How to get a loan: looking at your options
When people need to borrow money, they often want the cash fast. Being able to purchase goods directly from the store can be an advantage of a credit card or an overdraft.
Getting a loan, such as a personal loan through a financial institution, however, is often a better option from a financial perspective. It can take longer to set up, but usually costs less in the long run. That’s because often there are fewer fees and the interest rate is lower.
Compare Personal Loans with Canstar
At the time of writing, personal loan rates range from 6.99% to 21.90% for secured loans, and 6.99% to 26.99% for unsecured loans, based on a loan amount of $15,000 over five years. These ranges are based on products on Canstar’s database. On the other hand, interest rates for a low rate credit card range from 9.95% (excluding promotional rates) and 25.99%, according to Canstar’s database.
The advantages of getting a personal loan
As well as possibly paying less interest in the long run, personal loans have other advantages. They include:
- Getting a loan through the bank means customers can contact the banking ombudsman for assistance if there are any issues with the lender.
- A personal loan is, typically, a one-off transaction with a structured repayment program. So you have to stick to regular repayments.
- Because repayments are fixed, borrowers can budget with more accuracy. If they buy more goods using a line of credit or credit card, their repayments can increase overtime.
What to consider when getting a personal loan
| Choose the amount of money you want to borrow | Don’t forget that a loan costs more than just the repayments – there are also fees and other charges. |
|---|---|
| Choose the length of time to repay it | A shorter loan means higher monthly repayments. A longer loan will cost you more in interest payments over the life of the loan. Choose the shortest loan term you know you can comfortably afford. |
| Choose a secured or unsecured loan | Secured loans give you a lower interest rate, but you risk losing the property you put up as security if you don’t make all the repayments. Unsecured loans have higher interest rates, so you might end up paying more in interest over the life of the loan.
|
| Check your credit rating | Your credit rating is a measure of your trustworthiness to repay a loan, and lenders use it to decide whether to approve or reject loan applications. You should check out your credit report before you apply for a loan |
| Have your paperwork ready to go | Make the process smooth and easy by gathering everything you need before you apply. |
| Shop around | Canstar compares personal loan providers, to give you a starting point. Compare rates and features, here. |
How to get a loan without paying more than you bargained for
Before you take on additional financial obligations like a personal loan, you should always get some good financial advice. You need to work out a solid budget and know that you can afford to add monthly loan repayments to that budget. Unexpected things happen to the best of us – don’t let yourself fall into debt because your budget was stretched too tight.
Be aware when looking into how to get a loan, though, as there is often more than meets the eye with an “Interest free” personal loan deal. For example, you may have to pay an establishment fee and, if you don’t repay the loan in full by the day the interest-free period runs out, you will start paying much higher interest rates on the outstanding balance. Last piece of important advice: Do your homework. While the personal loan rate is right up there in terms of importance, it is not the only aspect to consider. Look at what features the personal loan provider and product offers, so you know what will work for your own personal financial situation. Follow the link below to check out our free personal loan comparisons.
Share this article