Military veterans can face financial challenges after their service ends. Some are injured while serving, and face mounting medical bills. Others need additional training or education to land jobs when their service ends.

The 2017 Military Family Lifestyle Survey released by Blue Star Families and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families provides a snapshot of some of the financial concerns veterans often have. According to the survey, 49% of military families have less than $5,000 in savings. Further, 28% of military spouses are unemployed and trying to find work, and the 51% of military spouses who were working earned less than $20,000 in 2016.

Veterans and their families, then, might look for personal loans as a way to help cover financial emergencies or unexpected bills. Veterans might take out credit to cover an emergency, such as unexpected car repairs or a new furnace for their home during winter.

How personal loans work

A personal loan is different from auto loans or mortgages in that they are usually unsecured. This means that you don’t have to put up collateral to qualify for one.

With a mortgage loan, your home acts as collateral. If you stop making your monthly payments, your lender can take ownership of your home through the foreclosure process. With an auto loan, your vehicle is your collateral. Your lender can take possession of your car if you default on your payments.

With an unsecured personal loan, lenders can’t take anything from you if you stop making your payments — you haven’t put up any collateral. Although that means there is less risk for you, there is a negative to this: Lenders often charge higher interest rates with unsecured personal loans because they are taking on more risk.

On the positive side, personal loans are flexible. You can use the money you borrow to pay for just about anything. (Of course, it might not be wise to take out a personal loan to pay for something frivolous, like a dream vacation.)

What about secured personal loans?

You can find secured personal loans, too: These loans do require collateral, and do give lenders something to take back should you stop making your payments. Often, your home or car might act as collateral.

But other lenders offer what are known as share secured personal loans, where your savings account acts as collateral. The amount of money you can borrow is limited by the funds in your savings account with the financial institution. If you fail to make your payments, your lender can keep the money in your account.

The key when hunting for unsecured personal loans is to study the interest rates, loan limits and fees that lenders charge. There are significant differences even among those lenders who specialize in working with military families.

When shopping personal loans, you can reach out to local banks and credit unions to see what options they have for veterans. However, it may be more convenient and affordable to work with online lenders.

LendingTree, the parent company of MagnifyMoney, can help you see offers from lenders through this helpful personal loan tool. Simply enter some basic information about yourself and what you’re looking for, and you’ll be able to compare lenders.

To help you on your search, consider the following five personal loan lenders.

Company

Min Loan Amount

Max Loan Amount

Interest Rate

Loan Term

$250

$50,000

7.99% - 18.00%

60

months

Apply Now Secured

on Navy Federal Credit Union’s secure website

$2,500

$20,000

8.99% - 10.99%

12 to 84

months

Apply Now Secured

on USAA Bank’s secure website

$500

$25,000

Starting at 6.49%

60

months

Apply Now Secured

on PenFed Credit Union’s secure website

$5,000

$50,000

5.99% - 18.99%

36 to 84

months

SEE OFFERS Secured

on LendingTree’s secure website

(270 Reviews)

$5,000

$100,000

3.34% - 16.99%

24 to 144

months

SEE OFFERS Secured

on LendingTree’s secure website

Advertiser Disclosure.

Your APR may differ based on loan purpose, amount, term, and your credit profile. Rate is quoted with AutoPay discount, which is only available when you select AutoPay prior to loan funding. Rates under the invoicing option are 0.50% higher. Subject to credit approval. Conditions and limitations apply. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Payment example: Monthly payments for a $10,000 loan at 3.34% APR with a term of 3 years would result in 36 monthly payments of $292.31.

Navy Federal Credit Union

As its name suggests, Navy Federal Credit Union serves members and veterans of the U.S. military. But the credit union isn’t open only to members or veterans of the U.S. Navy — it’s also open to those who are serving or have served in the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. Civilians working with the U.S. Department of Defense can join this credit union, too, as can the immediate family members of military personnel or Department of Defense employees.

Based in Merrifield, Virginia, Navy Federal Credit Union got its start in 1933. It had more than 8 million members as of the third quarter of 2018.

The credit union offers a standard, unsecured personal loan to service members and veterans with APRs ranging from 7.99% to 18.00%, depending on borrowers’ credit histories and the length of the loan. Members can take out unsecured personal loans with terms of up to 180 months.

There are some limits, though: Navy Federal Credit Union will only approve a maximum loan term of 60 months and a maximum loan amount of $50,000 for most of the unsecured personal loans it originates.

You can take out a longer-term unsecured personal loan if you want to use the funds to pay for a home-improvement project. Navy Federal Credit Union will approve you for a loan with a term of 61 to 84 months if you borrow at least $25,000 and a term of 84 to 180 months if you borrow at least $30,000.

Navy Federal Credit Union also offers a Shares Secured Loan. In this case, the collateral is your savings account at Navy Federal Credit Union. If you take out a shares secured loan for $5,000, Navy Federal Credit Union will hold this amount of money in your account. You’ll be able to access these funds as you pay off your loan. If you fail to make your payments, Navy Federal Credit Union can repay itself by taking these funds.

The rate on these loans varies according to their length. For shares secured loans with terms up to 60 months, the interest rate is equal to whatever rate you are earning on your Navy Federal Credit Union share account plus 2%. For terms of 61 to 180 months, the interest rate is equal to the rate you are earning on your Navy Federal Credit Union share account plus 3%. You must borrow at least $25,000 for 61- to 84-month terms and $30,000 for terms of 85 to 180 months.

Navy Federal does not charge origination fees for its personal loans.

A loan from Navy Federal Credit Union is good for those borrowers who need long-term loans with lower monthly payments. Navy Federal Credit Union allows borrowers to apply for loans with repayment terms of five years or longer, long loan terms that will result in smaller monthly payments.

Veterans who need to make costly home repairs can benefit from a personal loan here, too, as Navy Federal offers long-term loans that are designed solely to fund home-improvement projects.

Navy Federal Credit Union is also a good fit for borrowers with strong credit scores. These borrowers will have a stronger chance of qualifying for the lowest rate of 7.99%. Borrowers with weaker credit might have to shop around: Longer-term loans here come with high rates, especially for those buyers with lower credit scores.

USAA

Based in San Antonio, Texas, USAA had more than 12 million members, as of the end of 2017. This organization is open to active and former members of the U.S. military, eligible family members of active-duty personnel or veterans and cadets and midshipmen.

USAA offers unsecured personal loans with terms ranging from 12 to 84 months. You must borrow at least $2,500, but there is no maximum loan amount.

APRs will vary based on your credit. USAA says that borrowers can qualify for personal loans at APRs of 8.99% – 10.99%.

USAA does not charge any origination fees for its personal loans. USAA also says that it can often provide funds on the same day that borrowers apply for personal loans.

These loans are best for veterans who have ended their military service with strong credit scores — these veterans will qualify for the lowest possible interest rates. However, rates can rise quickly for those with weaker credit. The top rate of 10.99%, for instance, is quite high, veterans might consider shopping around with online lenders to search for a lower rate.

A USAA loan is a good fit, too, for veterans who need money quickly. It is possible to get your cash from a personal loan on the same day that you apply.

PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union launched in 1935 and today has more than 1.6 million members. It serves members in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and Okinawa. This credit union is open to active and retired military members, family members of these military personnel and employees of the U.S. government. You can also join an advocacy group such as the National Military Family Association or Voices for America’s Troops to become a member.

PenFed Credit Union offers personal loans to these military members that come with no origination fees and APRs starting at 6.49%. You can take out a loan with a term of up to 60 months. It’s important to note that this lower rate is only available to borrowers with excellent credit. Your rate might be higher if your credit is lower.

You can borrow from $500 to $25,000 from PenFed Credit Union.

A personal loan from PenFed Credit Union may be a good fit for military members and veterans who are looking for a low-cost way to borrow funds. PenFed Credit Union doesn’t charge origination fees, and the 6.49% interest rate is solid if your score is strong enough.

There are some limits, though: Unlike some of the other lenders serving military personnel and veterans, PenFed Credit Union doesn’t offer loans with longer terms such as 84 or 180 months.

Citizens Bank

Unlike the previously-mentioned financial institutions on this list, Citizens Bank doesn’t work specifically with veterans or their families; this is a traditional bank open to anyone. Citizens Bank, though, does work with veterans, mainly through a partnership with the Military Warriors Support Foundation. In conjunction with the organization, the bank awards mortgage-free homes to service members who have been wounded in combat, and to Gold Star spouses whose partners have been killed in combat.

Citizens Bank does provide quick funding for their personal loans, with the bank able to provide loan dollars often within two business days. Citizens Bank also doesn’t charge fees, and will originate loans from $5,000 to $50,000 with terms ranging from three to seven years. Depending on your credit, Citizens Bank charges APRs ranging from 5.99% to 18.99%.

Citizens Bank does not charge an origination fee for its personal loans. To qualify for a personal loan here, you’ll need a minimum annual income of $24,000 and what the bank calls a “strong credit history.”

Who is a good fit for a personal loan here? You’ll do better if you a strong credit score. You want to qualify for that 5.99%, not a rate of 18.99%. This is also a good option if you need money quickly, as some loans can close and payout within two business days.

LightStream

Veterans don’t have to work with credit unions that specialize in serving military personnel or with traditional brick-and-mortar banks. They, like many customers, might find that an online bank is their best fit for a personal loan. If so, LightStream, the online lending arm of SunTrust Bank, might be a good choice.

LightStream provides personal loans with APRs of 3.34% to 16.99%, if you sign up for the lender’s auto pay system. Your rate will depend on your credit score, the amount you want to borrow and the term of your loan. If you don’t sign up for auto pay, your interest rate will run from 3.84% to 17.49%.

You can borrow between $5,000 and $100,000 with a LightStream personal loan. The terms of your loan can run from 24 to 144 months. LightStream does not charge any origination fees for its personal loans.

A LightStream loan is a good fit for a veteran who needs flexibility. LightStream offers longer-term loans with terms of up to 144 months. Stretching your loan out to that length of a term will leave you with a smaller monthly payment. These loans are a good fit, too, for veterans who have maintained a strong credit score — that low interest rate of 3.34% is a strong one. If your credit score is excellent, you might consider applying for a personal loan here.

Conclusion

There are plenty of options for personal loans, whether you work with a credit union that targets veterans, an online lender or a traditional bank or credit union. The key is to shop around for the lowest possible interest rate. Make sure, too, to work with a lender that doesn’t charge origination fees. There are plenty that don’t, so there’s little reason to work with one that charges this fee.

APR

5.99%
To
35.99%

Credit Req.

Minimum 500 FICO

Minimum Credit Score

Terms

24 to 60

months

Origination Fee

Varies

SEE OFFERS Secured

on LendingTree’s secure website

LendingTree is our parent company

Most people know their credit score is a three-digit number that represents their credit health, but that doesn’t mean they know how their credit score is determined or why it’s so important. Many consumers also fail to realize they have some power over their credit scores, including the ability to improve their score time.

If you’re wondering about the credit score needed for a personal loan, it’s crucial to understand the inner workings of your credit score and how it might impact your ability to qualify for the cash you need.

In this guide, we offer up information on the minimum credit score required for a personal loan, along with additional details on credit scores and where you can get yours for free.

What is a credit score?

While the term “credit score” is used widely to describe the score you’re assigned based on your creditworthiness, there are several different types of credit scores available. The most popular credit score is the FICO Score, which was created by the Fair Isaac Corporation. This score, measured on a scale from 300 to 850, is used by 90% of lenders who are making credit-related decisions each year, according to FICO.

VantageScore is the biggest competitor to FICO and its most current version, V3, uses the same 300-850 range of scores to describe consumer creditworthiness. Other credit scores include TransRisk, Experian’s National Equivalency Score, CreditXpert Credit Score, CE Credit Score, and Insurance Score.

While each type of credit score works differently, they all consider a similar set of information to determine where you stand. The big differences between them are based on how much weight they give each factor they compare.

As an example, the FICO scoring model uses the following criteria to determine your credit score:

• Payment history: 35%
• Debts/amounts owed: 30%
• Age of credit history: 15%
• New credit: 10%
• Credit mix: 10%

With Vantage Score, on the other hand, different factors play a larger role in the score you’re assigned. Look how Vantage Score is determined, and you’ll see what we mean:

6 factors in your VantageScore
Factor	Weight
Age and type of credit	Extreme
Credit utilization (amounts owed)	Extreme
Payment history	High
Total balances	Medium
Recent behavior	Low
Available credit	Extremely low

If you don’t know your credit score but want to find out what it is right now, you can get your free credit score using My LendingTree. The services help you monitor your credit and find ways to improve it.

Some credit cards, like the Discover it® Cash Back, provide a free FICO^® score on your monthly statement as a cardholder perk. You can also get your FICO^® score for free with a service called Credit Scorecard. This service is available to you whether you are a Discover customer or not.

How do banks use credit scores?

When you apply for a personal loan, your lender will pull one of your credit scores from at least one of the credit reporting agencies — Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. At that point, they will take a close look at your score to determine your creditworthiness.

“Credit scores are used to determine the risk of doing business with an applicant,” said credit expert John Ulzheimer. “If your score or scores are good enough and you have a sufficient income, then you’re likely to be approved.”

Keep in mind, however, that your credit score is only one factor a lender will consider when deciding whether to approve you for a personal loan.

“Banks also look at your entire credit report, your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), employment history, any items you own that can be used as collateral, and so on,” said Beverly Harzog, credit card expert and consumer finance analyst for U.S. News & World Report.

In summary, you will likely need to have more than a sufficient credit score for a personal loan if you hope to qualify. You will also need to have a proof of income and employment, an acceptable debt-to-income ratio (a DTI below 35 percent is a good goal to shoot for), and a solid credit history that shows you have used credit responsibly in the past.

What credit score is needed for a personal loan?

When it comes to minimum credit score requirements for personal loans, there is no hard and fast rule. According to myFICO.com, a credit score of 670 or above is generally considered “good” and acceptable. This means that an applicant who applies for a personal loan with a score of 670 may qualify, but they may or may not receive the best interest rate or terms.

But that doesn’t mean a consumer with a credit score of 620 can’t get a loan, said Harzog; “it just means that the interest rate will be high.”

That’s because, generally speaking, those with low credit scores usually pay much higher interest rates if they can qualify for a loan. However, the opposite is also true since a high credit score will usually get you a loan with the lowest interest rates and best terms.

How much will your interest rate vary based on your credit score? That depends on your lender, where you live, and other factors. For example, at Wells Fargo, a $5,000 personal loan with a repayment period of sixty months offers the following rates based on a calculator they offer on their website as of November 14, 2018:

• Excellent credit (score of 760 or above): 11.49% to 13.74%
• Good credit (score of 700 to 759): 11.49% to 18.49%
• Fair credit (score of 621 to 699): 18.49% to 24.49%
• Poor credit (score of 620 or below): 19.99% to 24.49%

In terms of transparency, not all lenders offer the type of detail Wells Fargo does with their loan payment calculator. While some lenders list their credit score requirements online, others remain vague or refuse to commit to a minimum credit score cutoff altogether.

For example, Goldman Sachs Bank USA lists that only consumers with “excellent credit” qualify for their personal loans with the lowest rates, but they don’t list a minimum credit score requirement or explain their minimum cutoff for a great credit score. On the other hand, student loan refinance company and personal loan lender Earnest lists directly on their website a minimum credit score requirement of 680.

If you’d like to explore personal loan options, you can use this tool from LendingTree to see offers from up to five different lenders. You’ll input information about yourself and what you want out of a loan. If you qualify, the tool with spit out lender offers you can review.

As you begin comparing lenders for a personal loan, it’s important to keep in mind that credit score requirements, interest rates and transparency about internal processes will vary greatly. Ulzheimer also said that requirements also vary by lender since some “target a higher risk population.”

“For some lenders, a 580 may be good enough,” he said. “It’s not uniform.” (You can see personal loans for bad credit here.)

What can you do if your credit score is too low for a loan?

If you can’t qualify for the personal loan you want, it’s crucial to be aware of some of the risks that come with personal loan alternatives. Payday loans and title loans may make it easy to access cash, but they do so at an exorbitant cost. Interest rates on payday loans can surge up to 780% when you factor in fees, and title loans can lead to you having your car repossessed if you don’t pay them back in full when they’re due.

Consequently, it’s smart to avoid borrowing money unless you absolutely must.

“If you’re in a position where you need to rebuild your credit, it’s not a good idea to take on more debt,” said Harzog. “Instead, you should take some steps to improve your credit score over time, such as paying down debt to decrease your utilization, making sure all your bills are paid early or on time, and refraining from opening or closing accounts while you try to boost your score.

Harzog also noted that you should check your credit report for free with all three credit reporting agencies on AnnualCreditReport.com. If you find a negative note on your report that is inaccurate and take the time to dispute it, this could help your credit score tremendously.

In lieu of taking the time to improve your credit score before you apply for a loan, here are a few additional options to consider:

• Get quotes from bad credit lenders. While lenders who focus on people with bad credit should be an option of last resort, you can consider them. Just remember that you may pay an extremely high interest rate if your credit is poor. With NetCredit Personal Loans, for example, your APR could be as high as 179.00%.
• Get a cosigner. If you’re able to convince a family member or trusted friend with great credit to cosign on your loan, you could have a better chance at qualifying with a lower interest rate.
• Apply for a secured loan. Secured loans require you to put down collateral, but they tend to offer lower rates and may be easier to qualify for. If you have home equity you can borrow against, a car that is paid off, or a retirement account with a healthy balance, for example, you may be able to take out a secured loan.
• Borrow from family and friends. If a lender won’t give you the time of day or you want to avoid high interest rates, you can also try borrowing money from family or friends. Just make sure you have the means to pay your loan back — if you default and blow them off, you risk jeopardizing your relationship.

APR

5.99%
To
35.99%

Credit Req.

Minimum 500 FICO

Minimum Credit Score

Terms

24 to 60

months

Origination Fee

Varies

SEE OFFERS Secured

on LendingTree’s secure website

LendingTree is our parent company

LendingTree is our parent company. LendingTree is unique in that you may be able to compare up to five personal loan offers within minutes. Everything is done online and you may be pre-qualified by lenders without impacting your credit score. LendingTree is not a lender.

Personal loans are the fastest-growing consumer debt in America, according to Experian.

Where a mortgage goes toward buying a home and an auto loan goes toward the purchase of a car, a personal loan can be used in myriad ways. This article will define small personal loans and walk you through a variety of ways to use and get them.

What is a small personal loan?

A small personal loan is defined as anything between $1,000 and $5,000, according to LendingTree, which owns MagnifyMoney. Because small personal loans usually have low interest rates for those with good credit and can be paid back over a relatively short amount of time (two to three years), they allow borrowers quick access to money that can be used at their discretion, unless otherwise specified.

When used wisely and paid back on time, small personal loans can reduce stress, help solve financial problems and build credit. If you’re in need of a few thousand dollars to cover an expense, a small personal loan is worth considering.

“When you have little to no credit history, a small, unsecured loan with a short term that is quickly repaid can help build a positive credit history,” said Tricia Cook, branch manager for First Utah Bank.

Small personal loans are commonly used to help consolidate debt into one manageable payment, but can also be used to pay for medical, dental or veterinary bills, remodels or home repairs, weddings or funeral costs and unexpected expenses, to name a few.

“Usually, small personal loans are applied for in emergency situations, for example, your roof is leaking and you need $5,000 to replace it before winter,” Cook said. “My experience at the bank has shown that small personal loan applications rarely feel like they are planned for and the applicant is desperate for money right now.”

Where to get a small personal loan online

Once you’ve determined you need a small personal loan to cover an expense, you’ll want to start shopping and comparing lenders.

LendingTree’s small personal loan comparison tool can point you in the right direction. Using it, you’ll input basic information about yourself and what you’re looking for in a loan. The tool may then spit out lenders and loan offers for you to consider.

APR

5.99%
To
35.99%

Credit Req.

Minimum 500 FICO

Minimum Credit Score

Terms

24 to 60

months

Origination Fee

Varies

SEE OFFERS Secured

on LendingTree’s secure website

LendingTree is our parent company

LendingTree is our parent company. LendingTree is unique in that you may be able to compare up to five personal loan offers within minutes. Everything is done online and you may be pre-qualified by lenders without impacting your credit score. LendingTree is not a lender.

As you begin your search, consider these online lenders:

Upstart

Avant

LendingClub

Best Egg

Upstart

Upstart offers loans with interest rates low as 8.89% and terms of up to five years. Upstart can be a good choice for small personal loans because it can lend as little as $1,000, depending on the state in which you live. Upstart can also be a good choice because it assesses more than credit score and credit history when determining a rate. It looks at the borrower’s education, area of study and work history for a more holistic picture of the borrower and their ability to repay. If you have a strong education and work history, you’ll likely benefit from a loan with Upstart. Upstart also allows you to pay off your loan on your terms without penalizing you.

(68 Reviews)

APR

8.89%
To
35.99%

Credit Req.

640

Minimum Credit Score

Terms

36 & 60

months

Origination Fee

0.00% - 8.00%

SEE OFFERS Secured

on LendingTree’s secure website

Upstart is an online lender created by ex-Googlers.... Read More Unlike some other competitors, it takes your education and work experience into consideration when determining your rate. However, it also looks at your credit history and has strict guidelines for approval. Read Less

Avant

Avant can be a smart option for those with a low credit score looking for a quick loan. If you qualify, funds can be accessed in as little as one business day. The minimum credit score required for an Avant loan is 580. If your credit score is hindering you from receiving a loan elsewhere, Avant may a good option for you. The minimum loan available is $2,000, with interest rates starting at 9.95% and terms up to 60 months.

(2435 Reviews)

APR

9.95%
To
35.99%

Credit Req.

Varies

Minimum Credit Score

Terms

24 to 60

months

Origination Fee

Up to 4.75%

SEE OFFERS Secured

on LendingTree’s secure website

Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank, member FDIC.

Avant is an online lender that offers personal loans ranging from $2,000 to $35,000. ... Read More While most borrowers have an average credit score of 600-700, approval can vary. However, rates are higher than some competitors, and there is an administrative fee to consider. Read Less

LendingClub

LendingClub can offer small loans starting at $1,000 with interest rates as low as 6.95%. LendingClub offers loans to borrowers whose credit scores vary, but the minimum credit score is 600. If you’re looking for a small loan and have a strong credit history, this may be a smart option for you as you’ll likely get lower interest rates. But if you’re looking to receive your funds almost immediately, LendingClub may not be the best option as it takes about a week to receive your money.

(3777 Reviews)

APR

6.95%
To
35.89%

Credit Req.

600

Minimum Credit Score

Terms

36 or 60

months

Origination Fee

1.00% - 6.00%

SEE OFFERS Secured

on LendingTree’s secure website

LendingClub is a great tool for borrowers that can offer competitive interest rates and approvals for people with credit scores as low as 600.... Read More The loan application process is done online and only takes a few minutes to complete without hurting your credit. The loan processing time can take a while and you might not get approved if you have missed payments in the past. Read Less

Best Egg

Best Egg may be the lender for you if you’re looking for a fast and easy loan application process. Funds are deposited in as little as a day, and Best Egg offers interest rates as low as 5.99% to those who qualify. Best Egg analyzes three years’ worth of credit history and requires a 660 minimum credit score, so it may not be the best option for those with poor credit. Best Egg offers terms for up to five years and will loan as little as $2,000.

(275 Reviews)

APR

Up to 5.99%
To
29.99%

Credit Req.

660

Minimum Credit Score

Terms

36 or 60

months

Origination Fee

0.99% - 5.99%

SEE OFFERS Secured

on LendingTree’s secure website

Advertiser Disclosure

People looking for a process that is fast and straightforward can’t go wrong when applying through Best Egg for a personal loan. ... Read MoreThe great features of Best Egg are their simple terms and competitive interest rates for those with a strong, positive credit history. While keeping things simple, they only offer payback terms of 36 or 60 months, which may not be the best fit for everyone. Read Less

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*The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and ranges from 5.99%-29.99%, which may include an origination fee from 0.99% - 5.99%. Any origination fee on a 5-year loan will be at least 4.99% and is deducted from loan proceeds. The APR offered will depend on your credit score, income, debt payment obligations, loan amount, loan term, credit usage history and other factors, and therefore may be higher than our lowest advertised rate. Requests for the highest loan amount may resulting an APR higher than our lowest advertised rate. You need a minimum 700 FICO® score and a minimum individual annual income of $100,000 to qualify for our lowest rate.

Best Egg loans are unsecured personal loans made by Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. "Best Egg" is a trademark of Marlette Funding LLC. All uses of "Best Egg" on this site mean and shall refer to "the Best Egg personal loan" and/or "Best Egg on behalf of Cross River Bank, as originator of the Best Egg personal loan," as applicable. Loan amounts generally range from $2,000-$35,000. Offers up to $50,000 may be available for qualified customers who receive offer codes in the mail. The minimum individual annual income needed to qualify for a loan of $50,000 is $130,000. Borrowers may hold no more than two open Best Egg loans at any given time. In order to be eligible for a second Best Egg loan, your existing Best Egg loan must have been open for at least six months. Total existing Best Egg loan balances must not exceed $50,000. All loans in MA must exceed $6,000; in NM, OH must exceed $5,000; in GA must exceed $3,000.

Borrowers should refer to their loan agreement for specific terms and conditions. A loan example: a 5–year $10,000 loan with 9.99% APR has 60 scheduled monthly payments of $201.81, and a 3–year $5,000 loan with 5.99% APR has 36 scheduled monthly payments of $150.57. Your verifiable income must support your ability to repay your loan. Upon loan funding, the timing of available funds may vary depending upon your bank's policies.

To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When you open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you.

At one point or another, most people will need to borrow money for a large expense such as college tuition, purchasing or remodeling a home, or buying a vehicle. Although it’s possible to save up enough cash to pay for these big expenses, many choose to finance their purchase and pay it back over a period of time using either a secured or an unsecured personal loan.

Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to determine which type of debt is best for your unique financial situation. For new borrowers, the differences between the two can be confusing. What’s required of a borrower when they take out a secure or an unsecured loan? When might it make sense to use one versus the other?

Secured loans and unsecured loans have several differences, but the most important to remember is that secured loans are literally “secured” against items owned by the person needing the loan, while unsecured loans are not. This collateral could be anything that holds equity and is owned by the borrower.

For example, you might use your car, boat, home or property you own as collateral on a secured loan. Unsecured loans, on the other hand, only look at a borrower’s ability to repay their loan based on their income, current debts and credit score.

However, this isn’t the only way that these two loan types differ. Let’s do a side-by-side comparison to get a better idea of what each of these loans requires from borrowers, and how they work.

What are secured personal loans?

Secured personal loans are offered by a wide range of lenders, and are intended to help borrowers who may or may not have a solid credit history make necessary big-ticket purchases or rebuild their credit.
This debt works in a relatively straightforward way. A borrower applies for a secured personal loan through a bank, credit union or a nonbank lender. The lender then assesses what the borrower has to offer as collateral for the loan. Based on the value of the borrower’s collateral, the lender will approve them to borrow a set amount of money. However, if the borrower fails to keep up with payments on their secured personal loan, the lender is permitted to repossess the borrower’s collateral at any point in time.

For example, if you take out a secured personal loan to pay for a home renovation using the car you own as collateral, your lender can come and take possession of your car if you fail to make payments. If you’re a borrower who can be counted on to make payments on time and to pay the loan off in full within the set time frame, this may not be intimidating.

However, many people seek out secured loans because their credit score alone isn’t enough to obtain an unsecured personal loan from a lender. This might be through no fault of their own, or it could mean they have had trouble repaying their debt in the past for a wide range of reasons. Be cautious when offering collateral for your secured personal loan, and make sure that you’ll be able to afford the loan’s repayment terms (including interest).

One of the benefits of a secured personal loan is that it can be used for nearly anything. Many people, for example, use the equity they already have in their home to finance a home repair loan (HELOC). Others use secured loans to finance vehicle purchases or to fund the launch of a business.

Regardless of what you’re using your secured personal loan for, it’s important to read through your loan terms carefully. Secured personal loans are notorious for being charging high interest rates and can sometimes have predatory rates or practices.

If you’re pursuing a secured personal loan, keep a few things in mind:

• Whatever you choose to put up for collateral for your loan can be taken by your lender if you fail to make payments.
• You may be able to get a lower interest rate with a secured personal loan because the lender is taking on less risk when you offer up collateral.
• Some secured personal loans are predatory, and they come with hefty fees and high interest rates – make sure to shop around and do your research before signing on the dotted line.

What are unsecured personal loans?

Unsecured personal loans are different. They don’t require any collateral from the borrower. However, because there’s nothing to “secure” them, or to protect the lender should you default on payments, they tend to be harder to obtain.

Unsecured personal loans usually require a credit check, and the interest rates associated with the loan are largely dependent on whether or not you have decent credit. If the lender feels they can trust you to repay the loan based on your current finances and you have a history of paying back your debt on time and in full, you may qualify for a lower interest rate. However, if you don’t have a good history of repaying your debt, or you don’t have income available that would support the loan repayment, you could get stuck with a higher interest rate.

That being said, unsecured personal loans certainly serve a purpose. Student loans, for example, are a form of unsecured personal loans. They require no down payment or collateral, often have reasonable interest rates and help students to fund their education. A variety of lenders including banks, credit unions and nonbank lenders (typically found online) offer unsecured personal loans.

It can be frustrating for borrowers to try and obtain an unsecured loan because restrictions (like a minimum credit score, a high income or a cosigner) are often more strict than those associated with secured personal loans. It can be helpful to keep in mind that for a lender, an unsecured loan is a notably higher risk than a secured personal loan. Essentially, they’re taking a chance on the fact that you’ll pay the loan back in full with interest, and have no real way of knowing for sure that you’ll be able to do so. This is also why interest rates for unsecured personal loans are significantly higher than those you can find with secured personal loans.

If you’re pursuing an unsecured personal loan, you should keep a few things in mind:

• You’ll need to budget for potentially higher monthly payments than a secured loan.
• You will need to have good credit to obtain an unsecured personal loan.
• You may not qualify for the loan unless you have a cosigner who can help lessen the amount of risk a lender takes on by lending to you.

If you’re unsure about where to find a personal loan, you can see offers from LendingTree. With it, you’ll input basic personal information and what you’re looking for out of a loan. If you qualify, you’ll get to review personal loan offers from various lenders.

Should you get a secured or unsecured personal loan?

The actual question on most borrowers’ minds is: Which loan is right for me? The truth is, both secured and unsecured personal loans pose some risk for you as a borrower. However, there are several things to take into consideration when deciding which is best for you.

Ability to repay

Consider everything that could impact your ability to repay this loan. Is your job secure? Do you have upcoming expenses that will tighten your budget? If you’re concerned about repayment, putting up something you own that’s necessary for day-to-day survival (like a home or a vehicle) for a secured personal loan may not be in your best interest. Of course, if you’re worried about your ability to repay a loan, there’s a good chance that you should reconsider the loan amount – or whether you should apply at all.

Total interest and fees

Although unsecured loans often have higher interest rates, secured loans may have notable hidden fees if they’re predatory, like a payday loan. Weigh your ability to repay loans each month, taking note of the interest amounts. It usually serves borrowers to shop around before committing, and that may mean looking at both unsecured and secured loans to determine what works best for you.

Future financial goals

Do you plan to pay this loan off quickly? Do you have other financial goals in the near or distant future that this loan could impact? If you want to pay a loan off quickly and are confident in your ability to repay, locking in low interest rates with a secured loan might make the most sense.

Worst-case scenario planning

It always helps to consider the worst-case scenario when applying for a loan. If you fail to repay your loan, what’s going to happen? Whether you apply for a secured or unsecured loan, your credit will take a hit.

If you have a secured loan, you could potentially lose your house, your car or other assets you’ve put up as collateral for the loan. You may also need to take out another loan to cover this debt and end up in a vicious debt cycle. If you can afford to lose what you’ve put up as collateral, this may not be the end of the world. However, if you can’t – it’s likely not worth the risk.

Final thoughts

Applying for a loan can be challenging, but it’s important to know that you have options available to you. Researching the difference between secured and unsecured loans can help you determine which is best for you based on what you can afford, and which loan type fits best into your long-term financial plans. Your relationships with some financial institutions could also positively impact the loan terms you receive.

APR

5.99%
To
35.99%

Credit Req.

Minimum 500 FICO

Minimum Credit Score

Terms

24 to 60

months

Origination Fee

Varies

SEE OFFERS Secured

on LendingTree’s secure website

LendingTree is our parent company

If you need some extra cash or want to pay off debt, taking out a personal loan can be a smart way to get the money you need. Personal loan interest rates can be lower than credit cards if you have decent credit and a personal loan can help you raise your credit score. In addition, there are dozens of online lenders to choose from, some of which offer an easy application process and funding in just one business day.

Along with the pros, of course, come cons. Personal loan scams are not uncommon, so it’s important to proceed with caution when vetting personal loan companies. Find out how to protect yourself from falling victim to fraud.

Personal loan scams typically come with at least one red flag that should signal something isn’t right. Jeramy E. Genaway, a financial advisor from Pittsburgh, Penn., shared these six warning signs of a personal loan scam:

1. Unsolicited loan offers

Traditionally, when you want a personal loan, you seek out a lender. Scammers, however, often turn the tables by approaching consumers with bogus offers.

“Oftentimes, personal loan scams start in a very similar manner as phishing — email — or phone scams,” Genaway said. “If you receive an email with an offer for a personal loan and the message contains spelling, punctuation or grammar errors, it can be an immediate red flag.”

2. Pressure to make a decision quickly

“If you receive a phone call with an offer for a personal loan and the caller is rushing you to make a quick decision or you ‘risk the offer being rescinded,’ it’s often a red flag as well,” Genaway said.

Taking out a personal loan is a big decision that you shouldn’t make quickly. Legitimate financial institutions want you to feel comfortable with your choice, so you’ll never be pressured to make a move before you’re ready.

3. Guaranteed approval

If you have no credit or a less-than-stellar credit score, a personal loan with a guaranteed approval is bound to catch your eye. Don’t get too excited though, because it’s likely too good to be true. Legitimate lenders never promise your application will be approved. Extending a personal loan is a risk, so trustworthy lenders always review background information on consumers before offering money. If you have poor credit, check out list of the best personal loans for bad credit here.

4. Money transfer requested prior to receiving the loan

When you take out a personal loan, you should be the one receiving the funds. If you’re asked to pay money out of your pocket for your loan, that’s a problem.

You should never make payments for a loan directly to an individual, according to the FTC. The agency also advises against using a wire transfer service or sending money orders to pay for a loan, because a legitimate lender wouldn’t make a request like that.

5. No credit check required

Beware if the lender loans money to those with a poor credit histories, Genaway said. If your credit is poor, a lender not interested in your creditworthiness might seem like a dream come true, but it’s likely a scam.

The FTC notes that advertisements containing wording such as “Bad credit? No problem” or “Get money fast,” are often telltale signs the lender is trying to swindle you. It might not be what you want to hear, but legitimate lenders typically verify credit information prior to approving a loan.

6. Hidden fees required to obtain the loan

Legitimate lenders are open and honest about any fees associated with your loan. If you’re immediately hit with charges before getting your funds, something isn’t right.

Application, appraisal and credit report fees are standard, but the lender usually deducts the fees from the amount you borrow. If a lender asks you to pay upfront fees for services like insurance, processing or paperwork, don’t move forward with it.

“It’s important to remain diligent in an uncertain situation where these red flags may be present,” Genaway said. “Most importantly, keep in mind, the scammer is not only trying to potentially obtain money from you, they could also be attempting to obtain personal information such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, address or any other confidential personal information, which could be used for fraudulent purposes.”

The possibility of falling victim to a scam might make you hesitant to apply for a personal loan online, but it’s actually very safe if you exercise proper due diligence. Jeffrey Brown, a financial advisor in the St. Louis area, said applying for a personal loan online is common practice these days, but he advises consumers to do it the right way.

“People get panicked and they make poor decisions because they’re trying to deal with the short term, but they get themselves in trouble in the long term because they haven’t made a wise decision with their loan,” Brown said.

Genaway agreed that applying for a personal loan online is generally safe, thanks to technology advances.

“It has become almost commonplace to skip working directly with a banker or visiting a local branch in lieu of obtaining financing online,” Genaway said.

Consumers can identify potentially fraudulent websites a couple different ways, according to Genaway. First, make sure a lender’s site is secure — the URL on secure sites start with “https” — and look for a padlock symbol in the address bar on any page you’re asked to provide personal information.

“If the perceived lender’s website is not secure or does not have a padlock symbol, do not enter any additional information” said Genaway. “There is no reason a legitimate lender would not have a secure website, meaning the site you are on is unsecured and could potentially be a fraudulent website.”

Brown reiterated the importance of entering personal information only on a secured website, and also suggested checking with the Better Business Bureau to review the lender’s ratings.

What to look for when searching for a lender online

Beyond looking for a secure website, make sure the lender has a physical address.

“If there’s an address listed on the website, double check the address via your favorite online map service to see if there is a building there, and preferably, with their name on or around the building,” Genaway said. “Often times, fraudulent lenders will have addresses that are actually vacant lots or buildings that would not normally contain operating businesses.”
He also said online lenders are required to register in the states where they do business, so see if you can verify that the proper licenses are in place.

“The lender’s website should list any states in which it is allowed to conduct business, and if it doesn’t, the lender might be fraudulent,” Genaway said.

He also advises researching a lender’s online reviews and ratings to learn more about other customers’ experiences.

Brown emphasized the importance of researching the lender you’re dealing with, and recommended covering all the bases by specifically searching for unfavorable information on the lender. Do a Google search and include the lender’s name and key terms associated with a negative personal loan experience.

Where to find the best personal loans online

Shopping around is the key to locating the best personal loans online. LendingTree, which owns MagnifyMoney, has a personal loan comparison tool that connects dozens of reputable lenders with consumers in need of financing. By completing one online form, you could receive multiple personal loan offers in a matter of minutes. This is an easy way to find lenders you can trust, without your credit taking a hit — LendingTree performs a soft credit pull that won’t impact your score. Find your loan today with our table below.

APR

5.99%
To
35.99%

Credit Req.

Minimum 500 FICO

Minimum Credit Score

Terms

24 to 60

months

Origination Fee

Varies

SEE OFFERS Secured

on LendingTree’s secure website

LendingTree is our parent company

LendingTree is our parent company. LendingTree is unique in that you may be able to compare up to five personal loan offers within minutes. Everything is done online and you may be pre-qualified by lenders without impacting your credit score. LendingTree is not a lender.

When you do it correctly, finding a personal loan online is a safe way to get a competitive rate. Now that you’ve learned about personal loan scams, be on the lookout for red flags. In some cases, they’ll be obvious, but sometimes the signals are harder to spot. Always trust your instincts and never proceed with a lender that doesn’t feel quite right.

If you need cash in a pinch to pay a medical bill, fund an urgent home repair or keep food on the table while between jobs, you might consider taking out a loan. This can be a good way to get the money you need — and fast — but the type of loan you choose is important. The terms attached to the loan can have a significant impact on your finances, so before signing any papers, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into.

Here’s a look at the difference between personal loans and payday loans to help you make an informed decision.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, America’s unemployment rate was 3.7% in September 2018. Although this number may seem relatively small in the grand scheme of things, this hasn’t historically been the case. During the market crash of 2008-2009, America’s unemployment rate swung from 4.7% to 10.1% in a matter of months.Long-term unemployment can be emotionally and financially challenging. Although most people actively work to avoid getting into debt, especially while they’re unemployed, sometimes their financial situation leaves them with no other course of action but to take out a personal loan.

Unfortunately, many lenders require that borrowers have some proof of income before they’re willing to pass out personal loans. However, in some cases, you may be able to secure a loan – even without the proof. Let’s walk through the steps you’ll need to take to get a loan when you’re unemployed.

Can I get a personal loan with no income?

Yes, you can get a personal loan without income. At the end of the day, lenders are looking for borrowers who can prove that they’ll make repayments. It’s true that having a consistent source of income certainly helps prove that you’re eligible for a loan, but it’s also true that you can “prove” your worthiness as a borrower in other ways.

If you don’t have a full-time job that’s providing you with a consistent income that would be used to repay your personal loan, you’ll need to meet the lender’s alternative eligibility requirements.

These might include:

• Proof of alternate income. Any of the following may qualify when you apply for a loan: Social Security benefits, a pension, child support, funds from your retirement account distributions, unemployment benefits, disability, employment offers for a job that starts in the future, housing income, capital gains from your investments, income from a spouse or partner, trust income, savings or cash that you’ve built up, VA benefits or a government annuity.
• Automatic payments. Your lender might require that you have payments automatically deducted from your bank account to help ensure that you’re always paying in full and on time.
• Security. If you’re struggling to get a loan while unemployed, your lender might ask for you to provide collateral for the loan. This would mean taking out a secured personal loan. Lenders often accept cars (as long as they’re paid in full), property or any other assets that you own outright as security.
• Find a cosigner. To get a personal loan while you’re unemployed, you may need to find a cosigner. A cosigner is essentially a third party who applies with you for your loan. If you fail to make your payments, the lender may turn to them for the money they’re owed. A cosigner isn’t always a perfect solution, and asking family or close friends to cosign a loan could potentially cause some tension if you can’t repay it. However, if you’re confident that you have the funds set aside to repay your loan, or that you’ll find employment soon, this may be an option worth considering.

Remember that lenders don’t just look at your current income during the loan approval process. They’re also looking at your credit history and your credit score. If you’ve always been consistent with repaying your debts in the past, you have a good (or better) credit score and you’re not utilizing very much credit in comparison with your current income, you may be able to secure a personal loan with fewer issues – even if you’re unemployed.

Beware these risks of borrowing with no income

Although it’s possible to receive a personal loan when you’re unemployed, that doesn’t always mean it’s in your best interest to do so. Lenders are taking a risk by lending you money that you technically don’t have (and may not have for the foreseeable future). As a result, they’re likely to give you a less attractive loan offer.

Here are a few downsides to loan offers you may see while you’re unemployed and taking out a loan:

• Shorter repayment terms. Typically, if you don’t have income to prove your ability to repay a loan over a long period of time, your lender will want to lower their risk. One way they do this is by offering loans to the unemployed with shorter repayment terms. This means you’ll get the funds you need, but you’ll be required to pay them back much faster than had taken out a traditional loan while you were gainfully employed.
• High interest rates. Again, lenders aren’t out to get you if you’re unemployed – they just need to protect themselves against the risk of lending to someone who may not be able to repay the loan they’re offering. One way they do this is by offering you a personal loan with higher interest rates. High rates combined with a shorter term means that you’ll be paying a significant amount of money back to your lender over a short period of time. This ensures that they’ll get the amount they gave back from you (with interest), and they’ll receive it quickly.
• Automatic payments. Many lenders require that automatic payments be set up when a borrower is unemployed. This could mean that they take funds directly from your bank account every month for payment, but it could also mean that they take funds directly from your other income sources (like your pension) each “pay period” to ensure that they get paid first. If you have the funds to repay your loan and cover your bills, this may not be an issue. But as things get tighter the longer you stay unemployed, this becomes a bigger issue.
• Hefty fees. Although many lenders already have notable fees attached their personal loan offerings, it’s even more important to look at the fees in your loan offer if you’re unemployed. Fees are another way that a lender can protect themselves against the risk of lending to someone without an income. If you’re not careful, you could end up paying back a high interest loan over a short time period, with extra fees to boot – hardly an ideal situation for someone who’s lacking cash flow.
• Predatory lending. As much as you may not want to believe it’s true, there are plenty of lenders out there who take advantage of the unemployed. By offering personal loans with egregious repayment terms, interest rates and fees, they could potentially drive you so deeply into debt that you’re unable to pay your monthly bills. Thinking long term, these types of predatory loans could also have a dramatically negative impact on your credit score.

Getting a loan when you’re unemployed isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t have to be a terrifying journey either. As long as you keep a watchful eye out for these non-ideal repayment terms and know what you’re getting into, you’re off to a good start.

Alternative options to a personal loan

Although it’s possible to qualify for a personal loan with no income, that doesn’t mean it’s a given. Many borrowers may run into a situation where they don’t qualify for a personal loan while they’re unemployed, which can be incredibly challenging if their situation is dire and they need cash now.

There are several reasons you may not qualify for a personal loan while you’re unemployed:

• You have no source of alternate income to show the ability to repay
• You have no assets (like a well-padded savings account, or a paid-in-full vehicle) to offer as collateral for the loan
• You have poor credit history
• You have a low credit score
• You’re already utilizing a large portion of the total credit you have available to you

Although it’s impossible to guarantee whether you’ll get approved or denied a personal loan while you’re unemployed, these factors will play a large role in the lender’s final decision. If you aren’t approved for a personal loan, you’re not entirely out of options. First, you can look into alternative lending services that can help give you the boost of cash you need rather quickly:

• Home equity line of credit (HELOC). A HELOC allows you to essentially borrow against the equity you have built up in your home. If you’ve already paid down a significant chunk of your mortgage, this might be an option for you to look into. Typically, you can borrow up to 85% of your home’s value minus what you owe on your mortgage.
• Secured loan. A secured loan is one where you offer up collateral for loan funds. You may put up your car or other property for this type of loan.
• Short-term loan from a family member. Borrowing money from family can be uncomfortable and potentially damaging to both your personal and financial life. However, if you’re confident in your ability to repay the loan, and your relative is willing to offer you favorable terms, this may be a path you pursue. You’ll need to discuss the total amount of the loan, what interest rate they’ll charge you (if any) and what the length of the loan’s repayment term will be. It’s wise to draw up a formal contract to protect both of your interests.

Conclusion

You have several options for borrowing funds, even when you don’t have an income to rely on for repayment. However, there are several other options to consider before you seek out a personal loan or alternate lending option.

Consider these other ways to get cash in a pinch:

• Tighten your budget
• Use your emergency savings
• Pick up a side gig
• Apply for unemployment and/or food stamps
• Find a roommate or rent out part of your home
• Sell what you don’t need
• Transfer your credit card balance to reduce payments

Going into debt should never be your first course of action. Although you can get a loan without an income, pursuing these other ideas first until you’re able to secure another full-time, well-paying job is usually in your best interest.

APR

5.99%
To
35.99%

Credit Req.

Minimum 500 FICO

Minimum Credit Score

Terms

24 to 60

months

Origination Fee

Varies

SEE OFFERS Secured

on LendingTree’s secure website

LendingTree is our parent company