12/18/2025
3 minute read
Most Americans face moments when finances are stretched. Sometimes it’s something joyful, like a wedding; other times, it's an unforeseen medical bill. In either case, a personal loan can help bridge the gap when you need a little extra financial support.
A personal loan is a form of credit that lets you borrow a fixed amount of money and repay it over time through monthly installments. It can be used for many household purposes, including covering larger expenses or consolidating existing debt by combining multiple balances into a single loan with a single, structured repayment plan. Personal loans may also be secured by collateral (typically personal property) or unsecured. Whether collateral is required depends on the creditor’s assessment of your ability to repay the amount of credit requested in accordance with that creditor’s underwriting policies.
When your personal loan is approved, you’ll receive the benefit of the loan proceeds and repay it through monthly installments over an agreed period. The loan agreement will outline several key terms and conditions that are worth understanding before you sign. These typically include:
Principal: The initial amount borrowed, excluding any interest or fees.
Interest rate: The percentage of the principal charged by the lender for the use of its money. This doesn't include fees.
APR (annual percentage rate): The total yearly cost of the loan, combining the interest rate and any extra charges (such as loan origination fees).
Loan terms: How long you have to repay the loan in full if paid as scheduled.
Monthly installment payment: The amount you’ll repay each month for your fixed-rate personal loan.
When applying for a personal loan, you’ll need to provide supporting documentation to verify your personal and financial information. This includes sharing your income, residence, and identity.
For example, you may need to provide:
Passport, driver’s license, or Social Security card
Pay slips, tax documents, or W-2
Employer details
Utility bills or rental agreement
The lender will request and review your credit report from a credit reporting agency. If you are simply checking for potential loan offers available to you, the lender may request a soft pull. However, if you are submitting a full application for a loan the lender will typically request a hard pull.
Soft Pull: Will not impact your credit score
Hard Pull: May impact your credit score
People take out personal loans for many reasons, but some of the most common include:
Covering unexpected expenses, such as urgent car repairs or medical bills
Consolidating debts into a single payment
Paying for significant life events or milestones
Managing moving costs
Before applying, think about whether a personal loan suits your needs. Lenders consider factors such as your credit history, income, and existing debts, which affect your approval chances and overall loan costs. Therefore, understanding these factors can help you decide if a personal loan is the right option for you.
A personal loan can be a helpful tool when managed wisely. Understanding how it works, what to expect, what's required, and what the terms mean can give you confidence before you commit.
At Lendmark, our loan experts take the time to understand your needs and guide you through the process to help you find the right solution. See if you pre-qualify today or contact your local branch for support.
Disclaimer: The content provided within this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial, legal, or professional advice.
All loans are subject to credit approval, income verification, and normal underwriting standards, which include assessing your ability to repay the offered monthly loan payment. Minimum and maximum loan amounts, interest rates, terms, and loan fees are subject to specific program guidelines available in your state of residence and may change without notice. Available cash amounts may vary. Collateral requirements may apply. Active-duty military, their spouse or dependents covered by the Military Lending Act may not pledge any vehicle as collateral. This offer may not be valid if you opened a loan in the past 60 days. Your credit report will be accessed before opening a new loan account.