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![A Black couple and loan underwriter look at a contract.](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/08/03115556/Loans-What-is-a-personal-loan-What-you-should-know-before-you-apply.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
What is a personal loan?
Loans
A personal loan is used for financing large purchases or covering major expenses.
![Man and child sitting at table smiling at laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/04/20003743/What-to-know-before-you-apply-for-a-car-loan.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
What to do before applying for a car loan
Auto Loans
Getting the best financing for your new set of wheels requires time and research.
![Woman studying at a table with an illustrated light green background](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/07/25191000/Loans-How-to-get-a-student-loan.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
Paying for college is a challenge for many students, but student loans can help.
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Loans by credit band
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Auto leasing can be an attractive option for retired drivers. Why buy if you can’t afford it?
![A man sitting at a laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/08/11180515/Loans-Alternatives-To-Credit-Repair-Companies.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
If you don’t want to pay a company, consider these credit repair alternatives.
![College student with glasses sitting at desk on laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/12/08131954/How-to-check-your-student-loan-balance.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Finding your student loan balance is important for a few reasons.
![An illustration of four rolls of twenty dollar bills with graduation caps on](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/12/07173748/Loans-Types-of-student-loans.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Make sure to choose the right type of student loan for your needs.
![Woman making a mobile purchase at a store](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/07/07193359/how-to-get-a-5000-loan.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
If you need a few thousand dollars to cover an emergency or expense, a $5,000 personal loan may be a good way to get what you need.
![Man sitting in car looking at color samples](https://www.bankrate.com/2016/02/19002718/What-you-should-know-about-unsecured-auto-loans.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Some car loans are unsecured. Here’s what that means for rates and requirements.
![Heavy traffic on a freeway](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/10/03115705/How-to-trade-in-your-car-simple-steps-to-take.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Not sure how trading your car in works? Follow these steps.
![A maze made of money](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/11/25174143/Loans-personal-loans-misconceptions.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Don’t fall for personal loan misconceptions.
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