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If you've ever thought about applying for a personal loan but hesitated because you assumed it would be too hard, you're not alone. A lot of people believe that getting approved for a loan means jumping through hoops, having perfect credit, or spending hours filling out forms at a bank.
But here’s the good news: getting a personal loan is easier and faster than ever before, even if your credit isn't flawless. Whether you’re trying to consolidate debt, cover an unexpected expense, or fund a big project, personal loans are designed to be accessible.
Let’s break down four reasons why it might be easier than you think to get a personal loan, and how you can find out your options in just minutes.
1. You Don’t Need Perfect Credit to Qualify
Many people rule themselves out before they even apply, thinking personal loans are only good solutions for those with excellent credit. But with the number of companies competing for borrowers in today’s lending landscape, that is simply not the case anymore.
Lenders today consider more than just your credit score. Income, job history, and overall debt-to-income ratio all play a role in determining your eligibility. There are even personal loan options specifically designed for borrowers with fair or average credit.
Even better? Many platforms allow you to check your rate with no impact on your credit score so you can explore your options without the risk of lowering your score.
⭐️ Curious what you might qualify for? Check your loan offers now in minutes with no impact to your credit score6.
2. The Application Process Is Fast and Simple
Gone are the days of sitting across from a bank officer with a stack of paperwork. Most personal loans today can be applied for completely online, and many lenders can provide real-time decisions.
You’ll typically just need to provide:
- Basic personal information
- Employment and income details
- Your desired loan amount
Most people can complete the application in less than 10 minutes. Some lenders even give you a prequalified offer on the spot.
⭐️ Our partner SuperMoney helps you find your best loan offer in under a minute with one simple form. Get started here.
3. You Could Get Your Money in 1–2 Days
Once you’re approved, the next question is: how fast can you get the funds?
If you're looking for a personal loan, chances are you need funds quickly. Maybe you have medical bills, need car repairs, or are trying to consolidate high-interest credit card debt before the next billing cycle.
Many lenders offer same-day or next-day funding for your personal loan funds. That means you can have money in your account quickly, whether you’re handling an emergency or making an important purchase.
📚 Free Guide: 10 Steps to Get Your Loan
4. You Can Use a Personal Loan for Practically Anything
One of the best things about a personal loan is how flexible it is.
Unlike auto loans or mortgages that are tied to a specific purchase, personal loans can be used for almost any purpose, such as:
- Home repairs or upgrades
- Debt consolidation
- Medical or dental expenses
- Vacations or weddings
- Pet care or moving costs
This versatility gives you more control over your finances and allows you to use the funds where you need them most.
⭐️ Looking for a flexible loan? Take this quiz to find offers tailored to your needs.
Bonus: What You’ll Need to Apply
Worried about what paperwork you’ll need? Don’t be. Applying is typically straightforward, and you will usually need just a few basic items:
- Government-issued ID (like a driver’s license)
- Proof of income (pay stub or bank statement)
- Your Social Security number
- Bank account details for direct deposit
Having this information ready can make the process even faster.
To help set you up for success, we created an easy 10-step guide to getting a personal loan. Download the free guide today.
A Note on Online Safety
At IdentityIQ, protecting your identity is our top priority.
There are a couple things to consider when you’re applying for personal loans, especially since the application process requires your personal identifying information (PII).
Beware of Scam Websites
First, look out for scam websites posing as personal loan brokers or lenders.
Here are some green flags you should look for:
- A padlock 🔒 symbol next to the URL in your browser
- A URL that starts with https:// instead of just http://
- A domain name that is spelled properly and make sense for the type of website you’re on (i.e., a personal loan website likely won’t be called something like “deels4uu” or “webstoresonline”)
- You shouldn’t be asked to submit a payment to get a loan
- The images and text should be professional and high quality, not blurry or poorly written
- There are real reviews online
Verify Data Privacy
Second, make sure that the website you’re on is secure and has taken extra steps to protect your personal and banking information. Even professional, legitimate websites can have security breaches that put your information at risk.
One of the top reasons we partner with SuperMoney is because they protect your data with bank-level security. Click here to learn more.
Getting a Personal Loan Is More Accessible Than Ever
Don’t let old assumptions keep you from exploring your options. Whether you have excellent credit or are still building it, personal loans are designed to be accessible, fast, and flexible.
And with today’s tools, you can find out what you qualify for without affecting your credit score6.
Get the funds you need when you need them. Click here to find your best personal loan offer in under a minute.
6To check the rates and terms you qualify for, one or more soft credit pulls may be done by our partner SuperMoney, and/or SuperMoney's lending partners, that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose to continue your application at a lending partners' website or by phone, they will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.
