How to choose the most convenient personal loan
The most convenient personal loan isn't always the one with the lowest monthly instalment, but the one with the lowest APR (TAEG) for the same amount and term. A smaller instalment obtained by stretching out the repayment plan can actually push up the total interest paid to the bank. If you need a large amount at a fixed, predictable rate, the Prestito Lombardo currently offers the lowest APR (TAEG) among the products we've reviewed. If speed of disbursement is your priority, for example for an urgent expense, the Prestito Tirreno Veloce guarantees a preliminary decision in just 24 hours. Before signing, always compare several quotes: even a one-percentage-point difference in APR (TAEG) can translate into hundreds of euros in interest on a multi-year loan. If your goal is simply emergency cash without tying up a large amount, also take a look at our credit card comparison, which is often more flexible for smaller expenses.
TAN and APR (TAEG): what's the difference
TAN, the nominal annual rate, represents only the interest cost calculated on the capital borrowed. APR (TAEG), the annual percentage rate of charge, also includes arrangement fees, any insurance premium and instalment collection costs, giving the real overall annual cost of the loan. That's why APR (TAEG) is always equal to or higher than TAN, and the law requires banks to state it in every piece of advertising. When you compare two loans with a similar TAN but a very different APR (TAEG), the difference almost always lies in the additional fees: it's always worth asking for a detailed quote before signing the contract.
Disbursement times and required documents
Disbursement times vary a lot depending on the channel you choose: fully digital applications, like Fineo Prestito Online, can be completed in just a few business days thanks to electronic signature and remote identification, while branch applications typically take one to two weeks. The standard documents required include a valid ID document, your Italian tax code (codice fiscale), your latest payslip or tax return for the self-employed, and a recent bank statement. For larger amounts, some banks may also ask for additional collateral or a co-signer on the loan.
Fixed-rate or flexible personal loan
A fixed-rate loan, like the Prestito Lombardo, keeps the same instalment for the entire repayment plan, giving you maximum spending predictability. A flexible-instalment loan, like the Prestito Meridiana Flex, instead lets you adjust the instalment amount over the life of the loan, useful if you expect your income to change over time, though it can mean less predictability on the total cost. If you're also considering a savings product to set money aside before taking out a loan, take a look at our savings accounts comparison.
CRIF and credit registers: how your creditworthiness is assessed
When you apply for a personal loan, the bank checks credit registers such as CRIF to review your payment history on other loans, credit cards or ongoing instalments. A positive credit rating, with no significant late payments in recent years, increases your chances of approval and can help you secure a lower APR (TAEG) than the standard advertised rate. If you already have other active loans, keep in mind that banks also calculate the ratio between your total monthly instalments and your net income, generally capped at around a third of your salary: going over this threshold makes approval harder to get. You can check your own credit register position for free to spot any negative entries before you apply.
Personal loan or current account overdraft: which is better
For short-term cash needs, some banks offer an authorised overdraft linked to the current account, with interest calculated only on the days it's actually used. For larger amounts or repayments spread over several years, a personal loan generally remains the more convenient solution, because the APR (TAEG) is fixed and known from the moment you sign the contract, unlike overdraft interest, which can change over time. If you don't yet have an active current account, take a look at our bank accounts comparison, which also helps you see which banks pair the most favourable overdraft terms with their loans.
Quick comparison table
Comparison of the six reviewed personal loans
| Loan | Key strength | TAN | APR (TAEG) | Rating |
| Prestito Lombardo Best offer | Up to €30,000 | 5.9% | 6.8% | ★ 4.7 |
| Prestito Meridiana Flex | Flexible instalment | On request | 7.4% | ★ 4.5 |
| Prestito Tirreno Veloce | Decision in 24h | On request | 8.2% | ★ 4.3 |
| Fineo Prestito Online | 100% digital | On request | 7.9% | ★ 4.2 |
| Prestito Nord Casa | Renovations | On request | 6.9% | ★ 4.1 |
| Prestito Adriatico Consolida | Debt consolidation | On request | 8.9% | ★ 3.9 |