Getting a personal loan is generally a straightforward process requiring less time than the time required to secure most types of loans. Follow the below steps for a successful personal loan application. A good credit score is important for loan eligibility. If you’re seriously thinking of applying for a loan, your first step should be to check your credit score if you haven’t in a while. The state of your credit score will greatly influence your eligibility for a loan, especially a $20,000 loan. That’s because personal loans are most often unsecured (i.e., they don’t require collateral), which means that lenders look closely at your credit history to determine your creditworthiness and interest rate. The minimum credit score that a lender will approve for a personal loan is generally in the 610 – 640 range, but this can vary among lenders, and some institutions may require a higher score for a $20,000 loan. For a lower interest rate, aim for a score of at least 650.1. Check Your Credit Report
2. Determine The Loan Amount You Need
If you’re pursuing a $20,000 loan, you should know without a doubt that $20,000 is the amount you need. Borrowing too much will result in paying back money you didn’t need to borrow, and borrowing too little could mean not having enough to cover your expenses and needing another loan.
Keep in mind, too, that a higher loan amount will mean higher monthly payments. If possible, calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to see how much you could reasonably afford every month. Lenders will also take your DTI into account when reviewing your loan application.
Rocket Loans℠ offers personal loans from $2,000 to $45,000.
3. Shop Around And Compare Lenders
Lenders vary in what they can offer for loan terms, interest rates and more, so it’s important to explore multiple options. Getting prequalified with multiple lenders can give you a closer estimate of the amount you qualify for, and doing so won’t affect your credit score. Prequalification can also tell you upfront whether you’re eligible for a $20,000 loan.
To get prequalified, you’ll need to provide your personal information, Social Security number, employment status and estimated income.
4. Gather The Necessary Documents
Even if you’re still deciding on a lender, it’s wise to begin gathering the documents you’ll need for an application. You’ll be required to provide documentation displaying proof of identification, address and income. Having these documents on hand for when you need them can speed up the loan application process.
5. Apply With Your Chosen Lender
Once you’ve decided on the lender with the best deal and have all your documentation together, it’s time to submit a full application. Your lender will run a hard credit check, which can temporarily bring your credit score down by a few points, but this is a normal part of the process.
The lender will inform you of their decision regardless of whether your application has been approved or denied. Approval and delivery of funds typically occurs in 1 – 7 business days.
6. Accept Your Loan Offer
If you’re approved, your lender will reach out to you with an official loan offer detailing the loan amount, interest rate, loan term and more. If you accept the terms of this loan offer, you can expect to have the funds in your bank account within a few days.
Once you’ve received the money, you’re free to use it as you intended.
7. Begin The Repayment Process
You’ll typically begin the loan repayment process within 30 days of receiving your funds. Make sure to pay your bill on time and in the full monthly amount each month. Late or missed loan payments can hurt your credit score and cause you to incur late fees. Setting up automatic payments is a good way to ensure you’re never late on a payment.
