A personal loan rate is the interest charged on the amount you borrow, usually shown as an annual percentage rate (APR). The advertised representative APR is offered to a minimum proportion of successful applicants, so your actual rate may differ depending on your circumstances, credit history, loan amount and term. Compare the total amount repayable, monthly payments, fees, early-repayment rules and whether the loan is secured or unsecured, rather than focusing only on the headline rate. An eligibility checker can often indicate your likelihood of acceptance without a full credit application, but check the lender is FCA-authorised and that the repayments are affordable.