What Is a Loan?
A loan is money you borrow from a lender, like a bank or credit union, and agree to pay back at a later date, typically with interest. There are many different types of loans, including personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, home equity lines of credit and credit cards. Each type of loan has its own set of terms and conditions, but they all share a few key attributes. Knowing these features can help you determine if a loan is right for you.
When you apply for a loan, the lender will review your application and credit history and evaluate your debt-to-income ratio to determine whether or not you qualify. If you are approved, the lender will provide you with a firm offer. This may include a list of fees and terms and conditions. Read this carefully to make sure you understand what you are getting into.
You can apply for a loan with many banks, credit unions, online lenders and private lenders. The most common personal loans are auto loans, student loans and mortgage loans. Some of these lenders have special programs for people with certain circumstances. Public agencies also often have programs that can help people during financial emergencies.
While all loans have some form of interest, the amount that you owe depends on the term of the loan and your credit score. Your monthly payment is comprised of the principal and interest, and you can lower your monthly payments by choosing a longer loan term. However, this will also mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.
Whether or not you qualify for a loan depends on your creditworthiness, which is determined by a number of factors, including your debt-to-income ratio and your repayment history. In general, loans with lower credit scores have higher interest rates than loans with better credit scores.
Some types of loans require collateral, such as a car or a house, while others do not. For example, a secured mortgage or auto loan has the property as collateral against the amount of the debt, while unsecured loans, such as personal and payday loans, do not.
There are many reasons to take out a loan, including debt consolidation, purchasing large items or taking on new business ventures. Before you decide to take out a loan, survey competing offers and consider speaking with a financial planner, accountant or attorney. You should also look for warning signs, such as high interest rates and hidden fees. Avoid predatory lending, which involves the granting of loans that are unaffordable or abusive. This includes subprime mortgage-lending and payday loans.