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Whether you need a personal, auto, student, or small business loan, we'll help you choose the loan that's right for you.
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![A Black couple and loan underwriter look at a contract.](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/08/03115556/Loans-What-is-a-personal-loan-What-you-should-know-before-you-apply.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
What is a personal loan?
Loans
A personal loan is used for financing large purchases or covering major expenses.
![Man and child sitting at table smiling at laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/04/20003743/What-to-know-before-you-apply-for-a-car-loan.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
What to do before applying for a car loan
Auto Loans
Getting the best financing for your new set of wheels requires time and research.
![Woman studying at a table with an illustrated light green background](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/07/25191000/Loans-How-to-get-a-student-loan.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
Paying for college is a challenge for many students, but student loans can help.
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Loans by credit band
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![graduation cap wrapped in hundred dollar bills](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/01/10180456/Loans__Student_loan_wage_garnishment.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Your paycheck could be at risk if you stop paying your student loans.
![young women working on financials](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/09/18172537/american-express-vs-discover-which-is-best-for-you.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are the main differences between Discover and American Express personal loans.
![FAFSA spelled out in Scrabble blocks](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2025/02/10163738/Loans-What-you-need-to-know-about-FAFSA-requirements.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s how to be prepared when it comes time to fill out your FAFSA form.
![An image of a silver SUV against a light screen square on a dark green background.](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/09/06164838/Loans_-How_to_refinance_your_car_loan.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here’s how to refinance a car loan and save.
![A younger Black salesperson talks with an older white car buyer at a dealership. The image includes a dark blue circle around both individuals.](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/03/07145446/where-to-buy-car-without-haggling.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Haggling is a common tactic for getting a better car deal — but you don’t have to.
![Image of a sedan with a large red ribbon. A couple stands beside it while hugging each other. Image is overlaid on a green square with a yellow background.](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/01/24144718/Loans_Should-you-buy-a-car-with-your-partner_.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Answer some key questions before buying a car with your partner.
![Happy woman sitting in her apartment using a laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/06/29005531/Direct-auto-financing.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
You may be able to save hundreds by working with a direct auto lender.
![Man and woman in car showroom in front of white car looking at brochures](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/02/01231315/How-to-trade-in-a-car-that-is-not-paid-off.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Equity will determine whether you can easily trade in a car that’s not paid off.
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