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If you’ve been denied a personal loan recently or don’t think a personal loan is right for you, you might feel at a loss as to how to cover a large expense or fund a major project.

The good news is, there’s no shortage of personal loan alternatives that suit a variety of situations. Let’s take a closer look.

Credit Card

A credit card offers you a line of credit that can be used for a variety of purchases. You can borrow up to a set credit limit, and each month that you carry a balance, you’ll owe at least the minimum payment. Credit cards are generally seen as a better option for smaller, everyday purchases, while a personal loan may make more sense for larger, more expensive items, such as a house or car.

Using a credit card responsibly can be a good way to establish your credit history, so long as you make timely payments each month. And some cards may come with perks, such as rewards points or travel rewards.

On the downside, if you don’t pay off the full balance of your credit card each month when it’s due, then your balance will accrue interest. (And credit cards typically have higher interest rates than personal loans.) If you continue to make charges on the credit card while only making minimum monthly payments, then it will take you even longer to pay off the balance. To find out how much interest you’ll pay on any balance, you can use a credit card interest calculator.

Applying for one credit card can ding your credit score by just a few points. But applying for multiple cards at once could raise red flags for lenders and can drag down your credit score.

Pros

•   Can tap into funds as needed and repay as you go

•   Can build credit as long as you make on-time payments

•   Some cards come with perks such as rewards points and travel-related benefits

Cons

•   Can have higher interest rates than personal loans

•   May take you longer to pay off the balance if you only make the minimum payments

•   Applying for too many cards at once may hurt your credit

Recommended: Personal Loan vs. Credit Card

Personal Line of Credit

A personal line of credit is a type of revolving credit line that can be used for many different things. Like credit cards, a personal line of credit has a maximum credit limit, and borrowers are required to make a minimum monthly payment. Once the debt is repaid, money can be withdrawn once again. Personal lines of credit may be secured, which require collateral, or unsecured, which do not require collateral.

When comparing a personal line of credit vs. a personal loan, you may discover that a personal line of credit allows you to access money over time instead of all at once. This level of flexibility may reduce interest charges, because you’re only taking out the money you plan on using right away. And generally speaking, the interest rates on a personal line of credit tend to be lower than those on a credit card.

However, it can be difficult to qualify for an unsecured line of credit with a good interest rate, as they’re more risky for the lender. Plus, the flexibility of a line of credit could make it easy for borrowers to take on more debt or take longer to pay off what they owe.

Pros

•   Typically has a lower interest rate than credit cards

•   Funds can be used for a variety of purposes

•   You can access funds as you need them

Cons

•   May be difficult to qualify for an unsecured line of credit with a good interest rate

•   Can be easy to take on more debt or take longer to pay off the balance

Recommended: Personal Line of Credit vs. Credit Cards

Home Equity Loan

If you’re a homeowner and meet certain requirements, you may have the option to take out a home equity loan. This means you’re essentially borrowing against the equity you’ve built in your home.

Like a personal loan, funds from a home equity loan are disbursed in one lump sum, and you owe monthly payments for the life of the loan. Your home secures the loan, and because of that, lenders tend to offer a lower interest rate than they would on most unsecured loans. Interest rates are usually fixed.

It’s worth noting that repayment begins right away, and if you fall behind on your payments, you risk losing your home. In addition, the loan amount is set, so if you need more money, you’ll need to apply for another loan.

Pros

•   Low interest rate

•   Can borrow large amounts of money

•   Funds can be used for a wide variety of purposes

Cons

•   Risk losing your home if you fall behind on payments

•   Repayment begins immediately

•   Loan amount is set

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

Like a home equity loan, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) is secured by the equity you’ve built in your home, and your home is used as collateral.

One of the main differences is that a HELOC offers a revolving line of credit, which means you can tap into funds as needed and only pay interest on what you borrow. There are usually low or no closing costs involved with a HELOC, and the interest rate is likely to be variable.

There are some potential drawbacks to keep in mind when comparing HELOCs vs. personal lines of credit. For starters, you may have to pay closing costs on the loan amount, though some HELOCs come with low or zero fees. Your interest rate will likely change with the federal funds rate, which means that over time, your monthly payment amount may fluctuate. Also, if you fail to make payments and the loan goes into default, you risk losing your home.

Pros

•   Only borrow what you need

•   Lower initial interest rates than unsecured loans

•   Repayment terms can be flexible

Cons

•   Can lose your home if the loan goes into default

•   Variable interest rates

•   Can be upside-down on your mortgage (i.e., you owe more on your home than what it’s worth)

Retirement Loan

Also known as a 401(k) loan, a retirement loan is a type of loan where you borrow from your retirement account and pay yourself back over time with interest. You can typically borrow against a 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) retirement plan.

Per IRS guidelines, you can borrow up to $50,000 or 50% of your account balance, whichever is less. Unless you’re putting the money toward buying your primary residence, you have five years to repay your loan and need to make quarterly payments.

Pros

•   Don’t have to go through a lengthy application process

•   Doesn’t impact your credit

•   Loan repayments are automatically taken out of your paycheck

Cons

•   Can’t borrow more than $50,000

•   Missing out on compound interest and growing your retirement funds

•   If you file for bankruptcy, you’re still on the hook for paying off the loans

Peer-to-Peer Loan

Also known as social lending or crowd lending, a peer-to-peer loan (P2P loan) is a financing model where individuals borrow from others through an online platform. In turn, the financial institution is cut out of the picture, and individuals can borrow from individual investors or lenders.

The main draw for lenders is that they might earn more on the interest than if they put their money in a savings account. Borrowers might be eligible for lower interest rates or less-strict lending criteria. What’s more, the funding process is often quicker than going through a bank — an application may be approved within minutes and funds disbursed within a few business days.

Pros

•   Flexibility in how funds can be used

•   Speedy funding process

•   May qualify with fair credit

Cons

•   Often have origination fees (up to 8% of the loan)

•   Might have a higher interest rate

•   Might have late fees

Salary Advance

If you have an urgent financial need or personal emergency, you might be able to get part of your future paycheck now. In essence, it’s a loan from your employer, with the expectation that you’ll pay it back.

Your company might charge a fee or interest rate to cover the extra paperwork and accounting. However, it could be a solid way to pay for an emergency, provided you know the terms, restrictions, and what a salary advance entails.

Pros

•   Easy repayment methods (i.e., funds are automatically deducted from your paycheck)

•   Can provide easy, quick access to funds

•   Interest rates may be lower than other types of loans

Cons

•   Not offered by all employers

•   May need to meet eligibility requirements, such as a minimum number of years of employment and no previous paycheck advance requests

•   Might get complicated if you leave your job and haven’t repaid the advance

•   Smaller-than-usual paychecks could make it more difficult to make ends meet

Mortgage Refinance

A mortgage refinance is when you’re swapping your current mortgage for a new one. There are different reasons why this route might be attractive for you, such as locking in a lower interest rate or a lower monthly payment. With a cash-out refinance, for example, you replace your existing mortgage with a new mortgage for more than the previous balance. You receive the difference in cash.

Pros

•   You can receive a tax break if funds are used for home improvements

•   Can have relatively lower interest rates than other types of financing

•   Can stretch out your repayment period

Cons

•   Can risk foreclosure if you aren’t able to keep up with payments

•   Will need to pay closing costs

💡 Quick Tip: In a climate where interest rates are rising, you’re likely better off with a fixed interest rate than a variable rate, even though the variable rate is initially lower. On the flip side, if rates are falling, you may be better off with a variable interest rate.

Small Business Loan

If you plan on using a personal loan for business-related reasons, you might consider a small business loan instead. There’s no shortage of financing for small businesses, and lenders include banks, credit unions, online lenders, P2P platforms, and loans backed by the Small Business Association (SBA).

The requirements, loan amounts, and options might vary widely among lenders and loan types. But in general, lenders will look at your personal credit score, finances, and debt-to-income ratio. You’re also often required to provide a business plan.

Pros

•   Longer repayment terms

•   Flexible business-related uses

•   Typically have better interest rates

Cons

•   Slower financing times

•   Rigorous documentation requirements

•   Might need to provide collateral

The Takeaway

There are pros and cons of personal loans, so if you decide to explore other funding options, rest assured there’s no shortage of personal loan alternatives. Examples run the gamut from home equity loans and HELOCs to personal lines of credit and credit cards and more.

By knowing what’s out there and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each, you’ll stand a stronger chance of figuring out what is best suited for your needs, preferences, and situation.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

FAQ

What alternatives to personal loans are the most popular?

The most popular options for personal loans are credit cards, retirement loans, home equity loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), peer-to-peer loans (P2P), and a cash-out refinance.

Each option has its pros and cons and different lending requirements. And each may be better suited for specific borrowers.

Why would you need to use an alternative to a personal loan?

You might need a personal loan alternative if you don’t qualify for a traditional personal loan, or, if, after doing your research, you’ve found that it isn’t the best option for your needs.

Can you use personal loan alternatives even if you have a personal loan?

Yes, you can use personal loan alternatives if you currently have a personal loan. However, if you have multiple loans, it’s important to ensure you can keep up with the payments.

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Photo credit: iStock/zamrznutitonovi

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Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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If you recently graduated from college or are about to, congratulations. You know it’s a significant rite of passage and that you’ve accomplished a major goal.

Those closest to you will typically celebrate your achievement, and some gifts may come rolling in, often in the form of cash.

As you get ready to start the next chapter of your life, you may wonder what to do with any money you receive. Should you pay down debt, invest the funds, go shopping?

The answer will depend upon your personal finances and your goals, but here are 25 ideas to inspire you.

1. Jump-Starting an Emergency Fund

Establishing an emergency fund can be a great first step toward financial stability. Having this cushion can help you to handle a financial setback, such as a costly car repair, trip to the ER, or loss of income, without having to rely on high interest credit cards.

A good target is to have enough money set aside to cover three to six months of living expenses. It’s fine to start small, however, and build this fund up over time.

2. Paying Off Credit Card Debt

It’s not uncommon to accumulate credit card debt in college. Laptops and textbooks can be costly, and it can be hard to have time to work a significant number of hours. The sooner you pay off any balances you are carrying, however, the less you’ll pay in the long run and the easier it will be to handle new expenses, like rent and car payments.

3. Buying Interview Clothes

Whether you graduated from college early or just completed grad school, you may be job hunting. While the knowledge, skills and attitude you can bring to a company may be what’s most important, how you dress for the interview can also form a lasting impression on potential employers. Depending on your industry, that might mean a suit for men and a suit or dress for women.

4. Reducing Your Student Loan Debt

If you took out a student loan for college or graduate school, you may want to use some of your graduation money to start paying down your loan balance. The more you can knock down your loans, the less interest you’ll owe and the less you’ll pay overall.

If you make an extra payment, however, it can be a good idea to make sure that your loan officer applies the extra amount to the balance, rather than next month’s payment.

5. Saving up for an Apartment

If you’ll be moving into your own place after graduation, you’ll likely need to come up with your first and last month’s rent, plus a security deposit, in one fell swoop. You may also want to save up for furniture and household items, like dishes, cookware and linens, to set up your new place.

6. Investing in Mutual Funds

While investing can sound intimidating, one easy way to get started is to invest in one of the different types of mutual funds. While these funds typically charge an annual fee and involve risk, they are managed by professional investors who spread your money over a mix of securities, such as stocks and bonds. You can choose a mutual fund based on its past performance, how aggressive (or stock-heavy) it is, and the type of fees they charge.

7. Opening a High-Interest Savings Account

Traditional savings accounts typically offer very low interest. If you are saving your graduation money for a short-term goal, like buying a car or building an emergency fund, you may want to put it in an account that offers higher interest than a traditional savings account, but is still safe and allows easy access to your money. Some good options include: a high-yield savings account, money market account, online savings account, or checking and savings account.

8. Getting a Start on Retirement Saving

It’s never too early to start saving for retirement. Thanks to compounding interest (which is when the interest you earn on your money also earns interest), the earlier you start putting money aside for retirement, the easier it will be to meet your goal. If your employer offers a matching program for your 401(k), you may want to consider taking full advantage of it and contributing at least up to their match.

Recommended: The Average 401(K) Balance by Age

9. Going on a Trip

Before you jump into the working world, you may want to take some time off and explore some new destinations. Traveling is not only fun, it can also be a way to learn more about the world, gain insights into different cultures, and potentially even make some new connections.

The experience of traveling may also energize you and help you gain clarity about what you want your future to look like.

10. Saving up for Grad School

If you’re planning to pursue a higher degree, you may want to use your graduation money to jump start your grad school fund. In general, it can be better to pay for your education out of pocket rather than taking out student loans which, thanks to interest, make the cost of higher education even higher.

11. Putting Money Into Real Estate

You may not have enough money to purchase a home yet, but you could try investing money into a REIT (real estate investment trust). Modeled after mutual funds, REITs offer a lower-cost way to invest in the real estate market and you can typically invest in a fund with as little as $1,000 and up.

These trusts are also liquid, which means you can sell at any time. Like stocks, you can buy and sell REIT shares on an exchange. As with any investment, investing in a REIT involves some risk.

12. Buying a Car

If you’ll be needing a car to get around, it can be a good idea to start saving for a downpayment or, even better, paying for the car in cash. Whether you buy a used or new vehicle, the more cash you can put down initially, the less you’ll have to finance–and the less you’ll end up paying for that car.

13. Joining AAA

Whether you already have a car or you’re planning to buy one, you may want to use a bit of your graduation money to join AAA. Having a AAA membership can provide peace of mind when you’re out on the road, and can end up paying for itself should you get a flat tire or two, or need a tow in the wee hours of the morning. AAA membership also gets you discounts on many hotels, rental cars, and other products and services.

14. Starting a Business

If you are planning to launch your own business straight out of college, you may want to funnel your graduation money right into your new venture. If you need additional cash for your start-up, you might also consider taking out a small business loan or crowdfunding your idea on a site like GoFundMe and Kickstarter.

15. Joining a Wholesale Club

As you transition from dining hall or parent-supported dining, you may want to look into joining a wholesale club like Costco, BJ’s, or Sam’s Club. These member-only stores can save you a lot of money when you buy in bulk, and could especially come in handy if you’re splitting costs with your roommates.

16. Donating to Charity

Donating some money to charity can be a solid option when you’re deciding what to do with graduation money. If you have a particular cause you’re passionate about, you can look for relevant charities on Charity Navigator.

If you give to a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, you may be able to write the charity donation off on your taxes.

17. Taking Your Parents to Dinner

If your parents helped pay for your college education, you might want to show your gratitude by taking them out to dinner. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; the idea is to let them know that you truly appreciate their love and support. This could apply to a grandparent, family member, or a friend who funded your education as well.

18. Saving for a Home

While owning a home might not be in your immediate future, you may want to use your graduation money to start saving up for a down payment.

To get a sense of how much you might need, you can start looking at real estate prices in the area where you would like to live. Ideally, you would want to put 20 percent of the purchase price down and avoid private mortgage insurance.

19. Saving for Your Wedding

Weddings can cost on average more than $30,000 for the ceremony and reception. Of course, there are ways to have a cheaper wedding, such as keeping it small or having it in your backyard, but wedding costs can still add up quickly. If you’re engaged or planning to be soon, you might want to use some of your graduation money to start a wedding fund.

20. Paying for Additional Classes or Certifications

Even though you graduated with a degree, you may find that you need some additional training to stand out in your field.

To be more competitive when it comes to the job market, you might want to use your graduation money to pay for additional classes or certifications. This could possibly lead to an increase in your salary as well.

21. Paying for Personal Care

When you go in for job interviews, you’ll want to look your best. Along with buying professional clothes for your interviews, you may also want to invest in other aspects of your personal appearance, such as getting your hair cut or styled, getting your nails done, or having your teeth whitened. Putting your best foot forward can help you feel more confident.

22. Moving to an Area with a Stronger Job Market

If your home town doesn’t have the best job market for your field, you may want to consider moving somewhere that offers more opportunities. You could put your graduation money towards moving expenses, such as renting a truck or professional movers.

23. Hiring a Career Coach

If you’re having trouble finding the job you want, you might consider using your graduation money to hire a professional career coach. These pros can help you revise your resume, improve your LinkedIn profile, build your network, and help you plan out your career. Typically, the best career coaches will have extensive experience in human resources and/or recruiting.

24. Getting Health Insurance

If you graduated from college later than your peers or you’re finishing up grad school, then you may no longer be on your parents’ health Insurance. You may want to start by looking for a health insurance policy on the government marketplace. As you compare policies, it can be a good idea to keep your medical needs, such as prescriptions and specialty doctors’ visits, in mind.

25. Paying Back Anyone You Owe

If you borrowed any money from family or friends during college, you may want to use graduation money to settle up. This shows that you are responsible and true to your word. If you end up in a bind again in the future and need to borrow, your family and friends will know that you can be trusted to pay them back.

The Takeaway

If you’re not sure whether to spend or save your graduation money, it can be helpful to look at both your short-term needs, such as paying off credit cards and buying a car. as well as your long-term goals, like creating a comfortable retirement nest egg.

The answer to how to use graduation money is different for everyone, but it can be a good idea to weigh all of the options before you make any major spending decisions.

Whether you’re saving for something specific or storing cash until you’re ready to invest, finding a bank account with low or no fees and a good interest rate can be a smart move.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.20% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

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As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/31/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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