Personal loans are something that many find themselves seeking out at some point or another. Personal loans are unsecured loans that are paid back in monthly installments over a designated amount of time. Many take out these loans in order to consolidate and pay off other types of debts, to pay for unexpected expenses such as medical emergencies, or for some other goal such as starting a business or moving across the country. Those who are considering taking out a personal loan should consider these three things before applying for the loan:

Personal Loan Rate

One reason why many will choose to go with a personal loan instead of another type of financing is that the personal loan rate can be cheaper. Often personal loans are less costly than payday loans or high-interest credit cards. However, the overall cost of a personal loan is highly dependent on the person seeking it out. Interest rates on a personal loan can range anywhere from 6 to 36 percent. Credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, and the information on credit reports play a big role in determining what the interest rate will be. Those with excellent credit will have a far lower interest rate than those who have poor credit.

Compare Lenders

When taking out a personal loan it's important to consider whether or not it's possible to get a better deal from a different lender. While many choose to go to a lender that they are familiar with, comparing lenders can mean being able to get a better interest rate. Lenders may also differ in the maximum amount they are willing to lend out. Some may lend out more than others. While comparing lenders can save money, it's important to note that most people find they get the best deal with a bank or lender that they have already used.

The Repayment Period

The repayment period is also something to consider carefully before taking out a personal loan. Personal loans have a fixed amount, which means more money can't be borrowed against the loan. Personal loans also have a fixed repayment period usually anywhere from 12 to 60 months. The shorter the repayment period, the less the borrower will need to pay in interest. Longer repayment periods will mean lower monthly payments but more paid in interest. 

When taking out a personal loan there are a variety of things to consider. The interest rate can vary greatly depending on the borrower's credit and financial history. Shopping around and comparing various lenders can end up saving borrowers money. Some lenders may be willing to give a lower interest rate on the loan. The repayment period is also something to think about carefully. Short repayment periods mean less interest paid, but higher monthly payments will be required.