Life is full of exciting events, from moving house to getting married, but they can soon become stressful if you’re not sure how to pay for them. This is where small personal loans can help. You can use these loans to help you manage additional expenses, and with lenders offering a range of amounts, there is something for everyone. But how do you make sure you qualify? Read on as we take a closer look at how you can boost your chances of personal loan qualification.
What is a personal loan?
A personal loan is one of the most popular types of finance that can be used to help when you need additional cash for a range of situations, for example, home renovations, important life events, or to consolidate existing debt. Unlike other types of loans, your lender won’t set any restrictions on what you can use your personal loan for – it’s totally up to you. Depending on your lender, personal loans are available in various amounts, from a hundred to tens of thousands of pounds.
Because of modern advancements, personal loans are now easier to apply for than ever, as many lenders allow borrowers to fill out their applications online from the comfort of their own homes. If this type of loan sounds like something you’d be interested in, it helps to know more about how you can qualify.
What do you need to qualify?
Various factors can impact your application when applying for a loan, so ensuring that you provide the correct information and documentation that a lender requires means your application can be reviewed quickly. They can let you know their decision. The information you’re asked to provide may differ depending on the loan and the lender you’re using, but here are some of the most common ways to qualify for a personal loan.
Credit score
This is one of the most important factors determining whether you qualify for a loan. Your credit score shows lenders how trustworthy you are when making timely payments. Therefore, the higher the credit score, the more likely you will be approved for a personal loan. However, if you have a low credit score, some lenders offer personal loans to those who have struggled in the past – you just have to research to find the best option for you. Generally, ensuring you do all you can to improve your credit score before applying for a loan means you can benefit from better interest rates and fees.
Income
This is another essential aspect that lenders will require when deciding whether you qualify for the loan you’ve applied for. You will need to show that you have a steady stream of income before they consider lending to you. They may ask for evidence of this through bank statements or pay slips. Affordability is a big deal for lenders, as they have to ensure you’re not putting yourself in financial difficulty by taking out a loan. This is also their way of ensuring you’re going to be able to meet the agreed repayment terms.
Debt-to-income ratio
Your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI as it’s also known, is the amount of debt you have compared to your income. When applying for a personal loan, to boost your chances of qualification, reducing your DTI can help. Lenders prefer it when you have a low DTI, showing them you have enough extra income to take on additional monthly loan payments. If you need to lower your debt-to-income ratio before you apply for a loan, try paying down your remaining debts to reduce this.
Personal information
Your lender will require personal information to help them make their decision. While it tends to depend on the lender you choose, borrowers commonly need to provide documentation like proof of age, current address, national insurance number, and bank statements. Make sure that you provide the information your lenders need so that you can benefit from fast approval.
Featured Image by Rawpixel.com
