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Personal Loans

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Capital One Personal Loan Alternatives

Capital One doesn’t offer personal loans, but borrowers can find loans at other banks, online lenders or credit unions.

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Amrita Jayakumar, Robin Hartill, CFP®

Tax Refund Loan: How to Tap Your Refund Early

Tax refund loans provide fast cash while you wait for the rest of your refund.

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Nicole Dow

Bank of America Personal Loan Alternatives

Bank of America offers a small-dollar loan, but borrowers seeking large personal loans have options with other lenders.

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Amrita Jayakumar, Robin Hartill, CFP®

What Is Debt Settlement and How Does It Work?

Debt settlement can help you get out of debt by reducing the amount you owe, but it’s risky and you likely have other options.

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Bev O'Shea, Jackie Veling

Debt Relief: How It Works and Options to Consider

Debt relief changes the terms or amount you owe to help you pay it off. Learn about debt management, debt settlement and other debt relief options.

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Jackie Veling, Kate Ashford, WMS™

How to Negotiate Debt Settlement on Your Own

Negotiating a debt settlement on your own isn't easy, but it can save time and money compared with hiring a debt settlement company.

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Jackie Veling, Sean Pyles

Debt Consolidation vs. Debt Settlement: Which Is Best For You?

Debt consolidation and debt settlement are two different ways to address debt. Which is best for you depends on your circumstances.

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Jackie Veling, Sean Pyles

Freedom Debt Relief for Debt Settlement: 2026 Review

Freedom Debt Relief offers debt settlement plans that can help you get out of debt, but it’s risky. Compare debt settlement with other debt payoff alternatives.

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Jackie Veling

What Is Debt Consolidation, and Should I Consolidate?

Debt consolidation rolls multiple debts into a single payment. It can be a good idea if you qualify for a low enough interest rate.

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Jackie Veling

Where to Get a Personal Loan

You can get a personal loan from an online lender, credit union or bank. There are pros and cons to each option.

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Nicole Dow

Best Credit Unions for Personal Loans in 2026

Credit union personal loans have low rates, a wide range of loan amounts and less stringent borrowing requirements. However, you must be a credit union member to get a loan.

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Jackie Veling, Nicole Dow

Does Debt Consolidation Hurt Your Credit?

Debt consolidation has the potential to help and hurt your credit score, but the overall effect should be positive if you're able to pay off your debt.

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Jackie Veling, Robin Hartill, CFP®

What Is Credit Insurance?

Credit insurance ensures the lender continues to receive payments if you can’t make them. You probably don't need it.

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Nicole Dow, Robin Hartill, CFP®

Personal Loan vs. Credit Card: What’s the Difference?

Personal loans give you a lump sum for large purchases. Credit cards work better for smaller, everyday expenses.

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Annie Millerbernd, Ronita Choudhuri-Wade

What Is APR on a Personal Loan And How Does It Work?

The annual percentage rate on a personal loan includes interest and fees and lets you compare total costs among loans.

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Jackie Veling, Laura McMullen

Can’t Repay a Payday Loan? Here’s What to Do

Defaulting on a payday loan could drain your bank account and trigger collection calls. Try to settle the debt if you can.

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Nicole Dow, Jackie Veling

Christmas Loans and Other Ways to Borrow for the Holidays

A Christmas loan is one way to pay for expenses this time of year, but compare financing options to find the most affordable one.

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Ronita Choudhuri-Wade, Laura McMullen

Secured vs. Unsecured Loan: What’s the Difference?

Many personal loans are unsecured, but some lenders offer secured loans that are backed by collateral.

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Jackie Veling, Laura McMullen

Payday Alternative Loans (PALs): A More Affordable Option Than Payday Loans

PALs, offered by some federal credit unions, cost less than traditional payday loans and give borrowers more time to repay.

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Jackie Veling, Nicole Dow

8 Types of Personal Loans and When They’re Best

Common types of personal loans include unsecured, debt consolidation and joint loans.

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Nicole Dow