Where to Get a Personal Loan? Top 3 Places

When it comes to finding a personal loan, there are many options available to choose from. But where you get your personal loan depends on a number of factors, such as your unique financial situation, your purpose for lending, and your credit score.

Whether you are looking to consolidate debt, renovate your home, or cover emergency expenses, we’ll help you determine where to get a personal loan from. Continue reading for a detailed breakdown of all the places that offer personal loans, and what their pros and cons are so you can make an informed decision.

Where to Get a Personal Loan from?

Personal loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Each of these options comes with its own set of requirements, pros and cons, and features designed to cater to the varying financial needs and profiles of borrowers.

Let’s take a closer look at these three options:

1. Banks

When it comes to personal loans, banks offer the highest loan amounts to their customers. What’s more, they offer the lowest interest rates in the market, making them an ideal choice for customers. 

Additionally, due to a widespread network of branches, you can easily walk into your nearest bank branch to apply for a personal loan.

However, they have stricter requirements as compared to other types of lenders. For instance, you will be required to finish the application process in person. You may also be required to have an active bank account in that bank before applying for a personal loan.

2. Credit Unions

Credit unions also offer personal loans to borrowers at a small fee. In order to apply for a personal loan at a credit union, you will need to be a member and also have a history with them. However, they have less stringent eligibility requirements as compared to banks.

Credit unions offer smaller personal loans that are ideal to cover any minor expenses. You can get personal loans of as low as $100.

What’s more, credit unions have lower APRs for borrowers with fair or bad credit scores. Their APRs are usually capped at 18%. So even if you have a bad credit score, you can still get a personal loan at a lower rate.

3. Online Lenders

You can also get a personal loan from online lenders. Online lenders offer much more flexibility in loan terms, as compared to banks and credit unions. What’s more, they even offer same-day transfers, making them one of the fastest options to obtain personal loans.

Before you apply for a personal loan at an online lender, you will also have the option to prequalify for the loan. This gives you an idea of the interest rates and loan terms you will get before formally applying for the loan, without it affecting your credit score.

Online lenders offer personal loans to borrowers with any credit score. They also offer bad credit loans at higher rates, making it convenient for bad-credit borrowers to get funds in times of need.

How to Choose a Lender for Personal Loans?

When it comes to choosing a lender for a personal loan, the choice depends on a lot of factors, including the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), the loan terms, and your financial situation. 

When choosing a lender, make sure to calculate the total cost of the loan by comparing the interest rate and any additional fees. This ensures that you’ll get the most affordable deal.

You should also consider the loan term, which can range from anywhere between 1 year to 7 years. The loan term affects your monthly payments. The longer the loan term, the lower your monthly payments, and vice versa. 

Lastly, you should also consider the borrower-friendly features that various lenders offer. For instance, some lenders offer the option to adjust payment dates, have no prepayment penalties, or offer flexible repayment options. 

So make sure you’re choosing the best lender that not only fits your budget but also helps you meet your financial objectives. 

Where Is the Best Place to Get a Personal Loan?

The best place to get a personal loan depends on your needs and your credit profile. Banks offer better rates to their existing customers but have stricter requirements. Online lenders have more flexible eligibility criteria and faster approval rates. 

What’s more, they are perfect for people with good credit as they offer competitive rates. Credit unions are better for fair- or bad-credit borrowers as they have lower rates.  

Where to Get a Personal Loan with Bad Credit?

Credit unions are one of the best options for borrowers with bad credit. Cash in Minutes also specializes in bad credit loans. No matter your credit score, apply online for a bad credit loan and get your funds in your account the same day.