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Personal loans are rapidly becoming one of the most popular types of loans. And there's a good reason for this. Many personal loans have lower interest rates than other kinds of consumer debt. They typically also come with a steady monthly payment and a clear payoff date, and you can generally use them to fund anything you want.
Personal loans can seem like such an attractive way to borrow that you may decide you want to take out more than one. You could find yourself in this situation if, for example, you've borrowed to consolidate debt and then you need to make a big purchase you want to pay off over time.
Whatever the reason, if you're considering taking out multiple personal loans at the same time, you're likely wondering whether that's even possible.
The good news for would-be borrowers who want to take out more than one personal loan at the same time is that there is no rule that says you can't do this.
Theoretically, you could even take out multiple loans from the same lender. However, be aware that different lenders have different restrictions -- some forbid it entirely, while others impose other requirements. These can include a waiting period or a mandate that you've made a certain number of on-time payments on your first loan before getting your second one.
You could also opt to take out personal loans from a few different lenders at one time. But bear in mind that you would need to be able to qualify for each personal loan based on your individual financial situation. It doesn't matter whether you apply for multiple loans from the same lender or from a few different lenders, you still need to meet their requirements.
When you already have one or more personal loans, this debt will show up on your credit report if you apply for another loan. The new lender you're applying with will want to make sure your debt relative to your income isn't too high. If it is, you could be turned down. Monthly payments from both your existing personal loan and the new one you're applying for will be factored in when the lender determines affordability.
If you've applied for lots of loans and it seems you're getting in over your head with debt, you're also unlikely to be able to qualify for the new loan you're trying to take out.
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Even if lenders allow you to take out multiple personal loans at the same time, this doesn't mean it's a good idea.
When you take out multiple loans, you're committing to making several monthly payments. This will take a good chunk of your income and make it harder for you to do other important things with your money. The fact that you've taken on lots of obligations could also put you at greater risk of defaulting on your loans.
Every time you apply for a personal loan, the lender will carry out a hard credit check. Too many inquiries in a short time can lower your credit score, making future borrowing more difficult and expensive.
However, if you have emergency expenses and loans are your only option to pay those expenses, don't stress. Taking out multiple loans doesn't mean you're financially doomed. As long as you're careful to make monthly payments on-time and only borrow what you need, taking out multiple loans can be a reasonable strategy to carry you through a difficult financial period.
Personal loans can definitely be a better way to borrow than using credit cards -- but taking on multiple loans at one time can still come at a cost. Be sure you're smart about your borrowing habits and research all of your options carefully so that you don't take on unnecessary debt.
Here are some other questions we've answered:
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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent, a Motley Fool service, does not cover all offers on the market. The Ascent has a dedicated team of editors and analysts focused on personal finance, and they follow the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands.
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent, a Motley Fool service, does not cover all offers on the market. The Ascent has a dedicated team of editors and analysts focused on personal finance, and they follow the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands.
Rates quoted are with AutoPay. Your loan terms are not guaranteed and may vary based on loan purpose, length of loan, loan amount, credit history and payment method (AutoPay or Invoice). AutoPay discount is only available when selected prior to loan funding. Rates without AutoPay are 0.50% points higher. To obtain a loan, you must complete an application on LightStream.com which may affect your credit score. You may be required to verify income, identity and other stated application information. Payment example: Monthly payments for a $10,000 loan at 8.49% APR with a term of 5 years would result in 60 monthly payments of $205.12. Some additional conditions and limitations apply. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Truist Bank is an Equal Housing Lender. © 2024 Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, LightStream, and the LightStream logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Lending services provided by Truist Bank.
*Upstart Loan Disclaimer
The full range of available rates varies by state. The average 3-year loan offered across all lenders using the Upstart platform will have an APR of 21.97% and 36 monthly payments of $35 per $1,000 borrowed. For example, the total cost of a $10,000 loan would be $12,646 including a $626 origination fee. APR is calculated based on 3-year rates offered in the last 1 month. There is no down payment and no prepayment penalty. Your APR will be determined based on your credit, income, and certain other information provided in your loan application.
Citi Personal Loan disclaimer:
**Rates as of 05-31-2024. Your APR may be as low as 11.49% or as high as 20.49% for the term of your loan. The lowest rate quoted assumes excellent credit and a loan term of 24 or 36 months. Your APR will depend on a variety of factors including your creditworthiness, term of loan, and existing relationship with Citi. For example, if you borrow $10,000 for 36 months at 15.99% APR, to repay your loan you will have to make 36 monthly payments of approximately $351.52.
There is a 0.5% APR discount if you enroll in automatic payments at loan origination. Additionally, existing Citigold and Citi Priority customers will receive a 0.25% discount to the interest rate. If you are in default, your APR may increase by 2.00%. No down payment is required. Rates subject to change without notice.
You must be at least 18 years of age (21 years of age in Puerto Rico). Co-applicants are not permitted. Loan proceeds cannot be used for post-secondary educational or business purposes.
If you apply online, you must agree to receive the loan note and all other account disclosures provided at loan origination in an electronic format and provide your signature electronically.
Credit cards issued by Citibank, N.A. or its affiliates, as well as Checking Plus and Ready Credit accounts, are not eligible for debt consolidation, and Citibank will not issue payoff checks for these accounts. If you are unsure of the issuer on the account, please visit https://www.citi.com/affiliatesproducts for a list of Citi products and affiliates.