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Personal loan tools

How to get a personal loan

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Five steps, start to finish. Most people can get through the first three in one sitting.

  1. Know your numbers. Check your credit and your debt-to-income ratio.
  2. Decide the amount. Borrow only what you need.
  3. Compare offers. Use a marketplace so one application shows several lenders.
  4. Read the terms. Look at APR, fees and total repayment.
  5. Accept and get funded. Funding can take a few hours to a few days, depending on the lender.

Questions

How long does the whole process take?

From a few hours to a few days, depending on the lender.

What is the most common mistake?

Accepting the first offer without comparing.

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Lending Gurus compares options and doesn’t lend. We may earn a referral fee when you apply through our links, but no lender pays for a review or a score, and partner status never changes one. Advertiser disclosure.