When you need to borrow money, one of the most straightforward ways is witha personal loan, sometimes known as an unsecured loan. You can use this open-ended loan for pretty much any purpose you want, but before signing the agreement, you should considerthe risks that accompanycertain aspects of these loans. The following are the eight most common risks.
Key Takeaways
- Personal loans can help you pay for several types of large purchases but come with risks.
- Interest rates are based on your credit score.
- There can be a number of different fees attached to a personal loan.
1. The Interest Rate
Just because you qualify for a personal loan doesn’t mean you should take it. Some personal loans come with interest rates well below 10%, while others may be three or four times higher. The interest rates on these loans depend on your credit score, but lenders may charge whatever they want, provided the rate fallswithin certain laws.
Also, be careful when comparing annual percentage rates (APR). The APR can be manipulated. Instead, look at the total amount you will pay on the loan, including interest, fees, and principal, over the life of the loan. That’s a better measure of the loan’s ultimate cost.
2. Early-Payoff Penalties
Are you allowed to pay the loan off early or is there a penalty or fee for doing so? Depending on which kind of personal loan you get—from a bank, via peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, or by some other means—some lenders will be more favorably disposed to your paying off the loan early than others. If an early payoff is important to you (and it should be), read the fine print closely to make sure that no penalty is involved.
3. Big Fees Upfront
How much will it cost you to get the loan money into your bank account? As with a mortgage, upfront origination feesfor the loan can vary widely. You want to ensure that any upfront fees you are paying are fair and in line with market levels. There are many providers out there with varying terms, so don't feel like you have to take the first loan that you are approved for.
4. Privacy Concerns
Bank and credit union loans will come with strict privacy rules, but other optionsmay be considerably less formal. Although all lenders should respect privacy laws similar to those required for banks, some may not.
5. The Insurance Pitch
Some personal loans will come with a sales pitch for additional insurance to protect the loan in case “life’s unexpected events” get in the way of your ability to repay. If you want insurance for that purpose, call an agent you trust and get a quote on general disability insurance. It’s probably cheaper and has better coverage.
6. Precomputed Interest
Basically, precomputed interest uses the original payment schedule to calculate your interest regardless of how much you’ve actually paid on the loan. Simple interest looks at what you owe today and computes your interest on that figure.Make sure to ask the lender howthe interest is being computed. If you hope to pay off the loan early, you want simple interest.
7. Payday Loans
Payday loans are a form of short-term personal loans that financial gurus and government agencies advise consumers to avoid. The interest rates are very high, and the terms often force people into rolling over the loan for additional terms.
8. Unnecessary Complications
A loan is a simple product. Someone gives you money and you pay it back with interest. If a company offers you payment holidays, cash back offers, or other enticements, understand that the company is not going to lose money on the deal. The only possible loser is you.A personal loan should be simple to understand. If it’s not, that’s a red flag.
How Do People Use Personal Loans?
Investopedia commissioned a national survey of 962 U.S. adults between Aug. 14, 2023, to Sept. 15, 2023, who had taken out a personal loan to learn how they used their loan proceeds and how they might use future personal loans. Debt consolidation was the most common reason people borrowed money, followed by home improvement and other large expenditures.
Can an Unsecured Personal Loan Impact My Credit Score?
Yes. Most personal loans require a hard credit check that can lower your credit score by up to five points. In addition to inquiries, failing to pay your loan on time could lower your credit score once the late payment is reported to the three major credit agencies.
Does Disability Insurance Cover Loan Payments?
In many cases, yes. Disability insurance is intended to make payments on your financial commitments in the event that you are disabled. Potentially covered loans include personal loans, credit cards, auto loans, and lines of credit, but check with your insurance company to see what exactly your plan covers.
Can I Pay Off My Personal Loan Early?
The answer is yes, but some loans may charge early payment penalty fees to make up for the interest that they won't earn when you pay off your loan early. Look at the fine print to see if there are early payoff penalties for your loan.
The Bottom Line
Loans are almost always stacked in favor of the lender and not the borrower. If you are seeking a loan for a want rather than a need, consider saving for the purchase. If you decide to proceed with a personal loan, be sure you know the risks going in.Additionally, using a personal loan calculator to find the monthly payment, loan term, and interest rate you're comfortable with can help ensure you know exactly what to ask for.
