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Bankrate In-Depth Review
In a nutshell: With a robust lending platform that includes personal loans with bad credit loans, Bankrate is one of the oldest and most well-known financial marketplaces today.
Bankrate In-Depth Review
In a nutshell: With a robust lending platform that includes personal loans with bad credit loans, Bankrate is one of the oldest and most well-known financial marketplaces today.
Bankrate In-Depth Review

Overview

Bankrate allows you to compare loans from top providers quickly and easily by consolidating loan offers and lender information all in one place. The company has been offering comparison services for over 40 years and is a trusted source for major news outlets and consumer reporting services.

Bankrate does not disperse funds for loans as the company’s services are designed to help borrowers compare loan rates and terms from multiple lenders to find the right loan for their needs.

Requirements

Bankrate is not a direct lender, so the eligibility requirements for a loan will depend on the provider’s set terms. The Bankrate website has some information about eligibility requirements like minimum credit score, but it’s best to visit the website of any lender you’re considering to learn more about qualifying for a loan.

You can get pre-approved for a personal loan through one of the lenders Bankrate partners with using the Bankrate website. To learn which loans you prequalify for, all you have to do is provide a bit of personal information and you’ll get a list of personalized offers in minutes. This service won’t affect your credit score and is completely free.

You need to provide personal information that includes your name, phone number, email address, birthday, credit score, and social security number to see which loan offer you prequalify for. Bankrate also asks you to disclose your home address and zip code. The company will also need to know whether you rent or own your home and how much you pay for rent or for a mortgage every month. Some additional information you’ll need to supply includes the reason you want a loan, how much you want to borrow, and your annual income.

Loan Process

Loan application and approval processes vary from lender to lender. Since Bankrate is not a direct lender, you'll have to visit the website of any loan provider you’re considering to learn more about their application process. Bankrate’s services are intended to help you compare rates and terms from multiple lenders quickly and easily so you can find the best loan for your unique needs.

To start comparing loans, Bankrate will ask you to specify the amount you want to borrow and what you’ll be using the loan for. You’ll also have to provide your credit score, zip code, and annual income. Using this information, Bankrate will generate a list of available loans you may qualify for with basic information about rates and terms.

The Bankrate website allows you to compare rates and terms for many different types of personal loans. There are separate pages with comparisons for personal loans, personal loans for those with bad credit, debt consolidation loans, low-interest personal loans, installment loans, and home improvement loans. Along with providing rate comparisons for these different types of loans, Bankrate explains what each type of loan is and supplies reviews for all of its loan providers.

Loan Terms

Terms for the loans on the Bankrate site are determined by the lenders and not by Bankrate. Terms will vary from lender to lender and it’s important to visit a loan provider’s website before making a final decision on any loan f. Some of the terms listed on the Bankrate website for quick comparison include APR, available loan amounts, and the minimum credit score required to qualify for a loan.

Personal loan interest rates currently range from about 6% to 36% but will vary based on the market and factors that include your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and annual income. After entering your personal information on the Bankrate website to compare loans, you can view information about your estimated monthly payments, available repayment term periods, and the max amount offered by a particular lender. You can also get information on fees and autopay options.

Customer Support

You’ll have to direct any loan-specific questions to the loan servicer you choose after comparing rates as Bankrate is not a direct lender. If you have questions about Bankrate’s comparison services, there’s a form on the company’s website you can use to request to be contacted. Bankrate can also be reached via direct message on social media channels like Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

Bankrate’s website is full of educational resources you can use to learn more about personal loans to help you make informed decisions. There are articles and other resources that explain the pros and cons of personal loans, the types of personal loans out there, and how to manage a personal loan. The site also features an FAQ section with answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about personal loan products.

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Pros
  • Compare rates from multiple lenders
  • Easy-to-use filters
  • No “middleman fees” charged
Cons
  • Not a direct lender
  • Need personal information to pre-qualify
  • No phone customer service
Our Top 3 Picks
Bankrate at a Glance
8.2 Editorial Score
Credit impact
9.0
Conducts a soft credit check initially, with a hard check only upon final approval
Funding speed
8.0
Comparison tool and marketplace, so the funding speed depends on the individual lenders
Loan flexiblity
8.0
Standard flexibility in loan terms and conditions, as it acts as a marketplace for various lenders
Borrower rewards
7.0
Comparison tool and marketplace for loans, so does not directly offer borrower benefits and rewards
Loan amounts
9.0
Partners with lenders that offer a wide range of loan amounts
FAQs About Personal Loans
Before taking a personal loan be sure you familiarize yourself with all the terms and conditions associated with the loan. To help you get started, we've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about personal loans below.
What is a personal loan?
Personal loans are loans taken from a lender and paid back by the borrower in fixed monthly installments. These loans can be taken for a wider variety of reasons ranging from home improvement to financing large purchases. Unlike mortgage loans or some types of business loans, personal loans are almost always unsecured, meaning they aren't backed by any collateral.
Can I take a personal loan online?
Absolutely! By using an online personal loan service you save yourself the trouble of arranging meetings with banks and/or credit unions and you can easily compare offers while sitting at home. Furthermore, many online personal loan lenders offer better rates than banks and provide more flexible terms ranging from 61 days up to 180 months. These online personal loan services often function as a middleman between the borrower and the lender. The loan service will connect you with a lender who will make a loan offer specifying the APR and loan terms.
What do I need in order to apply for a personal loan?
Applying for a personal loan is much easier than you might've thought. Many online applications take only a few minutes to complete and don't require many personal details. Usually, loan applications simply require details such as name, address, and contact information, plus some basic questions concerning your financial history, credit score, and income.
What is APR*?
APR stands for annual percentage rate and refers to the annual interest rate charged for your personal loan. Actual APR numbers vary but will always cap at 35.99%. Typically, online lenders will offer an APR somewhere between 5% and 30%. The APR of your loan will depend on various factors such as credit score, income, and financial history. *APR rates mentioned include associated fees.
How long do I have to repay the loan?
Much like APR, the term or length of your loan will depend on a variety of factors. Repayment periods can range from 61 days to 180 months. One of the great things about online personal loan services is they allow you to compare loan terms meaning you can choose a repayment period that best suits your financial goals.
Representative Example
Assuming a loan of $5,000 over 36 months at a fixed rate of 10.5% per annum and fees of $60.00.
This would result in a representative rate of 11.3% APR, with monthly repayments of $162.51, for a total amount paid of $5,910.44.
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