Bank loans can be used for a variety of purposes, like financial emergencies, major expenses, and building up your credit history. Approval for bank loans is generally dependent on your overall financial profile, including your credit score. This page lists unsecured personal loans from banks, most of which can be used for nearly any purpose.

The best bank loans have a low annual percentage rate, flexible repayment terms, and few or no fees. They have streamlined, simple application processes, with helpful and accessible customer service agents.

Compare Bank Loan Lenders

Consider the following when comparing bank loan lenders:

• Loan amounts: Check the minimum and maximum loan amounts—some borrowers have relatively high maximums, but you shouldn’t borrow more money than you need. Find a lender with loan amounts that fit your purpose.
• Interest rates: Lenders will likely offer you different interest rates, so take the time to pre-qualify with several companies to shop around for the lowest rate you can get. The lower your APR, the less you’ll pay over the life of the loan.
• Fees: Loans may come with origination, pre-payment, and late fees, among others. Be aware of any costs you’ll be expected to pay before signing the loan agreement.
• Monthly payment: Loans come with fixed monthly payments, which you may be able to adjust as you select different repayment periods. Be sure your payment fits into your budget. Most lenders don’t charge prepayment fees, so there’s usually no harm in paying more than your regular payment each month.
• Repayment periods: Will you have long enough to repay the loan? Falling behind on payments can damage your credit and finances in general.
• Funding time: If you need the money tomorrow and the funding time is seven days, the loan won’t work for you. Find out how long the loan takes to fund and how you will receive the funds. 

Apply for a Bank Loan

After you’ve shopped around for quotes from different lenders and found the right offer for you, you can complete the application process. If approved, you can sign the loan agreement. You’ll need to provide some personal information and bank account details; for debt consolidation loans, you may be able to provide creditor information for the lender to send the funds.

Some companies will disburse loan funds as soon as the same or the next day, while others may take several business days. You’ll typically be given an online dashboard from which you can view your payoff timeline, make payments, and otherwise manage your loan.