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Guides & Calculators
Personal Loan Calculator
Estimate your monthly payment and total interest.
Auto Loan Calculator
See payments for new and used car loans.
Auto Loan Guide
How to shop for financing before you visit the dealer.
Home Equity Calculator
Estimate how much you could borrow against your home.
HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan
Compare a variable line of credit with a fixed lump-sum loan.
Student Loan Plan Comparison
Compare standard amortization with an income-linked illustration.
Home Equity Guide
HELOCs vs. home equity loans explained.
Mortgage Payoff Calculator
See how extra payments shorten your mortgage.
Should You Refinance Your Auto Loan in 2026?
How to tell if refinancing actually saves you money.
HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan vs. Personal Loan
Picking the right option for a home renovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good personal loan interest rate in 2026?
In 2026, a good personal loan APR is under 12% for borrowers with excellent credit (720+). Average rates range from 11–21% for good credit. LightStream offers some of the lowest rates starting at 6.94% for top-tier borrowers. Rates above 25% are generally considered high.
What credit score do I need for a personal loan?
Most personal loan lenders require a minimum credit score of 580–640. LightStream requires 660+; SoFi requires 650+; PenFed starts at 700+. OneMain Financial and Avant are options for borrowers with scores below 580, though rates will be higher.
How do personal loans differ from home equity loans?
Personal loans are unsecured (no collateral required) and typically have higher interest rates (6–36%) and shorter terms (2–7 years). Home equity loans use your home as collateral, usually offer lower rates, and have terms up to 30 years, but put your home at risk if you default.
What is the current 30-year mortgage rate in 2026?
30-year fixed mortgage rates from top lenders in 2026 range from approximately 6.5% to 7.5% depending on credit score, down payment, and loan type. Rates vary daily — always check with multiple lenders for the most current offers.
Should I refinance my auto loan in 2026?
Refinancing usually makes sense if rates have dropped since you took out the loan, your credit score has improved, or you want to change your monthly payment or term. It's generally not worth it if you're close to paying off the loan or if your car has lost significant value, since lenders may not refinance loans that exceed the vehicle's worth.
How long does it take to get approved for a personal loan?
Many online lenders, including LightStream and SoFi, can approve applications and fund loans within 1–2 business days, sometimes the same day. Traditional banks and credit unions may take longer — typically 3–7 business days — especially if they require in-person verification.
HELOC, home equity loan, or personal loan — which is best for a renovation?
A HELOC offers flexible, as-needed borrowing with a variable rate, best for projects with uncertain costs. A home equity loan gives a fixed lump sum at a fixed rate, good for a known project budget. A personal loan is faster to get and doesn't use your home as collateral, but usually carries a higher rate — best for smaller projects or if you don't have much home equity yet.
Should I compare loan interest rate or APR?
Use APR for an apples-to-apples cost comparison because it incorporates the interest rate and certain finance charges. Also compare the monthly payment, total repayment, origination fee, prepayment rules, term, collateral requirements, and whether the quoted APR assumes automatic payments.
Does checking a loan rate affect my credit score?
Many lenders offer rate checks using a soft inquiry, which generally does not affect credit scores. A completed application can trigger a hard inquiry. Read the lender's disclosure before submitting information because the process differs by lender.
Is a lower monthly loan payment always better?
No. Extending the term can lower the payment while substantially increasing total interest. Compare both payment affordability and total repayment, and avoid a term that outlasts the useful life of what you are financing.
Can I pay a personal or auto loan off early?
Many consumer loans permit early payoff, but contracts vary. Check for prepayment penalties, precomputed interest, payoff-statement fees, and how extra payments are applied. Ask the lender for an official payoff quote before sending the final amount.
What documents do lenders commonly request?
Depending on the loan, lenders may request identification, Social Security number, income records, employment history, bank statements, housing costs, debt balances, insurance information, and collateral documents. Mortgage and self-employed applications usually require more documentation.