Can I get a personal loan to buy a major appliance?

Major appliance costs (2026): Refrigerator: $800-$3,500. Washer + dryer (pair): $1,000-$3,500. Dishwasher: $500-$1,500. Stove/range: $700-$2,500. Full kitchen appliance package: $3,000-$10,000. HVAC unit (if categorized as appliance): $3,000-$12,000.

Financer comparison: Home Depot consumer credit card: 0% APR for 6-18 months on purchases over $299-$999 (threshold varies). Deferred interest if not paid in full. Lowe's Advantage Card: similar 0% promotional offers. Best Buy credit card: 0% APR for 12-18 months on qualifying appliance purchases. Retailer installment financing: some retailers offer true fixed-rate installment financing (not deferred interest). Ask explicitly whether it is deferred interest or true 0% to understand the risk. Personal loan: 8%-25% APR, fixed monthly payment, no deferred interest risk, useful for large multi-appliance purchases.

When a personal loan makes the most sense for appliances: You are replacing multiple appliances at once (full kitchen renovation) and want a single fixed-rate loan. You need an HVAC replacement (typically $5,000-$15,000) that exceeds the promotional financing limits. You have been denied for retailer credit but qualify for a personal loan. You want the certainty of a fixed payoff date without deferred interest risk.

The dishwasher test: A single appliance under $2,000 that you can repay in 18 months should almost always use 0% retailer financing if you qualify. The math simply does not favor a personal loan for that scenario. The personal loan becomes compelling at $5,000+ or for multi-year repayment needs.