Personal Loan Knowledge Center

Personal loans can help you get things done or simply manage old debts more cost-effectively. MoneyRates experts have written on a variety of topics that can help you get the best use out of personal loans.

Types of Personal Loans

What types of personal loans are there? Learn personal loans for different purposes, such as:

  • Paying medical expenses with a personal loan
  • Personal loans for home renovations
  • Debt consolidation

Using Personal Loans

Once you decide what you want to do, it’s important to choose the right personal loan for your needs. MoneyRates offers some tips to help you use personal loans wisely, including:

  • Finding the best deal on a personal loan
  • How personal loans affect your credit score
  • Avoiding rip-offs like payday lenders

Borrowing money is an important financial decision. Know what you’re getting into by understanding a little about personal loans first.

Smart holiday budgeting: Using holiday loans responsibly for seasonal expenses

Holly Johnson
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The holiday season is filled with joy, generosity, and — too often — overspending. Between travel costs, gift lists, and countless family and workplace gatherings, it’s easy for seasonal expenses to add up fast. That may be especially true in 2025, given the lingering effects of inflation on consumer goods. According to Deloitte’s 40th Holiday… Continue reading Smart holiday budgeting: Using holiday loans responsibly for seasonal expenses

Emergency personal loan vs. emergency fund: Which is best for a large expense?

John Schmoll
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Benjamin Franklin famously opined that death and taxes are the only two certainties in life. Uncertainty is certain in life, and we can rarely predict what may happen. Emergency funds are a good way to plan for the unexpected, but they may not always be the best choice to handle a large, unplanned expense. In… Continue reading Emergency personal loan vs. emergency fund: Which is best for a large expense?

How to use a personal loan for debt consolidation

Holly Johnson
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The average American carries more than $6,000 in credit card debt, which is troubling on its own. Add in the fact that the average credit card interest rates currently exceed 20%, and you can see how the current debt landscape is a recipe for disaster. High-interest debt like this can be especially challenging to repay,… Continue reading How to use a personal loan for debt consolidation

Is a personal loan right for you? Exploring the key benefits and disadvantages of a personal loan

Holly Johnson
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Whether you’re facing an unexpected expense or saving for a major milestone – like medical costs, home repairs, or a wedding – a personal loan can be a practical way to cover costs. In the U.S. banking system, personal loans are unsecured loans offered by banks, credit unions, or online lenders. Unlike secured loans that… Continue reading Is a personal loan right for you? Exploring the key benefits and disadvantages of a personal loan

Comparing Options: The Best Ways to Get Rid Of High-Interest Credit Card Debt

Kevin Payne
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Credit card interest rates are typically much higher than those for other types of lending, such as mortgages, personal loans, auto loans, and student loans. The Federal Reserve has recently hiked rates and is likely to continue raising them.  If you carry balances on your credit cards, the amount you pay in interest charges may… Continue reading Comparing Options: The Best Ways to Get Rid Of High-Interest Credit Card Debt

Breaking Free from the Payday Loan Cycle: Consolidation Solutions

Erin Gobler
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A payday loan is a short-term, high-interest loan people sometimes resort to when facing a financial emergency or hardship. While these loans seem convenient because of how easy they are to get, they can be quite predatory because of their high interest rates. Unfortunately, it’s not common for people to get stuck in a payday… Continue reading Breaking Free from the Payday Loan Cycle: Consolidation Solutions

Cash Advance Apps Unveiled: Pros, Cons, and Alternatives

Shannon Lee
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Have you ever had a surprise bill pop up, or an emergency occurs just a few days before payday? You know certain the money is coming, but it’s just not there yet, and you need the cash right now. That’s when it might be tempting to go with a payday loan, but with an APR… Continue reading Cash Advance Apps Unveiled: Pros, Cons, and Alternatives

Grain Line of Credit & Loan Review 2025

Anna Baluch
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Grain is a combination of digital credit card and personal loan based on your income or cash flow. Once you transfer money from the app to your checking account, you can pay your expenses as usual and repay it at the end of your billing cycle. Here’s a closer look at the Grain app and… Continue reading Grain Line of Credit & Loan Review 2025

Avant Personal Loan Review 2025

Shannon Lee
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By funding over two million people and counting since 2012, Avant is a lending platform that works with WebBank in various states nationwide. Loans start at $2,000 and go up to $35,000. Here’s what you need to know to determine if Avant is right for you. Avant Personal Loan Pros and Cons Avant, through its… Continue reading Avant Personal Loan Review 2025

EarnIn Loan Review 2025

Maryalene Laponsie
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EarnIn is a financial technology company that makes it possible for workers to access money before their payday without paying any mandatory fees. Once users sign up and verify their employment information, they may be approved to transfer up to their bank account up to $100 per day for a maximum of $750 per pay… Continue reading EarnIn Loan Review 2025

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