Everyone has financial goals in life, whether it’s renovating a house, buying a car or planning for a dream vacation. However, not everyone has the luxury to pay them in cash. When faced with such situations, personal loans canada can be a great aid. There are two types of personal loans; secured loans and unsecured loans. So, which one should you go for? In this article, we will help you explore the differences between secured and unsecured loans so that you can make an informed decision on which one is best suited for you.
1. Secured Personal Loans Canada:
Secured personal loans require collateral such as a car or a home, as security. The collateral provides the lender with a safety net if the borrower fails to pay back the loan. As a result, secured personal loans carry lower interest rates than unsecured loans because of the safety net provided to the lender. The loan tenure for a secured loan is longer and ranges from three to thirty years.
One of the primary advantages of a secured loan is that you can get a larger loan amount. Things to keep in mind when taking a secured loan is that if you’re unable to pay back the loan, the lender has the right to take away the asset you used as collateral. This could mean losing your car or home in extreme situations.
2. Unsecured Personal Loans Canada:
Unsecured personal loans are granted without any collateral. Since there is no safety net for the lenders in these types of loans, the interest rates are considerably higher than secured loans. Therefore, the tenure of the loan is typically shorter, usually ranging from one to five years.
An advantage of unsecured loans is that they don’t require any collateral; thus, you don’t have to worry about losing any property if you can’t pay back the loan. Another benefit of unsecured loans is that they are faster to get approved. However, keep in mind that the loan amount in unsecured loans is generally smaller as compared to secured loans.
3. Choosing between Secured vs. Unsecured Personal Loans:
When choosing which type of personal loan to take, consider the amount of money you need, the loan’s repayment tenure, and the interest rate. Secured personal loans are appropriate for larger and more extended purchases, and you have a given asset that you can use as collateral. Conversely, unsecured personal loans are better suited for shorter loans, such as paying for a vacation or smaller purchases.
It’s essential to carefully assess your financial situation before deciding which type of personal loan to take. For lenders, aspects like credit ratings, the value of assets, and the frequency of successful payments on credit cards, previous loans, or mortgages, are a crucial factor in assessing the risk of loan repayment.
4. Things to Consider Before Applying for a Personal Loan:
Before applying for any personal loan, ensure you have a well-structured financial plan for repaying the loan on time. A late or missed payment on the loan will significantly affect your credit score, making it more challenging to apply for credit in the future. Remember to compare interest rates, lending terms, and loan amounts with other institutions to make the best-informed decision.
Also, note the fees and charges that come with taking a personal loan. It’s critical to be aware of the loan origination fees, pre-payment penalties, late payment fees, annual or monthly fees, and other hidden charges. Make sure you read the fine print before signing any loan agreement.
Ultimately, the choice between secured and unsecured personal loans Canada depends on your financial needs and ability to repay a loan. The decision should be based on the interest rate, loan amount, tenure, and other factors critical for making better-informed decisions.