Getty Images/Greg Hinsdale You hear a lot these days about tapping home equity – borrowing against the worth of your home – for cash. Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOC) have become popular ways for homeowners to access their available equity to pay for expenses like…
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Getty Images Key takeaways Short-term loans provide financing with a brief repayment period and often require collateral to obtain. These loans are generally capped at $2,000 and are often used by borrowers who are strapped for cash or who have a low credit score. Loan funds are…
Key takeaways You may be eligible for a bad credit personal loan with a score below 580. Personal loan lenders specializing in bad credit loans will likely scrutinize your income and employment history more closely. A bad credit loan can be useful tool to put you on a path to…
Holiday spending came in at the high end of projected ranges for 2025 despite numerous economic challenges. According to Mastercard, U.S. retail sales (excluding automotive) increased 3.9% year-over-year from Nov. 1 through Dec. 21, 2025. CNBC and the National Retail Federation published a similar increase, reporting holiday sales grew 4.1%…
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The holiday season is a time filled with joy, celebration, and, often, a lot of expenses. As the festivities wind down, many find themselves facing the reality of depleted bank accounts, credit card debt, and the daunting task of rebuilding their financial safety nets. An…
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You’ve heard of home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and home equity loans, which let you borrow against the value of your home, getting ready cash for renovations, debt consolidation or anything else. But jumping through the income-qualification hoops that characterize much home-based financing may be difficult for borrowers with…
Key takeaways The NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) insures credit union deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, per ownership category. NCUA insurance provides the same protection as FDIC insurance at banks. Both are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Joint accounts receive $250,000…
Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates fell this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.18%, down from 6.25% last week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey. Current mortgage rates Loan type Current 4 weeks ago One year ago 52-week average 52-week low 30-year 6.18%…
Image: Getty Images; Illustration: Bankrate No movement in home equity rates, as the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at its first meeting of 2026. The $30,000 home equity line of credit and the five-year $30,000 home equity loan were flat for the week, remaining at 7.44% and 7.92%, respectively,…
Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate A construction loan is a short-term, high-interest loan used to finance building a home. Funds are paid out in phases over the course of construction and typically cover land, materials, contractor labor and permits. They tend to have stricter qualification requirements than…
The Federal Reserve isn’t expected to make any rate cuts at its January meeting, but its first gathering of the year still has a lot at stake for American households grappling with expensive borrowing costs, affordability challenges and a tough job market. The big question many Fed watchers are hoping…
Thomas Barwick / GettyImages Each month on Rent Day — the first of every month — Bilt delivers a new set of bonus opportunities for cardholders and members. Offers range from earning bonus points to exclusive experiences just for members. In celebration of February Rent Day, Bilt Rewards members can…
Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Non-qualified mortgages, known as non-QM loans, are an option for those who might struggle to qualify for a standard mortgage, such as self-employed borrowers and gig workers. Non-QM loans have more flexible income and credit standards, but they require higher down payments…
DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images Key takeaways Bridge loans are short-term loans that help cover costs during transitional periods, most often if you must buy a new home before selling your old one. Like a mortgage, your home may serve as collateral for a bridge loan. Some bridge loans allow you to pledge…
Key takeaways A bank statement loan allows you to qualify for a mortgage using bank statements rather than pay stubs or tax returns. It’s most often used by self-employed borrowers. Not all mortgage lenders offer bank statement loans. You might need to work with a mortgage broker to find one.…
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