• A loan is a financial arrangement in which a lender provides a specific amount of money to a borrower with the understanding that it will be repaid with interest over a set period.

• There are various types of loans, including personal loans, business loans, mortgage loans, auto loans, student loans, payday loans, and more, each designed for specific purposes.

• Secured loans are backed by collateral (e.g., a home or a car), while unsecured loans do not require collateral but may have higher interest rates.

• The loan application process typically involves filling out an application, providing documentation, undergoing a credit check, and, for larger loans, having the loan approved by the lender.

Eligibility criteria can vary by the type of loan and lender but often include credit score, income, employment history, and debt-to-income ratio.