When you’re in a financial pinch, it can seem impossible to get a loan. Even if your credit is less than perfect, you may think that no lender would be willing to take the risk. But that’s not true. Many lenders are willing to give you a loan with certain strings attached. These are known as secured loans: They’re only available if you offer something of value as collateral. As a bonus, securing your loan with collateral also makes it cheaper and easier to get. A secured loan is essentially any type of personal loan that has conditions where the lender is given title to some sort of property or assets as collateral in case you don’t repay the loan. Lenders are more willing to give out these loans because they have something to recoup should you default on your loan.
What is a secured personal loan?
A secured personal loan is any type of loan in which the lender has the right to seize and sell your assets if you don’t make your payments. It’s important to note that a secured loan is different from a secured credit card because the latter doesn’t require collateral. A mortgage is a classic example of a secured loan. If you’re a homeowner, the lender has the right to seize your house if you don’t pay off your mortgage. This is known as a “security interest.” You’re legally entitled to keep your home even if you don’t pay your bills, but the lender gets to keep all the money you’ve paid so far as partial or full payment of the loan.
Why get a secured loan?
Before you dive headfirst into getting a secured loan, make sure it’s the best option for your situation. Secured loans can have lower interest rates and better terms than unsecured loans (for example, credit cards). This is because lenders know that they can repossess and sell your collateral if you’re late on payments. A secured loan can be a good option if you’re struggling to find financing. If you have bad credit or you’ve been turned down by other lenders, a secured loan could be your best bet.
Types of Secured Loans
There are many types of secured personal loans. Some common examples include Mortgage loans: If you’re a homeowner and you have a good credit score, you may be able to refinance your mortgage. This could lower your monthly payments or get you a lower interest rate. Home equity loans: These loans let you use the equity in your home as collateral. You might use it for home improvements or pay off other debts. Auto or boat loans: If you have collateral such as a car, boat, or motorcycle, auto and boat loans can be a good option, especially if you have bad credit. Personal loan: Lenders often give a higher maximum amount with a personal loan. It usually has a fixed rate and term, though you may be able to pay it off early without a fee.
How to get a secured loan
To get a secured loan, start with a free unsecured loan comparison at an online lender. You’ll need to know what you want to borrow the money for, how much you need, and your current credit score. Once you’ve found a lender you like, it’s time to consider your options. You can get an unsecured loan if you have bad credit, but you’ll likely have to pay a higher interest rate. On the other hand, a secured loan will be cheaper and easier to get because the lender can repossess your collateral if you don’t pay.
Drawbacks of secured loans
If you fail to repay your loan, the lender will take your collateral. While this is a good thing if you plan to repay the loan, it can be a bad thing if you were using the collateral for a purpose other than repaying the loan. If you want to purchase something expensive like a car but don’t have enough saved up, getting a secured loan could mean losing the car if you don’t make your payments. You should also consider how long you plan to keep the collateral. If you’re taking out a loan against a car, truck, or motorcycle, you’ll probably want to keep it for a few years. This can be tricky if you live in an area where you have to replace your car frequently due to weather damage.
Summary
A secured personal loan allows you to borrow money against your assets such as a car or house. You’ll get better terms and rates with a secured loan because lenders can repossess your collateral if you don’t pay. A secured loan can be a great way to borrow money if you have bad credit or don’t have enough saved up for a large purchase. Still, you should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of getting a secured personal loan. A secured loan can be a great way to borrow money if you have bad credit or don’t have enough saved up for a large purchase.