Personal loans are excellent financing options when you require funds for major expenses or any emergency. Still, there are several myths that circulate about personal loans. These myths lead to the formation of unfavorable opinions or decisions. You should, therefore, get the facts straight on some personal loan myths that help you make informed decisions as you wish to get a personal loan without proof of income or with proper proof.
It is common for almost every individual to take up a loan at some point in life. It could be for a medical emergency, a wedding, or education. Still, it is common for borrowers to make false assumptions based on fake information or myths received from different sources. When you dispel these myths, it offers a better view of whether or not a personal loan fits your borrowing needs.
Common Personal Loan Myths
1.It is Difficult to Get a Personal Loan
You might assume that a personal loan based on your income and credit score will require in-depth approvals when compared with a home or a car loan. Whether or not you wish to get a personal loan without proof of income or credit score, you can still apply for a personal loan with a reliable lender.
With a reliable lender, you have to be involved in minimal paperwork. Moreover, as personal loans are unsecured, there is no need to claim any collateral. Funds are usually delivered on the same day or in a few days.
2.Personal Loans Have High Interest Rates
It is another misconception about personal loans. Indeed, you will find that the interest rate is slightly higher than that of car loans or home loans. Still, with a reputed lender, you can expect reduced interest rates. Now, interest rates range between 10 and 40 percent. It ultimately depends on your credit score, employment stability, income, and the loan amount.
Usually, banks and lenders provide competitive interest rates to draw the attention of low-risk borrowers with a decent credit score of more than 750. You can consider further negotiations by comparing interest rates offered by different lenders.
3.Reduced Chances of Approval When You Apply for Multiple Loans
Another common myth that needs to be debunked is that applying for personal loans from multiple banks will reduce your chances of approval, as your application receives in-depth credit queries.
However, according to experts, when you apply for less than 6-7 personal loans in six months or more, it will have a minor impact on your score or approval rate. Banks or lending institutions go through the credit reports to assess the risks and understand your income stability. If you have a high credit score even after multiple inquiries, it implies financial discipline. Ultimately, rejections usually depend on certain risk factors and the repayment capacity of the borrower.
4.Personal Loans are Only Meant for Salaried Individuals
There is a major misconception that only salaried individuals can apply for a personal loan. On the contrary, both salaried and self-employed borrowers can apply for a personal loan.
Quite recently, banks and lending institutions have come up with high-end personal loan products that are designed specifically for working professionals, business owners, and self-employed individuals from different industries. The documents required and eligibility criteria are also quite flexible.
5.Personal Loans Have a High Risk of Rejection
Personal loans have a false reputation of possessing a high rejection rate. On the contrary, with the technology advancements and high-end lenders, it is easier to apply for a personal loan that gets approved in a short span of time.
There is ample flexibility in eligibility criteria, especially related to income levels, documentation, employment type, and others. Therefore, personal loan approvals have become highly accessible. Moreover, leading lending institutions or platforms use advanced credit algorithms to look into multiple parameters, in addition to credit scores, for loan approval.
Therefore, you need to practice healthy financial behavior in the form of income stability, a high credit score, spending patterns, and a credit mix. These parameters will signal reduced risk and increased chances of approval.
6.Personal Loans Are Expensive Than Credit Cards
As credit cards offer around 45-50 days of interest-free periods, it is assumed that a personal loan is more expensive than credit cards. However, depending on credit cards for long-term debt is regarded as risky and quite expensive when compared with personal loans.
At the same time, when you roll over credit card balances, it will attract recurring interest charges that typically range between 36 and 42 percent per annum. Even minimum amounts that are due on cards will have certain interest components that will increase your principal. On the other hand, personal loans feature structured EMIs that ensure faster debt clearance.
Therefore, when you use credit cards for long-term financing, it turns out to be more expensive than applying for a personal loan.
7.It is Better to Apply for a Loan for a Specific Use
When compared with specialized loans, like a home loan or a car loan, personal loans deliver versatility in terms of usage. When you compare it to a renovation loan that is typically disbursed to the contractor, depending on the renovation quotation, on approval, there is no need to share the exact purpose of applying for a personal loan with a lending institution.
You have the full freedom to decide how you wish to use the loan amount, from paying for home renovations to funding a wedding.
Conclusion
Most people have misleading ideas about personal loans. However, the concept has changed significantly quite recently. They are now available with decent interest rates, transparent costs, and personalized deals. You should pay attention to these myths and seek accurate information for better borrowing decisions.