| Method | Best for | Risk Level | |--------|----------|-------------| | Credit union personal loan | Members with fair/good credit | Low | | Peer-to-peer lending (Prosper, LendingClub) | Borrowers with 580+ credit score | Low to Medium | | Secured loan (using savings or collateral) | Those with assets but poor credit | Medium (asset risk) | | 0% APR credit card (if you can repay in 12–18 months) | Good credit, short-term need | Low | | Family or friend loan with written agreement | Shy borrowers who overcome embarrassment | Low (relationship risk) |