Lenders Reject Applications Above 43% Debt-to-Income Ratio — Check Yours Before You Apply
Lenders prefer a debt-to-income ratio under 43%. Enter your numbers to see your DTI, what you qualify for, and whether you should borrow less.
Your Loan Affordability
Your total income before taxes and deductions.
Include credit card minimums, car payments, student loans, and any existing personal loans.
How much you're thinking of borrowing.
Your Debt-to-Income Analysis
Share your number
Most people don't know their DTI. Yours might be better — or worse — than you think.
Common Questions About Loan Affordability
What debt-to-income ratio do lenders require?
Most lenders prefer a DTI under 43% including the new loan payment. Prime lenders (best rates) typically cap at 36%. Subprime lenders may accept up to 50% but charge significantly higher rates. Checking your DTI before applying avoids hard inquiries on loans you won't qualify for.
How much personal loan can I get with my income?
Lenders typically cap personal loans at $35,000–$50,000 depending on income and credit history, though some lenders go higher for well-qualified borrowers. A rough guideline is that your maximum loan amount is roughly 2–3x your annual income minus existing debt obligations. This calculator applies the actual debt-to-income formula lenders use, so you see your real eligibility before submitting an application.
Does checking my rate affect my credit score?
Pre-qualification checks from the lenders listed here use soft credit pulls — no impact on your score. Only a formal application triggers a hard inquiry (typically 5-10 point temporary drop). You can compare rates across multiple lenders without any credit impact.