Free financial education tool
Personal Loan Comparison Worksheet
Compare up to three written personal loan offers, side by side. Record what you will receive, what you must repay, and the conditions that matter before you decide.
Your numbers stay in this browser. This worksheet does not save or submit your entries to CashPath. Avoid typing Social Security numbers, account numbers, or other sensitive personal details.
Worksheet
Compare the written terms
Use each lender's current written disclosure, not an advertisement or a verbal estimate. Leave missing terms blank and ask questions.
| What to compare | Offer A | Offer B | Offer C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offer details | |||
| Lender or provider name | |||
| Offer date / expiration | |||
| Amount borrowed ($) | |||
| Cash you actually receive ($)After any amount withheld up front. | |||
| Rates, fees and payments | |||
| Disclosed APR (%)Copy from the actual offer; do not estimate. | |||
| Disclosed interest rate (%) | |||
| Fixed or variable rate? | |||
| Upfront fees and how they are charged ($) | |||
| Scheduled payment ($) | |||
| Number of equal paymentsFor example, 24 monthly payments. | |||
| First due date / payment frequency | |||
| Total repayment shown in disclosure ($) | |||
| Conditions to check | |||
| Late / returned-payment fees | |||
| Early-payoff terms or fees | |||
| Other conditions / questions | |||
Quick arithmetic check
If an offer calls for the same payment every time, multiply the scheduled amount by the number of payments. This is not an APR calculation or a replacement for the lender's disclosed total.
CashPath.org · Free educational worksheet. CashPath is an educational and advertising-supported referral website, not a lender. This worksheet does not require a credit application or provide individual financial or legal advice, verify offers, determine eligibility, or promise a lending outcome. Always verify terms with the provider's final written disclosures.
Questions to ask before accepting an offer
- How much money will I actually receive after upfront deductions?
- Can I afford the payment alongside rent, utilities, groceries and emergencies?
- What fees or conditions could change the amount I repay?
- Is the rate fixed or variable, and what happens if I pay early or late?
- Have I saved the final disclosure and repayment schedule?
How to use this worksheet responsibly
APR, interest rate, fees, and repayment amount describe different parts of an offer. A lower APR does not automatically mean the monthly payment fits your budget. Some fees can affect the cash you receive or your overall cost. Compare actual written terms on a similar basis.
Read the CashPath step-by-step loan comparison guide. For independent explanations, see the CFPB explanation of APR and interest rate and CFPB guidance on personal-loan fees.
CashPath is an educational and advertising-supported referral website, not a lender. This free worksheet does not require a credit application. It does not provide individual financial or legal advice, verify an offer, determine eligibility, or promise any lending outcome. Financial terms and decisions are determined by the lender; always use the lender's final disclosures.