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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
Jul 03, 2017

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, Bev O'Shea
May 31, 2017

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®
May 12, 2017

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
Apr 06, 2017

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
Mar 29, 2017

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
Jan 18, 2017

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
Dec 13, 2016

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
Sep 13, 2016

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
Sep 02, 2016

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
Aug 11, 2016

What Is a Personal Line of Credit?

A line of credit is a loan that works like a credit card: You borrow only as much as you need and pay interest only on what you use.

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Nicole Dow, Robin Hartill, CFP®
Aug 10, 2016

Should You Take a Pawnshop Loan?

Pawnshop loans are cheaper than payday or title loans when you need fast cash. Still, consider alternatives first.

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Jackie Veling, Nicole Dow
Jul 29, 2016

What Is a Debt Management Plan?

A debt management plan groups several credit card debts into one payment, cuts your interest rate and creates a three- to five-year repayment plan.

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Jackie Veling, Sean Pyles
Feb 26, 2016

What Is a Lending Circle and How Does It Work?

A lending circle loan can be an interest-free way to borrow money and build credit.

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Nicole Dow, Laura McMullen
Oct 20, 2014

Balance Transfer Card or Personal Loan: Which Is Right for You?

Compare two smart ways to consolidate debt: a balance transfer or a personal loan.

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Jackie Veling
Jul 10, 2014