According to Experian data, 22% of American adults have personal loans. A personal loan is an in-demand type of loan. So many lenders offer it, making it accessible to the general public. If you’re interested in getting one, there are various things you need to know first, such as where to get it and how. Below are the lenders that offer personal loans, information about how you can attain them, and the terms they might have.

Banks

Banks are always the first option to getting a personal loan. It's because most banks offer a variety of loans, and most to-be borrowers have bank accounts. About 95% of American households have or have access to a bank account. Taking out a personal loan from a bank where you have your account is highly recommended. Since you have transacted with the bank, they already have your records, and signing up for a loan will be easier. 

There are typically two ways to obtain a personal loan from banks. You can apply either onsite, online, or a combination of both. You may be directed to a loan officer on site, who will discuss the process and the terms should you qualify for the loan. You can also sign up online by looking up at their site, filling out a loan application form, or whatever is instructed by the site, and waiting for further instructions.

While banks can make the process convenient for their clients, you need to see that you fit specific qualifications. For example, they might tell you that you need a specific credit score to qualify, or you will be charged a higher interest rate if you have a low debt-to-income ratio. Having a good credit history will give you better deals for your loan.

Credit Unions

A credit union is another lender that can provide you with secured and unsecured personal loans. It is a non-profit financial organisation that is built upon the profits of the owners and its members. Banks offer various financial services, including loans, although the specifics may vary from one credit union to another.

You can get a loan from credit unions on one condition: you have to be a member. The services they offer are commonly exclusive to members since they are the ones who put money into the institution. Upon joining, they are also granted an account, giving them access to pool their money and avail of the financial services offered. You can apply and keep track of the loan through that account. Depending on how the credit union operates, you can apply for a loan either by visiting their office or online. You will be catered to with hands-on negotiations regarding how much you need to loan, your interest rate, and for how long you will be repaying the borrowed money plus interest.

Credit unions have an advantage over other giant lenders because they do not charge taxes and need only enough funding for their regular daily transactions. With this, you may be charged a lower interest rate, which helps save money than transacting with other lenders.

Lending Companies

As the name suggests, they are financial institutions that specialise in offering loans. The qualifications are typically the same as other lenders like banks, but most lending companies have less strict standards, making it more accessible. You can apply either onsite or online with these companies.

Several lending companies operate and let you transact with them through the internet for your convenience. Depending on the lender's terms, you can transact with them in the quickest way possible and get the money within minutes. However, before you begin any transaction with a company without prior experience, you have to think of two things: the legitimacy of the company and the availability in your area. 

First, you need to make sure that lenders of your choice are legitimate. Second, check or contact a government agency to do so or spot signs of a scam, such as an unsecured website, unresponsive contact details, or zero reviews.

The next thing you need to check is whether they are available in your area or not. An easy way to do so is to google for available lenders plus your location. For example, you can search for lenders in Birmingham or apply for Birmingham personal loans online.

To Conclude

You can get personal loans from several lenders like banks, credit unions, and lending companies. You need to find the right one for you and make sure that you can fulfil their terms and pay back what you owe.