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What Is a Personal Loan?
Learn how personal loans work, what expenses they’re best for, and how to qualify
By 
Written by
Freelance writer
Lindsay Frankel has been in personal finance for over eight years. Her work has been featured by MSN, CNN, FinanceBuzz, and The Balance.
Edited by 
Written by
Senior editor
Meredith Mangan is a senior editor at Credible. She has more than 18 years of experience in finance and is an expert on personal loans.
Updated March 31, 2025
Editorial disclosure: Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Although we receive compensation from our partner lenders, whom we will always identify, all opinions are our own. Credible Operations, Inc. NMLS # 1681276, is referred to here as “Credible.”
