Benson at a glance
- Population: 406, the 930th-largest community in Illinois out of 1,294 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 412 residents at the 2020 Census (US Census Bureau, 2020 count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 1.5% lower than the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Illinois places: 930th of 1,294 by population (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- Size percentile: larger than about 28% of the Census places in Illinois (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 40.8507, -89.1211 (Census Gazetteer, US Census Bureau).
- Nearest larger cities: Roanoke, IL (6 mi); Minonk, IL (6 mi); El Paso, IL (9 mi); Washburn, IL (10 mi); Toluca, IL (11 mi), each a US Census place with its estimated population.
- Nearest smaller communities: Panola, IL (7 mi); Secor, IL (8 mi); Rutland, IL (10 mi), each a US Census place.
What a personal loan costs in Benson
Personal loans are closed-end installment debt, so the monthly payment and the payoff date are known from the start.
The number to compare is the APR, not the interest rate, because the APR folds in origination fees and other charges; our personal loan calculator will show what a given amount and term would cost.
A longer term reduces what you owe each month and increases the total interest, which is the trade-off to weigh before choosing one.
Most lenders offer pre-qualification with a soft credit pull, so you can see an estimated rate and amount without affecting your credit score.
Illinois lending rules that apply in Benson
The table lists the Illinois rules that apply to a loan made in Benson, each with the regulator that published it.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 9% annual percentage rate (general written-contract interest cap) Source says: "it shall be lawful for the parties to stipulate or agree that an annual percentage rate of 9%, or any less sum". | Illinois General Assembly (Illinois Compiled Statutes) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Permitted under license; capped at 36% annual percentage rate (payday loans) Source says: "shall not contract for or receive a charge exceeding a 36% annual percentage rate ... for a payday loan". | Illinois General Assembly (Illinois Compiled Statutes) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer Installment Loan Act license required from the Director of Financial Institutions (loans above 9% APR) Source says: "No person ... shall engage in the business of making loans of money ... except ... after first obtaining a license from the Director of Financial Institutions". | Illinois General Assembly (Illinois Compiled Statutes) as of 2026-09-16 |
| State lending regulator | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Financial Institutions Source says: "DFI licenses, charters, and examines a wide variety of financial products and services including: Consumer and Sales Finance and Collection Agencies". | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation as of 2026-09-16 |
| Installment lender net-worth requirement | $30,000 minimum positive net worth (plus $25,000 surety bond) Source says: "every applicant shall prove ... that the applicant has and will maintain a positive net worth of a minimum of $30,000". | Illinois General Assembly (Illinois Compiled Statutes) as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Benson
Before you commit to a personal loan in Benson, work through these steps:
- Pull your free credit reports and dispute any error — it is the cheapest way to improve the rate you are offered.
- Run your figures through the personal loan calculator on this site so you know the payment before a lender quotes one.
- Pre-qualify with at least three lenders and compare the APR, not the interest rate.
- Check that the lender is licensed in Illinois using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.