Before you take out a loan, be sure to check the lender’s address, their BBB page, and read through online reviews. Look for the following criteria in order to find a trusted lender: Online transparency: Reputable lenders list their fees, APRs, and additional terms on their website. Compliance with state regulations: You can see if they are registered in your state by contacting the state’s financial regulatory bureau. Credit bureau reporting: Check to see if your lender reports to the three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). No upfront fees: Reputable lenders don't require consumers to pay a fee during the application process to check your credit report. No guarantees: Lenders can't guarantee that you will qualify for a loan before the application process since they must check your financial information, loan application, and receive proof of income before approving a personal loan. Lenders should not be aggressively contacting you through phone, email, or mail to take out a loan.