The Most Common Uses for Personal Loans

January 15, 2025
What can I use a personal loan for?

Maybe you need to pay an emergency expense, or maybe you’re just planning on a major life event like a wedding. Personal loans aren’t just for financial trouble—they could be a great decision for you regardless of where you find yourself in life. 

Personal loans are one of the most versatile financial tools available—but how can they work for you? Today, we’ll explore some of the most common ways people use personal loans to achieve their financial goals.

What are personal loans?

What are personal loans?

A personal loan is a type of installment loan that can be paid in fixed monthly intervals. They often allow for more flexible payment schedules and can be used for a range of expenses.

The most common uses for personal loans

What do people typically take out personal loans for? Whether you’re looking to borrow for an expected or unexpected expense, major or minor, there are likely several ways a personal loan option can help you out. 

1. Debt Consolidation

If you find your debt spread out in several hard-to-track bills, debt consolidation might be worth considering. This essentially takes out a loan that pays off your existing debts, allowing you to then pay off a single loan in regular monthly installments that are much easier to manage. Loans for debt consolidation could improve your credit score over time.

2. Home Improvements and Repairs

Is it time to replace your loose-shingled roof? Maybe your kitchen is due for a renovation, or you’re looking to upgrade to more energy-efficient systems. A personal loan can give you the freedom to make these changes, increasing your home value and comfort. They’re a good alternative to home equity loans, which generally use your home as collateral.

3. Emergency Expenses

Sometimes life throws a wrench in your plans, whether that takes the form of an unexpected medical bill, a last-minute car repair, or the need for urgent and immediate travel. In these stressful situations, a personal loan can give you quick access to funds without dipping into your savings.

4. Major Life Events

Sometimes, important milestones call for expensive celebrations. Say you’re planning a wedding or honeymoon, or you need to spend a hefty amount of money on an important birthday celebration. Taking out a personal loan for a major life event allows for healthy budget management and lets you enjoy the special moments.

5. Education and Skill Development

Sometimes it’s a good decision to invest in professional development that will pay off in the long run. That could look like vocational training as an electrician, a special certification, or supplementary education. All of these extra qualifications have the potential to increase your pay and advance your career in the long term, helping you pay off the loan you took out and likely making you a profit as well.

6. Large Purchases

Whether you need to replace that torn couch, buy a new fridge, or invest in an updated cell phone, a personal loan can help you to spread out the cost of big-ticket items instead of taking huge dips into your savings. Appliances and electronics are common reasons behind personal loans.

7. Starting or Expanding a Business

If you’re looking to kickstart a business or expand an existing one, you might need substantial funding for equipment, inventory, or marketing efforts. A personal loan could be a better choice than a traditional business loan.

8. Vacation or Travel

A once-in-a-lifetime cruise. A family getaway to Europe. A destination wedding. If you’re looking to enjoy a major travel experience without stressing over immediate financial strain, the flexible repayment terms offered by personal loans can give you access to quick funds and the ability to spread expenses out over a manageable period of time.

9. Medical or Dental Procedures

Another common use for personal loans is financing costly medical or dental procedures that aren’t covered by insurance. This might include orthodontic treatment, elective surgery, or fertility treatment, among other things, and turns these large expenditures into management payments.

10. Refinancing Other Loans

Like debt consolidation, loan refinancing means taking out a personal loan to pay off another loan. You might choose to do this because a personal loan has a lower interest rate than another existing loan, which saves you money in the long run and reduces your financial stress.

Can I use personal loans for home improvements?

Save on stress with personal loans

To recap, the benefits of personal loans are widespread, from flexible repayment schedules to lower interest rates. At Credit Central, we care about your financial health. Check out our personal loan offerings and apply online today.