[2023 Updated] Get a Low-Interest Unsecured Personal Loan

Get an Unsecured Personal Loan at a Low-Interest Rate With CreditYelp

CreditYelp is an online loan broker that helps you get unsecured personal loans based on your situation to ease your financial struggles. As a broker, we provide objective and comprehensive information, professional comparison, and evaluation to help you choose the perfect loan. 

CreditYelp will connect you with suitable lenders regardless of your financial situation or credit score. By joining CreditYelp, you can easily borrow money without pledging your assets. 

Get an Unsecured Personal Loan Now!

Most lenders and banks will likely see you as a credit risk if your credit falls into the bad credit range. This is where CreditYelp comes to the rescue.

$2,500

$0

$5,000

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Steps to Get Unsecured Personal Loans With CreditYelp

#1 Fill Out a Form

You will fill in your personal information like your name, address, phone number, date of birth, social security number, and loan request. 

After that, our team will send your loan request to a list of lenders. 

#2 Accept Offers 

Once lenders receive your loan request, they will send customized offers based on your financial situation and credit history. During this stage, CreditYelp will provide you with objective and comprehensive information to compare and evaluate your offers and make a decision.

#3 Get the Funds

Upon accepting an offer, the fund will be deposited into your account as soon as the next business day. 

Pros for Using CreditYelp for Unsecured Personal Loans

• Perfect for borrowers who don't have any valuable assets to use as collateral 

• CreditYelp partners with over ten reliable and legit lenders who are NSML certified. 

• You only fill loan request form once, and you will receive offers from over ten reliable lenders. 

• You enjoy high loan limits and affordable interest rates. 

• Quick loan funding time. 

• You get better repayment terms and options. 

How does CreditYelp compare

CreditYelp

Why Choose Us?

How much can I borrow?

Up to $35,000

No hidden fees or charges

How long is the loan repayment period?

Up to 36 months

Various repayment options

Do lenders check my credit?

Yes

Soft check only

Do lenders accept bad credit?

Yes

Friendly to bad credit borrowers

Chances of approval

Good

High approval rate

How to apply?

Apply online

No paperwork needed

Get Started

What is an Unsecured Loan?

Unsecured loans are loans offered by credit unions, banks, and online lenders without collateral security. 

These loans enable you to finance upcoming projects, unexpected expenses, or tuition without pledging collateral. 

Compared to secured loans, they have less demanding qualifications and application requirements. And in most cases, you can get the fund the same day or the next business day.

However, since unsecured loans pose more risks to lenders, they may have higher interest rates and less favorable conditions than secured loans.  

What are the Types of Unsecured Loans 

1. Personal Loans

Most personal loans are unsecured. And you can use these loans for personal uses like unexpected medical bills, travel, home improvement projects, wedding loans, etc. However, it's important to always check with your lender to ensure that the intended purpose is permitted before taking personal loans. 

2. Student Loans

Student loans are designed to help students pay for post-secondary education and associated fees like tuition, books, supplies, living expenses, etc. 

These loans, whether it's government-backed or private, are unsecured. In most cases, government-backed lenders may fast-track a student loan to ensure it's due immediately. However, they can withhold your federal tax refund to offset the outstanding loan balance.

3. Credit Card

Most consumer credit cards are unsecured. They are revolving loans that allow you to borrow against your credit limit and then pay back monthly over an agreed repayment term. The terms of a credit card usually depend on your credit rating, ability to repay, application information, and other factors. 

What are the Uses of Unsecured Loans?

Debt Consolidation

Debt consolidation refers to combining debts from different sources into a single monthly payment. It usually gives a lower interest rate, saves money on interest, and gives you a final repayment date to work towards. 

Credit Card Consolidation

Credit card consolidation is a debt repayment strategy that takes multiple credit card balances and combines them into one monthly payment. It's a great strategy if the new debt has lower APRs than the credit cards.

Home Improvement 

An unsecured loan is a great financing option for your home improvement expenses, especially if you don't want to use your home to secure the loan. And when you finance important repairs and updates on your home, you can potentially improve its value. 

Vacation 

You can also use unsecured loans to pay for your vacation. It could be a cross-country road trip or flying to your dream destination. However, it's always better to fund your vacation with savings whenever possible to avoid finance charges.

Weddings and Engagement Rings 

Unsecured personal loans from credit unions, banks, or online lenders can be used to finance weddings and engagement rings. Depending on the lender, you can borrow as low as $600 and as high as $100,000. 

Moving and Relocation 

Unsecured loans are a great option to finance your moving and relocation expenses. They offer lower interest rates than some credit cards and have higher loan limits. 

Business Expenses 

Entrepreneurs and business owners use unsecured loans to finance expenses like startup costs, hiring more employees, purchasing additional inventory, etc. These loans are easy to access and require no collateral security. 

Vehicle Purchases 

You can use unsecured personal loans to finance a new vehicle. But it's better to weigh your options carefully before using a personal loan to finance a vehicle purchase. Otherwise, it may plunge you into a vicious cycle of debt. 

Medical Expenses 

Medical bills are expensive in the United States if you don't have good health insurance. But you can use medical loans to finance your medical expenses. These are particular unsecured personal loans that you can only use to pay for medical care.

How Does an Unsecured Loan Work?

Unsecured loans are approved without using property or other assets as collateral. And in most cases, their approval depends on the borrowers' credit score. It's easier to get unsecured loans when you have high credit scores. 

So, the lender will check your creditworthiness, income, savings, and debt whenever you apply to determine whether you are qualified.  

But if you fail to make payments, the lender can send your account to a collection agency, take you to court to garnish your wages, and report your late payments to the credit bureaus. And these actions will negatively impact your credit scores. 

What's the Difference Between an Unsecured and a Secured Loan?

Secured and unsecured loans differ regarding collateral requirements, financing terms, and credit score criteria. 

A secured loan, for instance, requires you to pledge collateral as part of your loan agreement. The collateral could be your car, savings or retirement account, home, etc.

Since your asset secures this loan, you may qualify for a better interest rate or higher loan amount. However, if you fail to repay a secured loan, you may forfeit your asset to the lender. 

Unsecured loans don't require you to pledge collateral. But it may be more difficult to get approval. Most times, lenders will look at your credit score, credit history, income, and existing debt before approving an unsecured loan request. 

Even without collateral, there are consequences for not repaying your unsecured debt. It will attract late fees or extra interest charges. And such missed payments or defaults could stay on your credit report for up to seven years.

Unsecured Loan Vs. Payday Loan

Just like unsecured loans, payday loans aren't secured by tangible security. But these loans are short-term and attract high-interest rates. And payday lenders take specific measures to secure repayment from borrowers. 

For instance, before a lender grants your request for a payday loan, they request a post-dated check or agree to an automatic withdrawal from your checking accounts to repay the loan. 

You should only consider payday loans as a last resort because they are sometimes regarded as predatory loans. Besides their high-interest rates, they have hidden terms that charge additional fees. That may be why some states banned them.

What is the Interest Rate On an Unsecured Personal Loan?

Generally, interest rates on unsecured personal loans vary by lender, borrower qualifications, and other factors. But the current rates range from 4% to 36%, with an average of about 10% as of September 2022. 

So, here are the average estimated APRs on Online Unsecured Personal loans based on borrowers' credit scores; 

How to Qualify For an Unsecured Loan

Credit score

When applying for an unsecured loan, your credit score is the primary factor lenders look at. With a good or excellent credit score, you will get the best rates on your personal loan. It's still possible to qualify for an unsecured loan with a bad credit score. But you may pay higher interest rates or fees. 

Credit History 

Lenders have a preference for borrowers with a stable credit history. That is borrowers who consistently made payments across several accounts in the past two to three years. With such an exceptional record, you can easily qualify for an unsecured loan at affordable rates. 

Income

It's natural for lenders to prefer borrowers with steady incomes because they pose less risk. And they are more likely to have available to repay the loan. 

Low Debt-to-Income Ratio 

Your debt-to-income ratio compares how much you owe each month to how much you earn—the lower your debt-to-income ratio, the higher your chances of qualifying for an unsecured loan. Generally, you will need a DTI of 40% or lower to qualify for personal loans with the best interest rates. 

Who is an Unsecured Loan Best For?

An unsecured loan is perfect if you meet any of the following requirements.

1. You Have a Good Credit 

With a good credit score and a solid credit history, you will get accepted and qualify for lower APRs. 

2. You Have a Steady Income 

Before applying for an unsecured loan, you should have or be expecting funds to repay the loan. Otherwise, you will struggle with debt litigation, bankruptcy, and decreased credit score. So that is why lenders will always consider your income before offering you a loan. 

3. You are Planning to Make a Large Purchase

A word of advice - only obtain a personal loan if it's crucial. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a vicious cycle of debt. However, getting an unsecured loan is a good idea if you want to make large purchases like a vehicle or a home improvement project.  

4. You Want to Consolidate Your Debt 

If you want to get your current debts under control and roll them into a single payment, an unsecured loan is best for you. Applying for a debt consolidation loan may get a lower APR than your current rates. 

Tips to Compare Unsecured Personal Loans 

Prequalification 

The first thing to do when comparing unsecured personal loans is prequalification. It simply means that the lender thinks you are a potential candidate to formally apply for a personal loan. Some lenders might provide you with loan offers during prequalification, including estimated APR, monthly payment, and loan amount.

When you prequalify a few lenders, you can choose the lender with the best APR, flexible repayment time, and maximum loan limit. And the best part? Prequalification won't hurt your credit score on its own. 

Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) 

The APR on loan is the interest rate plus loan fees; it gives the loan's actual cost. So, when comparing personal loans, it's crucial to analyze each lender's APR. Pay attention to every detail to figure out any hidden fees that will make you pay more.

Sometimes, the interest rate on loan may be fixed (stay the same during your loan) or variable ( can change, possibly increase). It's always better to opt for a fixed interest rate to avoid additional costs.

All Fees Included In the Loan 

Contrary to what you may think, loans come with several hidden fees. Some of them are; origination fees, late fees, prepayment fees, fixed interest rates, variable interest rates, etc. 

# Origination fees

Origination fees are one-off fees lenders deduct from whatever loan amount they lend. This fee covers administration and processing costs. Although these fees are negotiable, reducing or avoiding them makes you pay a higher interest rate over the life of a loan. 

The origination fee is usually 0.5% to 1% of the loan amount. For instance, if you take a loan of $25,000, the lender will make $250. And you would receive $24,750. 

# Late Fees 

Late fee is the amount a lender charges you when you miss a payment or cannot pay your loan in full by the end of the term. 

Depending on the lender, a late fee can be a flat rate or a percentage of your loan balance. It can be from $25 to $50 or between 3% to 5% of your monthly payment. 

# Prepayment fees 

Some lenders charge you a prepayment or exit fee when you pay off your loan amount before the end of the term. The fee covers the interest the lender would have earned throughout the loan. Like late fees, prepayment penalties can be flat or a percentage of the loan amount. It's fairly expensive, but not all lenders charge it. 

# Fixed Interest Rate

A fixed-rate loan has the same interest rate throughout its duration. This means that the cost of borrowing money remains constant throughout the loan terms. Even fluctuations in the market won't change anything. That explains why borrowers who value predictability prefer fixed interest rates. 

# Variable Interest Rate

Variable-rate loans have an interest rate that adjusts over time in response to changes in the marketplace. The interest rate can either decrease or increase depending on the market variables. And borrowers who have been able to predict possible decreases in interest rates tend to choose variable-interest loans. 

Loan Amounts 

Depending on your creditworthiness, some lenders may offer you the entire loan amount, while others may only offer part of the amount you requested. But it's left to decide based on the lender that best meets your needs.

Customer Service Channels 

Always consider lenders that you can easily communicate with via phone, email, or whatever channels they are using. 

Customer Reviews 

Lastly, take your time to read what customers are saying about the different lenders before making a choice. It would be unwise to choose a lender where several customers have complained about their hidden fees, extremely high-interest rates, and unethical method of addressing missed payments. 

Pros and Cons of Unsecured Personal Loans 

Pros 

• Your loan request is approved without pledging any of your assets as collateral. 

• The approval process is fast, and you can receive the fund the same day or the next business day. 

• If you cannot repay the loan, you aren't at risk of forfeiting your property to the lender. 

• Unsecured loans usually have fixed rates that don't change throughout the loan term.  

• An unsecured loan can help you build your credit if you make on-time payments and can diversify your credit mix. 

Cons

• Since there's no collateral to offset risks for lenders, you need a high credit score to qualify. 

• Unsecured loans have higher interest rates than secured ones. 

• The approval process largely depends on your credit profile, like your score and history. 

• The inability to repay the loan will negatively impact your credit score, and the lender may send your debt to a collection agency. The lender may even sue you in court. 

Alternatives to Unsecured Loans 

1. Personal Line of Credit 

If you are using a personal line of credit, you can borrow up to a certain amount and pay it off over time. It's different from a loan when you have to borrow up the entire lump sum at a time. 

As a borrower, you can choose how much to borrow at once, and interest will only be charged on the amount borrowed. Unlike unsecured personal loans, a personal line of credit doesn't come with fixed rates, so your payment may vary monthly. 

Pros 

• It allows you to borrow only the money you need at a time. 

• You only pay interest on the borrowed funds. 

• Constant access to funds. 

• Lower Average APR than credit cards. 

• Ideal for a long-term project when final costs are variable. 

• You may draw up to 100% of the credit limit without restriction. 

Cons

• It comes with non-deductible Interest expenses. 

• It charges annual or monthly maintenance fees regardless of the use. 

• If the interest rate increases, the variable rate on the line of credit also increases. 

• The temptation to spend due to ease of access. 

2. 0% Intro APR Credit Cards 

The 0% APR credit card is an exceptional alternative to unsecured personal loans. Some companies offer this promotional credit card deal to help borrowers avoid interest charges. But it's only for a limited period, usually between 12 to 21 months. It's a better alternative if you can pay the credit card balance before the Intro APR period elapses. 

Pros 

• You don't pay interest on the loan for a certain period. 

• It's an excellent option for lowering high-interest balances. 

• It's ideal for making large purchases like a vacation. 

Cons

• The Introductory APR doesn't last forever

• Borrowers are charged balance transfer fees. 

• If you consistently miss payments, the lender reserves the right to end the introductory period. 

3. Home Equity Line of Credit 

The home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a line of credit secured by your home that gives you a revolving credit line to finance large expenses or consolidate higher interest rate debt on other loans. In a nutshell, the home equity line of credit allows you to borrow against the available equity in your home, and the house is used as collateral. 

Pros

• You may qualify for a low APR

• The interest rate might be tax-deductible. 

• You only borrow what you need at a particular time. 

• It could increase your credit score. 

Cons

• Your home is used as collateral for the line of credit. 

• Variable interest rate

• The risk of overspending. 

• You are reducing the equity you have in your home. 

4. Home Equity Loans

Home equity loans are similar to HELOC but give you a lump sum of cash instead of a line of credit. You will need to set a repayment period at a fixed interest rate. So, your monthly payment always stays the same. 

HELOC is a better option if you want to spend at a go. But if you know how much you need upfront, you should consider a home equity loan. 

Pros 

• The fixed interest rate on loans.

• Predictable monthly payments.

• Lower interest rates on loans. 

• The interest is tax-deductible if the loan is used to buy or build a home or improve existing ones. 

Cons

• Borrowers with bad credit scores may not get approved for home equity loans. 

• Risk of losing your home if you default on the loan or miss payments. 

• They have closing costs and fees. 

5. Peer-to-Peer Lending 

Peer-to-Peer lending is personal loans funded by individual investors rather than a single lending institution. The lending marketplace will determine the initial loan approval before putting qualifying candidates' applications in the market, where investors will review the application.

Pros 

• Once the loan is approved, you get the fund almost immediately. 

• You may qualify for some P2P lending with a lower credit score. 

• Some P2P lenders allow borrowers to delay payment without incurring additional fees. 

Cons 

• Some P2P platforms may not fund your loan. 

• You may need to pay an origination fee of between 1% to 8% of the loan amount. 

• The applications take longer to review than regular loans.

FAQs

Which is The Most Common Unsecured Loan?

The most common unsecured loans are student loans and unsecured personal loans. Credit cards are also unsecured loans but revolving credit without fixed installment loans.  

Do Banks Give Loans Without Collateral?

Yes! Banks, credit unions, and online lenders offer loans without collateral. These institutions offer unsecured loans based on your credit history, income, and outstanding debts.