How Do Personal Loans Work?

How Do Personal Loans Work and What are They? 

Personal loans are a type of installment loan, which means they are repaid in steady monthly payments. When applying for a personal loan, the bank or financial institution will assess the customer's eligibility based on factors such as their credit score, income, and employment history. Once the customer's eligibility is determined, they will be offered a loan amount and an interest rate. 

You can find a personal loan at a bank, credit union, or with a private lender who operates in-person, online, or provides both options. 

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Why Do People Seek Out Personal Loans? 

In most instances, people seek out personal loans to refinance debt or pay for an emergency expense. Here are some examples of common personal loan uses: 

1. Medical Expenses And Bills  
2. Car Repairs 
3. Rent Or Mortgage Payments  
4. Home Repairs Or Renovations  
5. Funeral Expenses  
6. Vet Bills  
7. Groceries And Other Everyday Expenses 

What Are Some Pros and Cons of Personal Loans? 

Generally, personal loans are considered to be a pretty well-rounded borrowing option. However, this will greatly depend on the individual loan option and your financial history, as well as your ability to repay the loan. And just like any loan, personal loans come with advantages and disadvantages that you should be informed about if you are trying to learn more about them or are considering borrowing from them. Let's start with the advantages:  

1. Versatility: Personal loans are extremely versatile; they come in different loan amounts and interest rates with different lenders/application types and can be used for all kinds of expenses.  

1. Reasonable Interest Rates in Some Cases: Personal loans tend to have decent interest rates if you have fair to excellent credit.  

1. Predictability: Because these loan options are installment loans, they can provide a predictable repayment schedule, making it easy to fit them into any budget.  

And here are some cons that you should be aware of:  

1. High Interest for Subprime Borrowers: With bad credit, you could be paying a lot of money in interest, and it may be hard to get approved. Some subprime borrowers can't get approved for personal loans and may need to utilize collateral loans or title loans. 

1. Potential Fees: Personal loans could potentially come with various fees and charges, such as origination fees, prepayment penalties, and late payment fees. These additional costs can add up and increase the overall cost of the loan. 

1. Potential Impact on Credit Scores: If you miss a payment on your personal loan, it can greatly impact your credit score. Multiple missed payments can lead to default, further harming your credit. Additionally, depending on your debt, adding an additional loan to your credit portfolio may be harmful.  

How to Find the Best Personal Loan for Me? 

Here are some tips on finding a good fit for a personal loan: 

1. Compare Your Personal Loan Options: With any funding option, looking at and comparing various options will be imperative. This is especially important with personal loans with several lenders and highly varying loan terms. 

1. Figure Out Exactly What Will Fit Your Budget While Taking Care Of Your Needs: You should never borrow more money than you need, so before going with a personal loan, consider exactly how much you want to borrow. Also, ensure that the monthly payment for potential loans fits your budget comfortably!  

1. Consider Loan Terms: Generally, loan terms encompass several aspects of a personal loan, such as fees, repayment flexibilities, monthly payment amount, and default terms. You'll want to find an affordable and flexible option!  

1. Check Out Customer Reviews and Reputability Of Your Lender: Your lender is just as important as the personal loan you are taking out! Be sure to check out past customer experiences through trusted reviews. Also, get a good sense of the lender's reputation, especially when applying for loans online.  

Micah Soto

Update 10 October 2023