If you live in the UK and you are looking for a loan, the Internet has now become the place to look. Loans can be for any purpose. Whatever the reason, the World Wide Web will provide you with the means to easily compare and contrast loan rates, features and conditions and will also simplify the process of applying, with approvals often being given in minutes.

How do you go about using this valuable resource? The place to start is determining what kind of loan you require and how much you can afford to borrow. Basically, you have to choose between a unsecured loan, normally used for purchases such as a car or a holiday, and a secured loan which is generally taken out either to consolidate your debts or to make a home improvement. Car loans are available for all types of circumstance and can be obtained online from websites like creditmonster.co.uk which specialises in loans for cars and also provides a resource for people that may have been affected by adverse credit in the past.

Currently, UK interest rates are generous for both types of loan. In addition, Internet only financial institutions often give better rates or features than High Street banks because they cut costs by cutting out the middle man.

Once you have decided what kind of loan you need, you should use the Internet to carry out research. Although you can use search engines to find different loans, it's easier to find a site which has done your legwork for you and presents a spread of different UK companies and loan rates in an easily digestible format.

You can also use online loan calculators to help you find out exactly how much your monthly repayments will be, with and without payment protection.

When you have chosen the loan product you want, you can also apply online. Because of various scare stories about computer security, a lot of people are wary about giving their details online. However with some preparation and a bit of knowledge you can ensure that your online transactions are just as safe as your offline ones. (See our tips on online security).

First, make sure you have all your personal details to hand