What type of borrowing are you looking for?
Student loans help cover education costs when savings, scholarships, and federal aid fall short. Rates, repayment terms, and cosigner requirements vary widely by lender and borrower profile. Comparing options can help you balance monthly payments with long-term cost.
Personal loans provide fixed-rate financing for expenses like debt consolidation or major purchases. Loan terms, including interest rates, fees, loan amounts, and funding speed, vary by lender and depend on your credit profile and income. Reviewing multiple offers helps you avoid unnecessary costs.
Cash advance apps offer short-term access to funds before your next paycheck arrives. Costs can include tips, subscriptions, or express transfer fees depending on the provider. Understanding repayment timing and total cost is key before borrowing.
Home equity loans let you borrow against your home’s value with predictable monthly payments. Rates, closing costs, and borrowing limits vary by lender and depend on your available equity and credit profile. Comparing lenders helps manage both risk and long-term expense.
Mortgages are used to purchase a home or refinance an existing loan. Interest rates, loan types, and down payment requirements vary by lender and borrower. Shopping offers can significantly reduce the total cost of homeownership.
Auto loans finance new or used vehicles through banks, credit unions, or online lenders. Rates and terms depend on credit, vehicle type, and whether the loan is for purchase or refinance. Preapproval can improve leverage and pricing.
How borrowing works
Borrowing money allows you to access funds now and repay them over time, typically with interest or fees. Lenders evaluate factors like your credit history, income, and existing debt to determine eligibility, pricing, and terms.
Because borrowing products are designed for different needs, costs and repayment structures can vary widely depending on the type of loan you choose.
We’ll break down the different lending products to help you determine the best fit.
Student loans
Student loan resources
Student loans help cover the cost of higher education when savings, scholarships, and federal aid aren’t enough. Borrowers can choose from federal student loans, which offer standardized terms and protections, and private student loans, which may provide higher borrowing limits or competitive rates for qualified applicants.
Interest rates, repayment options, and eligibility requirements vary widely by lender and loan type. Comparing student loan options allows you to evaluate costs, understand cosigner requirements, and choose repayment terms that align with your post-graduation financial plans.
Personal loans
Personal loan resources
Personal loans provide a lump sum that is repaid in fixed monthly payments over a set period. They’re commonly used for debt consolidation, medical expenses, home projects, or large purchases and typically don’t require collateral.
Lenders evaluate factors such as credit score, income, and existing debt to determine interest rates and loan terms. Comparing personal loan offers helps you find competitive rates, avoid unnecessary fees, and choose a repayment schedule that fits your budget.
Cash advance
Cash advance resources
Cash advance apps offer short-term access to smaller amounts of money, often intended to cover expenses until your next paycheck. Instead of traditional interest, costs may come from subscription fees, optional tips, or expedited transfer charges.
Because repayment typically happens quickly, it’s important to understand the total cost and timing before using a cash advance. Comparing apps helps you identify lower-cost options and avoid features that could make short-term borrowing more expensive.
Home equity loans
Home equity loan resources
Home equity loans allow homeowners to borrow against the value of their home, typically with fixed interest rates and predictable monthly payments. Because the loan is secured by your property, rates are often lower than unsecured borrowing options.
Borrowing against home equity involves long-term considerations, including closing costs and the risk of foreclosure if payments aren’t made. Comparing lenders helps you evaluate borrowing limits, fees, and repayment terms based on your equity and financial profile.
Mortgages
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Mortgage resources
Mortgages are long-term loans used to purchase a home or refinance an existing mortgage. Loan types, interest rates, and down payment requirements vary by lender and borrower qualifications.
Even small differences in mortgage rates can significantly affect the total cost of homeownership. Comparing lenders helps you identify competitive offers, understand closing costs, and choose a loan structure that fits your financial goals.
Auto loans
Auto loan resources
Auto loans finance the purchase of new or used vehicles and are offered by banks, credit unions, dealerships, and online lenders. Rates and terms depend on factors such as credit score, vehicle age, and whether the loan is for purchase or refinance.
Comparing auto loan offers before visiting a dealership can help you avoid higher markups and improve negotiating power. Preapproval also provides clarity on monthly payments and total borrowing costs.
About our contributors
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Written by Jeff Gitlen, CEPF®Jeff Gitlen, CEPF®, is the director of growth at LendEDU. He graduated from the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics at the University of Delaware.
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Edited by Kristen Barrett, MATKristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her wife and their three senior rescue dogs. She has edited and written personal finance content since 2015.