7 Different Types of Personal Loans Explained

Personal loans are more than just financial lifelines. They can serve as smart financial tools for navigating various stages of life. Whether you are consolidating debt, tackling unexpected expenses, or pursuing personal goals, choosing the right loan can make a huge difference in your financial journey. 

As a personal loan provider with years of experience in the loan industry, we’ve helped countless people find the right loan, and today, we want to share essential insights on the different types of personal loans available.

So read on.

Types of Personal Loans

Below, we have listed the most common types of personal loans offered by banks, credit unions, and online lenders.

1. Secured Personal Loans

When applying for secured personal loans, you’ll need to put up some form of collateral, like your car, house, or any other asset to back the loan. Since the lender has something to rely on, secured loans often come with lower interest rates.

This can be a great option if you need to borrow a larger sum and want more favorable terms. However, if you can’t make your payments, the lender could seize your collateral. 

2. Unsecured Personal Loans

Unsecured loans are what most people think of when they hear “personal loan.” These loans don’t require collateral, which means you’re not putting any assets, like your home or car, on the line. 

They are highly flexible. You can use them for almost anything, be it home improvements, medical bills, or even a dream vacation. 

But there’s a catch. Lenders look closely at your credit score and financial history when you apply for an unsecured loan. Since there’s no collateral to back the loan, they need to trust that you’ll pay it back. That’s why the interest rates can be a bit higher, especially if your credit isn’t pristine.

If your credit score is in the mid-600s or higher, you can often secure competitive rates. But if your credit is less than ideal, don’t worry. Some lenders are willing to offer reasonable terms or even bad credit loans.

3. Fixed-Rate Personal Loans

Most personal loans come with a fixed interest rate, meaning that your monthly payments won’t change over time. This makes budgeting much easier since you’ll know exactly what to expect month after month.

We often recommend fixed-rate loans to clients who want predictability. Whether you’re paying off credit card debt or making home improvements, there’s a lot of peace of mind that comes with knowing your payment will remain constant.

4. Variable-Rate Personal Loans

Variable-rate loans start with a lower interest rate compared to fixed-rate loans. This rate can fluctuate over time based on market conditions, which means your payments could increase (or decrease) over the life of the loan.

We usually advise people to approach these with caution. They can be beneficial in the short term, especially if the rates are low. But they come with the risk of rising payments later on. If you have the financial flexibility to handle potential increases, they’re worth considering. Otherwise, you might want to stick with a fixed-rate loan for stability.

5. Joint or Co-Signed Personal Loans

If you’re having trouble qualifying for a loan on your own, a co-signed loan might be your best bet. In this case, a co-signer with good credit agrees to take on responsibility for the loan with you. 

It works especially well for younger borrowers or those rebuilding credit. However, co-signers should understand the risk of getting a joint loan. If they can’t make payments, they’re on the hook for any repercussions.

For instance, imagine that you have co-signed for your younger brother who needs a personal loan for a trip. By agreeing to co-sign, you are helping him get a lower interest rate. But if your brother misses a payment, you will be responsible too.

6. Debt Consolidation Loans

Debt consolidation loans are designed specifically to combine multiple debts into one. This type of loan can simplify your debt payments by reducing your monthly payments and lowering your overall interest rate. 

For instance, imagine that you’ve got credit card debt with sky-high interest, a personal loan, and maybe some medical bills. By consolidating these debts into one loan with a lower interest rate, you can streamline your payments and potentially save a significant amount of money over time.

7. Payday Loans

Payday loans are short-term loans designed to help you bridge the gap between paychecks. They’re usually for smaller amounts and come with high interest rates. What’s more, they are easy to acquire as most lenders don’t require a credit check. The application and approval process is also quite quick and straightforward.

However, payday loans come with significant risks. Because the interest rates are so high, borrowers can quickly find themselves in a cycle of debt if they’re unable to repay the loan on time. We’ve often seen individuals take out payday loans without fully understanding the terms, which can lead to financial strain down the road.

If you’re considering a payday loan, make sure you’ve exhausted all other options first. These loans can be a last resort when facing an emergency, but they should be approached with caution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about personal loans and their types:

1. What is the most common type of personal loan?

The most common type of personal loan is an unsecured loan. An unsecured loan does not require any collateral but has stricter eligibility requirements as compared to secured loans. It also has higher interest rates.

2. Which personal loan has the highest interest rate?

Payday loans have the highest interest rates as compared to any other type of personal loan. In fact, they are highly regulated in all U.S. states with a cap on their APR in most states.

3. Which personal loan has the lowest interest rate?

Secured personal loans have the lowest APRs as they are backed by collateral. The less risky nature of secured loans makes them easier and cheaper to acquire. They are ideal for people with a stable income who are sure that they can repay it on time.

4. How much does a personal loan cost?

While other traditional loans require a lot of fees, personal loans are much more affordable to acquire. They only have a small origination fee to cover the documentation costs. Other than that, there are no fees or hidden charges. However, if you repay the entire loan amount early, there may be some prepayment penalty.

Choose the Right Loan for You

Now that you know about the different types of personal loans, we hope you can choose the right one for you. Each type of personal loan has its own set of benefits and risks. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, lower rates, or help consolidating debt, there’s likely a loan that fits your needs. 

The key takeaway here? Do your research. Understand the terms of the loan, compare interest rates, and always make sure you’re borrowing within your means. With the right loan and a solid repayment plan, personal loans can be a powerful tool to achieve your financial goals.Reach out to us today to get the right type of personal loan for you.