Traditional banks usually have brick-and-mortar branch locations that you can visit if you prefer in-person customer service. You may still be able to apply for a personal loan online and get funds disbursed without ever visiting a branch location. However, if you want to speak with a loan agent in person or need help managing your loan once it’s been funded, visiting a branch location can be beneficial.Credit unions are not-for-profit and member-owned institutions.
Most personal loans are unsecured, which means that you don’t have to put up any collateral for the loan. These loans are riskier for lenders, since you’re not backing up your loan. If you can’t qualify for a $3,000 personal loan on your own with your current credit score — and you don’t have someone who can be your cosigner — you might want to consider a secured loan instead.
While pawn shop or title loans are another option for borrowers with bad credit, you should avoid these loans if at all possible. They have astronomical annual percentage rates that average 200% to 300%, and they typically have very short repayment terms.