Loans
Whether you need a personal, auto, student, or small business loan, we'll help you choose the loan that's right for you.
Related topics
Helpful links
![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.
Reviews & tools
Experts in all things finance
Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.
About Bankrate![Rebecca Betterton headshot](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/285x284/d642764b3d/rebecca-headshot.png?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Certified Financial Education Instructor℠
![Denny Ceizyk headshot](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/284x284/85ecaddd49/denny-headshot.png?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Senior Loans Writer
![Lauren Nowacki headshot](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/284x284/54752fd12c/lauren-headshot.png?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Senior Loans Writer
Loans by credit band
The latest
![A smiling younger Black woman works on finances at home.](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/09/19181405/avant-vs-upstart-which-offers-better-personal-loans.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Avant has flexible guidelines, and Upstart lets you shop around for the best deal.
![Man in wheelchair typing on laptop indoors](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/06/06144904/lendingclub-vs-propser-1441685485.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
LendingClub vs. Prosper: Which lender is best for you?
![Woman comparing loans on her laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/07/21165300/GettyImages-1188628948-scaled.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Personify and Upstart serve borrowers with less-than-perfect credit.
![Older white woman reading folder at desk in living room.](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/06/06142406/bestegg-vs-lighstream-566357241.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Best Egg vs. LightStream: Which personal loan is best for you?
![A bald business owner smiles at a laptop screen.](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/12/21155416/Untitled-2-1.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Finance your small business with loans, grants or crowdfunding.
![A collage featuring two hands, one holding a bag with a money symbol.](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/05/24153932/SMB_Working-capital-loan-vs-small-business-loan.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Learn more about this short-term loan and how it compares to other business loans.
![An egg in a shallow dish being fertilized.](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/02/06123224/How-to-finance-IVF.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Choosing the best IVF loan requires a detailed look at your finances.
![Young Asian woman in professional sits at a desk with a gavel and scales on it. She is speaking while looking through papers.](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2025/01/13162432/Law-school-loan-forgiveness-and-repayment-options.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Here are the top law school loan forgiveness options out there.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information