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- Banks, Credit Unions, and Private Lenders: What's The Difference
- Types of loans
- Payday Loans
- Personal Loans
- Ways To Borrow Money
- FAQ
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Reading time: ~5 minutes
If you need cash, there are different ways to borrow money. Three is no faxing payday loan, a home equity loan, credit card cash advance, joint personal loan, or payday loan. The list is very long, and it would be better to feel the difference. And remember – there is no best way to get a loan for all, but there is the best way for you.
A large number of options, of course, can be confusing. What is better to choose? What is the difference? How to find the best choice and save money? Well, let’s try to answer these and other questions.
Banks, Credit Unions, and Private Lenders: What’s The Difference
First, you need to choose where you want to borrow money. A bank or credit union is a good choice for people with good or excellent credit history. In that case, you can have a low-interest rate. Also, there is a type of credit card that can offer you zero interest. But if borrowers have bad credit scores, private lenders are a rescue. The fact is that banks and federal credit unions, like all traditional lenders, will make a hard credit check of your credit report through three major credit bureaus. And if they don’t like it, you’ll have high-interest rates or will not have your cash advance at all.
Multiple lenders can offer you numerous borrowing options even if you have a bad credit score.
Interest rates can be higher, but you’ll get your borrowed money at least. In addition, private lenders make a soft credit check to ensure you can make monthly payments.
Let’s make it clear:
- Bank or credit union – you need to have a good credit score, but you’ll have a lower interest rate.
- Private lender – you don’t need an excellent credit score, but you can get a high-interest rate.
Types of loans
As already mentioned, there are a vast number of loan options that can help you with a financial emergency.
Let’s start with the fact that loans are divided into two types: secured and unsecured.
If you choose a secured one, you should be ready to provide collateral for your property. But you will get lower interest rates. On the other hand, if an unsecured one is your choice, then be ready to pay higher rates without risking your house or car. This difference is due to banks’ or lenders’ risks when providing you with money.
Payday Loans
These short term loans bring you an opportunity to get your cash advances the next business day. They are great for unexpected expenses, but the most expensive ones. This type of short-term loan has exceptionally high-interest rates. And this is a speed price. Loan payment is often automatically withdrawn from your specified bank account on the day of your salary or the next day. Payday loans are unsecured loans. By the way, usually, these loans are not reflected in your financial history.
Personal Loans
Personal loans are outstanding for borrowing money on long terms and for big money. Financial institutions provide personal loans ranging from a few hundred dollars to $50,000. Also, personal loans offer the lowest annual percentage rate. You can use this cash advance for any need, like a medical bill, a repair, or an expensive purchase. You can even pay taxes or pay off another existing loan. Sure, there are high-interest installment loans as well. But there are many loan options, so you can find the one with a favorable interest rate and comfortable loan repayment terms.
Ways To Borrow Money
Credit card
Maybe it’s the first thing that comes to mind, for example, a personal line of credit. It’s the amount that you can borrow, your credit limit. This is convenient for many reasons. First, you get the amount you need when you need it. Therefore, you will incur interest charges after you have borrowed the money. Sometimes a credit card company can provide an introductory period, and you don’t need to pay interest rates from 15 to 21 months. But don’t forget that you can have origination fees except for loan payments.
401(k) loan
This loan allows you to borrow money from the future yourself. Just note that The Internal Revenue Service has limited such loans. The maximum amount you may borrow from a retirement account is 50% of the vested account balance or $50,000, whichever is less. This loan will have low-interest rates. You can make late payments, and your financial history will be fine. Credit bureaus won’t know about it. And there is no loan origination fee.
Home Equity Loans
It’s a secured loan. And your house will be collateral. Pros: a massive amount of money (but no more than 85% of the house’s value), a fixed rate, long repayment period (5-15years), relatively low interest rates (5%-6%). Cons: you actually can lose your house if you can’t do your payments.
Mortgage Loans
A mortgage is similar to a home equity loan. The house acts as collateral as well. And if you can’t repay the loan, it will be taken away. Another disadvantage of mortgages is the credit score. For getting a mortgage, you need at least 500. But it would not be easy to find a deal. Basically, good conditions will provide you with 620 and above. In addition, do not forget the need for a down payment, which often amounts to 3% of the amount of the house.
Joint personal loans
This loan is suitable for those with a partner with whom they are confident. It could be your sister, cousin, husband, or just friend. The bottom line is that you take a loan together. Therefore, the two of you will also pay all monthly payments, fees, and other expenses. You are equally responsible for the repayment of this loan.
Peer-to-Peer Lending
This type of loan allows you to exclude a financial institution from the chain. Basically, you are borrowing money from a stranger. All conditions of such transactions are individual, depending on your credit rating and the amount you want to borrow.
Title Loans
Also known as car loans, title loans are good for fast borrowing money. But the interest rate will be high, and you’ll need to repay a loan fast. And it’s illegal in some states. Finally, don’t forget about the risk of losing your car.
Pawn Shop Loans
You can borrow money very quickly. You have provided that you have something valuable and are ready to give it away for a while. Usually, pawn shop loans are disadvantageous due to their rates and loan repayment periods. But if you need to borrow money now, it will work.
Buy now, pay later
This is great for buying high-value items such as a refrigerator or dishwasher. Often, sellers offer such installments without interest and any fees. Of course, you don’t receive money in your bank account, but you don’t spend it right away, either.
Alternative ways of making extra cash
- part-time job,
- freelance,
- pet sitter,
- babysitter.
FAQ
How can I borrow money?
There are a lot of options for borrowing cash. You can use your credit card; most loans also provide access to cash. However, a mortgage and “Buy now, pay later” will not bring money to the account.
What do I need to borrow money?
You need to prove your identity (passport, driver’s license, social security card, etc.), address (lease or rental agreement, property tax receipt, mortgage statement, etc.), income, and employer verification (paystubs, bank statements, tax returns, etc.). And be older than 18 y.o.
How to get a cash loan?
You need to choose the type of loan that suits you best, prepare the necessary documents and close the deal.
How much money can I borrow?
It depends on many factors—for example, your credit score and the type of loan you have chosen. The main thing is to be sure that you will be able to pay it and avoid default.
Where can I borrow money fast?
You can choose between banks, credit unions, and private lenders.
Thank you for reading!