Plain-English explanations of what a personal loan really costs.

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• Understanding Personal Loan Costs

  What a personal loan really costs: interest rate vs. APR, common fees, the federal disclosures to read, and how applying can affect your credit.

Guides

• APR vs. Interest Rate: What Is the Difference?

  The interest rate is the cost of borrowing the principal. The APR adds lender fees. Learn why APR is the number to use when you compare personal loan offers.

• Credit Checks When You Compare Loans

  What hard and soft credit inquiries are, which one lenders often use after you apply for credit, and what to ask before you submit a loan request.

• How to Read a Personal Loan Disclosure

  Amount financed, finance charge, APR and total of payments: what the four key Truth in Lending numbers mean on a personal installment loan disclosure.

• Personal Loan Fees: What Each One Means

  Which fees can come with a personal installment loan, which add-ons are generally optional, and where the law requires lenders to show them to you.

• What Is a Personal Installment Loan?

  A personal installment loan is a closed-end loan repaid in fixed payments over a set term. Learn how it works and what drives its cost.

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