Secured or Unsecured Loan: Which Loan Should You Prefer?

Managing finances and expenses is sometimes challenging. In that tough situation, loans could be a savior. It is one of the best ways you can manage sudden expenses or may fulfill your long-time ambitions, such as buying your dream car or house. To meet financial needs, a person can avail of two types of loans: secured and unsecured. Let’s get into the aspects of each one by one.

Secured Loan

When you borrow a secure loan, the borrower has to provide security against the amount. Traditionally, deposit secured loans have lower rates, decent terms and conditions and can be availed easily. On the safer side, secured loans are collateral-backed loans with lower risk and various benefits. In this, lenders are assured of repayments because of the deposit security.

Understand Collateral

Collateral is the security (in the form of an asset)tied with a loan. It is forfeited in the case of a default. Collateral helps distribute risk fairly by ensuring that all parties involved have a stake in the loan. If a considerable amount is involved in the loan, the borrower needs to provide some security( collateral.) to back the loan. Collateral could be in any form, such as business or personal assets, real estate property, or anything that can be considered of value.

Examples of Secured Loans:

• Mortgages
• Construction loans
• Vehicle loans
• Home loan

Perks of Secured loans

• Lower rates
• Long repayment period
• Higher borrowing limits

 Disadvantages of secured loans

• A borrower must provide some assets to obtain a secured loan. Security or collateral may be cash in the bank or a valuable asset like a house or property.
• It involves losing the collateral if you fail to repay the loan.
• Longer repayment terms are only sometimes good because you will be in debt for longer.

Unsecured loan

An unsecured loan does not ask for any tangible security. However, they demand higher rates compared to secured loans. The reason is the apparent absence of any security deposit. These loans are issued on the analysis of borrowers’ capability of repayment.

Example of Unsecured

• Credit cards
• Signature loans
• Education loans

Benefits of unsecured loans:

• No collateral required
• No risk of losing any collateral.
• Preferable for borrowing small amounts

Drawbacks of unsecured loans:

• Personal liability of the loan repayment
• Higher interest rates
• Smaller borrowing amounts
• Shorter repayment terms

Secured or Unsecured Loan?

Depending on the situation and amount required, one can avail of any loan anytime. Once you complete the paperwork involved in loan credit, you can easily access the loan amount.

Yes, borrowing a secured loan is easier and more convenient. Again, lenders don’t want to lend a loan to someone who is not credible. Lenders look for credibility and prefer offering secure loans backed with collateral; this makes it easy for them to grant the loan. It is best to apply for a secured loan when someone has a poor or no credit history. Secured loans are safer when you borrow for a significant cause or make a big investment. Indeed, you can avail of various benefits like lower rates as discussed above.

On the other hand, unsecured loans are ideal for small investments or urgent needs. And again, you have to pay higher rates with no collateral. If you can repay the loan soon, the higher interest rates might not bother you. The urgency of fund requirements is the deciding factor that helps you decide on the nature of your loan.

Here are some deciding factors that help you to secure a loan:

• Purpose of the loan: Your intention for the loan should be clear because lenders verify where you are going to invest the money.
• Amount of funds: Decide what amount you want; yes, it depends on the purpose.
• Paperwork: Loan grants require some paperwork. Before applying for any kind of loan, make sure you prepare all the papers.
• Choose a lender: It is essential because, other than traditional banks, many financial institutions offer loans. But remember, they all have their specific terms and conditions.

A loan can help you overcome financial troubles and give you much-required support. However, one should always be wise about choosing the right loan based on their ability to repay. We hope, after reading the points mentioned above, you’ve gained clarity about the kind of loan that is right for you.