Frequently asked questions

Most lenders offer a rate check that uses a soft credit pull, which doesn't affect your score. A hard pull only happens once you formally apply — always ask which kind you're getting first.

Prequalified is an estimate based on self-reported information. Preapproved usually involves a real credit check and is a stronger, more reliable signal — but neither is a guarantee of final approval.

There's no universal cutoff. Many lenders work with scores in the 600s, though your rate improves substantially above 700. Some lenders specialize in lower-credit borrowers at a higher cost — worth comparing carefully.

Commonly: government ID, proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), proof of address, and sometimes bank statements. Requirements vary by lender and loan type.

It depends on the lender. Some loans include a prepayment penalty to recoup lost interest — this should be disclosed in your agreement. Always ask directly before signing if early payoff matters to you.

Terms vary, but typically a grace period is followed by a late fee, and payments reported late enough can affect your credit score. Some loans include acceleration clauses that can make the full balance due after a serious default — check your agreement's default terms.

Only if you signed a variable-rate loan, where the rate is tied to a benchmark index and can move over time. A fixed-rate loan's rate stays the same for the full term.

No. We're an independent, informational resource. We don't originate, fund, or broker loans, and we don't make credit decisions. Any lender you choose to work with is entirely your decision.

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