Signature Loans: Borrow on Your Signature, No Collateral Needed
| Collateral | None — backed by your signature |
|---|---|
| Repayment | Fixed monthly payments |
| Amounts through our network | $100–$5,000 (state and lender dependent) |
| What lenders weigh | Income, credit, existing debts |
| Credit types | All credit types can apply |
| Cost to use our service | Free, no obligation |
What is a signature loan?
A signature loan (also called a good-faith or character loan) is a personal loan you get by signing an agreement to repay. There's no collateral. You don't hand over a car title, put up a savings account or pledge any property. The lender looks at your income and credit history, decides how much it's comfortable lending, and you repay in equal installments over a set term.
In practice, "signature loan" and "unsecured personal loan" mean the same thing. Banks, credit unions and online lenders all offer them, though the name is used most often by credit unions and storefront consumer lenders.
How a signature loan works, step by step
- You apply with your ID, income details and bank account.
- The lender reviews your ability to repay, including income, existing debt payments and credit.
- You get an offer showing the amount, APR, fees, monthly payment and number of payments.
- You e-sign, and the money is deposited, often by the next business day with online lenders.
- You repay the same amount each month until the loan is paid off. Many lenders let you pay early.
Because nothing is at risk of being taken if you fall behind, the lender relies entirely on your income and history. That's why income documentation matters so much.
See if you qualify — it takes about 3 minutes. Start your free request. There is no obligation to accept an offer.
Signature loan vs. secured loan
| Signature (unsecured) loan | Secured loan | |
|---|---|---|
| Collateral | None | Car, savings, CD or other asset |
| What decides approval | Income, credit, debts | The asset's value, plus income |
| Risk to your property | No lien on your car or savings | Asset can be taken if you default |
| Speed | Often fast online | Can need appraisal or title work |
A secured loan can sometimes mean a lower rate or a larger amount, but you put the asset on the line. A signature loan keeps your car and savings out of it. For the full breakdown, see secured vs. unsecured loans, or compare with a title loan if you own your car outright.
What a signature loan costs: sample payments
Rates depend on your credit, income, state and lender. For reference, the Federal Reserve's October 2026 consumer credit release put the average commercial bank rate on a 24-month personal loan at 11.90% for August 2026; that average reflects mostly good-credit bank borrowers. Online lenders serving fair and bad credit charge higher rates. Here's what payments look like at a few rates:
| Loan | APR | Term | Monthly payment | Total repaid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | 35.99% | 12 months | $100.46 | $1,205.49 |
| $2,000 | 29.99% | 24 months | $111.82 | $2,683.57 |
| $5,000 | 24.99% | 36 months | $198.77 | $7,155.82 |
Some lenders also charge an origination fee, taken from the loan or added to it. Your lender shows the exact APR, fees and total to repay before you sign. Try your own numbers below.
Personal / installment loan calculator
Estimate only. Your rate depends on your credit, income and state; your lender shows the exact terms before you sign.
Who qualifies for a signature loan?
Requirements vary, but most lenders look for:
- Age 18 or older (19 or 21 in a few states)
- A valid government ID and a Social Security number or ITIN
- Steady income: a job, benefits, self-employment or gig work
- A checking account in your name
- A manageable debt-to-income ratio, meaning your existing payments leave room for a new one
Fair or bad credit? You can still apply. Banks often want good credit for signature loans, but many online lenders in our network consider all credit types and weigh income heavily. Some use alternative credit data instead of a traditional hard pull from the big three bureaus. A lower score may mean a smaller amount or higher rate, but it doesn't stop you from applying. More tips: personal loans for bad credit and personal loan requirements.
Common uses for a signature loan
- Car repairs that keep you getting to work
- Medical or dental bills
- Rent or utility catch-up
- Moving costs and deposits
- Combining higher-cost balances into one fixed payment
Because the payment is fixed, a signature loan is easy to budget: you know the amount and your final payment date from day one.
Get a signature loan offer through one form
Zebra Finance is a free loan-matching service, not a lender. Instead of applying lender by lender, you fill out one short form and we share it with lenders in our network that serve your state. No hard credit inquiry on our end; lenders may check your credit. Many lenders decide within minutes, and if you're approved and sign, funds often arrive by the next business day. You see every term before you commit, and you're never obligated to accept.
See if you qualify — it takes about 3 minutes. Start your free request. There is no obligation to accept an offer.
Frequently asked questions
What is a signature loan?
A signature loan is an unsecured personal loan approved based on your income, credit and signed promise to repay. You don't pledge a car, house or savings as collateral. You receive a lump sum and repay it in fixed monthly payments over a set term, usually several months to a few years.
Can I get a signature loan with bad credit?
Yes, you can apply. Many online lenders offer signature loans to fair and bad credit borrowers, focusing on steady income and bank history. A lower score can mean a smaller amount or a higher rate. Our free form reaches multiple lenders at once, and approval and terms are set by the lender.
Is a signature loan the same as a personal loan?
Usually, yes. "Signature loan" is another name for an unsecured personal loan. Some personal loans are secured by a car or savings, so not every personal loan is a signature loan, but most online personal loans are unsecured.
How much can you borrow with a signature loan?
It depends on your income, credit, state and lender. Through our network, requests run from $100 to $5,000. Banks and credit unions may lend more to members with strong credit. A smaller request is often easier to approve when your credit is limited.
Do signature loans require a credit check?
Most lenders review some credit information. Many lenders in our network focus on income and may use alternative credit data instead of a traditional hard pull from the big three bureaus. There's no hard credit inquiry on our end when you submit our form; lenders may check your credit.
How fast can I get a signature loan?
Online lenders often decide within minutes and deposit approved funds by the next business day after you e-sign. Banks and credit unions can take longer, from a couple of days to a week. Applying early on a weekday helps you beat funding cutoffs.