What Is a Loan?
A loan is when someone lends another person money and then requires the borrower to pay back a specific amount of principal plus interest. Loans are common to finance things like cars, homes and education. People can obtain loans from banks, alternative (non-bank) lenders and online loan providers. Lenders typically analyze credit histories and scores when determining whether to approve a loan application and what interest rates, also known as annual percentage rates (APR), will be charged.
Some types of loans are secured, meaning borrowers provide an asset that may be seized if they fail to repay the loan, such as a home or a car. Other types of loans are unsecured, and are not secured by any asset, such as personal or payday loans.
When someone applies for a loan, the lender will usually ask for basic information including their income and employment status. They will also want to know if the borrower has any existing debts and what the intended use of the loan is. This information helps lenders determine if the borrower can afford to make the monthly payments and if it is a good loan for them.
If a borrower has bad credit, it can be difficult to get a loan. However, there are lenders that specialize in working with individuals with bad credit or no credit at all. These lenders are often called subprime mortgage lenders or payday lenders. These types of lenders are regulated by state laws to protect borrowers from predatory lending practices.
In addition to credit history and credit score, other factors that can influence the approval of a loan include the borrower’s income and existing debts. Those who are self-employed or have inconsistent income may need to provide additional documentation before being approved for a loan. Borrowers can also choose to get a co-signer, which can help boost their eligibility for certain types of loans.
While some borrowers can obtain loans with bad credit, others find it harder to qualify for a loan or are offered higher rates and fees. It’s important for borrowers to shop around and compare rates from different lenders.
A family loan can be an option for obtaining a short-term loan that doesn’t require a hard credit check. However, it is important to set up a detailed loan agreement between the borrower and the lender to ensure repayment goes smoothly. Purchasing items using a buy now, pay later financing option at a retailer can be an effective way to fund large purchases without paying interest upfront. This type of purchase financing is typically processed by a third-party provider that may conduct a credit check, and the buyer will likely pay a small fee to use this service. These fees are typically lower than the interest charges of a traditional loan.