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Hannah Smith

Editor, Personal Loans
  • 3
    Years at Bankrate
  • 6
    Years of experience
Ribbon Icon EXPERTISE
  • Personal loans
  • Student loans
  • Data analysis
Education Icon EDUCATION
  • Bachelor of Arts in English, Kennesaw State University
  • Master of Arts in English, North Carolina State University

Hannah Smith is a former Bankrate editor specializing in personal loans. They are meticulous in their approach to ensuring users can navigate the complexities of loans with the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Prior to joining the Bankrate team, Hannah was an editor for House Method where they edited and published over 400 articles aimed at helping readers make informed decisions on home renovations and services.

Hannah currently lives in Raleigh. When they are not editing, they enjoy walking with their dog, playing tabletop games and reading.

Shopping around with multiple lenders is truly the key to getting the best rate for your loan. Each lender will offer different incentives, perks and rates. When I was applying for a loan to get a car, I checked with a minimum of three lenders — including a credit union — to ensure I was getting the best rate for the long term.

— Hannah Smith

Hannah's Picks

A hand applies a stamp to a document.
5 MIN READ

How to get a low interest loan in 7 steps

Here’s how to qualify for a low interest personal loan.

An Asian woman looks at paperwork
7 MIN READ

What is an unsecured loan?

These loans don’t require collateral and typically charge higher interest rates.

Young woman working at home
6 MIN READ

What is the APR on a personal loan?

An APR is a snapshot of how much your personal loan will cost each year.

Young Black woman smiling at tablet sitting at a table
5 MIN READ

What is a low-interest personal loan?

You’ll need excellent credit and good finances to qualify.

A couple reviewing a note and looking at a laptop.
5 MIN READ

What are installment loans & how do they work?

Installment loans are a type of financing that has fixed interest rates and are paid back over a set number of months.

A piggy bank sprouts wings and flies amid dollar bills
7 MIN READ

Dollars and Debts with Denny: The financial freedom pyramid

When I was learning to play the piano, I had to endure the agony of music theory books — they were tedious but necessary lessons that helped me understand how to read and play music. Similarly, financial [...]

A question mark made of money
7 MIN READ

How to get a $10,000 personal loan

If you need a $10,000 loan, you will need to meet the requirements and find lenders that offer loans in that amount.

A Black man sits at a table using a tablet and doing calculations.
6 MIN READ

How to calculate loan payments and costs

Learn how to figure out how much interest you’ll pay and how you can save money.

Hannah's latest articles

  • Student Loan Refinancing Guide

    Bankrate walks through all of the essential steps in the student loan refinancing process, letting you compare rates, start research, or get offers.

    6 min read Sep 05, 2025

  • Truist Ready Now

    Truist Ready Now line of credit is a great option for borrowers who are looking to receive fee-free overdraft protection.

    5 min read Aug 06, 2025
  • Bankrate Awards - Best Student Loan Lenders 2023

    Student loans

    Pay for school the smart way. Find a winning lender with our list of the latest and greatest so you can focus on your school, not your school loans.

    2 min read Dec 17, 2022
  • Bankrate Awards - Best Auto Loan Lenders 2023

    Auto loans

    Find the right auto loan for your life with our list of the best. Secure your loan online, refinance your existing loan, and more with Bankrate's top picks.

    1 min read Dec 17, 2022