Whether you need to finance a big purchase or pay for an urgent expense, personal loans can be a great way to help cover costs. But getting approved with the most favorable terms and interest rates can be tricky, especially if you have less than stellar credit.
Fortunately, there are strategies that can help increase your chances of approval.
Strategies to increase your chances of getting a personal loan
Personal loans can help you cover a wide variety of expenses, from emergency car repair For home improvement projects. Although each lender has their own eligibility criteria, you will generally need good credit and a stable source of income to get approved for the loan.
That said, there are strategies that can increase your chances of approval, in addition to helping you get the best terms and interest rates for your situation.
Work on your credit score
Your credit score plays a crucial role when it comes to loan approval, and it will also tell you how much interest you will be paying. This is why it is important to keep it in good condition before applying.
- Review your credit file: THE Federal Trade Commission found that 5% of Americans have errors in their credit report. Before applying for a credit product, request a copy of your credit report to see if everything is correct. It can take up to 30 days for the office to respond and for the error to be corrected on your report, so check early.
- Make payments on time: Your payment history is essential to maintaining a good credit score, because it compensates 35 percent of your score. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of your bills or contact any creditors if you’re having trouble making payments, to make sure your payment history stays in tip-top shape.
- Pay off revolving balances: Misused credit cards can have a serious negative impact on your credit score. Experts recommend using no more than 30 percent of your total available credit to keep the portion of your score affected by it as high as possible.
Run the numbers and only borrow what you can afford
When you apply for a loan, it is possible to get approved for a higher amount than you originally requested. That said, going over budget can have serious consequences, especially if your financial situation changes and you can no longer take care of your monthly bill.
When To make calculationsbe sure to consider the following:
- Interest rate: Personal loan interest rates can vary from approximately 6 percent to 36 percent, depending on your credit and other factors. Compare offers from multiple lenders to make sure you get the lowest rate.
- Term of the loan: Loan terms for personal loans generally range from two to seven years. Although longer repayment periods will lower your monthly payment, you will end up paying more interest over the life of the loan.
- Costs: Some lenders will charge assembly costs and prepayment penalties, plus late payment fees and returned check fees. Not all lenders will charge all fees, so narrow your search by eliminating heavier providers.
Find a co-signer
If you don’t have a good credit score or your income is low, try applying for a loan using a co-signer. A co-signer is anyone who agrees to be responsible for your loan as well. This means they are obligated to make payments if you don’t.
For this to improve your chances of approval, you must choose someone who has good credit and sufficient income, as the lender will consider these factors as part of your application. Likewise, it is best to choose someone you trust, such as a close friend or family member.
Discover more than one lender
Each lender has their own set of requirements for loan approval. By prequalify With multiple lenders instead of just the first one you see, you not only increase your chances of getting a loan, but also getting the best deal.
Most personal lenders offer prequalification with a flexible credit application, which does not affect your credit score. When comparing offers, pay particular attention to the annual percentage rate (APR), which includes both your interest rate and the lender’s administrative fees, to understand the overall cost of the loan. Also, try to find lenders that offer discounts or any other benefits that can reduce the cost of your loan.
Double and triple check your application
Once you have chosen a lender and completed the application, be sure to carefully review all of the information provided. Doing this is essential to getting approved for a loan, as omitting details or providing incorrect information could get your Request denied.
Factors That Influence Personal Loan Approval
When applying for a personal loan, lenders will check the following to determine if it is in their best interest to lend you money:
- Credit score and history: Lenders check your credit report to determine how much of a borrower you are. The better your credit score and history, the better your chances of approval.
- Income: Lenders check your income to determine your ability to repay the loan.
- Debt to income ratio: This report compares your monthly debt payments to your monthly income. Lenders use it to determine how much you can afford to borrow.
- Collateral: If you need to borrow a large sum, lenders may ask you to provide guarantees.