Small Personal Loans

Is There a Place That Can Help Me Obtain Small Personal Loans?

You don’t need to have perfect credit to get a small personal loan. But not all small loans are created equal and some can be more expensive.

These are the things to keep in mind when searching for the right loan.

What’s a small loan?

A small loan is as little as $100. These loans are great for emergency situations.

These are small loans consumers can access:

Personal loans

Personal loans are the most popular type of small loan. Check the minimum loan amount before you submit your application.

Personal loans may require collateral. These collaterals are typically cash or collateral. Many personal loan companies offer personal loans that are not secured (collateral-free).

Your credit score is a key factor in your ability to get a personal loan. Your credit score is a major factor in your ability to obtain a personal loan.

Credit Card Cash Advances

If you have a credit card, you can apply for a cash advance. This is typically lower than your credit limit.

Cash advances using credit cards can be quite expensive. Credit card issuers often charge interest right away instead of giving you a grace period like with purchases.

While cash advances are more expensive than personal loans, they are cheaper than any other loans, particularly personal loans without credit checks.

Payday loans

Another type of small loan is the payday loan. They are usually smaller than personal loans and do not require credit checks.

Payday loans have high fees, an average APR is 400%, and you will have to get another payday loan to repay your previous ones. Payday loans can be costly, and you should avoid them.

Alternatives to Payday Loans

Payday alternative loans (PALs) are available only from credit unions. They offer smaller loans and are much more affordable than payday lenders. This is lower than personal loans. Some loans can be extended up to six months.

This is a drawback. You must have been a member for at least one month of a credit union that offers PALs before applying.

How do I get a small loan?

There are many types of lenders that you can choose from depending on your eligibility and the type of loan you require.

Online Lenders

Lenders offer smaller loans than others and are more likely to approve you for a loan.

Online lenders may charge higher interest rates for people with bad credit or fair credit.

Credit unions

Credit unions have lower interest rates and lower fees than traditional banks. They may also offer cash-secured loans or payday loans for borrowers with bad credit.

Online lenders might have more stringent credit requirements. The same applies to traditional banks.

Traditional banks

Personal loans are not available from both national and community banks. Many banks offer personal loan options and terms that are very competitive.

Banks have strict eligibility requirements that can make it hard to borrow money if your credit is poor.

Peer-to-Peer Lenders

Peer-to-peer online lending platforms allow investors and borrowers to connect. They manage all aspects of the loan process, including approval, rate setting, and collection. LendingClub is one example.

Family Friends and Family

It may be easier to repay the money to family and friends than to borrow it.

How can I apply for a small loan?

Each lender has its own criteria for small loan approval. These are the main considerations that lenders consider when determining your eligibility.

Credit score. This is a key indicator of your ability to manage your finances and debts. Higher credit scores will increase your chances of being approved for favorable terms.
Credit history. Lenders will look at your credit history for items that could affect their decision.
Proof of employment: Lenders need to see evidence that they can repay the debt.
Income documentation. Lenders might ask for proof of income. This will allow them to calculate your debt-to-income ratio. This will show how much you have contributed to your debt obligations.
A cosigner: This is someone who will help you get approval for small loans.

Before you apply for small loans, make sure to ask the lender for specific details. This does not impact your credit score. You can see loan offers before applying.