How To Get a $40,000 Loan

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You can get a $40,000 loan from traditional, online, or alternative lenders, though your best option — and approval odds — will vary based on your credit, income and needs.

What Are Your Options for a $40,000 Loan? 

Most lenders offer personal loan amounts from $1,000 to $100,000. For a $40,000 loan, consider the following options.  

• Unsecured personal loans: This popular personal loan type is offered by banks, credit unions and online lenders. Approval and terms are based primarily on income and creditworthiness, meaning you often need good to excellent credit to qualify. 
• Secured personal loans: These loans require collateral, i.e., a personal asset, such as a vehicle, home, or cash deposit, to secure the financing. Secured personal loans are often a good fit if your credit can’t qualify for an unsecured loan or you’re looking for a large loan, such as $40,000.  
• Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms: These alternative marketplaces connect borrowers with institutional investors. Most P2P lenders offer personal loans up to $50,000, although some also provide business loans in higher amounts.

Back-up options include 401(k) loans, home equity loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOC), or borrowing from friends and family. 

Best Loan Option for You If…

Not sure where to start? Use this quick guide to find the $40,000 loan that fits your situation. 

• If you have good credit, consider an unsecured personal loan from a reputable financial institution.
• If your credit is average, fair or poor, consider a secured personal loan from a lender that works with higher-risk applicants.
• If you need $40,000 fast, consider a top online lender as they’re known for funding loans within one to five business days. 
• If you’re trying to pay off high-interest debts, think about a debt consolidation loan, which combines multiple balances into a single monthly installment payment. 

How To Qualify for a $40,000 Loan: 5 Things To Do Now

While you can get a pricier personal loan, $40,000 is still a lot to borrow. You can increase your qualification odds by taking these steps.

1. Check Your Credit Score

Most lenders require a credit score of 580 or more to qualify for a $40,000 personal loan, and you’ll need good-to-excellent credit to receive top terms. Check your credit to see where you stand and whether you can improve before applying.

Common ways to quickly boost a credit score include paying off high credit cards, disputing credit report errors, and settling delinquent accounts.

2. Keep Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Low 

Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) measures how much you owe creditors against how much you earn. A high DTI ratio can cost you a personal loan, even if your credit is technically sound. Most lenders require a debt-to-income ratio below 36%, though some will finance applicants with a ratio as high as 46%.

3. Show Steady Income or Employment 

Personal loan income requirements vary, but lenders will look to see if you have a steady source of employment and that your current earnings justify a $40,000 loan.

Self-employed applicants usually must provide additional income verification, including two years of tax returns, three to six months of bank statements and profit and loss statements.

4. Gather Documentation

Lenders usually require a copy of your state-issued ID or Social Security card, W-2s, pay stubs, utility bills — to verify your address — and employment verification.

5. Consider a Cosigner 

If your credit is subpar or your income alone can’t support a $40,000 loan, consider asking a trusted friend or family member to serve as a cosigner. They’ll assume liability for the loan, so you’ll want to ensure that you pay the lender as agreed to avoid negative consequences and damage to the relationship. 

How To Get $40,000 Fast 

Utilize these strategies if you’re looking for fast financing.

• Choose online lenders: They’re known to provide full funding within one to five business days, as opposed to traditional lenders which typically take one to seven business days. Some online lenders also offer same-day funding to qualified applicants. 
• Use direct deposit: This disbursement method provides the quickest payout, particularly if you have a pre-existing relationship, such as a checking or savings account, with the lender. 
• Prepare documents in advance: If you’re self-employed or are lower-income, you might need a bit more documentation to prove your ability to repay $40,000.
• Look for prequalification options: Prequalification provides a conditional loan approval, following a soft credit check. Lenders offering prequalification are known for fast approval times.

What’s Your Reason for Borrowing?

Everyone has different reasons for needing a $40,000 loan. Here’s how to find the right option based on your goals. 

Emergency Expenses 

• Money used for: Car repairs, medical bills, or urgent home improvements
• Shopping tip: Look for a fast funding timeline and flexible loan terms. 
• Best option: Rocket Loans is one of the top lenders for fast cash, offering same-day funding to qualified applicants and personal loans ranging from $2,000 to $45,000.

Debt Consolidation 

• Money used for: Combining and paying off high-interest credit cards or installment loans 
• Shopping tip: Look for low annual percentage rates (APRs) and no prepayment penalty. 
• Best option: Upgrade is one of the top debt consolidation lenders. It’s known for working with applicants who have bad credit. 

Home Improvements 

• Money used for: Renovating or repairing your home without using a HELOC 
• Shopping tip: Opt for a lender with longer terms for larger projects. 
• Best option: Lightstream offers personal loans with repayment terms ranging from 24 to 240 months.  

Moving or Relocation Costs 

• Money used for: Security deposits, truck rentals, cross-country movers and temporary living expenses 
• Shopping tip: Look for lenders that offer quick decisions and flexible uses. 
• Best option: SoFi® provides same-day funding for qualified applicants; its loans range from $5,000 to $100,000.

Starting a Side Hustle or Small Business 

• Money used for: Supplies, marketing or other startup expenses 
• Shopping tip: Consider a personal loan if you don’t yet qualify for a business loan. 
• Best option: Best Egg offers personal loans of up to $50,000 for various expenses.

Special Occasions or Big Purchases 

• Money use for: Weddings, travel or important family events 
• Shopping tip: Choose a lender with no fees or early payoff penalties 
• Best option: Wells Fargo offers personal loans ranging from $3,000 to $100,000 with no origination fees or prepayment penalties. 

Tips to Make the Process Easier 

No matter why you’re borrowing $40,000 or what lender you choose, these tips can make the application and repayment process easier. 

• Prequalify to check rates. Compare offers from top personal loan companies to find the best terms without unduly penalizing your credit score.  
• Read the full loan agreement before signing. Important conditions to consider include loan amount, term, APR, repayment schedule, prepayment penalties, late fees and default provisions.
• Set up autopay. That’ll protect you from missing payments. Most lenders allow you to automate personal loan payments via their digital app or online account.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

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