What credit scores do I need to get a personal loan?

A credit score is a number that rates your credit risk. It can help lenders predict whether you’ ll make payments on time, determine whether you’ re approved for loans, how much you can borrow, or the interest rate you pay. A good or excellent credit score can benefit you in many ways. It can make it easier for you to get a loan, rent an apartment, or lower your insurance rate.

Your credit scores aren’ t the only factor lenders look at to evaluate your credit profile and decide whether to approve a personal loan application. There’ s no particular score that guarantees you’ ll get approved or be offered a good interest rate, but you’re more likely to get a lower interest rate and better terms with higher credit scores.

What credit scores do I need to get a personal loan?

The minimum credit score you need to be approved for a personal loan depends on the lender. Some lenders state their requirements upfront. For example, Avant says that applicants should have a FICO® score of at least 580 and Lending Club requires a minimum credit score of 600.

Others give a range of approved applicants’ scores: Credible is a loan marketplace, who receive loans through this platform usually have credit scores between 550 and 700. Some lenders don’ t disclose minimum credit requirements before applicants go through a prequalification process or apply for a loan.

You can check best personal loan of 2022 to see which lenders you are qualify.

What factors affect my credit scores?

There are many different credit scores, and the factors that affect your scores can vary depending on which scoring method is used. Here are a few common factors.

• Payment history: Payment history is the most important factors in credit scoring, it accounts 35% of your FICO^® Lenders want to be sure that you can make a payment on time.
• Amounts owed: How much credit you use also affects scores, it can give a snapshot of ow reliant on no-cash funds. and using close to the maximum amount available to you may lower your scores. Keep your credit usage under 30% will be reliable. This factor accounts 30% of FICO^®
• Credit length and mix: Having established credit history and using a mix of different types of credit like installment loans and credit cards can have a positive effect on your scores. On the other hand, if you’ve opened many new accounts recently, your scores may go down. These factors account 25% of your FICO^®
• New credit: If you have too many accounts or inquiries, you credit score will be influenced.

If your credit scores are low, try not to fall behind on paying bills to improve your credit score.

What loan features should I compare?

You better compare these factors before making a decision:

• Interest rates: Check both the interest rate and the annual percentage rate, or APR, of the loans you’re considering. APR will include any fees and interest and you can calculate your monthly payment depending on APR.
• Fees: Fees can add up, so check for common ones such as fees for late payments, payment processing and any prepayment penalty for paying off the loan early.
• Loan term: Compare how much time you’ ll have to pay off the loan, you can choose a long term(84 months) or a short term(24 months) or other terms.
• Loan amount and total interest: For each loan, calculate the total amount you would pay in interest over the course of the loan.
• Co-signer or joint applicant option: Check whether each lender will allow you to add a co-signer or to apply jointly with another person. Having a co-signer with better credit may help you get approved for a loan or get a lower interest rate.

The bottom line

Finally, before applying, gather and compare all information you need for the application process. In addition to your name, address and phone number, lenders may ask for your Social Security number, employer’ s name and contact information, proof of income, how long you’ve lived at your current address and how much you spend each month on housing.