Qualifying and applying
Credit scores, income, debt-to-income ratio, co-signers and the application process: what lenders typically look at and how to prepare.
LightStream Stops Accepting Applications: What to Do Next
LightStream has stopped taking new personal loan applications. Existing borrowers keep paying as usual; if you were planning to apply, here is how to compare other lenders.
4 min readHow to Remove a Cosigner from a Personal Loan
Refinancing solo or requesting a formal cosigner release are your two main options — each has its own credit and income requirements.
5 min readPersonal Loan Minimum Income Requirements: What Lenders Look For
Most lenders set income floors between $20,000 and $40,000 annually, but thresholds vary by lender type, loan size, and your debt-to-income ratio.
6 min readWhat Lenders Look for Beyond Your Credit Score
Credit score is one piece of the puzzle — here are the other factors lenders weigh when evaluating a personal loan application.
5 min readWill a Personal Loan Hurt Your Mortgage Application?
A personal loan before a mortgage can raise your DTI and trigger a hard inquiry — here is what lenders actually check before approving you.
6 min readPre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved Personal Loan: Differences
Pre-qualification and pre-approval sound alike but differ in credit checks, verification and reliability. Here is how to tell them apart.
7 min readJoint Personal Loan vs. Applying Solo: Rate and Risk
A co-borrower can help with income and rate, but both people are fully responsible for the debt. Here is how to compare solo and joint.
7 min readHow a Personal Loan Affects Your Credit Score
Applying for a personal loan affects your credit score in several ways — some briefly negative, others potentially positive over time.
5 min readCan You Have More Than One Personal Loan at a Time?
Many lenders consider a second personal loan, but your combined debt-to-income ratio and repayment history usually decide the outcome.
7 min readWhat Credit Score Do You Need for a Personal Loan?
Your credit score determines not just whether you get approved — but which lenders will work with you and at what rate.
6 min readPersonal Loan Application Mistakes That Cost You More
Small missteps at application time can cost hundreds in extra interest or lead to a denial. Here are ten to avoid and what to do instead.
7 min readHow Lenders Verify Income for a Personal Loan: Documents
A walk-through of the income documents lenders typically request, how multiple jobs are counted, and what to gather before you apply.
7 min readHow Quickly Can You Get a Personal Loan?
From same-day online disbursement to multi-day bank transfers, funding speed varies — here is how to match lender type to your timeline.
5 min readSoft vs. Hard Credit Inquiry When Shopping for a Loan
Prequalifying usually triggers a soft pull and a formal application usually triggers a hard pull. Here is how to shop without surprises.
7 min readAdding a Co-Signer to a Personal Loan: How Lenders Evaluate It
Adding a co-signer can open doors to better rates — but lenders scrutinize both applicants. Here is how the process works and what to compare.
5 min readHow to Compare Personal Loan Offers: A Step-by-Step Checklist
A practical checklist for comparing personal loan offers side by side — spot the real cost, not just the headline rate.
5 min readDebt-to-Income Ratio and Personal Loans: What Lenders Check
Your DTI ratio is often the first number a lender runs — here is what it means, which thresholds matter, and how to improve yours before you apply.
5 min read