks vs. dividend funds
- Create a business plan
- What happens during a recession?
- How to decide
- What is the 10-year treasury yield today?
- State Farm life insurance policies
- Costs for home health care under Medicare
- Head of household
- Mortgage payoff calculator help
- 4. Start with a weekend trip
- Is credit activity reported to the credit bureaus for the authorized user?
- How much is the 2023 child tax credit?
- Other VA loan costs to consider
- Step 2: Pre-qualify and compare offers
- Offers bloomed in 2017
- Current forex trading rates
- 2. … But it charges a flurry of fees
- AARP and UnitedHealthcare Medicare Part D star ratings
- The pros and cons of a life insurance trust
- 4. Start funding an IRA
- Where are mortgage rates headed in 2024?
- Correct a mistake or add new information
- Why Airbnb cleaning fees are so irritating — and Airbnb's plan to fix it
- Fixed expenses vs. variable expenses
- How are stocks taxed?
- 2. Two factors determine your Bitcoin tax rate
- How do you calculate closing costs on a house?
- What Medicare Advantage plans are available?
- Trading in a car with positive equity
- How to find the best stocks to buy now
- How are business credit scores calculated?
- Should I buy stocks when markets are at all-time highs?
- How scholarships impact other financial aid
- Solo 401(k) contribution limits
- Brex Card
- VA home loan eligibility
- 3. Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country (California)
- 2. You probably own more than you think
- What are bank rules on postdated checks?
- How do American miles compare to other airlines?
- Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
- How does the value of Flying Club points change when booking business class?
- Key features of IRAs vs 401(k)s
- How to calculate self-employment tax
- How to monetize your Instagram with fewer followers
- Why small-cap stocks are risky
- Other alternatives to Mint
- Rules for debt transfers by issuer
- 28 business ideas for teens
- How to ease the transition
- Who can access Oneworld lounges
- Who regulates registered investment advisors?
- How do I find the best 529 plans?
- Am I a resident for Arizona state income tax purposes?
- Taxes on 401(k) withdrawals
- 2. Shop around online
- 2. There are over 8,000 Marriott Bonvoy hotels
- What to include in your financial aid appeal letter
- 2. The Ivy Hotel in Baltimore
- Certificates of deposit
- Issuer pre-qualification pages
- Overview of prepaid debit cards
- Financial institutions with early direct deposit
- What are AI stocks?
- Best car insurance companies: Our winners
- 3. You'll get a solid sign-up bonus
- What is identity theft?
- NerdWallet’s budget planner
- Do I need a 1099 form to file my taxes?
- 2. Rebalance your debts and income
- 2. Set financial priorities
- What’s behind the pre-qualification calculation?
- Dogecoin's future
- Final stretch: waiting for a response
- What do financial pros say about Bitcoin?
- How is the Student Aid Index used?
- Pros and cons of a lady bird deed
- Historical national rates
- 3. Build a budget that works for your expenses
- Current CD rates: high-yield and national averages by term
- How to shop for homeowners insurance
- Our tips
- Apply for mortgage forbearance
- Cards to consider despite their balance transfer fees
- Use a credit utilization calculator
- Tax credits for people married filing jointly
- Roth IRA taxes vs. traditional IRA taxes
- Don’t miss the deadline
- 4. Custodial brokerage account
- Onboard perks
- 4 investments to consider during a recession
- What is a Bitcoin strategy ETF?
- 2. Wait for the transfer to go through
- Why is lifestyle creep destructive?
- Calculate your DTI
- Limit orders: Make trade when the price is right
- 5. Build up to long-distance routes
- 3. Keep down payment savings in the right account
- When Medicare starts: People living with certain disabilities
- Refinancing student loans more than once
- Go the FSBO route
- How to find growth stocks
- 3. High-yield money market accounts (MMAs)
- What mortgage can I afford?
- How bridge loans work
- What’s covered by Chase Freedom rental car insurance
- Where does Southwest fly internationally?
- If you have loans but no degree, this might improve your credit
- How to budget for variable expenses
- 2. Afterpay
- Buying a put option
- Streamline existing forgiveness programs
- 1. Allianz Travel
- Your bank’s customer service isn’t accessible enough
- To maximize your points, consider international airlines
- Personal loans for fair or bad credit
- Our tips
- 3. Not defining your target market
- How much do DoorDash drivers make?
- Married filing separately rules
- Factors to consider when paying a mortgage with a credit card
- When are state income tax returns due?
- Bonus points count toward the Companion Pass
- 2. ... But it's not ideal for everyday purchases
- 3. Spend time rather than money
- Synchrony co-branded credit cards
- Register your business
- How much is YouTube TV for 1 year?
- Requirements for Medicare home health care coverage
- What can I do to ensure I get the best auto loan after a bankruptcy?
- The bear put spread
- How do I add someone/get added as an authorized user on a credit card?
- Full Review
- Child tax credit 2024
- Determining eligibility for a VA loan
- 4. Thompson Chicago
- Average daily balance
- What if a cyberattack keeps me from paying my mortgage?
- Do I have to pay state tax on lottery winnings?
- QuickBooks Desktop pricing
- Best budget auto insurance in Massachusetts: Geico
- How to read a forex quote
- 5. Save for your other money goals
- Best whole life insurance policies for 2024
- Rethink background checks
- Who has to pay self-employment tax?
- March
- 3. The IRS has the paperwork you’ll need
- What should you consider?
- You only need one S&P 500 ETF
- Episode transcript
- An alternative to chasing the best stocks
- How to find a registered investment advisor
- Hiring a home inspector
- 3. Anniversary nights
- How much does a cashier’s check cost?
- Alternatives to cash advances
- Can you refinance federal student loans?
- Best travel insurance overall: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
- 4. Open the mobile deposit function in your bank app
- All year
- How to buy a life insurance policy
- Limitations of the Fear and Greed Index
- Other student loan forgiveness programs
- 2. Empower: Best for fast cash
- How to calculate debt-to-income ratio for a mortgage
- How to pay off a mortgage early
- Best insurance company overall: Travelers
- How to apply for a VA home loan
- 4. Having Icon status comes with plenty of pros ...
- 3. Renters insurance can pay for housing after a disaster
- What’s the worst that can happen if I postdate a check and it gets cashed?
- When is the best time to use American miles?
- When should I receive my 1099?
- Best North Carolina car insurance for your budget: Progressive
- 3. You can earn cash back, but with caveats
- How flexible are Flying Club points?
- There's some more in this house
- 5 ways to make money on Instagram
- 2. Which AmEx cards include trip cancellation insurance?
- Why small-cap stocks are mighty
- DFW airport terminals
- Tax liability of RSUs
- What to consider if you’re transferring loan debt
- Trading in a car with negative equity
- Best term life insurance policies for 2024
- How long will your mortgage loan last?
- Do personal credit scores affect business credit scores?
- Find nonprofit student loan assistance
- 529 plans by state
- Retirement savings by age
- 3. Comparison shop between brands (the discount ones aren't always cheapest)
- New York state supplemental income tax
- 3. Paying for hotel nights isn’t the only way to earn rewards
- Best homeowners insurance in Florida for coverage: State Farm
- When does the U.S. Women's National Team play?
- Try a simple budgeting plan
- Best homeowners insurance in Colorado for coverage: State Farm
- 5. High-yield savings account
- How to book an American Airlines Flagship Business Plus
- Top 9 Bitcoin strategy ETFs by fee
- Price vs. yield
- Is Solo 401(k) tax deductible? Solo 401(k) tax advantages
- Layoffs spiked among tech companies in 2023
- Is a Southwest Airlines upgrade worth it?
- Full Review
- Investor responses to bull market vs. bear market cycles
- Benefits of both cards
- VA loan borrowing limits
- Should you buy growth stocks?
- What can I use a home equity loan for?
- ITIN: What it is and how to get one
- Comparing stocks and bonds
- How does a life insurance trust work?
- Where can you use Affirm to pay for travel?
- What about the new IDR plan?
- How high rates might affect buyers' plans
- Add a new school or delete one
- IRA vs. 401(k): A road map
- What if there were no cleaning fees?
- What is the fee for Global Entry?
- Your rights
- Banner life insurance rates
- Average interest checking account rate: 0.07%
- Apply for loan modification
- Do I need to do anything if I have the card?
- How important is it to pay no balance transfer fee?
- 2. Be okay splitting up
- How to invest in the S&P 500 in two steps:
- 4. Opt for low-cost gift-giving
- 6 ways to set financial boundaries
- Is Vrbo a safe site?
- What makes Flagship flights to Hawaii different?
- How to unfreeze your credit
- What are the benefits of early direct deposit?
- Why doesn’t Zelle send you a 1099?
- When Medicare starts: General enrollment period
- Child tax credit expansion: What the tax deal could mean for you
- 5. Ambassador Chicago
- 7 types of identity theft and the warning signs
- The Federal Trade Commission’s budget worksheet
- What’s in it for issuers?
- AARP Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
- Why small-cap stocks are not that different
- You’ll need a loan
- Use the same strategies to save as you would on flights booked with cash
- Tips to build your credit
- Advantages of filing separately vs. jointly
- Types of state income tax
- Is per-card or overall utilization more important?
- 4. Elite status
- Goodbudget, for hands-on envelope budgeting
- 5. Take clear pictures of the check with your mobile device
- 2. Do you need the Chase Freedom Flex℠?
- 3. Urban Cowboy in Nashville, Tennessee
- How do Hilton points compare to other hotel programs?
- Does YouTube TV allow password sharing?
- State Farm life insurance rates
- Top credit cards that offer preapproval without a hard pull
- Student loan cancellation programs
- How do I remove someone/get removed as an authorized user?
- Choose a cash buyer
- 5. ... But keep an eye on fees and APR
- 4. Peer-to-peer lending
- Rental car insurance vs. your own auto insurance
- 1. High-yield savings accounts
- 3. Don’t ask for too much cash
- 6. Explore additional investment options
- If you own a home, you could say goodbye to PMI sooner
- What’s the difference between pre-qualification and preapproval?
- When can you sign up?
- Cut or lower interest rates
- 4. Trying to do it alone
- When and where to find help
- How to book with Cash + Points at Marriott
- 2023 standard deduction married filing jointly
- What to do if your appeal is unsuccessful
- Which life insurance policy is right for me?
- File the appropriate taxes
- How much should you pay yourself?
- 3. Pay off your balance
- 4. Resist dipping into your other savings
- When Medicare starts: Special enrollment periods
- Pros and cons of VA home loans
- How to lower your VA mortgage payment
- 4. It can protect your finances
- How to guard against mortgage scams
- Bid and ask prices
- How did we determine the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points value?
- What’s not on a home insurance declarations page
- How to pay self-employment tax
- How are dividends taxed?
- When to estimate closing costs
- When do personal loans not make sense?
- What's next?
- How do you set up a lady bird deed?
- How to budget with your partner
- What is a good business credit score?
- What's next?
- What’s the time difference between the U.S. and the Women’s World Cup local times?
- How to split purchases with 'AmEx Split'
- How much should you spend on a mattress?
- 6. Investing for teens
- The drawbacks of multiple IRAs
- How long you can receive home health services
- Qualifying surviving spouse
- Are there any issues with early direct deposit?
- How to find another company's EIN
- National grant programs open to California businesses
- 6. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress (Florida)
- Home equity loan rates in 2023
- Should I take a lump sum payment or annuity payments?
- QuickBooks Enterprise pricing
- How does a HELOC work?
- Types of 1099 forms
- Best car insurance in Massachusetts for having few customer complaints: Mapfre
- Why should I open a bank account if I'm undocumented?
- Understand the business value
- When to make changes to the FAFSA form
- April
- How to get Global Entry through travel cards
- 3. Apple Pay Later
- Selling vested shares
- 2. Seven Corners
- Banner customer complaints and satisfaction
- Managing expectations
- Eliminate mortgage insurance
- Prepaid 529 plans by state
- 3. There's an upfront incentive, but it won't fund a shopping spree
- 3. Decide where (and when) you’re partying
- 4. Leverage memberships
- Episode transcript
- What if I lose the cashier's check?
- How to invest in dividend stocks
- CD vs. high-yield savings account: At a glance
- Is Flagship Business Plus worth it?
- The Bitcoin ETF price war
- Does YouTube TV offer offline viewing?
- OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
- How much does a Southwest flight upgrade cost?
- Student loan discharge programs
- How to invest in AI stocks
- How do you delay or stop a check payment?
- How has the value changed over time?
- Do sole proprietors need business insurance?
- 4. Beware of the sky-high interest rate
- How to use Affirm to pay for travel
- You must recertify your income and family size every year
- What home buyers can do now
- 5 steps to applying for a mortgage
- TAP Air Portugal baggage fees
- Will I get a new card number?
- How much does a home inspection cost?
- 5. Travel protections
- Programs for healthcare workers
- 4. Marriott points expire after 24 months
- Partial payment credit is possible after April 30
- 5. Use cash
- State Farm customer complaints and satisfaction
- Covering your spouse under your solo 401(k)
- 3. EarnIn: Best for large advances
- How to prevent lifestyle creep
- W-4 form 2024
- A savvy way to save money
- More tips to sell your house fast
- More to know
- More ways to take charge of your budget
- Domestic vs. international fees
- Tax deductions for self-employment
- 3. Who is covered?
- Cheapest term life insurance companies for smokers for 2024
- What’s next?
- Final steps
- Consider your legal options
- Married filing jointly vs. separately
- Get more help with monthly budget planning
- MAGI vs. AGI: What's the difference?
- How to refinance federal student loans
- Best homeowners insurance in Florida for having few consumer complaints: Chubb
- 6. Confirm the check details and complete the deposit
- 4. Hilton Cabana Miami Beach
- Best homeowners insurance in Colorado for consumer experience: American Family and Nationwide
- Mattress-buying tips
- How to convert Hilton points to dollars
- Obtain any required business licenses or permits
- How to search for award flights to Hawaii with miles
- Mistakes to avoid while paying yourself
- Why is the 10-year Treasury yield important?
- The caveats
- What's next?
- Venmo Credit Card
- The long straddle
- So, should you switch to Zelle?
- 5. Get help with saving for a down payment
- Bear market vs. recession: What’s the difference?
- VA loan pros and cons
- 7. Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach (Hawaii)
- Step 3: Choose your lender and loan
- 5. Online savings accounts
- Best North Carolina car insurance for customer complaints: Auto-Owners
- Types of life insurance trusts
- How to make a rental car insurance claim
- How much of your fee goes to Upwork?
- Borrowers still have an uphill battle
- It's easy for the Fed to take the fall
- When do you have to pay taxes on stocks?
- 4. You can write off Bitcoin losses
- Additional functionality
- More about Banner life insurance
- Mortgage borrowing 101
- How long does it take to make money with DoorDash?
- 4. You may get first dibs on merchandise ...
- Embrace: Best for many ways to save
- When are New York state income taxes due?
- 7 steps to appeal your financial aid
- How to open a savings account or CD
- Does YouTube TV fit in my budget?
- Which is preferable — an authorized user relationship or a joint account holder?
- Should I file taxes now or wait for the child tax credit expansion?
- 5. It covers belongings away from home
- Interest rate
- How flexible are American miles?
- 4. Consider a co-signer
- 5. A checking account is required
- What destinations aren’t served by Southwest?
- How to use your homeowners declarations page
- If everyone hates Airbnb cleaning fees, why still charge them?
- Does pre-qualification affect your credit score?
- What do closing costs include?
- Condense income-driven repayment
- Finding value (or not) with Marriott's Cash + Points awards
- 4. Find group lodging, which might be a hotel or vacation rental
- How does credit utilization affect my credit score?
- How to calculate your modified adjusted gross income
- 6. Make a debt paydown plan
- 7. Keep the check until it's processed
- 7. Roth IRA
- Where State Farm stands out
- How to open a solo 401(k)
- Media layoffs soared as companies struggle to profit
- What is a good DTI ratio?
- Medicare start date
- Best insurance company for affordability: NJM
- Ways to get the best home equity loan rates
- How do I deal with lottery taxes?
- Best Massachusetts auto insurance for ease of use: Farmers and Progressive
- How to handle these bills
- What is a pip?
- Additional costs for international wires
- How to update tax information on the FAFSA
- May
- Alternatives to a lady bird deed
- Obstacles to paying a mortgage with a credit card
- RIAs vs. investment advisor representatives (IARs)
- Can I still file claims for items purchased before June 1?
- Pre-tax vs. Roth 401(k)
- Know the implications of consolidation
- How much life insurance should I buy?
- Alternatives to a Southwest flight upgrade
- How to find AI ETFs
- How to find the 2024 W-4
- LLC payroll taxes
- What is the VA loan limit?
- Alternatives to QuickBooks
- How to get business insurance for your sole proprietorship
- AARP Medicare Part D cost
- Income-driven repayment disadvantages
- 4. How to file a claim
- How to apply online for Global Entry
- What kind of investment is Bitcoin?
- Buying a put option vs. short selling
- 3. IMG
- Average certificate of deposit rate: 1.81% for one-year CDs
- Types of mortgage loans
- How to get the most from an app
- What happens during a home inspection?
- Credit union personal loan rates
- Cashier’s check vs. certified check vs. money order
- Do I have to pay New York state income tax?
- Jewelry warranties and service plans
- 5. When you stay a certain number of nights per year, you'll earn elite status
- Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance
- How sole proprietors and single-member LLCs can get an EIN
- What if the Vrbo owner cancels your reservation?
- Open a business bank account and explore your funding options
- Do spot Bitcoin ETFs have custodianship risk?
- Are 10-year Treasury notes a good investment?
- Where State Farm falls short
- What’s the right number of IRAs?
- How to freeze your child’s credit
- Married filing jointly
- How to change or cancel an EIN
- Step 3: Compare health plan networks
- How quickly could the IRS implement the child tax credit expansion?
- Best World of Hyatt Category 4 hotels, recapped
- 6. The cost may be less than you expect
- How else consumers can protect themselves
- 2. Certificates of deposit
- 3. Get disability and life insurance
- Be prepared for internal change, too
- How can you make more money with DoorDash?
- How do RIAs make money?
- 5. ... But you won't want to carry a balance
- 5. Opt for economy cars
- Taxes for rollover IRAs: 2 rules to know
- 6. No foreign transaction fees
- How much does it cost to invest in the S&P 500?
- How to give two weeks’ notice
- Options for lawyers and teachers
- 8. Special needs trust
- American Airlines Flagship Business Plus recapped
- Credit unions and banks that don’t require Social Security numbers to open an account
- Best North Carolina car insurance for ease of use: State Farm
- Other ways to cut wire-transfer costs
- If $10,000 isn’t enough, here’s what to do
- How to increase your pre-qualification amount
- 4. Klarna
- What is net investment income tax?
- No-closing-cost mortgages
- How to compare personal loans
- Overweight and oversized baggage fees
- Avoid the student loan scammers
- Do I have to pay Illinois state income tax?
- 5 things to know about Arizona state income tax
- 5. Create an agreement
- Strategies for keeping your credit utilization low
- 5. Hyatt Centric Midtown Atlanta
- Take action before missed payments hurt you
- More about State Farm life insurance
- Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
- 4. Varo: Best for existing bank customers
- How much can you borrow with a home equity loan?
- Step 4: Gather loan documents
- How did we determine the value of American miles?
- 6. High-yield checking accounts
- IDR waiver will count past payments toward forgiveness
- If you’re wondering where Southwest can take you …
- The 50/30/20 budget calculator
- 2023 state income tax rates and brackets
- Compare Roth 401(k) vs. traditional 401(k)
- EveryDollar, for simple zero-based budgeting
- Full list of the best homeowners insurance in Florida
- Next steps
- Emirates Economy vs Emirates Premium Economy: which is a better value?
- Maximum and average DTI ratios by mortgage type
- Do I have to update my W-4 every year?
- Other stock market changes: Dips, corrections and crashes
- Requirements: Who qualifies for the child tax credit?
- Getting flight delay compensation from Frontier
- More calculators to help you shop for mortgages
- What’s the catch?
- HELOC requirements
- 5. Use collateral to secure the loan
- 5. Failure to report Bitcoin can be costly
- Pros and cons of personal loans
- Benefits of RSUs
- Fixes to income-driven repayment forgiveness
- Can I still earn the 10,000-mile bonus this year for spending $25,000?
- 7 ways to reduce your 401(k) taxes
- 7. Hyatt transfer partners
- 3. Does the fact that it's a Mastercard matter?
- Ways to get a good deal on Vrbo
- Five steps to opening an investment account for your kid
- How do you buy 10-year Treasury notes?
- What credit cards include Southwest upgrades?
- Ways to redeem cash back
- Refinancing a VA home loan
- Days in the cycle
- Understanding forex lot sizes
- Primary vs. secondary coverage
- How to do well on Upwork
- Getting the most from your pre-qualification limit
- June
- 4. Use budgeting or expense-tracking apps
- Leverage elite status to get free checked bags on TAP Air Portugal
- How can I avoid cashier's check fraud?
- What is New York state's standard deduction?
- The bottom line
- What do the approvals mean for Bitcoin?
- When should you freeze your credit?
- The long strangle
- 3. Bonds
- Full list of the best auto insurance companies in Massachusetts
- How to find a bridge loan lender
- Are Roth IRAs safe?
- How to apply for income-driven repayment
- Can you get rich off penny stocks?
- How to pay lower taxes when selling stocks
- Make college tuition-free
- Should you pay your mortgage with a credit card?
- Why you still might want the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- 6. Stick to one driver
- How to get a loan from a credit union
- 6. You can earn points and elite status faster with a Marriott Bonvoy-affiliated card
- Full list of the best homeowners insurance in Colorado
- How much do life insurance policies cost?
- Could we be in an AI bubble?
- LLC self-employment taxes
- Home equity loan requirements
- How to get a home equity line of credit
- Full list of the best car insurance companies in North Carolina
- Cheaper ways to send money
- Tips to get a approved for a personal loan with bad credit
- First-time home buyer programs near Georgia
- Cheapest final expense companies for 2024
- 4. Trawick International
- Find the best homeowners insurance in your state
- Married filing separately: Bottom line
- Lodge a student loan complaint
- The bottom line
- What's included in a home inspection report?
- Weigh the pros and cons before moving for state student loan assistance
- More Florida home insurance companies
- 6. La Maison in Midtown Houston
- Do you pay tax on T-notes?
- How to adjust your Form W-4
- Is Upwork the right freelance marketplace for you?
- Seller-paid closing costs
- Bitcoin and volatility
- Why do I need a business credit score?
- Am I a resident for Illinois state income tax purposes?
- Recap: How to get a cashier's check
- Mass layoffs across the labor market aren’t likely in 2024
- What's next
- Additional child tax credit
- Types of VA home loans
- How to make money trading forex
- 6. Find the right lender
- Alternatives to Roth IRAs
- 5. PayPal
- Drawbacks of RSUs
- 5. Explore other expense-tracking methods
- Check-in times for checked luggage
- Hyatt Chase card benefits, recapped
- Am I a resident for New York state income tax purposes?
- Is two weeks’ notice required?
- Are these the best dividend stocks?
- Next Steps
- Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
- Cons of a credit freeze
- Married filing separately
- 5. Dave: Best for repayment flexibility
- Gemini Credit Card
- Steps in the small-business grants process
- Step 4: Compare out-of-pocket costs
- Best insurance company for accident forgiveness: Geico
- What's next?
- Using your credit card for rental car coverage
- Bridge loan alternatives
- Which type of life insurance should I put in a trust?
- How long does it take to get pre-qualified for a mortgage?
- National first-time home buyer programs
- July
- Trip cancellation insurance from AmEx recapped
- Expand Pell Grants
- Average money market account rate: 0.67%
- NerdWallet home insurance calculator methodology
- What is the average and median retirement savings?
- 7. Use your own insurance
- Jewelry insurance from a specialty company
- Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG
- LLC sales taxes
- Are home equity loans a good idea?
- Step 5: Submit your application and get funded
- How much can you borrow with a HELOC?
- Small-business valuation methods
- How do I get my business credit score?
- Credit union vs. online lender
- How much does homeowners insurance cost in Colorado?
- Using your leverage
- Other ways to sell clothes online
- Where to get a personal loan with bad credit
- Can’t afford income-driven repayment?
- 6. Look for ways to lower your expenses
- TAP Air Portugal baggage policy recapped
- 2024 state income tax rates and brackets
- Collect Marriott points quickly
- Illinois state sales tax
- How to fund a startup
- Can you contribute to a rollover IRA?
- 4. Do you still need to carry a Chase travel credit card, too?
- 7. Narragansett House in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
- How many times can you use a VA home loan?
- What does travel insurance cover?
- There's no reason not to join if you stay at Marriott hotels
- Empower Personal Dashboard, for tracking wealth and spending
- Calculating MAGI: Example
- Credit freeze or credit lock?
- How to maximize value in Emirates economy class
- How much money can you make on YouTube?
- Is Global Entry worth it?
- A closer look at these companies
- 8. Forgo the extras
- Should I invest in an S&P 500 index fund or S&P 500 ETF?
- Why a financial advisor's fee structure matters
- What do the approvals mean for other crypto investments?
- A Southwest flight upgrade will get you on board faster
- Should you invest in AI stocks?
- How to claim the child tax credit in 2024
- Buying rental car insurance on your own
- When should I use Affirm to pay for travel?
- August
- Figo: Best pet insurance for cats
- Is a Synchrony credit card right for you?
- When to use credit card points for American flights to Hawaii
- 6. MoneyLion: Best for existing customers
- The synthetic long
- LLC tax forms and deadlines
- 6. Sezzle
- How to choose the best annual travel insurance policy
- How much does homeowners insurance cost in Florida?
- Average cost of homeowners insurance in Colorado by city
- Compare top-rated life insurance companies
- Important considerations when opening a Roth IRA
- Discover it® Secured Credit Card
- Who can access your frozen credit reports?
- How to sell clothes online
- If you’re considering booking a rental car with your Chase Freedom credit card
- How to get a personal loan
- The bottom line
- Jewelry insurance companies
- Support these Black-owned hotels in the U.S.
- DTI isn't a full measure of affordability
- What homeowners insurance won't cover
- Should I choose a home equity loan, HELOC, or cash-out refinance?
- Forex trading vs. stock trading
- What is credit card consolidation?
- The difference between interest rate and APY
- Final thoughts on Cash + Points redemptions
- 9. Price out prepaid gas
- Next steps
- What is the normal fee for a financial advisor?
- Compare car insurance rates by driver history
- 11 ways to prevent identity theft
- Is getting a HELOC a good idea?
- Learn about the best life insurance companies
- Selling a put option
- After deciding
- Are there drawbacks to investing in the S&P 500?
- Earn an audience, and earn more in the long run
- Best insurance company for having few customer complaints: American Family
- When to expect your child tax credit refund
- September
- Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International
- The cheapest home insurance in Colorado
- Single
- Bad credit loans to avoid
- Is consolidating credit card debt a good idea?
- Which card should you get?
- 10. Walk or ride
- Average cost of homeowners insurance in Florida by city
- Find the best life insurance policy for you
- 7. SoLo Funds: Best for peer-to-peer cash advances
- LLC tax tips for business owners
- If you want to buy annual travel insurance
- Related articles
- If your DTI is high
- Step 5: Compare benefits
- W-4 calculator
- 7. Zip
- Mission Lane Visa® Credit Card
- Other ways to make money
- Consequences of a child tax credit error
- 4. Money market funds
- Other types of mortgage loans
- PocketGuard, for a simplified budgeting snapshot
- Why is homeowners insurance so expensive in Florida?
- Apparel and shoes
- October
- How the FDIC calculates national rates
- Modified adjusted gross income: The bottom line
- What to know about Colorado homeowners insurance
- Understanding life insurance quotes
- Next steps
- Car rental insurance: The bottom line
- If you're thinking of using Affirm on travel
- DFW airport transportation
- What else to know about Form W-4
- Is it better to get a home equity loan or line of credit?
- The difference between American Airlines flights to Hawaii
- 8. Klover: Best for no-fee advances
- State child tax credits
- Should you buy stocks or bonds?
- Third-party ratings for AARP Medicare Part D plans from UnitedHealthcare
- NYC income tax rates
- Best insurance company for financial strength: Auto-Owners
- 5. Mutual funds
- November
- Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads
- Above all, don’t panic
- Prosper® Card
- What is the $500 credit for other dependents (ODC)?
- What to do if you can’t keep up with your HELOC payments
- Alternatives to personal loans for bad credit
- Compare buy now, pay later apps
- Call vs. put options
- What to know about Florida homeowners insurance
- Best stocks for beginners
- What are tax deductions?
- Final thoughts on the best flight booking site
- Emirates Airlines economy class: is it worth it?
- Child tax credit vs. child and dependent care credit
- Should you use a buy now, pay later app?
- So, is Vrbo legit?
- Summary: How to choose health insurance
- Pros and cons of loan apps
- 6. Index funds
- MetLife: Best pet insurance for dogs
- Honeydue, for budgeting with a partner
- Credit cards for dining
- Does homeowners insurance cover ... ?
- The upside down: When debt and equity roles reverse
- December
- Colorado Division of Insurance
- AARP Medicare Part D service area
- The four options market participants and their incentives
- The bottom line
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- The bottom line on investing in stocks
- What does a 1099 employee mean?
- Looking for more insurance in Colorado?
- Advantages of put options
- 6 things to know about New York state income tax
- Best insurance company for discounts: Amica
- Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services
- Types of homeowners insurance policies
- What are tax write-offs?
- Compare alternatives
- How to find the best term life insurance company
- How much is jewelry insurance?
- Budgeting resources from NerdWallet
- How to make money from home
- Capital One Platinum Credit Card
- Beauty and personal care
- Alternatives to the best whole life insurance
- Alternatives to buy now, pay later
- 10 ways identity theft happens
- 7. Exchange-traded funds
- Are cash advance apps payday lenders?
- How do you claim tax deductions?
- Airport hotels at DFW
- Cheapest car insurance by state
- Florida department of insurance
- More about whole life insurance
- Airline credit cards
- Airport security at DFW
- How does jewelry insurance work?
- Methodology to identify the best budget apps
- Looking for more insurance in Florida?
- Are apps like DailyPay and Payactiv cash advance apps?
- AvantCard Credit Card
- Best insurance company for customer satisfaction: State Farm
- 8. Stocks
- Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners
- Nationwide: Best for exotic pets
- Is jewelry insurance worth it?
- Alternatives to cash advance apps
- More about top-rated life insurance companies
- More about term life insurance
- How to get cheap car insurance
- How homeowners insurance works
- Customs at DFW
- Benefits of starting a sustainable business
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Risks of getting cheap auto insurance
- Best insurance company for military members: USAA
- More about top-rated life insurance companies
- DFW airport guide recapped
- Best for long-term travelers: IMG
- How to make money offline
- Now is the time to pursue your sustainable business idea
- 9. Alternative investments
- Why you can trust NerdWallet
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Entertainment
- Cash advance app star rating methodology
- Full list of the best car insurance companies
- 10. Cryptocurrency
- Hotel credit cards
- Apple Card
- How to choose a startup idea
- Pets Best: Best flexible plans
- Best car insurance companies by state
- Get your free birthday stuff and deals
- Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg
- How to compare car insurance rates
- 11. Real estate
- Store credit cards
- Venmo Credit Card
- How to find the best car insurance company for you
- How to report identity theft
- How to start a profitable business
- Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe
- How to choose the best investments in 2024
- Different types of car insurance
- What happens when you report identity theft?
- What is the best identity theft protection service?
- Spot: Best for straightforward waiting periods
- Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance
- Options with more style than substance
- Why is car insurance so expensive?
- Want to start a business?
- Why you can trust NerdWallet
- Types of travel insurance
- How to choose an insurance company
- How much is pet insurance?
- Watch out for making money scams
- How to find the best dog insurance
- What does travel insurance cover?
- How to find the best cat insurance
- What’s not covered?
- How much does it cost?
- How to compare pet insurance companies
- Do I need travel insurance?
- How to choose the best travel insurance policy
- What are the top travel destinations in 2024?
- More resources for travel insurance shoppers
- Methodology
- How we ranked the best pet 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.
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 Happy Money
Happy Money
4.5
NerdWallet rating4.5
NerdWallet rating11.72- 17.99%
$5K- $40K
on Happy Money
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 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 rating7.99- 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 rating7.99- 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 rating7.99- 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