What are the pros and cons of personal loans? (2024)

Taking out a personal loan has myriad pros such as

• Valuable in diverse scenarios: Personal loans can serve different purposes, such as consolidating debt, funding home improvements, or addressing unforeseen expenses. This also entails consolidating various debts, such as credit cards and smaller loans, into a single loan that may have a lower interest rate. This simplifies the repayment process and has the potential to save you money.
• Possibly reduced interest rates compared to credit cards: If you qualify for a favourable personal loan rate, it could be lower than the interest rate on your credit cards, enabling you to save on interest costs.
• Simpler to handle: Personal loans generally involve consistent monthly payments, providing a more straightforward approach to budgeting and debt management in contrast to managing multiple credit card bills.

Possessing a personal loan may not necessarily be advantageous for borrowers. The drawbacks of shouldering the responsibility of a personal loan include:

• Elevated interest rates: Personal loans, particularly unsecured ones, frequently entail higher interest rates when compared to alternative loan options such as secured loans or home equity loans.
• Adverse effects on credit score: Seeking a personal loan may result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, leading to a slight reduction in your credit score. Moreover, failing to make timely payments can significantly harm your credit score.

It is essential to thoroughly evaluate the advantages and disadvantages before opting for a personal loan. Explore alternative options, compare rates from various lenders, and ensure that you can comfortably manage the monthly payments before reaching a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. How can you apply for a personal loan?

Before applying for a personal loan, ensure that your credit is in optimal condition. Next, research lenders offering personal loans with the desired features, and gather the necessary information required for the application process. Begin by investigating various lenders, encompassing banks, credit unions, and online lenders, to assess and compare loan terms, interest rates, fees, and eligibility criteria.

Consider aspects such as your creditworthiness, the amount of the desired loan, the repayment period, and any specific features you require (e.g., expedited funding) when making your evaluation. Certain lenders provide pre-qualification, enabling you to receive an estimated interest rate and loan amount without undergoing a hard credit inquiry that could affect your credit score.

Subsequently, organise your application. Typically, you will require documents such as proof of income, employment verification, bank statements, and identification. While each lender may have a slightly distinct application process, in general, you'll be required to furnish personal information, financial details, and employment information.

Submit your application through online channels, mail, or in-person, adhering to the lender's provided instructions. The lender will assess your application and creditworthiness, and this evaluation may span from a few days to a few weeks. Upon approval, you will be presented with the terms and conditions of the loan. Take the time to meticulously review the details before consenting to the loan. Once accepted, the loan funds will be disbursed according to the lender's procedures.

Q. Do personal loans come at high interest rates?

The annual percentage rates (APRs) for personal loans can exhibit significant variation, ranging from a minimal 3% for the most creditworthy borrowers to a considerably higher 36% for individuals with lower credit scores or limited credit history. Individuals with outstanding credit scores and robust financial profiles have the potential to qualify for the most favourable interest rates.

Although the APRs for personal loans can be elevated, they might still be lower than the interest rates associated with numerous conventional credit cards. This has the potential to save you money on interest charges if you handle the loan responsibly. Collateral-backed loans, such as home equity loans, generally present lower interest rates in contrast to unsecured personal loans. This is due to the backing of collateral, with your home serving as security in the case of a home equity loan.

Q. How do personal loans help in debt consolidation?

A person with numerous debts seeks a debt consolidation loan, essentially a form of personal loan. Upon approval, they obtain the loan amount, utilising the funds to settle their current individual debts and credit card balances. Subsequently, the borrower is left with just one monthly payment to oversee—the payment linked to the newly acquired consolidation loan.

Q. How do personal loans affect your credit score?

Making timely repayments on your loan gets reported to credit bureaus, contributing positively to your credit history and potentially enhancing your credit score. This showcases your dependability in handling debt and meeting financial commitments.

Similarly, failing to make payments or making late payments on your personal loan can have a substantial adverse impact on your credit score. Negative marks on your credit report resulting from tardy payments may linger for an extended period, making it more challenging and costly to secure loans in the future.

Q. Who is a co-signer for personal loan?

If you need a loan and your financial standing is not particularly robust, you may enhance your chances of approval by actively searching for a co-signer. For the unversed, a co-signer is an individual who consents to jointly bear the legal responsibility of repaying the loan alongside the primary borrower (you). Essentially, they function as a guarantor for the loan.

With a co-signer boasting a robust credit score and a stable income, you present a more formidable financial position to the lender, potentially elevating your likelihood of loan approval. Furthermore, a co-signer with excellent credit may assist you in securing a lower interest rate on the loan, leading to potential savings on interest charges over time.

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Published: 06 Mar 2024, 07:22 PM IST