Rates move constantly and the number you are offered depends on your profile. Here are the typical ranges by product and the factors that decide where you land within them.
| Product | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal loans | 8% to 36% APR | Unsecured; priced mostly on credit score |
| Auto loans (new) | 5% to 10% APR | Secured by the vehicle; new beats used |
| Mortgages (30-yr fixed) | 6% to 7.5% APR | Tracks the broader rate environment |
| Home equity / HELOC | 8% to 11% APR | Secured by your home |
| Credit cards | 18% to 29% APR | Variable; avoided entirely if you pay in full |
| Student loan refinancing | 5% to 12% APR | Private refinance; federal rates are set separately |
Ranges are illustrative and for general guidance only. They change with the market and your individual rate depends on your credit, income, and lender. Confirm current numbers directly with a lender before you decide.
Within any product's range, a few factors move you up or down. Your credit score is the biggest lever for most consumer borrowing: the gap between a 760 and a 640 can be many percentage points. After that comes whether the loan is secured. A loan backed by collateral, like an auto loan or a mortgage, costs less than an unsecured personal loan, because the lender has something to recover if you default.
The term matters too. Shorter terms usually carry lower rates and far less total interest, while longer terms lower the monthly payment but cost more overall. And the broader rate environment sets the floor for everyone: when benchmark rates rise, mortgage and loan rates follow. You cannot control the market, but you can control your credit, your debt load, and how many lenders you compare.
Why is my rate different from the advertised rate?
Advertised rates are almost always the lowest rate the lender offers, reserved for borrowers with excellent credit and ideal profiles. Your actual rate depends on your credit score, income, debt load, the loan term, and the amount. The only way to know your real rate is to apply or prequalify.
What is the difference between interest rate and APR?
The interest rate is the cost of borrowing the principal. The APR folds in most fees too, so it is the more honest number for comparing two offers. When you shop, compare APR to APR.
How can I get a lower rate?
Raise your credit score, lower your debt-to-income ratio, choose a shorter term, put more money down where applicable, and compare several lenders on the same day. For secured loans, a stronger down payment or more collateral also helps.