Our Tools

Amortization

Interactive Schedule

Export & Print

Export & Print

Comprehensive Loan Analysis

Interactive Schedule

Export & Print

Export & Print

Comprehensive Loan Analysis

Interactive Schedule

Export & Print

Export & Print

The Things Every Borrower Should Be Aware Of prior to Applying

Borrowing money is one of the most common financial decisions people make — but too many borrowers walk into the process without having a good understanding of exactly what they are agreeing to. Whether you are trying to consolidate your debt, cover an emergency, or afford to do a home renovation, an understanding of how loan personal loans actually work can save you thousands of dollars and your credit for years to come.

What Is a Personal Loan?

A personal loan is an unsecured installment loan, which means you receive a lump sum and pay it back over a fixed period of time (usually between one and seven years) in fixed monthly payments. Because no collateral is required, it is thanks to your credit score, income and debt-to-income ratio that lenders base their decisions on whether or not to approve you and at what interest rate. The better your credit profile, the rate you are likely to be charged.

Fixed Rates Vs. Variable Rates

One of the first options you will be faced with is a choice between a fixed interest rate and a variable one. A fixed rate remains the same over the life of the loan; this is easier to budget as monthly mortgage payments can be known. A variable rate can be lower in initiation, but can potentially increase with the passage of time with a total for one market condition. For the average borrower with a penchant for stability, fixed rate loans are the better choice in the long run – especially if interest rates are prone to rise.

The More Your Credit Doesn’t Matter How Your Credit Score Affects

Your credit score is arguably the single most important thing in the entire lending process. This is what determines if you qualify at all, how much rate you are offered and how much you can borrow. In sum, lenders tend to offer borrowers their best personal loan rates if they have a credit score above 720. If you have a lower score there is no need to panic as there are still options, but your rates will be higher. Before you apply, review your credit report for any errors and try to pay off your existing balance, if possible, and do not open new credit accounts.

Comparing Lenders: Bank, Credit Union, and Online

Today, there is more choice available to borrowers than ever before. Traditional institutions such as Wells Fargo are stable and provide face-to-face support. For members, credit unions are often more flexible in terms of lower rates and more flexible in terms. Online lenders have shifted the playing field by providing quick approvals with very rapid turnaround times of hours to a few days, and competitive rates due to technology. The intelligent thing to do is to compare rates of at least three lenders before committing. Most of them allow you to pre-qualify utilizing soft inquiry, which means that checking your options will never have an effect on your credit score at all.

Watch Out for Origation Standing Fees

Many lenders impose an origination fee (usually between one and six percent of the loan amount) and this is taken directly out of your funds. A loan having a low interest rate but high origination fees may in fact be more costly than a slightly higher-rate loan but with no fees. Always check the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) which includes in one number both the interest rate and fees.

The Bottom Line

Personal loans are a great financial tool if you are smart enough to use them. Understand Your Credit Profile Comparisons Between Lenders Choosing a Fixed Term Which You Can Afford Always Check The Fine Print Before Signing A well-chosen personal loan doesn’t just solve a short-term problem — it may help you create your more profitable financial future.

Our Partners