Key takeaways Completing a personal loan application online is generally a quick and low-effort process — if you have the right documents ready. In-person applications require meeting with a loan officer at a bank or credit union, which means the application process can take longer. Compare interest rates from both online and in-person lenders to be sure you are getting the best rate for your financial profile. Most lenders, including banks and credit unions, offer online and in-person...

Paying your mortgage with a credit card requires a few extra steps. Most mortgage lenders don't allow this because "it means paying debt with debt – a practice that increases financial risk," says Melissa Caro, certified financial planner and founder of My Retirement Network, a website that provides retirement resources. However, there are a few indirect ways to pay your mortgage with a credit card, such as using a third-party payment platform. This option is cheaper than other methods but...