Loan types

Five categories. One straight explanation each.

What it is, how providers think about it, and the few things actually worth knowing before you start.

Personal loans

Personal loans are unsecured — you don't pledge a car or house against them. Most providers in our network look at credit score, income stability, and existing debt before quoting a rate.

Terms typically run two to seven years. The right loan depends on the trade-off you want between monthly payment and total interest paid — we'll surface providers that fit either side of that line.

Three things to know

  • Rates depend on your credit profile — no one can quote a real number until a provider reviews your file.
  • Fixed-rate is the norm; variable-rate personal loans exist but are uncommon outside specific use cases.
  • Prepayment penalties are rare with modern providers, but worth confirming before you sign.

Business loans

Business lending is its own world. Providers care about revenue, time in business, industry, and how you intend to use the money — sometimes more than they care about personal credit.

Funding Pros works with both bank lenders and specialty business providers, so we can match you whether you have years of audited statements or just a few months of merchant processing history.

Three things to know

  • Most providers want at least 6–12 months in business and a baseline of monthly revenue before they'll engage.
  • SBA-backed options can offer better terms, but the paperwork is heavier — worth it on larger loans.
  • Be specific about use of funds. Vague answers cost you rate.

Debt consolidation

Consolidation isn't a product so much as a strategy: take out one loan, pay off several others, simplify your life. It only saves money if the new rate is meaningfully lower than the blended rate you were paying.

We match you with providers that specialize in consolidation underwriting, which often means more flexibility on debt-to-income ratios than a generic personal loan.

Three things to know

  • Closing out paid-off credit cards can briefly drop your score — keep them open with a zero balance if you can.
  • Watch for origination fees; they can quietly erase a rate advantage.
  • Consolidation only works if you stop adding new debt to the cards you just paid off.

Auto loans

Auto loans are secured by the vehicle, which usually means lower rates than unsecured personal loans. Refinance options exist for people who took dealer financing and later realized they could do better.

We surface providers that offer pre-approval, so you can walk into a dealership knowing your number — not learn it after you've fallen for the car.

Three things to know

  • Pre-approval is leverage. Get it before you negotiate price.
  • Loan term and rate are not the same thing — a longer term means more interest paid even at the same rate.
  • Refinance is usually worth considering 6–12 months after a dealer-financed purchase.

Home & mortgage

Mortgage lending is its own category, with its own paperwork and timelines. We connect you with providers who handle conventional, FHA, VA, and jumbo loans — and home equity products if you already own.

Because mortgages take weeks to close, the most useful thing we can do is get you to a provider whose process matches your situation. We don't quote rates; we route you to people who will, and who you can actually reach by phone.

Three things to know

  • Lock-in periods matter. A great rate that expires before you close costs you the rate.
  • Closing costs vary widely between providers — compare them, not just the headline rate.
  • Home equity is a real loan, not free money. Treat it that way.

Not sure which fits

Tell us your situation. We'll help.

You don't need to know the category. Describe what you're trying to do and we'll route you to providers that fit.