What are Personal Loans from Discover?
Most people associate Discover with credit cards, but the company also offers personal loans.
On the website under "Types of Loans" you'll see sections like "Wedding Loans" but all of the products are personal loans.
Your approval and the terms you're offered will not depend on your travel or wedding budget. It's going to be based on your creditworthiness. Your credit history, employment status, and annual gross income will be evaluated. If you are approved you can spend the money on whatever you want. There is no reporting involved.
However, the debt consolidation loans are slightly different. This combines your debt into one loan with a fixed APR which is paid off in fixed, monthly installments.
Visitors to loan webpage will also see a comparison of lenders showcasing that Discover does not charge origination fees. This is definitely a plus, but not unique. Other lenders like SoFi also do not charge origination fees and have lower interest rates.
So why apply for a personal loan from Discover, and it is the right choice for you?
Discover Personal Loans Pros and Cons
Pro: Options for borrowers with less than excellent credit
One feature that sets Discover personal loans apart is that applicants who have a credit score of 660, or "Good,” can be approved. In contrast, top competitor SoFi only approves applications with "Great" or "Excellent" credit scores.
So, if you were denied a loan by another lender, Discover may be an option. But there are some drawbacks to consider, too.
Cons: Negative Customer Reviews
Numerous people posting one- or two-star scores the Discover Personal Loans Customer Review page say the APR is higher than they expected.
Comments include, "The process was OK, but I was disappointed with the interest rate" and, "Not happy with the rate but the business part was good."
On the Discover Personal Loans customer review site, there are many complaints about customer service.
There are several stories about people who are quoted a monthly payment amount by the customer rep and then when they get their first bill they find it is different.
Others talk about a tedious application process where they are passed from department to department on the phone. Customer reps are described as poorly trained.
Who Should Use Discover Personal Loans?
Borrowers who have been denied by other lenders, are looking for a structured payment plan, or want to consolidate debt should consider applying for a loan.
Keep in mind that fees will be charged to borrowers who do not make on-time payments. If you are worried about making monthly payments on time, do not apply for a loan from Discover.
Applying for a Discover Personal Loan
If you decide a loan is the right choice, you’ll first want to calculate your budget and how much you need to borrow to achieve it.
Then you need to decide what's more important to you: getting it paid off as early as possible to avoid interest, or having low monthly payments.
You'll be given both options when Discover gives you an offer and you can pick accordingly. Discover offers a tool, an online Personal Loan Calculator, to help you make decisions.
To use it, you’ll indicate your credit score ranking, the amount you want to borrow, and what you're borrowing it for.
Then you get a breakdown of how much your monthly payment will be if you choose any term between three and seven years.
We only wish it also calculated how much extra interest you would pay for choosing different years.
Other Lending Options
Instead of going to a financial institution like Discover for a loan, you could look into peer-to-peer lending sites. These are web-based programs that let small investors pool their money and lend it out at a profit.
There are many peer-to-peer lenders, and when evaluating your options, watch out for fees. Sofi doesn’t charge origination fees, but Lending Club does.
Depending on what you want to use the loan for, you might also find other types of lenders. For instance, if you like Discover Green Loans you may want to check out Green Energy Money.
Energy-smart home retrofits for energy efficiency and renewable energy are financed by a company called Green Energy Money (GEM).
The company doesn't just finance projects – it also connects its borrowers to builders and tradespeople who specialize in sustainable homes.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Discover Personal Loans
Discover will get you the personal loan you need, if you can't get approved by a better lender
Whether it's for a wedding, a vacation, energy efficient home upgrades, or debt consolidation, Discover can get you the funds you need to live your dreams.
Unlike some other personal lenders that charge a hefty loan origination fee, Discover Personal Loans doesn't make you pay extra to borrow.
You also get to pick whether you'd like to pay it off quickly and pay less interest or have lower monthly payments.
You won't get the best rates available in the industry. You will get the funds you need.
Do you use Discover for personal loans?
How has it worked out for you?
Any great tips (or nightmares) to share with the rest of us?
Let us know in the comments below!
