Step by step
Eight steps, in the order you meet them, with what to have ready and what to check before you move on.
Before you apply
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Check your credit first
Pull your free weekly reports, dispute errors and lift any freeze before a lender looks at your file.
Before you apply, checked Oct 27, 2026
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Where to borrow
Banks, credit unions, online lenders, CDFIs and finance companies: who regulates each and what they may charge.
Before you apply, checked Oct 27, 2026
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Verify a lender
Find the license on NMLS or with your state, match the lender of record and spot advance-fee scams.
Before you apply, checked Oct 27, 2026
Applying
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Documents you need
ID, SSN or ITIN, proof of income and address, bank statements, and how to send them safely.
Applying, checked Oct 27, 2026
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Soft and hard credit checks
Which loan steps use a soft or a hard inquiry, how long each lasts, and how to compare rates with few hard pulls.
Applying, checked Oct 27, 2026
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Signing and funding
What to check before you sign, e-signing consent, how the money arrives, and why most loans have no cooling-off period.
Applying, checked Oct 27, 2026
After the decision
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If you are denied
The notice a lender owes you within 30 days, the reasons and score in it, what to fix and when to reapply.
After the decision, checked Oct 27, 2026
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First payment and autopay
Find the first due date, see how interest builds, and set up or stop autopay under Regulation E.
After the decision, checked Oct 27, 2026