Consumers take out personal loans for any number of reasons. Personal loans are commonly used to pay off credit cards, consolidate debt, remodel a home, finance a wedding or buy a car. Borrowers can then pay back the loan over an extended period in monthly payments. To help you find a personal loan with an easy application process, competitive interest rate and clear terms and conditions, we researched the best personal loans in Bakersfield.
Personal loans have many appealing features. Most lenders will allow you to use the funds for almost any purpose — as long as it’s legal — and usually, the loan is unsecured, meaning the lender doesn’t require a form of collateral. This makes it easier to borrow without expensive assets. The interest rate is also lower than what a credit card company charges.
There are different types of personal loans in Bakersfield:
Type of personal loan
Pros
Cons
Unsecured
No need to put up collateral; regular, fixed monthly payments
Higher rates than secured loans
Secured
Lower rates than unsecured loans
Higher risk; lender can seize collateral if you fail to repay
Personal line of credit
Borrow on an as-needed basis; pay interest only on amount you borrow
Interest rate can change over the life of the loan
Co-sign
Co-signer with stronger credit can help borrower qualify for more favorable loan
Co-signer is responsible for repaying loan if borrower defaults
Debt consolidation
Roll multiple loans into a single monthly payment at a lower interest rate
May not save money in the long run
Salary advance loan
Good credit not required; helpful during financial emergency
Extremely high fees; low borrowing limits
How to apply for a personal loan in Bakersfield
Personal loans in Bakersfield are available from different companies, including banks, credit unions and online lenders. Before applying, check your credit score, which is a key consideration for lenders when they evaluate whether to lend to you and how much to charge. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from the three big reporting companies once every 12 months.
Borrowers with poor credit (around 650 or below) may have more difficulty finding a personal loan in Bakersfield. Credit unions often have more relaxed requirements than traditional banks and might be willing to work with borrowers who have less-than-ideal credit. In general, lenders charge higher interest rates on loans to those with lower credit scores.
Borrowers ordinarily take out personal loans in Bakersfield ranging from $1,000 to $30,000, though smaller and larger amounts are available.
In many cases, applying for a personal loan can be done online or over the phone. Some companies may require you to visit a local branch to confirm your identity and sign paperwork to close the loan. Documents necessary to apply generally include:
Social Security number
Proof of income and current employer information
Monthly financial obligations, such as rent, student loans, car payments, etc.
Proof of address and a list of previous addresses
Before you sign any documents, make sure you understand the total cost over the life of the loan, which includes interest and any other fees. California usury laws prohibit companies from charging excessive interest, and the state provides helpful tips for consumers.
Best Egg is a national online lender that has funded over $6.5 billion in loans to over 450,000 customers. Bakersfield residents can borrow between $2,000 and $35,000 on fixed-term plans and get cash as soon as the next business day. Reviewers say the loan application process is fast and easy and customer service is outstanding. Best Egg has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
FreedomPlus provides online personal loans from $7,500 to $40,000 to Bakersfield residents. After filling out a quick application, customers can qualify on the same day and get funds within 3 business days. FreedomPlus has no hidden fees and provides safe and secure protection of your personal information. Many clients reported informative and kind customer service representatives who guided them through the loan process. FreedomPlus has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
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OneMain Financial
With OneMain Financial, Bakersfield customers complete an online application and then meet with a loan specialist at any of three area branches. Borrow between $1,500 and $30,000 with fixed rates and payments and term lengths up to 60 months. If you are approved by noon, it’s possible to get funds on the same day. Many Bakersfield clients found customer service agents to be patient and knowledgeable, but some experienced frustration with certain business practices. OneMain Financial has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Kern Federal Credit Union
Kern Federal Credit Union, based in Bakersfield, has been serving Kern County residents since 1949. Personal loans up to $35,000 are available at competitive, fixed interest rates. Apply in person or online with a quick and convenient application. Bakersfield clients gave mixed reviews on the customer service at Kern Federal Credit Union. The company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
