4 Factors to Consider When Comparing Loans for Poor Credit

iQuanti: If you have a poor credit score, you may feel like getting a loan isn't an option. But the good news is, many lenders offer loans with lenient credit score requirements. Options like title loans, cash advances, and installment loans may be worth a look if you're working to improve your credit score. As you compare options to get a loan with poor credit, it's important to assess these 4 critical factors:

Whether the loan requires collateral

You may qualify for a secured loan if you provide collateral like your car title or house. And the major benefit to these loans is that because they involve collateral, the lender may be more willing to lend a higher sum of money at a lower interest rate compared to unsecured loans. If you have a vehicle with a clean title, existing mortgage, or other valuable asset, it may make sense to look for lenders that can use these pieces of collateral to help gauge your eligibility. 

How much you'll need to borrow

Another factor that can help you decide on the right loan option is how much money you'll need to borrow. If you only need a few hundred dollars to cover expenses before your next paycheck, a cash advance may help meet your needs. But if you need a larger sum of money that you can pay back over time, you may want to consider other options like installment loans and title loans.

What you'll need to pay in fees

Some types of loans will assess high fees that can increase the cost of borrowing. As you compare loans, make sure to look at built-in costs like origination fees, early repayment penalties, and late payment fees. It's important to know the cost of the loan with all fees included to ensure you're getting a good deal.

Interest rates and loan term length

How much you'll pay in interest and the loan term length can be big factors in what loan you choose. Short-term loans like cash advances tend to have high interest rates, but they also assume you'll pay back the loan quickly. These types of loans offer a short repayment term that often ranges from 2 weeks to a month. If you can repay the loan within that time period, you may not get hit with excessive interest payments.

An installment loan like a personal loan, on the other hand, will often have longer repayment terms and a lower fixed interest rate. That means if you lock in a great rate on a 12-month loan term, you'll know exactly how much you'll pay in interest and can budget accordingly to pay off what you owe.

The bottom line

When comparing loans for poor credit, there are several important factors to consider. Assess whether you'll need to provide collateral, how much the loans are for, fees, interest rates, and loan terms before making a final decision. With all of this information in hand, you can choose the loan that makes the most financial sense for your situation.

Notice: Information provided in this article is for information purposes only. Consult your financial advisor about your financial circumstances.

Source: iQuanti, Inc.