Unsecured Loans
| Collateral | None required |
|---|---|
| Amounts via our network | $100–$5,000, by state and lender |
| Repayment | Fixed monthly or biweekly payments over months |
| Credit | Fair and bad credit considered |
| Funding | Often next business day if approved |
| Cost to use our form | Free, no obligation to accept |
What are unsecured loans?
An unsecured loan is money you borrow on your promise to repay, without pledging an asset the lender could take if you don't. The most common type is the unsecured personal loan: you receive a lump sum and repay it in fixed installments over a set term. Credit cards and many lines of credit are unsecured too, but they work differently because you borrow and repay on a revolving basis.
Because there's no collateral, the lender looks harder at you as a borrower: your income, your existing debts and your credit history. That's the trade-off. The upside is that you don't risk your car or home, and you can use the money for almost anything: medical bills, a car repair, moving costs, or rolling a few bills into one payment. For a short explainer of the basics, see what is an unsecured personal loan.
See if you qualify — it takes about 3 minutes. Free to use, no obligation to accept an offer.
Secured vs. unsecured loans: what's the difference?
| Unsecured loan | Secured loan | |
|---|---|---|
| Collateral | None | A car, savings account or other asset |
| What lenders weigh most | Income, debts and credit history | The asset's value, plus income |
| If payments are missed | Late fees and credit reporting; no asset is pledged | The lender may take the pledged asset |
| Speed | Often fast, with no appraisal or title paperwork | Can take longer to verify the asset |
| Rates | Based mainly on your credit profile | Sometimes lower because the asset backs the loan |
If you have strong collateral and want the lowest rate possible, a secured personal loan may be worth a look. If you'd rather not pledge anything, an unsecured loan keeps it simple. See the full comparison at secured vs. unsecured loans.
Can you get an unsecured personal loan with bad credit?
Yes, many people do. Traditional banks often want good credit for unsecured loans, but lenders in our network work with fair, bad and limited credit and look at your whole picture, especially steady income and a healthy checking account. A lower score may mean a smaller amount or a higher rate, but it doesn't automatically rule you out.
What helps most:
- Steady, documented income from a job, benefits, self-employment or gig work
- A manageable monthly payment compared with your income and existing debts
- A realistic amount instead of the maximum
- Matching details on your ID, form and bank account
For more, see personal loans for bad credit and personal loans for fair credit.
How much does an unsecured loan cost?
Unsecured personal loans are repaid in fixed payments, so you know your monthly amount up front. Your rate depends on your credit, income, state and lender. Here are sample payments to help you plan:
| Amount | Term | Sample APR | Monthly payment | Total repaid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | 12 months | 36% | About $100.46 | About $1,205.52 |
| $2,000 | 24 months | 36% | About $118.09 | About $2,834.28 |
| $3,000 | 24 months | 36% | About $177.14 | About $4,251.41 |
These are examples, not offers. Some lenders charge an origination fee, which is usually taken out of the loan amount. Your lender shows the exact APR and terms before you sign. Try different amounts with the personal loan calculator.
What you need to apply
- Be at least 18 (19 in a few states) and a U.S. resident
- A valid government photo ID and your Social Security number (some lenders accept an ITIN)
- Regular income, with recent pay stubs, benefit letters or bank deposits to show it
- An active checking account in your name for the deposit and payments
- A working phone number and email address
Full details are on personal loan requirements. Have these ready and the form takes about 3 minutes.
How to get an unsecured loan online, step by step
- Choose your amount. Request what you need, from $100 to $5,000, and pick a payment you can handle.
- Complete one form. It's free, secure and takes about 3 minutes.
- Get matched. We share your request with lenders in our network that serve your state.
- Compare your offer. Check the amount, monthly payment, number of payments, any fees and the total to repay.
- E-sign and get funded. If you accept, funds are often deposited the next business day.
Zebra Finance is a free loan-matching service, not a lender. Lenders make the credit decision and set the terms, and you're never obligated to accept.
Borrow without collateral, starting today
An unsecured loan is one of the simplest ways to cover a big expense without risking your car or savings. You get a lump sum, a fixed payment and a clear end date. Whether your credit is good, fair or still rebuilding, one short form lets lenders in our network see if they can help.
Before you accept any offer, look at three numbers: the monthly payment, the number of payments and the total you'll repay. If the payment fits your budget with room to spare, you're in good shape. If it feels tight, ask for a smaller amount or a longer term. Paying on time every month can also help you build a stronger credit history, which may open the door to better rates next time. Not sure how much to request? See how much of a personal loan you can get.
See if you qualify — it takes about 3 minutes. Free to use, no obligation to accept an offer.
Frequently asked questions
What is an unsecured loan?
An unsecured loan is money you borrow without pledging collateral like a car, home or savings account. The lender approves you based on your income, debts and credit history instead. Unsecured personal loans give you a lump sum that you repay in fixed installments over a set term, often several months to a few years.
Can I get an unsecured personal loan with bad credit?
Yes, it's possible. Lenders in our network consider fair, bad and limited credit and weigh steady income and your checking account alongside your score. A lower score may mean a smaller amount or a higher rate. Requesting a realistic amount and showing regular deposits are two of the best ways to improve your chances.
How much can I borrow with an unsecured loan?
Through our network, you can request $100 to $5,000. The amount you're offered depends on your income, existing debts, credit history, state rules and the lender's criteria. Many lenders size the loan so the monthly payment fits comfortably within your budget, so choosing a modest amount can improve your odds of approval.
Are unsecured loans harder to get than secured loans?
Often a little, because the lender has no asset backing the loan, so income and credit matter more. Still, many lenders in our network approve unsecured loans for people with less-than-perfect credit. If you have collateral and want a lower rate, a secured loan is an option, but unsecured loans keep your assets out of it.
How fast can I get an unsecured loan?
Many online lenders make a decision within minutes of your application. After you accept and e-sign, funds are often deposited the next business day. Weekends and bank holidays can push the deposit to the following business day. Having your ID, proof of income and bank details ready keeps everything moving.
What can I use an unsecured personal loan for?
Almost any legal personal expense: car repairs, medical or dental bills, rent, moving costs, appliance replacement, or combining several bills into one payment. Lenders may ask the purpose on the application, but most don't restrict how you spend the money. Some lenders don't allow use for business purposes, education tuition or investments.
Does applying for an unsecured loan hurt my credit?
Using our form is free. Some lenders start with a soft inquiry, which doesn't affect your score, and run a hard inquiry only if you move forward with an offer. A single hard inquiry usually has a small, temporary effect. Your lender explains its credit check before you accept.
Sources
- eCFR — 12 CFR Part 1026 (Regulation Z, Truth in Lending disclosures)
- eCFR — 12 CFR Part 1002 (Regulation B, Equal Credit Opportunity)
- CFPB — What is a soft inquiry?