Skip to Main Content

Personal Loans

A personal loan is a great financial tool. It can help you consolidate debt, renovate your home, or even pay for college. Ready to explore if it's right for you? We've got everything you need, right here.

Helpful links

Black man and woman reviewing papers in their living room with a yellow square border and thin yellow circle behind them
Emergency expense? Big move? A personal loan can help.
Taking on still more debt in pursuit of a goal can sometimes make sense. Here’s when.
Borrowers have a few places to turn to for personal loans. Here’s what to know.

Reviews & tools

LightStream logo
4.7
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Bankrate Score
Read review
Upstart logo
4.8
Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Star Empty Icon
Star Icon
Bankrate Score
Read review

Experts in all things finance

Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.

About Bankrate
Andrew pentis headshot

Andrew pentis Arrow Right Icon

Writer and Consumer Lending Analyst

Denny Ceizyk headshot

Denny Ceizyk Arrow Right Icon

Senior Loans Writer

Lauren Nowacki headshot

Lauren Nowacki Arrow Right Icon

Senior Loans Writer

The latest

An image of a piggy bank, calculator and small single-family home on top of a sheet of paper. There is a light green circle on a mid-green background behind the central image.
Credit-building products can help you establish a healthier credit score.
Woman looking at her mobile phone while leaning on a red car
Learn when it may make sense to use a personal loan to buy a car.
design image of a brain coming out of a wallet
Capacity can be just as real of a challenge as the numbers when it comes to debt.
The total amount you qualify for largely depends on your finances.
Black man happily sitting in front of laptop writing on document
A CD serves as collateral for this loan, but watch for restrictions.
A close-up of two hands, one of them holding a mini money bag
A personal loan with no repayment penalty can be a much more affordable option than short-term loans.
Illustration of a calculator and cash against a green background.
Learn about types of interest and how to calculate how much interest you’ll pay.
Big question mark on yellow backdrop wrapped up in a hundred dollar bill
Some personal loans may be used for investing, but it’s not always a wise idea.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc