Getting Organized

• 1). Check your credit report. Look over each trade line for inconsistencies and errors in outstanding balances, monthly payment amounts, and credit limits. Highlight any items that report a late payment or delinquency. Check the derogatory items section to see if there are any trade lines reporting as unpaid. These can include medical bills, judgments, and charge offs. Highlight any if found. Make corrections to the credit report by contacting each creditor where errors or inconsistencies are found. Do so in writing and request an expedited response. The credit report will be the most important factor in obtaining an unsecured loan. If there are problems with your credit, like late payments and judgments, the interest rate you're offered will be higher, if you're approved at all.
  
  
• 2). Make a list of lenders that offer unsecured loans in your area. Keep track of information like interest rates, loan amounts, loan term, loan costs, and underwriting time lines. It's best to start this research online to save time visiting actual bank branches.
  
  
• 3). Select the lender that offers the best combination of rate and terms that fit your needs, and then contact the lender to confirm the information you found online. Some websites aren't updated often and might contain older information.
  
  

Make the Formal Application

• 1). Schedule an appointment with a loan officer at the bank you selected to provide the personal or unsecured loan. Remember to bring your identification and other items you'll need for underwriting purposes.
  
  
• 2). Fill out a loan application. If this is your first time applying for an unsecured loan, you should do so with the loan officer present as there are often questions and sections of each application that require further explanation.
  
  
• 3). Pay any application fees. If there are application fees associated with the unsecured loan, the banker will most likely ask for that upfront. Payment will have to be made with cash, check, or a credit card.