If you have a plan to get an unsecured loan, don’t forget to consider the pros and cons of your decision. True, this type of loan doesn’t involve any collateral but that doesn’t mean you should take your obligations lightly. Below are the pros and cons that can influence your decision:
The Advantages of Unsecured Loans
Easy Approval. Unsecured loans grant easy approvals for almost anyone. There are a variety of unsecured loans to match your needs- whether you’re a tenant, a student, unemployed, someone with bad credit or no credit history.
Quick Process. Application can quickly be sent online and you can expect to get a response within minutes or on the same you submitted. As soon as you’re approved, the money will be deposited in your bank account or you may choose to get it through wire money transfer.
Little Paperwork. Unlike secured loans where you need to submit collateral, there’s very little paperwork required with unsecured loans. Usually, all you need is proof of income such as a copy of your payslip or tax presentations and an active savings account.
Fixed-interest rate. An unsecured loan must have a fixed interest rate so that means you monthly instalment fees should not change from the start until the end of your repayment term.
The Disadvantages of Unsecured Loans
Higher interest rates. The absence of collateral makes it a riskier business for lender. To make up for the risk, lending companies charge higher interest rates on this type of loan. Nevertheless, if you have a very good credit history, you should be able to request your lender to lower your rates and fees.
Limited loan amounts. Loan amounts are limited to avoid the risk of delinquency. The limit may depend upon the lending company and the Lending Laws that govern your State.
Shorter repayment period. The repayment term varies from one lending company to another. However, unsecured loans tend to have much shorter repayment period.
Pre-payment penalties apply. A lender expects you to pay off your loan in monthly instalments according to the period agreed. However, if you choose to pay off your outstanding balance in an earlier time, you’ll be subjected to pay a pre-payment penalty. This is to make up for the loss of interest fees you’re supposed to pay your lender during the remaining time of your repayment period.
About the Author
Sandra Thompson is a loan consultant with Unsecured Loans Now and has been providing consumers and business owners with Unsecured Loans since 1989. For years she has helped people with loan and credit problems especially pertaining to Unsecured Personal Loans, Business Loans and Unsecured Credit Cards. Copyright 2009.
