How we are paid
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What we look at
No single number tells the whole story. A lender with fast funding can still rank lower if its costs are high or its terms are unclear.
Rates, fees and terms
We look at the interest rates and APR range a lender shows, its fees, loan amounts and repayment terms, and how clearly it states them.
Who can apply
We check the eligibility rules a lender publishes: age, residency, income and credit requirements, and whether pre-qualification affects your credit score.
Funding speed
We look at how long a lender says it takes to decide and to pay out, and what can slow it down.
Repayment and hardship
We check how repayments are taken, what happens if you pay late, and whether the lender explains its options for borrowers who struggle to repay.
Transparency and support
We check that a lender names itself clearly, shows its terms before you apply and can be reached when something goes wrong.
How a review is done
01
Check who can apply
We read a lender's eligibility rules and what it asks for when you apply.
- Age, residency and income rules
- Credit checks
02
Look at the loan terms
We check the rates, fees, amounts and repayment terms a lender publishes, and what it asks for before it makes an offer.
- Rates and APR range
- Fees and repayment terms
- Eligibility and credit checks
03
Check the total cost
We compare what a loan costs in total, not only the headline rate, including origination and late fees.
- APR and total repayment
- Late and early repayment fees
04
Keep it up to date
We update a guide when rates, fees or eligibility change.
- Changed rates or fees
- New complaints or support problems
When a rating goes down
What lowers a rating
- Costs that are hidden or unclear before you apply
- Very high APRs or fees compared with other lenders
- Unclear repayment, late-payment or rollover terms
- Support that leaves questions about a loan unanswered
When we update a page
- Rates, fees or limits change
- A lender changes its rates, fees or eligibility rules
- Availability in a state or country changes
- Complaints or support change in a way that matters
Questions about our ratings
Can a business relationship change a review?
No. Our checks decide the review. A lender with unclear costs should not earn a top place because it pays a commission.
Do you take out every loan you review?
No. We rely on the lender's published rates, fees and terms, and say so, rather than claiming a test we did not do.
How often are reviews updated?
When something that matters changes: rates, fees, eligibility or complaints. Always read the lender's own loan agreement before you sign.