Moment Makers Group/Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways To get a personal loan, you’ll need good credit, a stable income and a steady employment history. Bad credit loans are available, but rates can…

Wavebreakmedia/Getty Images Key takeaways An auto loan hardship program can help if you’re facing a financial emergency and need help with your car payments. Eligibility criteria, fees and program options vary by lender. If you don’t qualify for an auto loan hardship program, other forms of debt relief are out…

Key takeaways Secured loans require collateral, in the form of a valuable asset, to back the loan. Lenders may offer lower interest rates and larger loan amounts for secured loans. Common examples of secured loans are auto loans, mortgages and some types of business financing. A lender can repossess the…

Key takeaways Payday loans are a form of predatory lending with extremely high interest rates and short repayment periods, making them a risky option for most people. There are safer alternatives to payday loans, such as taking out a bad credit personal loan and getting an advance on your pay.…