When applying for a personal loan, there are several things you need to consider. First, you need to determine what type of personal loan you want and then shop around for the best rates and terms on a lender that will fit your needs. You can also ask for a pre-approval, which gives you an idea of how much you may be approved for and helps you compare lenders more easily.

Your credit score plays a big role in how much you can borrow on your personal loan, so make sure you have good credit before you apply. The higher your credit score, the better chance you have of getting the loan you need at a competitive interest rate.

You can find out your credit score and other important information about personal loans from the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. The three agencies keep track of your credit history and can give you a copy of your credit report for free whenever you request it.

Generally speaking, the higher your credit score, the more likely you are to get a personal loan with a low interest rate and flexible terms. However, there are many variables to your credit score, so be sure to check it carefully before you apply for a personal loan.

There are two types of personal loans: secured and unsecured. Secured personal loans require that you put down collateral to qualify. This means you may be able to use assets, such as a home or car, to get the loan. This is a riskier way to borrow money, but it could help you get the loan amount you need and at a lower interest rate.

Unsecured personal loans do not require you to put down collateral, but they come with higher interest rates. These loans are typically more affordable for people with good credit, but they’re riskier for the lender if you’re unable to pay the loan back.

The application process for a personal loan can take a few days or more, and you may be notified about your approval status within one week. During that time, you can access your application online to track your progress. Once you’re approved, the lender will send you a check or deposit the funds into your bank account.

To determine how much you can borrow, consider your debt-to-income ratio, which is a number that calculates the sum of all your monthly recurring debt and total income. This can help you figure out how much money you need to borrow and what your payment schedule should look like.

Lenders also often ask for documentation to confirm your employment and income. This may include pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s and 1099s, or bank statements. You might also need to provide proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or a rental agreement.

Once you’ve filled out a personal loan application, you will have to pay an origination fee for the lender’s services, which can range from 1% to 8% of the total loan amount. These fees cover costs related to the lender’s underwriting, processing, funding and other administrative services.