Options Available for Bad Credit Personal Loan Borrowers

Because of the recessionary economy and the increasing number of people enduring bad hits on their credit reports, a phenomenon has occurred. Banks have tightened their credit or lending qualifications. It is difficult for even good credit clients to coax a loan from them. The economy is in turmoil, people are losing their jobs, but folks with bad credit still need loans. So, private lenders have responded to that demand for bad credit personal loans in droves. The market is lucrative. Competition is fierce. The consumer benefits from this competition as it tends to keep interest rates and fees low.Preparing to ShopJust as you do before you go to the grocery store, you have to prepare. You need to check your budget. Once you have paid of all your regular monthly obligations; how much money is left for the bad credit personal loan you want to get? You also will need some documentation:– Bona Fide Government Identification (often two forms)– Proof of Job Retention (how long on the job, usually three months minimum)– Proof of Salary (pay stubs, direct deposit bank statement)– Active Bank Account (checking with direct deposit)– Proof of Residence (utility bill with same address as identification or bank statement)Banks and Credit UnionsThe first logical choice is to approach your bank or credit union for your bad credit personal loan, especially if you have been with them for awhile, if your accounts have always been clean, or if you have investment or retirement accounts with them. The smaller, local institutions are the most likely to lend with these conditions. Chances are you will be refused, but the loan officer will probably give you an honest assessment of your financial situation and why you were rejected. This assessment will help you gain control of your finances and help you in your search for other lenders. On the other hand, you may be surprised with a nice little loan package.Alternative Lender – ProsperThis lending service matches private lenders with prospective borrowers in a sort of lonely hearts way by using want ads. The private lenders take a more human approach that banks, credit unions, or other lending entities cannot seem to muster. Because these lenders take that approach, they understand that everybody encounters a financially rough spot in their lives once in awhile and are more likely to grant a loan. Several lenders may chip in if you need a rather large amount. Use your search engine to find similar alternative lenders. Direct the browser with this key term: Alternative Lenders.Payday or Cash Advance LendersA very easy way to avail yourself of the funds you need is to go online. Once you direct your browser to Personal Loans, you will be rewarded with scores of lenders who may work with you for a bad credit personal loan. And they are all in one place making comparison shopping very easy. As noted earlier, competition is heavy so you will be able to choose a couple of lenders that have the lowest interest rates, low or no fees and repayment terms that are easy on your purse and your budget. Ask the best three to five lenders for bids.Checking Lenders While They Are Checking YouWhile the lenders are preparing their bids and looking at your financial situation, you should check the reputation of each of them. The best venue to start your check would be to go to the online listings of the Better Business Bureau. They should have graded the various lenders and they should have feedback from past customers. You might also join a few personal finance forums that have sprouted up online and perhaps find out what kind of experience other borrowers have had with the lenders.