Comparing personal loans: step by step

We compare the loan market for personal loans ranging from £1,000 to £25,000. Our loan calculator can help you find out how much you might have to pay back over the full term.

Compare personal loans

Before you start, decide how much you want to borrow. With Uswitch, you can apply for loans between £1,000 and £25,000.

Ask yourself what your goals are:

• Do you need a loan to consolidate your debts?

• Do you want one to help pay for a car?

• Are you undertaking home improvements?

• Are you looking for a holiday?

• How much would you need to make that happen?

• Would you be able to afford the repayment plan?

Choose a personal loan from our tables

To compare personal loans quickly use our personal loans tables.

Use the sliders to choose how much you would like to borrow and the period you want to pay it back over, and we’ll show you a table of our top personal loan deals, with the full cost of the loan based on what you've selected.

Pick the loan that's right for you and click 'Apply' to get more details.

Our calculator works out the monthly repayments for each loan and the total amount you will pay back.

The results also show the typical Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and include all the costs involved (unless there are any extra charges from the provider).

Loans are ordered by cost – so the lowest monthly repayment comes first. You can choose to sort them by other criteria, including APR or total amount repayable.

If you can't find any loans that match your specific requirements, you can amend the amount and the repayment period.

Complete your application with your lender

Your chosen lender will need additional information about your finances and employment status. They will then run a credit check.

Always check the minimum eligibility criteria before applying as you may find that you're ineligible for the loan. If that's the case, then don't apply as you'll most likely have your application declined, which could impact your credit score.

If you do match up with the eligibility criteria, beware that this does not mean you are guaranteed the loan – this is still subject to your credit rating.

What happens afterwards?

What can you expect after you’ve applied for your loan online? Here are a few common questions:

How long will it take for the lender to confirm a successful application?

They should be in touch within a week or so, once they’ve done a credit check.

I’ve been turned down by a personal loan lender. What can I do?

You may not be eligible for a particular loan, but sometimes the lender will offer an alternative with a higher interest rate. To see if you can find a personal loan with another lender, do another comparison.

Your credit rating is a key factor in whether or not you are accepted for a loan. Check your credit rating online now.

My personal loan is being referred to as an unsecured loan. Why?

They are one and the same. Both personal loan and unsecured loan refer to a loan that is not secured against any property (home or car). A personal loan is given on the basis of your credit rating.

Am I allowed to repay the full amount before the end of the loan term?

Yes, although some lenders will charge you. Read the small print and look out for the terms:

• early repayment penalty

• early redemption fee

• redemption charge

• financial penalty

When you compare loans with Uswitch, you will be able to see which providers charge for early repayment.

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