 TITLE: Is It Easy to Get a Personal Loan? CONTENT: What Credit Score Do I Need to Get a Personal Loan?\n---------------------------------------------------\nWhile it may not be explicitly mentioned on a lender's website, it's typically easier for someone with a good credit score to be approved for a personal loan. Conventional lenders generally run a credit check to determine how likely it is you'll repay your loan. The higher your credit score, the thinking goes, the more likely you'll be to make timely payments. Even better: If you have a good credit score, you're more likely to qualify for low interest personal loans.\nIf you have good to excellent credit—with a FICO® Score☉ of 670 to 850—there are a lot of good personal loan options out there for you. Those with fair credit—with a FICO® Score ranging from 580 to 669—may be able to get a personal loan, but the chances of getting a lower interest rate are less likely compared with someone with a good or excellent credit score.\nIf you have less-than-stellar credit, there are options out there if you're willing to pay a higher interest rate or put your financial assets on the line. With a secured personal loan, for example, you provide collateral the lender can use as payment if you don't pay back your loan as agreed. While secured loans tend to be easier for those with bad credit to get—and may offer lower interest rates than unsecured personal loans for those with bad credit—they also come with the risk of losing your collateral if you fail to repay the loan.\nOnline lenders, such as Upstart, help those with lower credit scores qualify for more competitive rates by looking at alternative data that goes beyond credit scores. This can include job history, education and income.\nMilitary members can consider specialized private lenders in addition to online lenders. These lending institutions work exclusively with military service members to apply for products such as personal loans. Although military lenders do consider applicants with lower credit scores, it may still be difficult for applicants who have a limited credit history. END