A personal loan is an installment loan that can be used for almost anything. It offers a lump sum of money upfront, which the borrower pays back in monthly installments, usually over one to seven years. Finding the right personal loan for your needs can be tough. And getting approved can be even tougher. But WalletHub makes the process easier.

Not all applicants will be approved. The best personal loan company overall is LightStream, as this online personal loan provider offers an excellent combination of low interest rates, $0 fees, and a wide range of dollar amounts. LightStream’s APRs range from 7.49% - 25.99%, and you can borrow anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000.

An unsecured personal loan doesn’t require you to pledge an asset, such as a house or car, as collateral. Instead, approval is based primarily on your credit score and finances. Compare unsecured personal loans with potentially cheaper options, and make sure the monthly payments don’t stress your budget.

¹ A representative example of payment terms for a Personal Loan is as follows: a borrower receives a loan of $23,354 for a term of 36 months, with an interest rate of 11.49% and a 6.00% origination fee of $1,401 for an APR of 14.24%. In this example, the borrower will receive $21,953 and will make 36 monthly payments of $770.