Each type of personal loan has its own unique features and benefits.

The ability to access financial assistance has revolutionized the way we live our lives. Whether it's purchasing a car, renovating a home or paying for unexpected expenses, personal loans have become an essential tool for many people. 

Understanding the various types of personal loans available can help you make informed decisions about your financial future.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Personal circumstances will determine which type of personal loan is best for you.
  • Personal loans can be secured or unsecured and have fixed or variable interest rates.
  • Each type of loan has its own benefits and features.
  • Some types of loans are lump sum payments, while others are lines of credit.

Types of Personal Loans

With personal loans becoming more and more popular as evidenced by Americans having $232 billion in personal loan debt as of the second quarter of 2023, up from $225 billion in the previous quarter and $191 billion a year earlier, it's important to understand the different types of personal loans available.

Debt Consolidation Loans

One of the most common types of personal loans is a debt consolidation loan. As the name suggests, this type of loan helps you consolidate all your debts into one manageable payment. This can be especially helpful if you have multiple high-interest debts such as credit card balances and student loans.

To outline an example of how this personal loan can be applied to your needs, let's imagine that you have two credit cards with balances of $5,000 and $3,000 respectively. Each card has an interest rate of 20%, making your monthly payments unaffordable.

By taking out a debt consolidation loan, you can combine the balances into one loan with a lower interest rate, thus reducing your monthly payment amount. Although the total amount owed may be the same, you will save money in interest over time.

Personal Line of Credit

A personal line of credit is another popular type of personal loan. This works similarly to a credit card where you are given a specific amount of money that you can borrow as needed. You only pay interest on the amount you withdraw, and once you pay back the borrowed amount, it becomes available for use again.

A personal line of credit is different from a traditional loan in that it allows for more flexibility and convenience. It's ideal for those who may need access to funds but are unsure of how much they will need and when.

For example, a lender may issue a personal line of credit of $10,000 which does not mean that you need to withdraw the full amount. You can borrow $2,000 for a home renovation project and then pay it back while still having access to the remaining $8,000 for any future needs.

Credit Card Loans

Although credit cards are more common for making purchases, they can also be used as a personal loan option. This is known as a credit card loan or a cash advance.

This type of loan works by borrowing money from your credit card and paying it back over time with interest. The amount you can borrow will depend on your available credit limit, and the interest rate may be higher than other types of personal loans.

Credit card loans can be convenient for those who have a credit card and need quick access to funds. However, they should only be used as a last resort due to the high interest rates and potential impact on your credit score if not paid back promptly.

Payday Loans

When it comes to short-term debt obligations, payday loans are an option that some may consider. These types of loans provide quick cash to individuals in need with the expectation that they will be paid back by their next paycheck.

Despite their waning popularity and tightening regulations, payday loans are still available in some states. However, these loans often come with extremely high-interest rates and fees, making it easy to fall into a cycle of debt.

If you are confident that you can pay back the loan on time and in full, then a payday loan may be an option for you. However, if there is any doubt about your ability to repay the loan, it's best to avoid this type of personal loan and consider alternative options.

Understanding Fixed vs. Variable Interest Rates

When taking out a personal loan, it's important to understand the type of interest rate you are agreeing to. Each type of loan and lender will have its own set of guidelines and interest rates that you need to know before signing any agreements.

Fixed interest rates are a standard option for personal loans. This means that the rate stays the same throughout the life of the loan, making it easier to budget payments each month. If you have a stable income and prefer predictability, a fixed rate may be the best option for you.

Variable interest rates will change over time based on the market and economy. This can lead to fluctuations in your monthly payments, making it harder to budget accurately. A low variable interest rate may not be the best option for long-term loans as the economy in the long run can be unpredictable.

Evaluating Your Personal Needs

Now that we know more about the different types of personal loans, we can apply this newfound knowledge to our personal financial situation. 

Understanding your needs is an important step in determining which type of loan will best suit you. Asking yourself the following questions can help you evaluate your personal needs:

  • How much money do I need?
  • What will I use the loan for?
  • How long will it take me to repay the loan?
  • What is my credit score?

 

Once you have a clear understanding of your financial situation and needs, you can move on to exploring the various types of personal loans available to you. 

Closing Thoughts On Personal Loans

To your benefit, Credit9 offers a variety of loan options to fit your unique personal situation. Whether it be for a debt consolidation loan, a home renovation loan, or an unexpected expense, we have you covered.

How Credit9 Can Help You

Since 2018, Credit9 has provided over $200 Million in loans to over 15,000 of our customers, and we’re confident we can help you too. For more information about Credit9’s unique debt consolidation services, contact us today to see how we can help you consolidate your debts and receive a free, no-obligation, and fully-customized Credit9 loan solution!