What Are Installment Loans and How Do They Work?
An installment loan is a financial product that allows individuals to borrow a sum of money and repay it over time. The loan usually carries a fixed amount of interest rate and would require the borrowing party to make periodic payments.
Prolonged repayment duration, higher loanable amount, and efficient application are a few among many reasons why people tend to opt for personal loans. Before going through to its other advantages, it is crucial to know the most common types of installment loans.
Types of Installment Loans
Auto Loans
Auto loans are a kind of installment loan that’s meant to be applied when planning to purchase a car. Typically, this type of loan is repaid within a range of 12 to 96 months. Take note, however, that not all lenders have the same duration of monthly payments. Usually, loans with a longer-term repayment come with a lower interest rate, while loans with a shorter repayment term have a higher interest rate.
Mortgages
If auto loans are for buying cars, mortgages are for purchasing a house. Most mortgages usually have a duration of 15 to 30 years of repayment, as well as a fixed interest rate and set monthly payments that often don’t change.
Personal Loans
Personal loans can be used for a variety of purposes. You can get this loan to consolidate your debt, pay off sudden bills, or finance a major purchase. Typically, personal loans should be repaid within 12 to 96 months. One downside of personal loans is that they come with a high-interest rate as lenders don’t usually require collaterals, unlike auto loans and mortgages.
Advantages of Installment Loans
As stated earlier, there are several reasons why a lot of people prefer installment loans than any other kind of loan, including repayment duration, higher borrowing limit, and efficient application as some of its benefits. Specifically, here’s a roundup of the reasons why an installment loan can be the best for you.
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Higher Borrowing Limit
Because installment loans offer a more extended repayment schedule, banks and other lenders can give you a higher borrowing limit. This is an amazingly good advantage when you’re in need of a big amount of money, especially during emergencies. Plus, a larger borrowing limit removes the possibility of applying for multiple loans in the future.
Quick and Easy Application
The application for an installment loan can be either personal or online. Most people prefer applying online because of its fast and offers an immediate response not so long after the application. Take CreditNinja, for example. They offer a software application intended for borrowers, which can be awesome for people who don’t want to leave the comfort of their home.
Quick Cash
Many lenders offer a quick credit check that makes the process and approval quicker. Once you get approved, they will deposit the funds directly into your bank account as soon as possible. They also offer flexible repayment terms, depending on the type of loan and repayment plan you applied.
Options For Any Credit Rating
Even if you have a poor credit score or financial issues in the past, you could still be able to apply for an installment loan. Many lenders don’t regard a loan applicant’s credit score as their only deciding factor. An applicant can show other essential documents, like payslips, paychecks, or proof of billing, to serve as another determining point for his/her credit rating.
Apply Any Time of the Day
Banks and other traditional lenders follow certain standard business hours between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Meaning, they can’t always be accessible 24/7. Fortunately, online lenders offer round the clock services. If an unexpected situation happens and you need some quick cash, you’ll just have to access the Internet to apply for a loan online.
If it’s a big sum of money and you need to do over-the-bank counter, you might need to wait for the next day. The good thing is you don’t have to spend more time at the bank as your application has already processed.
Flexible Repayment Terms
One of the most significant benefits of installment loans is that it offers affordable repayment terms to the borrowers. Instead of paying a large sum of money in one go, a borrower can repay the lender with lower payments with a fixed interest rate in a fixed schedule. Paying in reasonable amounts allows a borrower to start working out his/her financial management.
Takeaway
Installment loans can be a solution when you’re in need of immediate cash, not to mention its flexible repayment terms. It’s good for borrowers who are only planning to loan upfront. Just be careful not to treat installment loans like payday loans. Just like any kind of loans, an installment loan doesn’t affect your credit score as long as you always pay on time. Don’t ever think of refinancing so you can extend a repayment date. Otherwise, your debt burden will grow.