Answer: -A bank will not give you a loan without collateral (like a CD, car, or home). Banks almost never lend unsecured--the only exception would be if you have great credit, are a valued business customer, and had lots of current business with the bank. Even then it would be a huge exception to bank policy and many banks won't ever consider it. Retirement plans don't count as collateral (even if they did you could only borrow around 80% of the value). Banks are much more conservative than other lenders--like credit card companies, car dealers and retailers. They are the lender of first resort, not last. If you can't get what you want elsewhere, you're probably not going to have much luck at a bank. -Banks usually do not make personal loans. They especially do not make "unsecured" personal loans to people with bad credit. -You won't know until you try. Go and try to talk to a loan represenative with your bank.