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How to Get a Personal Loan: A Beginner's Guide
By Sophie Brown, Senior Finance Editor · Updated Jul 2026
If you're looking to apply for a personal loan, this guide walks you through the key decisions step by step. We cover what to look for, how to compare options, and what mistakes to avoid along the way.
Key takeaways
- Understand the basics of lenders before committing
- Compare fees, features, and customer support across at least three options
- Verify that any lender you choose is regulated by the CFPB and state regulators
- Start small and scale up as you gain confidence
- Revisit your choice annually as the market evolves
Step 1: Understand the basics
Before you apply for a personal loan, take time to understand what lenders offer and how they fit into your financial picture. The personal loan space has evolved rapidly, and the right choice depends on your goals.
Step 2: Compare your options
Not all lenders are created equal. Compare fees, features, and user experience across at least three options before committing. Check our best-of lists for curated rankings.
Step 3: Verify regulatory standing
Any reputable option should be regulated by the CFPB and state regulators and offer TILA disclosures and fair lending laws. Never work with an unregulated provider.
Step 4: Start small
Begin with a modest commitment to test the experience before scaling up. This is especially important in the personal loan space where onboarding quality varies widely.
Step 5: Monitor and adjust
Revisit your choice annually. Markets evolve, new competitors emerge, and what was the best option last year may not be this year.
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