PersonalLoans.com Review
Installment Loans from $500 to $35,000
Fast approval • Secure application • No commitment
PersonalLoans.com at a Glance
About PersonalLoans.com
PersonalLoans.com, operated by Personal Loans LLC and founded in 1998, is one of the oldest online loan comparison platforms in the United States. Unlike direct lenders that fund loans with their own capital, PersonalLoans.com is a loan broker (or 'lead generator') that connects borrowers with a network of over 100 partnered lenders, including banks, credit unions, and alternative lenders. When you apply through PersonalLoans.com, your application is submitted to multiple lenders simultaneously, increasing your chances of approval.
PersonalLoans.com specializes in personal installment loans ranging from $500 to $35,000 with repayment terms of 3-72 months (up to 6 years). Their APR range of 235-1600% is exceptionally wide because they connect borrowers with many different lenders—some offering prime rates (6-36% for borrowers with good credit 680+), while others offer subprime rates (200-1600% for borrowers with poor credit). This 'matchmaking' model means you may receive multiple loan offers from different lenders after one application.
The application process is entirely online: fill out one form (5-10 minutes), receive multiple lender matches within 2 hours, review competing offers showing exact APRs and terms, choose the best offer, and complete that lender's final application. Funds are deposited within 1-2 business days from the lender you select. PersonalLoans.com earns a commission from the lender when you accept an offer, but the service is free for borrowers—you pay no application fees to PersonalLoans.com.
With an 8.0/10 rating and 38% approval rate (meaning 38% of applicants receive at least one loan offer), PersonalLoans.com provides a convenient one-stop shopping experience for borrowers who want to compare multiple lenders without filing separate applications. Their strength is the wide lender network (over 100 partners) spanning prime to subprime credit markets. However, as a broker, they don't control APRs, terms, or approval decisions—those are set by individual lenders. PersonalLoans.com is best for borrowers who want to maximize approval odds by accessing many lenders at once, need larger loan amounts ($10,000+), or have credit scores ranging from 500 to 750 (covering both subprime and prime markets).
Expert Opinion: Recommended
PersonalLoans.com earns a 'Recommended' rating for borrowers who want to cast a wide net and compare multiple loan offers without filing separate applications. Their access to 100+ lenders (from prime banks to subprime installment lenders to tribal lenders) maximizes approval odds—38% of applicants receive at least one offer, often with multiple competing offers to choose from. The $500-$35,000 loan range and 3-72 month terms make PersonalLoans.com suitable for both small emergencies ($500 medical bill) and large expenses ($25,000 debt consolidation). The broker model is ideal if your credit is in the 600-680 range—you'll likely receive offers from both near-prime (100-199% APR) and subprime lenders (200-400% APR), allowing you to choose the best rate. However, the extremely wide APR range (235-1600%) creates uncertainty—you won't know your actual rate until offers arrive. Some partner lenders are high-cost tribal lenders (600-1600% APR) that should be avoided unless you have no alternatives. Best for: borrowers with 600-750 credit needing $5,000-$35,000 who want to comparison shop across many lenders, can wait 1-3 days for funding, and are comfortable with their data being shared across the lender network. Avoid PersonalLoans.com if: (1) You need money within 1 hour (use direct payday lenders). (2) You're privacy-focused and don't want data shared with 100+ lenders. (3) You have excellent credit (740+)—apply directly to banks/credit unions for 6-15% APR, skipping the broker. If you receive multiple offers, always choose the lowest APR and verify the lender is state-licensed (not a tribal lender) for maximum consumer protections.
Example Loan Cost
Representative example of a typical PersonalLoans.com loan:
*This is a representative example only. Your actual APR and costs will depend on your credit profile, loan amount, and state regulations. Always review your loan agreement before accepting.
Pros & Cons of PersonalLoans.com
Advantages
- ✓ Wide loan range ($500-$35,000, suitable for small emergencies and large expenses)
- ✓ Access to 100+ lenders with one application (maximize approval odds)
- ✓ Long repayment terms available (up to 72 months for larger loans)
- ✓ Free service for borrowers (PersonalLoans.com paid by lenders, not you)
- ✓ Potential for multiple competing offers (choose best APR and terms)
- ✓ Accepts wide credit range (FICO 500-800, subprime to prime)
- ✓ Soft credit check initially (hard inquiry only if you accept an offer)
- ✓ Fast process (receive offers within 2 hours, funding in 1-2 days)
Disadvantages
- ✗ Extremely wide APR range (235-1600%, difficult to predict your rate)
- ✗ Not a direct lender (no control over final terms, APRs, or approvals)
- ✗ Your information shared with multiple lenders (privacy concern for some)
- ✗ No guarantee of approval (38% receive offers, 62% may get zero matches)
- ✗ Final lender may have stricter requirements than initial pre-qualification
- ✗ Some partner lenders are high-cost tribal lenders (600-1600% APR)
- ✗ No customer service for loan management (handled by individual lenders)
How to Apply for a PersonalLoans.com Loan
Start Your Application
Visit PersonalLoans.com's website or use our comparison tool to submit your application. You'll need basic personal information, employment details, and bank account information.
Get Approved
PersonalLoans.com will review your application and make a lending decision within 2 hours. You'll receive notification via email or SMS.
Review & Accept
Carefully review the loan terms, including APR, fees, repayment schedule, and total cost. Only accept if you understand and agree to all terms.
Receive Funds
Once you accept the loan, PersonalLoans.com will deposit funds directly into your bank account. Funds typically arrive within 2 to 4 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does PersonalLoans.com work if they're not a lender?
PersonalLoans.com is a loan broker (also called a 'loan matching service' or 'lead generator'). When you submit an application, PersonalLoans.com shares your information with their network of 100+ partnered lenders. Each lender independently reviews your application using their own underwriting criteria. If a lender wants to offer you a loan, they send the offer to PersonalLoans.com, which displays all your offers in one place for comparison. You choose the offer with the best APR, terms, and monthly payment. PersonalLoans.com then redirects you to that lender's website to complete the final application and e-sign documents. The lender funds the loan and handles all servicing (payments, customer support). PersonalLoans.com earns a commission from the lender ($50-$200 typical) when you accept an offer, but you pay nothing to PersonalLoans.com.
How many loan offers will I receive?
It varies. Some borrowers receive 5-10 offers, others receive 1-2, and some receive zero. The number of offers depends on your credit profile, income, debt-to-income ratio, and lender appetite at the time you apply. Borrowers with good credit (680+) and stable income typically receive more offers with better APRs (6-36%). Borrowers with poor credit (500-600) receive fewer offers with higher APRs (200-600%+). PersonalLoans.com's 38% approval rate means 38% of applicants receive at least one loan offer. If you receive zero offers, PersonalLoans.com may suggest credit repair services or alternative lenders outside their network.
What credit score do I need for PersonalLoans.com?
PersonalLoans.com accepts a wide credit range from 500 to 800+ FICO. Their lender network includes subprime lenders (serve 500-650 credit), near-prime lenders (650-700), and prime lenders (700+). Your credit score determines which lenders make offers and what APRs you qualify for. Example: (1) FICO 500-600: Expect 1-3 offers with APRs of 200-600% from subprime/tribal lenders. (2) FICO 600-680: Expect 3-6 offers with APRs of 100-300% from near-prime installment lenders. (3) FICO 680-750: Expect 5-10 offers with APRs of 6-36% from banks and credit unions. PersonalLoans.com performs a soft credit check initially (doesn't affect score), then a hard inquiry only when you choose a lender and proceed to final application.
How fast can I get money through PersonalLoans.com?
Timeline: (1) Submit application (5-10 minutes). (2) Receive loan offers within 2 hours (often faster during business hours 9 AM - 5 PM ET weekdays). (3) Review offers and select best lender (10 minutes). (4) Complete final application with chosen lender (10-20 minutes). (5) Lender deposits funds within 1-2 business days via ACH transfer. Total time from application to funding: 1-3 days typical. Some lenders offer expedited funding (same-day for an extra fee $10-$25). PersonalLoans.com is slower than direct payday lenders (1 hour approval, same-day funding) but comparable to installment lenders and faster than traditional banks (3-7 days).
What is the APR range on PersonalLoans.com?
APRs range from 235% to 1600%, an extremely wide span because PersonalLoans.com partners with over 100 lenders serving different credit markets. (1) Prime lenders (for 680+ credit): 6-36% APR on $5,000-$35,000 loans. (2) Near-prime lenders (620-680 credit): 50-199% APR on $1,000-$10,000 loans. (3) Subprime lenders (500-620 credit): 200-600% APR on $500-$5,000 loans. (4) Tribal lenders (any credit, last resort): 400-1600% APR on $500-$2,500 loans. Your exact APR depends on your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, loan amount, and repayment term. The wide range makes it impossible to predict your rate until you receive offers—this is both a pro (access to many lenders) and a con (uncertainty).
What are the requirements to apply through PersonalLoans.com?
To submit an application: (1) Age 18+. (2) U.S. citizen or permanent resident. (3) Valid SSN or ITIN. (4) Active checking or savings account. (5) Regular income from any source (employment, benefits, self-employment, retirement). (6) Valid email and phone number. PersonalLoans.com will perform a soft credit check to match you with lenders. Individual lenders then have their own requirements—some require minimum income of $1,000/month, others $2,000+/month. Some lenders accept 500 FICO scores, others require 640+. The beauty of PersonalLoans.com is that you meet their basic criteria to apply, then each lender decides independently whether to make an offer.
Is my information safe with PersonalLoans.com?
PersonalLoans.com uses 256-bit SSL encryption to protect your application data during transmission. They're a member of the Online Lenders Alliance (OLA), which requires adherence to privacy and data security standards. However, when you apply, your information (name, SSN, income, bank details) is shared with their network of 100+ lenders for matching purposes. Each lender may also share your data with credit bureaus and third-party verification services. If you're privacy-conscious, understand that broker models involve more data sharing than applying directly to one lender. PersonalLoans.com's privacy policy (available on their website) explains how data is used and shared.
How does PersonalLoans.com compare to direct lenders?
PersonalLoans.com (broker) vs direct lenders: (1) Convenience: One application → multiple offers vs applying to each lender separately. (2) Approval odds: Higher (access to 100+ lenders) vs lower (one lender's criteria). (3) APR transparency: Wide range, unpredictable vs disclosed upfront. (4) Privacy: Data shared with many lenders vs one lender only. (5) Customer service: Provided by final lender, not PersonalLoans.com vs direct lender handles everything. (6) Speed: 2 hours for offers, 1-2 days funding vs 1 hour approval, same-day funding (payday lenders). Best use case for PersonalLoans.com: You want to maximize approval odds, need $5,000-$35,000, have time for comparison shopping, and don't mind data sharing. Best use case for direct lenders: You need money today (payday lenders), want privacy (one lender), or prefer direct relationship for customer service.
Alternatives to PersonalLoans.com
While PersonalLoans.com is a solid choice, you may also want to consider these alternatives:
- → Credit Union Payday Alternative Loans (PALs) – Lower APRs (28% max) but slower approval
- → Installment Loans – Longer terms (6-24 months) with smaller monthly payments
- → Cash Advance Apps – $50-$250 advances with low/no fees (Earnin, Dave, Brigit)
- → Compare Other Lenders – See all 30 lenders in our network
Ready to Apply with PersonalLoans.com?
Get started in minutes. Fast approval, secure application, no commitment.
Apply Now at PersonalLoans.com →⚠️ Important Disclosure
High-Cost Loan Warning: PersonalLoans.com loans have APRs ranging from 235% to 1600%, which is significantly higher than traditional bank loans. These loans are intended for short-term financial needs only and can be expensive if not repaid quickly.
Responsible Borrowing: Only borrow what you can afford to repay on time. Late or missed payments can result in additional fees, collection actions, and damage to your credit score.
Editorial Independence: Credizen.net is a comparison service. We may earn a commission when you click on lender links or apply for a loan through our platform. All reviews and ratings are based on publicly available data and user feedback. PersonalLoans.com has not influenced this review.
Emergency Financial Help
If you're experiencing financial difficulties, contact your local financial counseling service.
- South Africa: National Credit Regulator - 0860 627 627
- Romania: ANPC - 0213142200
- Colombia: Superintendencia Financiera - (571) 594 2222
- Poland: KNF - 22 262 5000