Personal loan rates can depend on various factors, including Federal Funds rates or the amount banks pay to borrow funds. For over a decade, the economy has experienced a shift in how people manage their funds. With the shrinking economy and rising interest rates, consumers, especially young adults, are looking to manage their finances at lower rates.
A way to merge their existing debts into a single one, probably with a better interest rate, is another popular search among consumers. This is what has made personal loans more prominent in the economy.
Over the last ten years, personal loans have become a people’s choice for their apparent benefits. Some of the advantages include debt consolidation, lower rates than credit cards, no need for collateral and an easy-to-navigate procedure. Personal loans also provide a good shot at getting a loan even with a relatively low credit score. And bonus point, you can take the loan for a plethora of reasons. These reasons can vary from paying off miscellaneous expenses like college loans or medical bills to making a big purchase like inventory for business or home improvements. Use Beem to check personalized interest rates for personal loans ranging from $500 to $100,000.
What is a Personal Loan?
Simply put, a personal loan is an unsecured loan sanctioned in a fixed amount and distributed as a lump sum. What distinguishes it from other types of loans is that, unlike different loans specific to a particular asset, for instance, a mortgage or vehicle loan, a personal loan is unsecured. They are utilized for personal expenses like paying for a home renovation, a wedding or consolidating high-interest debt.
The tenure of a personal loan is predetermined while sanctioning the loan. In addition, the amount of the installments to be paid over the loan tenure is also fixed beforehand. The loan’s interest rates are variable and depend upon the credit score and other relevant financial factors, like the borrower’s annual income, other ongoing debt, etc. A higher credit score, stable yearly income and a few ongoing debts allure attractive interest rates.
What You Need Before Applying for a Personal Loan?
The procedure to avail of a personal loan doesn’t include any tedious paperwork. However, if required documentation is not available on time or any false information can unnecessarily prolong the process. To cover all your basis, it is better to plan and prepare the following:
Credit Score
Your credit score is the deciding factor about the interest rate you will be charged. Therefore, it is crucial to check it beforehand. In case, it could be more impressive, take corrective measures to improve it.
Income and expenses
Sort out your annual and monthly income and expenses as they highly influence the amount of loan you will sanction. A stable annual income, with minimum expenses, will increase the chances of getting the entire amount you applied.
Calculate the amount
While several factors determine the amount that will be sanctioned. The amount that will be approved also impacts a lot of factors, for instance, the quantum of monthly installments, the tenure of the loan and personal loan rates. If, after making the calculations, the amount of monthly payments is well within your budget, go ahead. Otherwise, you can trim down the amount to make it work for you.
Shop around
Remember, there’s more than one lender in the market. If the rate of interest, the amount of the loan or the quantum of installments differ from what you desire, you can always look for another lender. It is advised to shop around and grab the best deal available.
Also Read: Which Bank is Best for a Personal Loan?
Terms and conditions
Decoding the legal jargon can be tricky and land you in problematic situations, possibly leading to lawsuits. Carefully review the loan’s terms and conditions to prevent any trouble.
Consult a professional to get assistance with the process. They will help in breaking down all the terms and conditions and your rights to ensure everything is clear.
What are Personal Loan Interest Rates?
Like any other loan, personal loans are also payable along with interest, known as individual or interest rates. They are the fee the lender charges for borrowing money and are usually expressed as an annual percentage rate (APR).
The personal loan rate will differ depending on various factors like the lender you have approached, credit score, loan amount and term for which the loan is availed. Your annual income and the expenses against it, as well as any ongoing debt, also weigh in the rate. Therefore, shopping around and comparing rates from multiple lenders is essential before deciding on a loan.
What are the Average Rates for Personal Loans?
The average interest rates for personal loans depend on several factors, including the borrower’s credit score, loan amount, loan term and the lender. As of May 2023, the average rates for personal loans are as follows:
- Excellent credit (credit score 720 or higher): 10.73%-12.50%
- Good credit (credit score 690-719): 13.50%-15.50%
- Fair credit (credit score 630-689): 17.80%-19.90%
- Poor credit (credit score below 630): 28.50% – 32.00%
Conclusion
Personal loans are popular ways to manage your finances, whether combining several loans into one, financing big purchases or activities, or even paying off expenses like medical bills. Even as primarily an unsecured form of loan, personal loans are simple to navigate and do not include lethargic paperwork. Your credit score highly influences your interest rates, which can be a roadblock for many, especially those struggling financially. Beem will find the best personal loan offers for you. Explore personal loan options ranging from $500 to $100,000 with Beem.
However, lenders consider several other factors while deciding personal loan rates like your annual income, pending debts, the amount to be borrowed and the purpose of the loan. Maintaining a decent credit score is advisable as that can lower the interest rate for such loans. Calculating a ballpark figure of your monthly installment after the loan is approved is also an excellent practice for determining what you can or cannot afford. Even though personal loans are not too complicated, caution should always be exerted.
