If you’re trying to apply for a personal loan with bad credit and can’t get approved, borrowing money from friends and family might be a last-ditch option. But is that an option you really want to consider?
Accepting a loan from a friend or family member can be a stressful process, both financially and socially.
“Many people feel awkward about borrowing money from a family member or friend, but if you handle the business transaction correctly, it can be a win-win for both of you,” says Carla Dearing, co-founder and CEO of SUM180, an online financial wellness service.
However, if you and your lender are clear on the terms and take them seriously, it could be a worthwhile money move for everyone involved.
11 steps for borrowing money from friends and family
By following these 11 steps for borrowing money from family or friends, you’ll be able to reach a mutually-beneficial arrangement that the relationship will survive.
Take a look and see if this 11-step process is feasible for you.
1. Look at all your borrowing options
Before you jump right into borrowing money from friends, consider if there are other personal loan options you can turn to first. For instance, it might be better for you to borrow from a bank or financial institution rather than an individual you know.
That way, if you have a hard time paying the money back, you can deal with a lender that has money in the bank. You also avoid putting someone you care about in a financial bind.
Or, instead of financial help, you ask this person to be a co-signer on a loan. This can help you out if you have bad credit and wouldn’t qualify on your own.
Additionally, you could see if they’d be willing to supply the savings collateral for you to take out a savings-secured loan.
2. Consider the financial and social risks
Make sure you also understand the risks of borrowing money from friends and family, and that you’re willing to face them.
Remember, this type of loan will have all the same risks as other debts. And according to Shaolaine Loving, a Las Vegas attorney, you “will be entering a legally binding contract allowing [the lender] to sue if [you] breach any of the repayment term.”
There’s also the added risk of damaging your relationship with this person. You can’t afford to just assume that everything will turn out well. Therefore, make sure you are prepared to borrower responsibly to avoid hurting the relationship.
3. Ask the right person
From the start, you need to be considerate of other people’s financial situations and obligations. Asking for a loan from someone who can’t afford to give it or who doesn’t trust you will just put everyone in a tough and awkward position.
Therefore, don’t ask to borrow money from a friend or family member who you’re not confident can afford to give you a loan. It would also be appropriate to limit your asks to people with whom you have a positive and close relationship.
4. Discuss all the loan details
When you ask for a loan, you need to be upfront about everything you need and are asking for. Make sure you cover all the loan details such as the initial balance, how it will be repaid, and other loan terms.
Additionally, Loving says you should discuss “whether you want any interest or late fees to append, and whether the repayment will be in installments or in a lump sum.”
Money coach Lisa Chastain says, “The discussion should include that the person borrowing can actually afford to pay back the loan, and by when.”
Most importantly, Chastain says to make sure you cover “what will happen if the person fails to pay back the loan.”
5. Create a loan repayment timeline
If you’re making installment payments on the loan, outline the full schedule and share it with the lender.
“Knowing when to expect your payments and when the loan will be repaid in full should ease any anxiety your family member or friend may have,” Dearing says.
“You show your gratitude for the favor of the loan by making repayment as transparent and stress-free for him or her as possible,” Dearing adds.
6. Find a loan mediator
As you’re hashing out the details of the loan and how to set it up, it can be helpful to get a middleman involved.
“Find someone who is a neutral party who can help you reach terms for both parties,” suggests Chastain. “Be sure that each party feels like they are getting a good deal, and agree to specific terms, conditions and a payback plan for the loan.”
7. Insist on paying interest
Another show of your good faith as a borrower is to pay interest on the loan.
“Insist on paying interest at a rate of at least what your family member/friend would earn if he put the money in a high-yield savings account,” Dearing suggests.
After all, this is a favor to you – and paying interest ensures it financially benefits both parties. At the end of the day, you’ll probably get a lower interest rate than a bank would offer, and your lender can see their money grow.
“With bank rates as low as they are these days (one to two percent), by asking for a loan and offering to pay four or five percent interest, you could be doing your family member a favor,” Dearing explains.
8. Don’t overcommit yourself
At every stage, you have to be realistic about your loan and ensure you don’t borrow more than you can afford to repay. Your relationship will depend on it. That’s why Loving says borrowers should only agree to terms they think they can uphold.
If you’re worried you’ll hit bumps down the road or be unable to repay the loan at any point, that’s a red flag. Go back to the drawing board and rework your agreement until you’re confident you can uphold your end.
9. Finalize the agreement – and put it in writing
“Protect the personal relationship by creating a clear and fair repayment plan up front,” Dearing suggests. “Put it in writing—and then stick to it.”
A promissory note is a common way for two individuals to formalize a loan agreement. Putting your loan terms in writing will protect both your interests and the lender’s.
“An agreement will allow you both to be clear on expectations so that you don’t prematurely expect payment and feel bitter about nonpayment if terms aren’t outlined from the start,” Loving points out.
10. Make payments on time, every time
Once you agree on the loan and the funds are handed over, be diligent about making payments. You can even check if your bank allows you to set up automatic direct deposits or transfers.
“The borrower must not think that just because it’s a friend or family member that it will be okay if he does not pay on time and according to the terms of the loan,” Chastain says. “Treat the relationship just as he would if it was a bank or official lender.”
11. Actively communicate about the loan
As you pay off the loan, you should also try to be proactive and communicate regularly about your loan. Get your lender to send you confirmation of payment each time they receive funds from you. This will help protect you from any errors, as well as catch any transaction issues.
And if you ever run into issues, talk to your friend or family member right away.
“If it turns out he cannot make payments as promised, then he should approach you promptly with a realistic proposal of alternative payment options,” Loving says. “That way, the borrower doesn’t come off as trying to shirk his obligations.”
Keep your relationship strong
Borrowing money from friends and family can be an affordable way to get a loan, and remove the hassle of credit checks and applications. But with a relationship on the line, you can’t afford for the arrangement to turn sour.
Take your lending arrangement seriously, follow these steps, and you’ll still be on speaking terms by the time you make your last payment.
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1 Includes AutoPay discount. Important Disclosures for SoFi. SoFi Disclosures
2 Includes AutoPay discount. Important Disclosures for Payoff. Payoff Disclosures
3 Important Disclosures for FreedomPlus. FreedomPlus Disclosures
4 Important Disclosures for Citizens Bank. Citizens Bank Disclosures
5 Important Disclosures for LendingPoint. LendingPoint Disclosures
6 Important Disclosures for LendingClub. LendingClub DisclosuresAll loans made by WebBank, Member FDIC. Your actual rate depends upon credit score, loan amount, loan term, and credit usage & history. The APR ranges from 6.95% to 35.89%*. The origination fee ranges from 1% to 6% of the original principal balance and is deducted from your loan proceeds. For example, you could receive a loan of $6,000 with an interest rate of 7.99% and a 5.00% origination fee of $300 for an APR of 11.51%. In this example, you will receive $5,700 and will make 36 monthly payments of $187.99. The total amount repayable will be $6,767.64. Your APR will be determined based on your credit at the time of application. The average origination fee is 5.49% as of Q1 2017. In Georgia, the minimum loan amount is $3,025. In Massachusetts, the minimum loan amount is $6,025 if your APR is greater than 12%. There is no down payment and there is never a prepayment penalty. Closing of your loan is contingent upon your agreement of all the required agreements and disclosures on the www.lendingclub.com website. All loans via LendingClub have a minimum repayment term of 36 months. Borrower must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or be in the United States on a valid long term visa and at least 18 years old. Valid bank account and Social Security number are required. Equal Housing Lender. All loans are subject to credit approval. LendingClub’s physical address is: LendingClub, 71 Stevenson Street, Suite 1000, San Francisco, CA 94105. †Per reviews collected and authenticated by Bazaarvoice in compliance with the Bazaarvoice Authentication Requirements, supported by anti-fraud technology and human analysis. All reviews can be reviewed at reviews.lendingclub.com **Based on approximately 60% of borrowers who received offers through LendingClub’s marketing partners between January 1, 2018 to July 20,2018. The time it will take to fund your loan may vary. 7 Important Disclosures for Earnest. Earnest Disclosures
8 Important Disclosures for Avant. Avant Disclosures* The actual rate and loan amount that a customer qualifies for may vary based on credit determination and other factors. Funds are generally deposited via ACH for delivery next business day if approved by 4:30pm CT Monday-Friday. Avant branded credit products are issued by WebBank, member FDIC. ** Example: A $5,700 loan with an administration fee of 4.75% and an amount financed of $5,429.25, repayable in 36 monthly installments, would have an APR of 29.95% and monthly payments of $230.33 * Important Disclosures for Upgrade Bank. Upgrade Bank Disclosures* Your loan terms are not guaranteed and are subject to our verification and review process. You may be asked to provide additional documents to enable us to verify your income and your identity. This rate includes an Autopay APR reduction of 0.5%. By enrolling in Autopay your payments will be automatically deducted from you bank account. Selecting Autopay is optional. Annual Percentage Rate is inclusive of a loan origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. All loans made by WebBank, member FDIC. Please refer to Upgrade’s Terms of Use and Borrower Agreement for all terms, conditions and requirements. ** Accept your loan offer and your funds will be sent to your bank via ACH within one (1) business day of clearing necessary verifications. Availability of the funds is dependent on how quickly your bank processes this transaction. From the time of approval, funds should be available within four (4) business days. |
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 | 7.73% – 29.99% | $1,000 - $50,000 | |
 | 6.26% – 14.87%1 | $5,000 - $100,000 | |
 | 6.99% – 35.97%* | $1,000 - $50,000 | |
 | 5.99% – 24.99%2 | $5,000 - $35,000 | |
 | 4.99% – 29.99%3 | $10,000 - $35,000 | |
 | 5.99% – 18.99%4 | $5,000 - $50,000 | |
 | 15.49% – 34.49%5 | $2,000 - $25,000 | |
 | 6.95% – 35.89%6 | $1,000 - $40,000 | |
 | 6.99% – 18.24%7 | $5,000 - $75,000 | |
 | 9.95% – 35.99%8 | $2,000 - $35,000 | |