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How to get a $50,000 personal loan

You need good credit, steady income and low DTI ratio

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Edited by: Amanda Futrell
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Big expenses can spring up in life, whether they are home renovations, weddings or emergency medical bills. These aren’t inexpensive events either, which might leave you thinking about starting the search for a $50,000 loan.

A personal loan can be a way to get the funds you need in one lump sum with an extended timeline for repayment. However, you have to qualify first, and that isn’t always easy when asking for such a large amount. When your emergency fund isn’t enough to cover a large expense, this is how to get a $50,000 personal loan to cover the bill.


Key insights

Most lenders require strong credit, low debt and steady income for large personal loans.

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A $50,000 loan can be used for big expenses like home projects, medical bills or consolidating debt.

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Lenders may charge origination fees, prepayment penalties and other costs beyond interest.

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If a $50,000 loan doesn’t fit your needs, alternatives include HELOCs and secured loans.

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Uses for a $50,000 personal loan

A $50,000 personal loan can be used for everything from emergencies to big-ticket purchases. In a recent in-house study, the loan marketplace Credible found that debt consolidation was the top reason borrowers applied, followed by credit card repayment, home improvements and special occasions.

These are some common uses for a personal loan:

  • Home renovations: Personal loans are a popular way to pay for costly home improvements and repairs.
  • Medical bills: If you don’t have much luck negotiating lower medical bill balances, you might consider a personal medical loan to help cover the cost.
  • Debt consolidation: If you have high-interest debt or simply too many open accounts, you can consolidate your debt into one payment with a personal loan that works similarly to a debt consolidation loan.
  • Emergency expenses: Life’s emergencies are not always cheap, but an emergency personal loan can help pay for unexpected expenses, such as auto repairs or an emergency procedure.
  • Life events: A personal loan can help with significant life events, such as weddings, funerals or the birth of a new baby.
  • Moving costs: If you are planning a big move, a personal loan can help you cover the expenses.
  • Tax debt: If you owe back taxes and you don’t qualify for an IRS payment plan, a personal loan may be able to help.

What personal loans can't be used for

Lenders generally don’t allow you to use a personal loan for the following purposes:

  • Educational expenses: Most lenders don’t allow you to use a personal loan to pay college tuition. In this case, a student loan is the better option.
  • Buying a home: Personal loans can't generally be used for the down payment of a home.
  • Business expenses: You can’t use most personal loans for business expenses. Instead, you would need to take out a business loan.

How to qualify for a $50,000 personal loan

Every financial institution has its own qualification requirements for personal loans. However, lenders generally evaluate four important factors when determining whether to approve a $50,000 personal loan: your credit score, credit history, proof of income and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.

“To secure a larger loan, focus on improving your credit score and DTI ratio,” Chris Heerlein, CEO of REAP Financial in Austin, Texas, told us. “A higher credit score shows lenders you can handle debt responsibly, while a lower DTI ratio demonstrates that you can manage increased debt. Having a stable income and assets to offer as collateral can also increase your chances of approval.”

» LEARN: How to get a personal loan in 6 steps

Credit score and credit history

Your credit score is one of the biggest factors lenders consider when reviewing your application. When you have a good credit score, you have a better chance of receiving a low interest rate for your loan.

Lenders also review your credit report for red flags like bankruptcies, late payments and high credit utilization. Before you apply, get a free copy of your credit report to check your history for errors or signs of financial distress that could affect your odds of approval.

» COMPARE: Best personal loans for excellent credit

Proof of income and employment

Lenders will ask for documentation to verify your income and employment. This can include:

  • Pay stubs
  • W-2 forms
  • Tax returns
  • Employment verification letter

If you have other sources of income, such as alimony or Social Security, you should include those as well.

Debt-to-income ratio

Your debt-to-income ratio shows how much of your income goes toward debt each month. Most lenders prefer a DTI ratio of 36% or less, but some accept up to 45%.

“Higher DTI ratios are associated with higher risk of missing or making late payments,” said Kyle Enright, President of Lending for Achieve. “Many lenders look for DTI of 45% or lower; others want to see less than 36% but would consider a higher ratio for someone with a good payment history, high savings level or other compensating factor.”

Where to get a $50,000 personal loan

Your bank or credit union is a great place to start when looking for a $50,000 loan. Credit unions often offer the lowest rates, but online lenders can be competitive, especially if you have strong credit. Be sure to compare multiple offers to avoid overpaying on interest and fees.

These are some of the best banks, online lenders and credit unions offering personal loans of up to $50,000.

Best personal loan lenders

» MORE: Benefits of obtaining a personal loan

How to choose the best lender

When choosing between lenders, consider these factors:

  • Loan amount: Not all lenders offer loans up to $50,000.
  • Term: A longer term lowers your monthly payment but increases total interest.
  • Annual percentage rate (APR): The APR includes both your interest rate and lender fees. Check whether it's fixed or variable.
  • Application process: Some lenders offer quick online applications or same-day funding.
  • Customer service: Look for support channels like live chat or phone numbers.
  • Discounts: Some lenders offer rate reductions for autopay or being an existing customer.

» LEARN: What is a good interest rate on a personal loan?

How to get a $50,000 personal loan

When you are ready to move forward, this is how to apply for a $50,000 personal loan:

  1. Calculate payments: Use a personal loan calculator to see if you can afford the monthly cost.
  2. Prequalify: This lets you preview your rates without running a hard inquiry, which affects your credit score.
  3. Apply: Submit your documents and complete the application online, by phone or in person.
  4. Review the offer: Make sure you understand all terms before signing.
  5. Receive funds: Many lenders deposit funds within a day or two of approval.

Understanding the costs of a $50,000 personal loan

Besides interest, $50,000 personal loans may come with other fees.

  • Application fee: Charged by some lenders, even if you're denied
  • Late payment fee: Applies if you miss a due date
  • Prepayment penalty: A fee for paying off your loan early
  • Origination fee: Usually 1% to 8% of the loan

Some lenders, like LightStream, don’t charge fees at all.

“A good lender will be upfront about origination and other fees, and work with the borrower to calculate overall interest savings,” said Enright.

Need cash now? Use our Personal Loans Tool to lock in great offers in minutes!

FAQ

How hard is it to get a $50,000 personal loan?

It’s harder to get a $50,000 loan than smaller loans, but it’s not impossible. With a good credit score and adequate income, you are more likely to receive approval.

What credit score do you need for a $50K personal loan?

Most lenders require a minimum credit score of at least 580, but requirements more commonly call for a score of 670 or more to get a $50,000 personal loan.

What is the highest amount you can borrow for a personal loan?

Most lenders offer a maximum loan of $50,000, but it’s possible to find personal loans for $100,000 with lenders like SoFi or even $200,000 with BHG Financial.

Can I get a $50,000 loan with bad credit?

You can, but it’s difficult. If you need to get a $50,000 loan with bad credit, you may want to consider secured lending or wait a little while until your credit score improves.

» LEARN: 9 ways to improve your credit score

Is a $50,000 personal loan the right choice for you?

A $50,000 personal loan can help cover major expenses like home repairs, medical bills or credit card consolidation. But with that much money comes a serious commitment — and interest costs that add up over time.

“Be absolutely sure you need the larger amount and have a clear plan for the funds,” Enright said. “It’s easy to overextend and end up with payments you can’t manage.”

Before applying, review your credit score, income and budget. If you’re already struggling with payments or dealing with a financial hardship, a personal loan could make things worse. In that case, Enright told us, debt resolution might be a more realistic option.

If a $50,000 loan isn’t the right fit, consider other ways to borrow — like a secured loan, a HELOC or a personal line of credit.


Article sources

ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

  1. Credible, “How To Get a $50,000 Personal Loan.” Accessed May 16, 2025.
  2. Experian, “What Can a Personal Loan Be Used For?” Accessed May 16, 2025.
  3. Equifax, “Why Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Matters for Your Mortgage.” Accessed May 16, 2025.
  4. Experian, “5 Personal Loan Fees to Watch Out For.” Accessed May 16, 2025.
  5. Experian, “Do Personal Loans Have Prepayment Penalties?” Accessed May 16, 2025.
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