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It’s not possible to take a loan from an IRA or Roth IRA. Making an early withdrawal from an IRA is an option, but that comes with taxes and penalties. You can borrow money from a 401(k) plan, however, without any penalties.

Read on to learn the impact of an early withdrawal from an IRA and some other ways to find the cash for unexpected expenses.

Can You Borrow from Your IRA?

An individual retirement account (IRA) is a savings account with tax advantages that is designed as a long-term investment vehicle for your retirement. The money that people invest in IRAs goes to a wide range of financial products, including stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and mutual funds. Banks and investment companies rely on holding the funds for a long time, so lawmakers created strict rules around withdrawing money from traditional and Roth IRAs. There is usually a 10% penalty and an income tax bill.

IRA loans and Roth IRA loans are not allowed. You cannot borrow money from these accounts, but you can withdraw cash from your IRA if you have to, at a cost.

Recommended: What Is the Credit Score Required to Get a Personal Loan?

What Is Possible: Early IRA Withdrawals

Here’s what you can and can’t do regarding withdrawing cash from traditional and Roth IRAs.

Traditional IRAs

If you are 59 ½ or older, you can take money out of your traditional IRA with no penalty, but you’ll owe income taxes on the money you pull out.

Account holders of any age can withdraw funds from an IRA and roll them over into another IRA or redeposit them into the same IRA within 60 days. This amounts to a 60-day loan, and you can do this once every 12 months. If you don’t roll over the funds within 60 days, the action will be considered a withdrawal or lump-sum cash distribution. That means paying federal and state taxes plus an additional 10% federal tax fee.

There are some exceptions that will allow you to avoid the additional 10% federal tax:

•   First-time homebuyers can withdraw $10,000 for a downpayment.

•   The funds are used for higher education expenses.

•   The funds are used for the birth or adoption of a child.

•   You have become permanently disabled.

Recommended: Personal Loan Glossary

Roth IRAs

If you’re at least 59 ½ and you’ve owned your Roth IRA for five years or more, you can take tax- and penalty-free Roth withdrawals of contributions. However, if you withdraw earnings, such as dividends or interest, you might have to pay the 10% penalty and income and state tax on that portion of the withdrawal.

Drawbacks of Early IRA Withdrawals

Disadvantages of early IRA withdrawals are penalties and missed earnings on the money taken out.

Penalties

Before age 59 ½, you are subject to a 10% penalty on any amount withdrawn. The same penalty holds if you fail to redeposit a rollover within 60 days.

Taxes

Before age 59 ½, you are subject to federal and state taxes on early withdrawals.

Lack of Growth Potential

If you take funds out of your IRA, you will lose the earnings from that money that would otherwise go toward your retirement. In that sense, a $10,000 withdrawal could cost you much more than $10K in the long run.

Early IRA Withdrawal Alternatives

There are alternatives to withdrawing funds from an IRA. The best option for you depends on how much cash you need, the taxes and penalties you might pay, and the interest and fees you might pay on the alternative. Here’s a look at some of them.

401(k) Loan

Borrowing from your 401(k) is allowed. If your plan is amenable, you can take out as much as 50% of your savings, up to a maximum of $50,000, within 12 months. You will have to pay back the money, plus interest, within five years. However, the interest is paid back into your own account.

The advantage of a 401(k) loan is that there are no taxes or penalties. The disadvantage is that if you leave your current job, you may have to repay your loan in full. If you cannot, you’ll owe both taxes and a 10% penalty if you’re under 59 ½.

Family Loan

A family loan could be the best option if you can negotiate favorable terms. This route is also the most flexible but can affect family relationships if not handled well. Be sure to set expectations and draw up a contract to protect both parties.

Credit Card Cash Advance

A credit card cash advance is a quick way to get funds. No hard credit inquiry is needed, so there is no effect on your credit score. You can pay small fixed monthly payments, but there will be interest that accrues daily as well as fees.

The interest charges and fees will need to be weighed against the cost of an early withdrawal from an IRA. There may be a charge of up to 5% for a cash withdrawal. There may also be a flat charge for a withdrawal in addition to the percentage charge.

Depending on your credit line, the amount you can withdraw may be less than your credit limit.

Personal Loan

Most of the time, if you are looking for a specific sum of money that you would like to repay over time, a personal loan is a good choice. Current personal loan interest rates are generally much lower than for a cash advance.

Early IRA Withdrawal vs Personal Loan

Your decision may come down to an early IRA withdrawal versus a personal loan. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each.

Pros of Early IRA Withdrawal

•   If you have a Roth IRA, you can withdraw contributions (but not earnings) free of tax and penalties.

•   Early withdrawals provide emergency funds without interest and fees.

Cons of Early IRA Withdrawal

•   You cannot repay the money you withdraw, so you will have less of a nest egg for retirement.

•   If you withdraw gains from a Roth IRA, you may have to pay taxes and fees.

•   You miss out on earnings from the amount that you withdraw.

Pros of a Personal Loan

•   There are no withdrawal penalties with a personal loan.

•   Your retirement savings stay intact, and you will continue to earn money on the funds.

•   A personal loan can put cash into your bank account within one to two business days.

Cons of a Personal Loan

•   Some shopping around is required, and there is an application process.

•   A minimum credit score might be required.

•   Average interest rates and fees could be high depending on your credit score.

The Takeaway

Account holders may not take out loans from an IRA or Roth IRA. Making an early withdrawal from an IRA is an option, but that comes with taxes and a 10% penalty. Because you cannot pay the funds back, a withdrawal loses out on the investment gains those funds would have earned. However, you can withdraw money from your IRA as long as you redeposit it or roll it over into a new account within 60 days. And you can borrow money from a 401(k) plan without any penalties.

Before you consider withdrawing from your IRA, consider a personal loan. SoFi offers competitive personal loans with no origination, prepayment, or late fees. Getting a personal loan is usually straightforward, and funds can be deposited as soon as the same day.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2022 winner for Best Online Personal Loan.

FAQ

Can I take a loan from my IRA?

There is no such thing as an IRA loan because you cannot pay the money back. You can withdraw funds from an IRA and roll them over into the same or another IRA within 60 days, and you can do this once every 12 months. If you don’t roll over the funds within 60 days, the action will be considered a withdrawal or lump-sum cash distribution. That means you will have to pay federal and state taxes plus an additional 10% penalty.

How do I get an IRA loan?

You can’t borrow from your IRA. However, if you’re 59 ½ or older, you can request a distribution from your traditional IRA without any penalty. Since your original contributions were tax-deductible, you’ll need to pay income tax on the funds you withdraw.

If you have a Roth IRA, you can withdraw both contributions and earnings tax-free and penalty-free, but only if you are 59 ½ or older and have owned your Roth IRA for five years or more. If you withdraw earnings early, you’ll have to pay a 10% penalty and income tax on the amount you withdraw.

Lastly, you can use the 60-day rollover rule to your advantage if you can repay the borrowed money in 60 days or less and avoid paying taxes and penalties.

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SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Personal loans used to be considered a last resort to resolve cash flow issues. Today, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, personal loans are the fastest growing lending vehicle in the nation. Personal loans are appealing partly because of their flexibility. They can be used for almost any purpose, whether to fix up a home or consolidate credit card debt. Borrowers can receive anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000, choose a fixed or variable interest rate, even select the length of the loan.

Read on to find out more about how personal loans work, how to qualify, their advantages and disadvantages, and whether a personal loan is right for you.

What Is the Required Credit Score for a $15,000 Personal Loan?

You will likely need a credit score of at least 660 for a $15,000 personal loan. Many lenders don’t state a minimum required credit score because they will vary the terms for each borrower depending on their credit history. The higher your score, the more money you can qualify for and the better the interest rate.

Benefits of a $15,000 Personal Loan

A $15,000 personal loan is a sizable amount that can serve many purposes. Common personal loan uses include making large purchases, covering living expenses for a defined period, consolidating debt, and paying off a credit card with a higher interest rate. Here are some other benefits:

Interest Rates and Flexible Terms

There are many types of personal loans, and interest rates can be fixed or variable. The interest rate that a lender charges will depend on the borrower’s credit rating and the length of the loan, but rates are typically lower than for other forms of debt. Loan lengths can vary from a few months to a few years.

No Collateral Required

Personal loans are typically unsecured, which means no collateral is required. If you don’t qualify only for an unsecured loan, you may select a loan cosigner with a stronger credit rating to help you get approved.

Recommended: Guarantor vs Cosigner

Fixed Monthly Payments

Most personal loans have fixed monthly payments based on the amount borrowed, the interest rate, and the term. This makes budgeting easier because the borrower knows how much they must pay each month.

Recommended: Try Our Personal Loan Calculator

Cons of a $15,000 Personal Loan

One disadvantage of a $15,000 personal loan is that it can be expensive, especially if you have bad credit or need to spread the payments out over many years. The longer the term, the more you will pay in interest. Here are some other issues to consider:

Taking on Debt

If you already have trouble paying your monthly bills, taking on more debt may not be a good idea. Some borrowers use a personal loan to consolidate other debt that charges higher interest, such as credit cards. For people who have a tendency to overspend, freeing up their credit may just encourage them to spend more again.

Higher Payments Than Credit Cards

Credit cards do not have a deadline to pay off the entire debt. For that reason, the monthly minimum payment is typically less than the payment on a personal loan. If a personal loan is used to consolidate credit card debt, some borrowers may find it difficult to make the higher payments of a personal loan.

Origination Fees and Prepayment Penalties

Some lenders will charge an origination fee to cover the cost of setting up the loan. Additionally, if the borrower wants to pay off the loan before the payoff date, the lender may charge a penalty. Borrowers should find out about any fees and penalties before deciding on a lender.

Interest Rates May Be Higher Than Other Options

For borrowers with poor credit, the interest rate on a personal loan can be high. In this case, a credit card might be a better option.

Where Can I Get a $15,000 Personal Loan?

Online lenders, traditional banks, and credit unions all provide $15,000 personal loans. Some online lenders pre-qualify borrowers so they can see the terms, and many will deposit funds into a bank account within one to two days.

Traditional banks or credit unions may offer better terms to their members because there is a pre-existing relationship. But they may also want to meet with a borrower in person to negotiate the loan.

How to Get a $15,000 Personal Loan

The steps to get approved for a personal loan are typically the same regardless of the lender. The first step, before you even apply, is to review your credit history. You can pull a report for free from each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — from the website AnnualCreditReport.com. Then you can file a dispute online to have any inaccuracies removed. This can boost your credit rating and ensure you get the best terms from a lender.

Here are the basic application steps you’ll need to be prepared for:

1. Check Your Eligibility

Shop around for the best loan terms and find out if you qualify. Check both online lenders and traditional lenders, paying special attention to origination fees and prepayment penalties.

2. Get Pre-qualified

Getting pre-qualified will show you what terms the lender is offering based on your credit history. Fill out the online form, including how much you want to borrow and your desired payoff time frame.

Lenders will pull your credit report to pre-qualify you, which may ding your credit score. Focus on lenders who will perform a “soft inquiry” for pre-qualification, which will not affect your credit rating.

Recommended: What’s the Difference Between a Hard and Soft Credit Check?

3. Check the Terms

Once you are pre-qualified, review the pre-approval letter and check the loan amount. Check whether it is an unsecured or secured loan, the annual percentage rate (APR), and whether the interest rate is fixed or variable. Pay attention to the monthly payment and the payback term. Also look for fees, penalties, and other potential charges.

4. Apply for the Loan

Gather the documents that you will need to apply for the loan. Borrowers typically need to upload a pay stub, mortgage or rent agreement, debt documentation, proof of identity, and their social security number.

Applying for Other Small Loan Amounts

Loan amounts can range from $1,000 up to 100,000. The terms for a small $3,000 personal loan will vary with those for a larger loan. Here are some examples of loan interest rates, terms, and monthly payments.

$5,000 Personal Loans

Here’s a typical scenario for a borrower with average credit (700–759 credit score): The monthly payments on a $5,000 personal loan, paid back over five years at an APR of 15.75% to 18.25%, would be around $121–$128.

$10,000 Personal Loans

For a $10,000 personal loan paid back over five years at an APR of 12.75% to 15.25%, a borrower with average credit would pay $226 to $239 per month.

$20,000 Personal Loans

For a $20,000 loan paid back over five years at an APR of 12.75% to 15.25%, a borrower with average credit would pay $452 to $478 per month.

The Takeaway

Personal loan interest rates are determined by a borrower’s credit rating and financial history. The higher the credit rating, the lower the interest rate. For consumers with good credit, a $15,000 personal loan can be a more affordable form of debt than credit cards. For consumers with bad credit, the higher interest rate may make a $15,000 personal loan less attractive.

SoFi offers competitive personal loans. There are no origination, prepayment, or late fees as there are with some other lenders, and our competitive interest rates are fixed, making budgeting easier.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2022 winner for Best Online Personal Loan overall.

FAQ

What credit score is needed for a personal loan for $15,000?

A credit score of at least 660 is typically required for a $15,000 personal loan. Some lenders that cater to people with poor credit will charge higher interest rates and fees to cover their elevated risk.

How long can I get a $15,000 personal loan for?

Personal loans are typically for three, five, or seven years. The shorter the repayment period, the less interest you will pay over the life of the loan.

What would payments be on a $15,000 personal loan?

The monthly payments on a $15,000 loan depend on the interest rate and repayment terms. If you know how much you want to borrow, over what period, and at what interest rate, an online loan calculator can tell you what your payments will be.

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Photo credit: iStock/fizkes

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

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A personal loan is a type of loan offered by many banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Unlike a mortgage loan or car loan, which specifies what the money should be spent on, a personal loan doesn’t have as many restrictions. Typically, you can use the funds from a personal loan to pay for a wide range of expenses.

Various factors will influence which type of personal loan is right for you, like how much money you plan to borrow, your credit and income, and how much debt you already have. To make the best selection for your unique needs, however, it’s important to understand the different types of personal loans there are.

Unsecured or Secured

A common type of personal loan is an unsecured personal loan. This means there’s no collateral backing up the loan, which can make them riskier for lenders. Approval and interest rates for unsecured personal loans are generally based on a person’s income and credit score, but other factors may apply.

Unlike an unsecured loan, there is some sort of collateral backing up a secured personal loan. For example, think of a home mortgage — if the borrower does not make payments, the bank or lender can seize the asset (in this case, the home) that was used to secure the loan.

Since secured loans involve collateral, lenders often view them as less risky than their unsecured counterparts. This can mean that secured personal loans might offer a lower interest rate than a comparable unsecured loan.

Here’s a comparison of some of the features of unsecured and secured personal loans:

Unsecured Personal Loan	Secured Personal Loan
No collateral needed	Requires an asset to be used as collateral
Higher interest rates compared to secured personal loans	May have lower interest rates than unsecured personal loans
Approval based on applicant’s income, credit score, and other factors	Approval based on value of collateral being used, in addition to applicant’s creditworthiness
Funds may be available in as little as a few days	Processing time can be longer due to need for collateral valuation

Recommended: Choosing Between a Secured and Unsecured Personal Loan

Variable or Fixed Interest Rate

A personal loan with a fixed interest rate will have the same interest rate for the life of the loan. This also means you’ll have the same fixed payment each month and, based on your scheduled payments, can know upfront how much interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan.

On the other hand, the interest rate on a variable rate loan may change over the life of the loan, fluctuating based on the prevailing short-term interest rates. Typically, the starting interest rate on a variable rate loan will be lower than on a fixed rate loan, but the interest rate is likely to change as time passes. Variable rate loans are generally tied to well-known indexes.

If you’re trying to decide on a variable or fixed-rate personal loan, this summary might be helpful (you might also consider crunching the numbers using a personal loan calculator):

Variable Interest Rate	Fixed Interest Rate
May have lower starting interest rate than a fixed-rate personal loan	Interest rate remains the same for the life of the loan
Payment amount may vary from month to month	Monthly payment amount will not change
Might be desirable for a short-term loan if current interest rate is low	May be a better option if predictable payments are desired for a long-term loan
Maximum interest rate may be capped	Potential to cost more in interest payments over the life of the loan

Debt Consolidation Loan

This type of personal loan refinances existing debts into one new loan. Ideally, the interest rate on this new debt consolidation loan would be lower than the interest rate on the outstanding debt. This would allow you to spend less in interest over the life of the loan.

With a debt consolidation loan, you may only have to manage one single monthly payment. This streamlining of monthly debt payments is another major perk of this type of loan.

Cosigned Loan

If you’re struggling to get approved for a personal loan on your own, there are circumstances in which you can apply for a loan with a cosigner. A cosigner is someone who helps you qualify for the loan but does not have ownership over the loan. In the event that you are unable to make payments on the loan, your cosigner would be responsible.

Co-borrowers and co-applicants are other terms you might hear if you’re interested in borrowing a personal loan with the assistance of a friend or family member. A co-borrower essentially takes out the loan with you. Unlike a cosigner, your co-borrower’s name will also be on the loan, so they’d be equally responsible for making sure payments are made on time.

Meanwhile, a co-applicant is the person applying for a loan with you. When the loan application is approved, the co-applicant becomes the co-borrower.

Personal Lines of Credit

Slightly different from a personal loan, a personal line of credit functions similarly to a credit card. It’s revolving credit, which typically means there is a maximum credit limit, a required monthly minimum payment, and when the debt is paid off, money can be withdrawn again.

The funds in a personal line of credit are generally accessed by writing checks or using a card, or by making transfers into another account.

Interest rates on a personal line of credit may be lower than the interest rates on a credit card. Like personal loans, there are both unsecured and secured personal lines of credit.

Credit Card Cash Advances

Some credit cards offer the option to borrow cash against the card’s total cash advance limit. This is called a credit card cash advance. The available cash advance amount may be different than the total available credit for purchases — that information is typically included on each credit card statement.

Depending on the credit card company’s policy, there are a few ways to secure a cash advance: you can use your credit card at an ATM to withdraw money, borrow a cash advance from a credit union or bank, or request a cash advance from the credit card company directly.

Cash advances typically have some of the highest rates around. There are often additional credit card fees associated with a cash advance transaction. Check your credit card disclosure terms for full details before taking a cash advance.

Different Types of Personal Loan Uses

The common uses for personal loans are wide-ranging. Here are some of the reasons why people consider borrowing money with a personal loan.

Planning a Wedding

The dress, flowers, catering, photographer, venue fees — the list of wedding expenses can go on and on. A personal loan for weddings is one option that you can use to cover all or part of costs. Just keep in mind that this will involve going into debt, and you will pay interest.

Moving Expenses

Whether you’re moving across the country or just across town, the cost of moving can add up quickly. A personal loan could potentially help you make ends meet as you’re relocating.

And if you want to do a few renovations or upgrades on your new place once you’re moved in, a personal loan could help with that too.

Consolidating Debt

Another reason people use personal loans is to consolidate debt. Debt consolidation could allow you to simplify your repayment since you may have just one payment to keep track of every month after consolidating.

Depending on the rate and terms you qualify for, consolidating your debt could potentially help you save money on interest payments while you pay down your debt.

Taking a Vacation

Planning a vacation? Maybe your niece is getting married in Greece or you and your partner are planning a honeymoon. If budgeting and saving aren’t enough to get you to your vacation goal, a vacation loan could be one option to help you fill in the gaps. Just make sure you’re not taking on debt that you won’t later be able to pay back.

Making a Large Purchase

Whether it’s a new furnace, new patio furniture, or an engagement ring, if the cost of your dream item is a little out of your budget, a personal loan could help you afford the option you really want.

The Takeaway

Armed with some knowledge about types of personal loans, you may be ready to make an educated decision about whether or not a personal loan is right for you.

As you consider your options, take a look at SoFi. You can find out if you pre-qualify for a personal loan, and at what rates, in just a few minutes. Plus, as a SoFi member, you’ll be eligible for additional membership benefits like career coaching.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

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SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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Some people may have emergency savings to dip into or family or friends who can help them out if the unexpected happens. But for those who can’t access such resources, help may come in the form of a hardship loan, a type of loan offered to help people get through financial challenges, such as unemployment or medical debt.

Taking out a hardship loan can offer the cushion needed until a person’s financial prospects brighten. There are a variety of hardship loans to consider, from personal loans to home equity borrowing, and each has its own application requirements.

What Is a Hardship Loan?

A hardship loan doesn’t have an official definition, but many personal finance institutions may offer their own version of hardship loans. At its core, a hardship loan is a loan that can help you get through unexpected financial challenges like unemployment, medical bills, or caregiving responsibilities.

What Can You Use a Hardship Loan For?

As one of the types of personal loans, a hardship loan typically works much like any standard personal loan. The borrower receives a lump sum of money to use as they need, with few limitations. Potential uses could include:

•   Rent or mortgage payments

•   Past-due bills

•   Everyday expenses like groceries and transportation

•   Medical needs

A hardship loan could overwhelm already strained finances, however. Debt in any form will have to be repaid eventually, with interest, even in the case of hardship loans.

Hardship Borrowing Options

When you’re experiencing financial difficulties, you may feel the need to make a quick decision. But assessing your options can help you find the best solution for your needs and financial circumstances. Here are some options you may consider when looking for financing during times of hardship.

Personal Loans

A personal loan allows you to borrow a lump sum of money, typically at a fixed interest rate, that you’ll then repay in installments over a set amount of time. Unlike a credit card, which is revolving debt, a personal loan has a set end date. This allows you to know exactly how much interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan (a personal loan calculator can always help with that determination, too).

The common uses for personal loans are wide-ranging. In addition to using a personal loan to help cover current expenses, you could also use personal loans to consolidate high-interest debt that you may have incurred, whether due to hardship or other reasons.

Typically, personal loan interest rates are lower than credit card interest rates, making them an attractive alternative to credit cards. When it comes to getting your personal loan approved, expect lenders to look at your credit history, credit score, and other factors.

Credit Cards

Some people also may use credit cards to cover hardship expenses. While this strategy can help in the moment, it can lead to larger bills over time.

For instance, a credit card that offers a 0% annual percentage rate (APR) could allow you to minimize interest charges throughout the promotional period. However, you’ll need to ensure the balance is paid in full before the introductory period ends. Otherwise, you could start racking up interest charges quickly, adding to your financial challenges.

Peer-to-Peer Lending

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending is becoming more common as people seek out nontraditional financing. P2P loans are generally managed through a lending platform that matches applicants with investors.

While it may offer more flexibility than a traditional loan, a P2P lending platform still looks at an applicant’s overall financial picture — including their credit score — during the approval process. Like a traditional loan, a P2P’s loan terms and interest rates will vary depending on an applicant’s creditworthiness.

Generally, lenders in the P2P space will report accounts to credit bureaus just as traditional lenders do. So making regular, on-time payments can have a positive effect on your credit score. And, conversely, making late payments or failing to make payments at all can have a negative effect on your credit score.

Recommended: Understanding How P2P Lending Works

Home Equity

If you own your home, you may consider borrowing against your home’s value. You could do this in the form of a home equity loan, a home equity line of credit (HELOC), or by refinancing your mortgage through a cash-out refinancing option.

With a home equity loan, you’ll pay back the amount borrowed (with interest) over an agreed-upon period of time. While a home equity loan is offered in a lump sum, a HELOC is a revolving line of credit that can allow you to withdraw what you need. However, HELOCs often have variable interest rates, which can make it challenging to plan for repayment.

With a cash-out refinance, on the other hand, you’d refinance your current mortgage for more than what you currently owe, allowing you to get a bit of extra cash to use as you need. This process replaces your old mortgage with a new one.

In all of the options outlined above, if you can’t pay back the loan or follow the agreed-upon terms, there’s the potential that you may lose your house.

401(k) Hardship Withdrawal

It also may be possible to withdraw funds from your retirement plan. Under normal circumstances, a penalty typically is incurred for early withdrawal. There’s a chance the penalty will get waived due to certain types of financial hardship, but exceptions are limited.

Additionally, making a hardship withdrawal from your retirement account means a missed opportunity for these funds to grow. This could potentially put your retirement goals at a disadvantage or later require you to come up with an alternative catch-up savings strategy. In other words, really pause to think it through before using your 401(k) to pay down debt or put toward current expenses.

Alternative Options

While you can use personal loans for a variety of financial needs, there may be other options to consider depending on your situation. For example, if you’re a single parent, you might consider seeking out loans for single moms or dads who have sole financial responsibility for their household. Here are some other options you might explore:

•   Employer-sponsored hardship programs: If you’re facing financial hardship, ask your employer if they have an employee assistance program (EAP). Financial assistance might be offered to help employees who have emergency medical bills, who have experienced extensive home damage due to fire or flood, or who have experienced a death in the family. Employees will likely have to meet specific qualifications to receive EAP funds.

•   Borrowing from friends and relatives: Asking for an informal loan from a friend or family member is certainly an option for getting through financial hardship, although not one that should be considered lightly. Having clear communication about each party’s expectations and responsibilities can go a long way to keeping a relationship intact. Consider having a written loan agreement that outlines details about the loan, such as the amount, interest rate (even if it’s nominal), and when repayment is expected.

•   Community-based resources: There may be specific grants within your community available for people with emergency financial needs. Organizations like 211.org help individuals find the assistance they need. Community-based social services organizations also may be able to make referrals to other organizations as needed.

•   Government programs: Federal and state governments list resources on their websites for individuals seeking financial hardship assistance. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for certain government programs that could help reduce expenses for food, childcare, utilities, housing, prescription medication, and others.

The Takeaway

Researching all of your options for financial relief is a wise move. You might find help from government or community resources, your employer, or a friend or family member. Or, you might consider options such as a financial hardship loan, a home equity loan, or a P2P loan.

If you’re looking for financial help in the form of a hardship loan, a SoFi personal loan could be a good option for your unique financial situation. SoFi personal loans offer competitive, fixed rates and a variety of terms. Checking your rate won’t affect your credit score^*, and it takes just one minute.

See if a personal loan from SoFi is right for you

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^*Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Loans have become an integral part of American financial life. We need a mortgage to buy our first home, and an auto loan to purchase a car. More recently, people are turning to personal loans to cover surprise bills and avoid high-interest credit card debt. But just because you need a loan doesn’t mean a lender is going to give you the loan — and interest rate — you want.

If you’re struggling to qualify for a loan, a friend or family member may be able to help by becoming a co-borrower. By leveraging their income, credit score, and financial history, you may qualify for better loan terms. Let’s dive into the details.

What is a Co-borrower?

A loan co-borrower basically takes on the loan with you, and their name will be on the loan with yours. They will be equally responsible for paying the loan back and will have part ownership of whatever the loan buys. When you take out a mortgage with someone, the co-borrower will own half the home.

When applying for a loan, your partner is called a “co-applicant.” Once the loan is approved, the co-applicant becomes the co-borrower.

Spouses often co-borrow when buying property, and when taking out a home improvement loan for a remodel. In other circumstances, two parties become co-borrowers in order to qualify for a larger loan or better loan terms than if they were to take out a loan solo.

Recommended: All About Variable Interest Rate Loans

Co-borrower vs. Cosigner

A cosigner plays a slightly different role than a co-borrower. A cosigner’s income and financial history are still factored into the loan decision, and their positive credit standing benefits the primary applicant’s loan application. But a cosigner does not share ownership of any property the loan is used to purchase. And a cosigner will help make loan payments only if the primary borrower is unable to make them.

Cosigning helps assure lenders that someone will pay back the loan. Typically, a cosigner has a stronger financial history than the primary borrower. This can help someone get approved for a loan they might not qualify for on their own, or secure better terms.

For example, a parent with a strong credit history might cosign their child’s mortgage. The parent’s income likely lowers the child’s debt-to-income ratio. This, along with the parent’s longer credit history and typically higher credit score, allows the child to get a lower interest rate on their home loan. The parent doesn’t co-own the home, but they do have to make mortgage payments if their child can’t.

Recommended: What Is Revolving Credit?

Benefits of a Co-borrower

Having a co-borrower can help two people who both want to achieve a financial goal — like first-time homeownership or buying a new car — put in a stronger application than they might have on their own. The lender will have double the financial history to consider, and two borrowers to rely on when it comes to repayment. Therefore, the loan is a less risky prospect, which translates to more favorable terms.

Having a co-borrower has the potential to improve the borrowing power for both partners. Having a cosigner, on the other hand, is generally more beneficial to the primary applicant than it is for the cosigner.

Risks of a Co-borrower

By essentially taking on a financial partner, co-borrowers take on significant risk. Both parties are responsible for the loan from the beginning. And any bad financial decisions made by one borrower (like getting mixed up in short-term loans) can affect the other if it means the struggling borrower can’t make their payments.

Then there is the personal risk to the relationship. Money conflicts can sour a bond and even lead to the partnership being dissolved. Before taking on a co-borrower or agreeing to become one, it’s important to have an honest discussion. Both parties must be open about their credit history, financial habits, and goals.

Consider drawing up a contract — separate from the loan agreement — that outlines how responsibility will be divided and what happens in worst-case scenarios. While it may feel awkward, it can save you both a more heated argument later on.

When Does Having a Co-borrower Make Sense?

Applying with a co-borrower makes the most sense when you’re working as a team toward the same financial objective. Spouses buying a house together is a common example, but a joint personal loan with a partner might also be considered.

Personal loans are often used to fund home improvements or used for debt consolidation. Business partners may also co-borrow loans to help get their ventures up and running.

Many companies, including SoFi, now allow qualified individuals to co-borrow on personal loans. That means you and your co-borrower (whether a spouse, friend, or family member) may be able to qualify for a better personal loan interest rate and fund your financial goals much more easily.

The Takeaway

Taking out a loan is a big decision, and doing so with a co-borrower carries additional risks. A co-borrower is a partner in the loan and any property the loan is used to purchase. If one borrower cannot make their payments, the co-borrower will be on the hook for the full amount. But if both parties can come to an agreement about how they’ll handle any financial hardships, co-borrowing can have major benefits. By pooling their income and debt, they may lower their debt-to-income ratio and qualify for a mortgage or personal loan with a lower interest rate and better terms.

Thinking about co-borrowing on a personal loan? Check out your rate on a SoFi Personal Loan in 1 minute.

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

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