What is an Unsecured Loan?
Unsecured loans are loans that are approved by the lenders without asking for collateral and can be used for emergency cash immediately approved. People with a good credit history can take advantage of such a loan without much effort. On the other hand, if your credit history isn’t good, it can be quite time-consuming for you.
But if you manage to get such a loan, you can spend money on any purpose at your discretion. You can use the received money to pay off your debts, repair a house, buy a car, start a business, continue your education, or anything else.
According to the Chamber of Commerce statistics, the number of personal loans among Americans continues to grow. It means that this topic is very relevant nowadays.
Unsecured personal loans are provided with a fixed interest rate. In such a way the monthly payments on the loan remain unchanged throughout the loan term. In case of early repayment, no additional fee is usually charged. As a rule, such loans allow you to borrow a relatively small amount of money.
By giving unsecured loans to individuals and legal entities a lender risks losing its funds. That is why lenders require from the borrower other ways to prove their solvency: a certificate from the official place of work or confirmation of the enterprise solvency. In such a way the financial institution reduces risks by issuing small amounts of money.
Examples of Unsecured Loans
To understand what are unsecured personal loans we should look closer into their types. As we have already mentioned unsecured loan doesn’t require collateral. The only thing the borrower pays attention to is your credit history and income. The borrowers can’t confiscate your property if you stop paying off the loan. Among such loans are:
- Personal loans;
- Student loans;
- Unsecured credit cards
They can be given by banking establishments, online lenders, and credit unions. The purpose of your loans is just your matter. A student loan is the most popular type of unsecured loan on this list.
Student life is the most pleasant time. It is a period of youth entertainment, learning, and the start of a new page in the book of life.
It happens that when you enter a university in another city, you want to feel independent and manage your budget on your own. In fact, adult life not always goes smoothly, and a miserable scholarship can make life really harsh.
Usually, the main condition for obtaining credit funds is access to the Internet and age above 18. You can get the required amount without all these papers like registration and employment certification.
To apply for a loan, you must have a passport, an identification code, and a plastic card from one of the banks in the country. Specify the amount of the required loan and the terms in which you undertake to repay the loan. The lenders provide a calculator for defining a particular sum of money you are obliged to pay off.
You can use credit funds for any needs:
- payment for tuition at a university, courses, training, or seminars;
- payment of rent;
- repair of equipment or house;
- purchase of food, clothing, and equipment;
- medical care and medicines;
- beauty and aesthetics industry services (including payment for plastic surgeries);
- purchasing tickets for festivals, and concerts;
- organization of events;
- buying gifts;
- travels.
This list is endless. Any student’s needs can be met by using an unsecured loan. There is no need to justify what the loan is taken for.
The Principle of Unsecured Loans Work
To apply for an unsecured loan you don’t have to go through severe check-ups. The lenders will analyze your credit history to assess your financial capabilities. As you understand unsecured loans for bad credit history are rare.
In such a way if you still have debts make sure you pay them off before applying for an unsecured loan. Even a minimal borrowing can spoil your plans because you are likely to get a refusal. It is much easier to get a loan on the first attempt.
Another pivotal aspect for the lenders is your income. You may be officially unemployed but have to provide proof that you have a source of income. It may be freelance work, inheritance, or someone’s donations. Due to this information, the borrower calculates your debt-to-income ratio.
The Difference Between Unsecured and Secured Loans
The principal difference between these two loans is that an unsecured one doesn’t require collateral. What’s more, it is common for tangible assets that can be reclaimed. To get a secured loan you have to offer an asset.
It may be your house, cash, car, or any other investments. If you go bankrupt and won’t be able to pay the money back the specified property can be confiscated.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Unsecured Loans
The pros are quite obvious. Thanks to unsecured loans you stand a lower risk of losing your assets. The best-unsecured business loans also provide company owners with the opportunity to get their debt discharged in case of bankruptcy.
On the other hand, since there is no collateral required the lender usually sets a higher interest rate than it is with the secured loans. The overall terms of cooperation are also not very favorable for the borrowers. In some cases, you may even view collateral as more beneficial than paying back extra money.
Final Thoughts
Unsecured loans can be the best option for many people. If you have a fear of losing your property this kind of loan is definitely worth thinking about. You can get an unsecured loan from a bank or microfinance institution.
Even some pawnshops offer unsecured loans. Unsecured lending rates in MFIs and banks are radically different. Banks, issuing unsecured cash loans, define more requirements for borrowers, in contrast to microfinance firms. To get an unsecured loan from this financial institution you have to present the income confirmation.
What’s more, your credit history will be checked. If you have debts and outstanding obligations, you are unlikely to get money. If you are serious about it get prepared. Anyway, unsecured loans deserve our attention. However, before choosing this kind of loan consider both its advantages and disadvantages.