When you’re shopping for a loan, it’s always a good idea to do some research before you decide which one to get. Make sure that you look over all the options, so you can make an informed decision. How do you know which one is better? Before you decide, you should understand how unsecured and secured loans work and what you’ll be getting out of them.
Secured Vs. Unsecured Loans
Of course, there are advantages to both kinds of loans, but the decision will be based on what you need. There isn’t one type of loan that’s better than the other, and it’s just a matter of deciding which one is better for your financial situation. You can also find a lender who can provide you with both types of loans, so take the time to shop around and find the one that’s going to best suit your needs.
A secured loan requires collateral as a security to allow the borrower to get a loan. It means if you default on your loan payments, then the bank can get the money back by claiming your assets. Unsecured loans, as the term implies, don’t require anything more of you than your current income. It’s called an unsecured loan because there is no collateral, like your home or car, that will be used by the lender to recoup their money in case of default.
Secured loans are usually easier to get than unsecured loans because you’re guaranteeing your debt with an asset. Most lenders require a decent credit rating to be able to get an unsecured loan approved. However, there are also non-conventional loan providers who offer unsecured personal loans for those who have bad credit.
How To Get An Unsecured Personal Loan
If you don’t have anything to put up as a security for the loan, your best option is to look for unsecured loans. Getting unsecured personal loans is possible through direct lenders who have non-conventional ways of processing and approving applicants’ loan requests.
To obtain an unsecured loan, you should first find an honest lender that offers unsecured loans with requirements that you can meet. While some direct lenders focus more on a borrower’s capability to pay the loan, a good credit rating may also help you get an unsecured loan with reasonable interest rates.
Main Advantages And Benefits Of Unsecured Loans
An unsecured loan offers many advantages, but you have to analyze whether it’s the best option for you to take. Various companies provide unsecured loans, but it’s very important to make sure that they’re legitimate and reliable. These are the benefits and advantages of taking out an unsecured loan:
Available To Anyone
It’s possible to need additional cash even if you’re careful in handling your money. However, not everyone has a car or property that they can use as collateral for their loan. An unsecured loan lets you borrow money even if there are no assets to your name that you can put up to secure a loan.
You can also obtain an unsecured loan with a bad credit rating. A bad credit history may not be an issue anymore with an unsecured loan. Many lenders provide personal loans to individuals with bad credit ratings. Regardless of your credit rating, a lender will possibly accommodate your loan request as long as you can prove that you can afford to pay back the money you borrowed.
No Risk To Your Property
With unsecured personal loans, you may not have to lose any of your properties or valuables if you can’t pay back the loan. A secured personal loan means that you’ll have to provide a suitable collateral for the loan. If you can’t repay the loan, your bank or lender can seize your assets, usually your home or car. However, it doesn’t mean that you’re free from any responsibility in case you fail to pay off an unsecured loan. Any loan is an obligation that you must fulfill to avoid the lender going after you to recoup the money you owe.
Quick Loan Approval
An unsecured loan can be obtained more quickly and with less hassle. You don’t have to fax any documents proving ownership to the lender before applying for the loan. All you need to do is fill an application form, pay the fee, and wait for the loan proceeds to be transferred to your account. The lender checks your creditworthiness, financial condition, and other factors to decide whether you qualify for a loan.
Less Risky For The Lender
Unsecured personal loans are also less risky for the loan provider. If you have a bad credit rating, lenders may decide to give you a high-interest rate for the loan in exchange for the risk of losing your assets if you can’t pay your loan back. Although you may be approved for a loan with higher interest rates, you get access to the extra funds that you need.
Unsecured personal loans may not be available through mainstream lenders and banks, but some specialized lenders offer this service. Online lenders may charge higher fees depending on your unique personal circumstances.
Improve Your Credit Rating
A credit score is a factor that can influence a lender’s decision to approve or deny a loan request. If you’re like the many people who suffer from bad credit, you’ll be glad to know that taking out a loan can help repair or boost your credit rating. An unsecured personal loan is an easy way to obtain money for your immediate needs, but that’s not all since you can also use it to boost your credit score by being responsible with repayments.
Takeaway
If you want a loan but don’t have any assets to put up as collateral, you can get them without placing any assets on the line. Applying for an unsecured loan means that the borrower need not pledge any asset or collateral to secure the loan amount. However, if you’re planning to apply for one, it would still be best if you only deal with authorized and legitimate loan providers with the best terms and rates.
Ingrid Maldine is a business writer, editor and management consultant with extensive experience writing and consulting for both start-ups and long established companies. She has ten years management and leadership experience gained at BSkyB in London and Viva Travel Guides in Quito, Ecuador, giving her a depth of insight into innovation in international business. With an MBA from the University of Hull and many years of experience running her own business consultancy, Ingrid’s background allows her to connect with a diverse range of clients, including cutting edge technology and web-based start-ups but also multinationals in need of assistance. Ingrid has played a defining role in shaping organizational strategy for a wide range of different organizations, including for-profit, NGOs and charities. Ingrid has also served on the Board of Directors for the South American Explorers Club in Quito, Ecuador.
