Best Personal Loans in Des Moines (IA)
We have found 99 personal loans to apply for in Des Moines, IA. Add more criteria to compare personal loans and find the best one for you.
TOP 4 banks offering personal loans in Des Moines
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How can I choose the optimal personal loan in Des Moines, Iowa?
When considering personal loans, they can be a valuable resource for addressing budgetary shortfalls. If used wisely, personal loans offer financial flexibility and can contribute to improving your overall financial health. Thus, it is essential to find a loan that suits your financial requirements. Keeping this in mind, here are several strategies to compare and choose the optimal personal loan in Des Moines, Iowa.
Consider Annual Percentage Rates (APR)
The annual percentage rate (APR) must be considered as a critical factor when evaluating a loan. Unlike the interest rate alone, the APR gives a more complete picture of the total cost because it includes fees in the calculation. Comparing APRs, not just interest rates, allows you to estimate which loan will be more expensive in the long run. In the case of Des Moines, Iowa, the APR typically ranges from 4.49% to 36%.
Evaluate Loan Amounts
Considering that you may not have a precise amount in mind for your financial needs, it is advantageous to explore the available loan amount options and select a lender that offers a wide range. In Des Moines, Iowa, you can find loans starting from as low as $100 and going up to $500,000. Additionally, some lenders offer the flexibility to withdraw funds incrementally, meaning you only pay interest on the amount you actually utilize. This feature is particularly useful for projects where the required funds may fluctuate over time, such as home renovations or car repairs.
Assess Monthly Payments
The monthly payment represents the sum you are required to repay on a monthly basis. It is crucial to ensure that this amount comfortably fits within your budget, enabling you to meet your other financial obligations while still servicing the loan and paying the applicable interest.
Consider Credit Requirements
Many lenders prefer borrowers with good to excellent credit scores (670 or higher). However, some lenders may accept individuals with poor to fair credit as well. While having a high credit score doesn't guarantee lower rates, it does increase your chances of approval. In Des Moines, the lowest acceptable credit score is poor (300 - 579). Tailor your search to lenders that accommodate your credit score to secure the best possible loan terms.
Evaluate Collateral Requirements
Most personal loans are unsecured, meaning they don't require collateral. However, some loans may necessitate collateral. Secured loans often have lower interest rates since the collateral reduces the lender's risk. Unsecured loans typically carry higher interest rates. If you're concerned about high interest rates (which can reach up to 36% in Des Moines), a secured personal loan might be worth considering.
Consider Origination Fees
In addition to interest charges, many lenders impose processing fees. Typically, the processing fee, also known as the loan origination fee, is a percentage of the total loan amount. While the average loan origination fee ranges from 0.5% to 1%, specific amounts may vary among lenders. Opting for a personal loan with lower processing fees can lead to long-term savings.
Compare and Choose the Best Personal Loan in Des Moines, Iowa
To choose the best loan option in Des Moines, Iowa, it is beneficial to conduct a thorough side-by-side comparison of the available loan options. This comparison will help you identify the loan with the most favorable terms that align with your unique financial situation.
Lender | APR | Loan Amount | Loan term | Origination Fee | Score Required | Apply |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LightStream | 6.49 - 21.99% | $5,000 - $100,000 | 2 - 6 years | No origination fee. | From Fair (580-669) to Fair (580-669) | Check rates On partner's site |
Marcus by Goldman Sachs | 7.24 - 25.24% | $3,500 - $40,000 | 3 - 6 years | No origination fee. | From Fair (580-669) to Excellent (740-799) | Check rates On partner's site |
Payoff® | 8.99 - 29.99% | $5,000 - $40,000 | 2 - 5 years | 5% | From Good (670-739) to Excellent (740-799) | Check rates On partner's site |
LendingClub | 8.3 - 36% | $1,000 - $40,000 | 3 - 5 years | 3 - 6% | From Poor (300-579) to Excellent (740-799) | Check rates On partner's site |
SoFi | 8.24 - 23.68% | $5,000 - $100,000 | 2 - 7 years | No origination fee. | From Good (670-739) to Excellent (740-799) | Check rates On partner's site |
OneMain Financial | 18 - 35.99% | $1,500 - $20,000 | 2 - 5 years | $25 - $500 | From Poor (300-579) to Excellent (740-799) | Check rates On partner's site |
Credible | 5.4 - 35.99% | $600 - $100,000 | 1 - 7 years | Depends on the lender | From Good (670-739) to Excellent (740-799) | Check rates On Credible.com |
Upgrade | 9.99 - 35.99% | $1,000 - $50,000 | 3 - 5 years | 1.85 - 9.99% | From Poor (300-579) to Fair (580-669) | Check rates On partner's site |
5 simple tips for increasing personal loan approval odds in Des Moines, Iowa
To maximize your personal loan approval odds in Des Moines, Iowa, follow these five simple tips:
- Improve Your Credit. Enhancing your credit score is the most effective way to increase your loan approval chances. While the minimum credit score required in Des Moines is poor (300 - 579), having a high credit score improves the likelihood of approval. Strategies to improve your credit include making timely debt payments, maintaining low total credit utilization, avoiding frequent applications for new credit, and disputing any errors on your credit report.
- Increase Your Income. Lenders consider your debt-to-income ratio when assessing approval, so boosting your income can improve your odds. Request a raise at your current job or take on a part-time job to generate additional income. Any income increase reduces your debt-to-income ratio and enhances your chances of approval.
- Minimize Debt. Avoid acquiring new debt while seeking a personal loan. Lenders view existing debt as a risk, which can negatively impact your approval odds. Strive to pay off existing debts and refrain from taking on new ones. The less debt you have, the easier it becomes to obtain a personal loan.
- Set Realistic Loan Amounts. Requesting a larger loan amount increases the lender's risk. Although the maximum amount available in Des Moines is $500,000, securing this sum can be challenging. You're more likely to be approved for smaller loan amounts. Smaller loans pose less risk to lenders, and repaying them becomes more manageable. Determine the precise amount you need and request the minimum required. The minimum loan amount offered in Des Moines is $100.
- Consider a Joint Applicant. Exploring the possibility of a joint applicant can boost your chances of approval. Lenders assess the credit scores and incomes of both applicants in such cases. Alternatively, you can seek a co-signer who agrees to repay the loan if you default. However, ensure you can rely on your joint applicant or co-signer, as your finances will be intertwined.
Conclusion
By taking proactive steps today, you can significantly increase your chances of getting approved for a personal loan when the need arises. Being prepared and taking action ahead of time maximizes your approval odds and enables you to navigate the loan application process with confidence.