Have you ever dabbled into the debate of loan versus line of credit? Businesses and people can borrow money from lenders in two ways: loans and lines of credit. Therefore, as a lender, it’s always advisable to get the cash flow that best suits your needs. Therefore, read through this article to learn more about loan versus line of credit.
What Is a Loan?
A loan has a set amount that the borrower’s need and creditworthiness determine. Just like other non-revolving credit products, they give a loan, like other non-revolving credit products, as a lump sum for onetime usage, therefore, unlike a credit card, you cannot use the credit advance repeatedly.
Loans are of two types; secured or unsecured. In most circumstances, some type of collateral, which is usually the same item that is used to secure the loan backs secured loans. For example, borrowers secure their car loan by the vehicle. If the borrower cannot meet their financial obligations and defaults on the loan, the lender has the option to seize the vehicle, sell it, and apply the revenues to the outstanding loan sum. If there is a balance due, they may allow the lender to pursue the borrower for the remaining balance.
Unsecured loans have no collateral to back them up. In most situations, they approve entirely these loans because of a borrower’s credit history, and they typically grant them for smaller sums and at higher interest rates than secured loans.
Because of the low risk involved with secured loans, they usually have lower interest rates. Because most borrowers do not want to give up their collateral, they are more likely to make their payments on time, and even if they do not repay the loan, the collateral keeps most of its value for the lender. Borrowers who take out unsecured loans pay much higher interest rates. The sort of loan an individual or corporation takes out determines the rate.
Types of Loans
The following are a few examples of common sorts of loans that lenders provide to borrowers:
1. Mortgage loan
A mortgage is a type of loan that is used to buy a house or other type of property and is secured by the property in question. A borrower must meet the lender’s minimum credit and income requirements in order to qualify. The lender pays for the property once they approve it. Then the borrowers make regular principal and interest payments until they pay off the loan fully.
2. Car loan
Car loans, like mortgages, are secured. The vehicle in question is the collateral in this case. The lender pays the seller the full purchase price minus any down payments given by the borrower. Borrower must follow the loan’s terms, which include making timely payments until they pay the debt off in full.
3. Debt consolidation loan
Consumers who apply for a debt consolidation loan can combine all of their bills into one. The bank pays off all existing debts if they grant the loan. Instead of making many payments, it simply requires the borrower to make one regular payment to the new lender. Unsecured debt consolidation loans are the most common type of debt consolidation loan.
4. Home improvement loan
You can get these loans with or without collateral. If a homeowner needs to make repairs to their property, they can apply for a home renovation loan from a bank or other financial organization.
5. Student loan
This is a frequent type of student loan that is used to pay for eligible educational expenditures. Student loans, often known as educational loans, are available through both government and commercial financing programs. They frequently rely on the student’s parents’ earnings and credit scores rather than the student’s own, although the student is ultimately liable for repayment.
6. Business loan
Commercial loans are another name for these types of loans. Business loans are specialized credit solutions offered to small, medium, and big enterprises to assist them buy additional merchandise, hire employees, continue day-to-day operations, or when they simply want a financial infusion.
What Is a Line of Credit?
A line of credit is not the same as a loan. When a borrower is allowed for a line of credit, the bank or financial institution gives them a specific credit limit, which they can spend in full or in part repeatedly. This results in a revolving credit limit, which is a far more flexible borrowing option. Credit lines, unlike loans, can be used for anything from routine purchases to exceptional requirements like vacations, small repairs, or paying off high-interest debt.
Note: They approve both loans and lines of credit based on your credit rating and financial history. Besides that, your relationship with the lender is also important.
Read more on Line of Credit and its types
What is the major difference between a loan and a line of credit?
If you aren’t too sure about the major difference between a loan and line of credit. This spot of this article will clarify that. Here it is:
Non-revolving credit limits apply to loans, which means borrowers can only access the amount they borrowed once. Besides that, they must make principal and interest payments until they pay off the debt. Whereas a line of credit functions differently. Like a credit card, they give borrowers a credit limit in which they must make regular payments. And this includes both principal and interest to pay it off.
Conclusion
Having seen the difference between a loan and line of credit, you can now choose which best suits your financial needs. Hopefully, this article has cleared the air regarding the misunderstanding you might have had about a loan and line of credit.
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Types of loans in Ghana – Meaning and advantages.
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