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Personal Loans

Personal loans can help you finance a large purchase, consolidate debt, cover emergency expenses and more. Calculate monthly payments, see our lender recommendations and compare the latest personal loan rates to find the option that’s right for you.

Check Your Personal Loan Rates

Answer a few questions in two minutes or less to see which personal loans you pre-qualify for. It's free and will not impact your credit score.
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Bankrate’s featured personal loan lenders

Bankrate’s team of experts constantly evaluates lenders to find the best personal loan products for you. We look at the lenders’ APR ranges, loan amounts, fees, length of repayment terms, discounts and customer support options, to come up with our recommendations.

Best for large loans and flexible repayment terms

LightStream
Est. APR
7.99%–23.99%
with Autopay
Loan amount
$5k–$100k
Term: 2-7 yrs*
Credit score
N/A
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Apply on partner site

Best for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit

Est. APR
6.70%–35.99%
Loan amount
$1k–$50k
Term: 3-5 yrs*
Credit score
N/A
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Check rate with Bankrate

Best for emergency loans

Est. APR
7.74%–17.99%
Loan amount
$500–$50k
Term: 1-5 yrs*
Credit score
700+
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on Bankrate

What's a personal loan?

A personal loan is a fixed-amount loan that’s distributed as a lump sum. Most people take out personal loans to finance a large purchase, pay off medical bills or consolidate debt. Unlike a secured loan to buy a home or car, most personal loans are “unsecured.” Unsecured loans are offered with no collateral attached, giving you more flexibility in how much you can borrow.
 

What should I know about interest rates?

Interest rates for personal loans are largely determined by your credit score. Your annual income, debts, the amount you wish to borrow and the purpose of your loan are important, too. 

It’s a good idea to compare rates from different lenders to find the best deal. If you’re not seeing the rate you want, try lowering the amount you want to borrow or improving your credit score.

Types of personal loans

Personal loans are unsecured installment loans that come with fixed interest rates and monthly payments. However, there are several types of personal loans. The personal loan that will work best for you depends on a variety of factors, including your credit score, financial health and the purpose of your loan.

Personal loans basics

Personal loans have a variety of uses and applying for one is fairly easy. What’s more, if properly handled, they could help you boost your credit score. That said, you need to be aware of other factors when applying for one, such as the loan’s interest rate, to ensure you end up with a payment you can afford.

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