 TITLE: How to Get a Low Interest Personal Loan CONTENT: First Step: Check Your Credit Reports and Scores\n------------------------------------------------\nCredit reports and scores are used in almost all lending decisions, so a good first step before you apply for a personal loan is getting a free copy of your reports and scores so you can understand what the lenders will be looking at when considering your application. Remember that checking your own credit does not affect your score, so you can check it as often as you need.\nOnce you've taken a look at your credit reports, you should have a better idea of what type of loan you may be eligible for. Some lenders are pickier than others when it comes to approving applicants, so find out lenders' credit score minimums—if they make them available—to know where you stand.\nThe lowest interest rates are usually given to people with top-tier credit scores, so if you have poor credit, it may be tricky to find a personal loan at a low rate. If you're in a lower credit tier, think about spending some time improving your credit scores before applying for a personal loan. This could increase your chances of getting a low interest rate and could help you save money over the life of your loan. END