How to get a $10,000 personal loan

Check your credit score

Before applying for a personal loan, check your credit score to see if you’re likely to qualify. You'll typically need a score of at least 640 to get approved for a $10,000 loan, though you might still qualify with a lower score if you meet other criteria, like having a cosigner or choosing a secured loan.

The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to qualify — and the better terms you’re likely to receive, such as a lower interest rate or longer repayment term. When reviewing your credit report, look for any errors that could be dragging your score down. Dispute inaccuracies with the credit bureau and try to resolve them before you apply.

Paying down existing debt, making on-time payments and avoiding new hard inquiries can also improve your credit profile and increase your chances of approval.

» MORE: How to get a loan with bad credit

Compare your loan offers

If you have several offers, you'll want to compare the terms so you can choose the loan that's best for you. You'll want to look at the loan amount, the interest rate and the other loan terms.

• Loan amount: First, check that the lender is offering the full $10,000. Some lenders may approve you for less based on your credit, income or debt-to-income ratio.
• Interest rates: Next, compare the interest rates. If all other factors are equal, you'll want to choose the loan with the lowest rate.

  You’ll also want to take note of whether the rate is fixed or variable. If you get a fixed rate, your payment will remain the same for the entire life of the loan. However, if you get a variable rate, your minimum payment will increase or decrease as interest rates rise or drop.

• Loan term: The term of the loan is also important. The longer the term, the more interest you'll pay over time, but the smaller your payments will be. You'll want the shortest loan term you can afford to minimize the overall cost of the loan.
• Fees: Lastly, watch for any fees associated with the loan. Some lenders charge origination or prepayment fees, which can affect the total cost.

Several lenders will let you prequalify for a loan. This allows you to get a preview of what type of terms you would qualify for before submitting a full application, which triggers a hard credit check.

Kyle Enright, president at Achieve, said to "work with a lender that offers upfront explanations of fees, rates and terms. A good lender will review the total costs over the term of the loan — including origination fees and any discounts you may be eligible for — and help you figure out the best options for you."

Understand the application process

After checking your credit, you’re ready to begin the application process. Here's what to expect:

Gather your documents

When you are ready to start applying for loans, having the documents you need nearby can help make the process go more smoothly. You will likely need:

• Citizenship status
• Desired loan term
• Email address
• Employer name
• Employment status
• Gross monthly income
• Loan purpose
• Phone number
• Preferred payment due date
• Recent pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns
• Requested loan amount
• Residential address (with utility bill for verification)
• Social Security number
• State-issued ID
• Total monthly mortgage or rent payment

Your specific lender may request additional information or ask for more documentation based on your specific situation.

Prequalify with lenders

Many lenders allow you to prequalify to get an estimate of your potential loan terms. You’ll need to provide basic information from the application, but you won’t have to submit verifying documents at this stage. The lender will perform a soft credit check to assess whether you’re likely to qualify.

If you get prequalified at several lenders, review your offers. Be sure to look at the total loan amount, the term of the loan and the interest rate. Don’t forget to figure in any fees that may be included.

Once you have prequalified and selected a lender, complete the loan application. This is when you will upload your documents so the lender can verify information and do a hard check on your credit. Depending on the lender, this may take up to a week.

After the lender finalizes your offer, review it carefully. The offer might differ from your prequalification terms. If you’re satisfied, accept the offer and sign the loan documents. Funds are usually deposited within a few days.

» LEARN: How to get approved for a personal loan

Consider your budget

Before applying, consider how a new monthly payment will fit into your budget. Run the numbers to make sure the loan won't put too much strain on your finances.

Small monthly payments usually mean you’ll pay more interest over time.

If you find the payment is too big for you to pay comfortably, consider borrowing less or taking a loan with a longer term. A longer term, say five years instead of three, will lower the payment amount, but keep in mind that it will also increase the overall cost of the loan.

"Due to the potentially high interest rates associated with personal loans, it is advisable to keep the repayment term as brief as possible and refrain from relying on them habitually," said Tom Holgate, executive vice president of auto refinance at Way.com.

Explore lender options

Exploring lender options can be daunting, but if you’re looking for a $10,000 personal loan, the three most common sources are banks, credit unions and online lenders. Each offers different benefits depending on your credit, how quickly you need the money and your preference for in-person or digital services.

Loan provider pros and cons

Tips for choosing a personal loan lender

If you already have a relationship with a bank or credit union, start your search there — it could help you qualify more easily. Credit unions often offer lower interest rates and fees, but you’ll need to meet membership criteria.

Online lenders are a good choice if you need the funds quickly or want a fully digital experience. Even if you decide to borrow from your bank or credit union, consider checking rates with online lenders to make sure you're getting the best terms.

Think about what matters most to you: fast funding, strong customer support or lower overall loan costs. Compare lenders based on your priorities before making a decision.

Alternatives to personal loans

There are several alternatives to personal loans that may result in a better fit for your budget. Should you look at the terms during prequalification and decide borrowing $10,000 isn’t the right call after all, here are some other options.

• Credit cards: If your credit is high enough, you may qualify for a zero percent intro rate and save some money on interest while you pay down the loan. Depending on the card, it may have an annual fee, but it won't have origination fees.
• Home equity loan: If you have equity in your home, you may qualify for a home equity loan or line of credit. The interest rate on a home equity loan will likely be lower than on a personal loan since the loan is secured. However, if you default on the loan, your home is at risk.
• Cash advance apps: If you find you frequently need a small loan to make it to payday, you might want to consider cash advance apps, such as Chime. Most apps will lend you up to $200 with no interest or fees until payday.