HOOK
Thinking about a personal loan? The rate you see first isn’t always the rate you’ll get—and a few small details can change your APR fast. [Close-up of loan offer on phone, rate highlighted]
KEY POINT 1
Your credit score is a big one. In general, stronger credit can mean lower rates, while missed payments or high balances can push offers up. [Graphic: credit score meter moving from low to high]
KEY POINT 2
Lenders also look at your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI. If a lot of your monthly income is already going toward debt, you may look riskier to borrow from. [Simple chart showing income vs. debt payments]
KEY POINT 3
Loan details matter too. A shorter term usually means higher monthly payments, but it can sometimes come with a lower rate. And unsecured loans can cost more than loans backed by collateral. [Side-by-side comparison of short vs. long term and secured vs. unsecured]
KEY POINT 4
Finally, shop around. Many lenders let you prequalify with a soft credit check, so you can compare offers without hurting your score. That’s often the easiest way to find your best APR. [Multiple lender offers lined up on screen]
CTA
Before you borrow, compare the APR, fees, and monthly payment—not just the headline rate. Want a smarter loan search? Start by prequalifying with a few lenders. [On-screen text: “Compare APR + fees + payment”]
