Last updated: November 11, 2026
A loan’s true cost depends on more than the advertised rate. When we compare personal loan, auto loan and mortgage lenders, we use the criteria below so you can see why a lender or loan type is on our list. Our team’s background in bank lending and credit appraisal shapes what we look for.
What we look at
| Factor | Weight | What we check |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost | 35% | APR range (which includes most fees), origination fees, discount points, prepayment penalties and late fees, shown as a monthly payment and total interest on a sample loan. |
| Eligibility | 20% | Minimum credit score, debt-to-income limits, income and employment rules, and whether co-borrowers or co-signers are allowed. |
| Loan terms | 15% | Loan amounts, repayment terms, fixed or variable rates and, for mortgages, the loan programs offered (conventional, FHA, VA, USDA). |
| Transparency | 15% | Whether you can check your rate with a soft credit pull, how clearly fees are disclosed, and how fast funding or closing usually takes. |
| Borrower support | 15% | Hardship options, payment date flexibility, customer service channels and patterns in public complaint data. |
Where our data comes from
- Rates, fees and requirements published by each lender on its own website and in its loan disclosures.
- Official market data, such as the Freddie Mac weekly mortgage survey and Federal Reserve consumer credit data, and credit bureau market reports for auto loans.
- Federal rules from the CFPB, HUD, VA and USDA, which we use for loan program limits and your rights as a borrower.
Rate tables show the date we checked them. The rate you’re offered depends on your credit, income, loan amount and the lender, so compare official Loan Estimates or loan offers before you decide.
How often we update
- Mortgage rate data: when new weekly survey data or Federal Reserve decisions change the picture.
- Personal and auto loan comparisons: at least every three months, and when lenders change their terms.
What we don’t do
- We don’t accept payment from lenders to be included or ranked. If that changes, partner offers will be labeled and still judged by these criteria. See our Advertising Disclosure.
- We aren’t a lender or broker, we don’t collect loan applications and we can’t approve you for credit.
- Our comparisons are general, not personal advice. Borrow only what you can repay comfortably.
Questions or a correction? Tell us through our contact page. Read more in our Editorial Policy.
Related: Best Personal Loans · Best Mortgages · Auto Loan Rates · Loan Comparison Calculator · Loan Denial Decoder