Personal loans are a popular option for UK borrowers, providing financial flexibility and allowing the borrower to make large purchases or consolidate their debt at an affordable rate. However, because there are so many different personal loan lenders providing different services at different rates, deciding on the right personal loan for your needs can be tricky.
In this article, we'll look at what to consider when assessing the UK's personal loan offerings, and provide some tips for finding the best loan for you.
What is a Personal Loan?
A personal loan is a form of borrowing from a bank or online lender. It is an unsecured loan, meaning you do not need to provide collateral such as property to secure the loan. Personal loans can be used for a variety of reasons; they are often used to consolidate debt, make large purchases, finance home repairs, cover medical expenses, or any other purpose the borrower needs financing for.
Personal loans are usually offered at fixed rates, meaning they stay the same over the lifespan of the loan. You can select both the repayment term and the total loan amount, making loans more flexible than other forms of borrowing.
Finding the Right Personal Loan for You
To find the right personal loan, you'll need to consider a few key factors.
Credit Score and History
Your credit score is a key factor when applying for a personal loan. Lenders use your credit score as an indication of how likely you are to repay the loan, and to decide what rate of interest to offer. If you have a poor credit score, you may struggle to find a loan.
When applying for a loan, check your credit score first to get an idea of how much you could borrow. You can check your credit score for free via one of the UK’s recognised credit reference agencies.
Rate of Interest
Interest rates vary across different loan providers. Before applying for a loan, compare the rates offered by different lenders to ensure you are getting the best deal. Make sure you consider both the annual percentage rate (APR) and the flat rate when comparing loans. The APR reflects the total amount of interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan, while the flat rate is the amount of interest you’ll be charged each month.
Also make sure to factor in any fees that the lender may charge. This can include set-up and prepayment fees, so be sure to read through the loan Ts&Cs before signing anything.
Loan Term
Your loan term is important as it will determine how long you are tied into the loan agreement. Generally, the loan term can range from one year up to ten years, but the longer the term, the higher the repayment amount will be. Make sure to choose a loan term that you are comfortable with.
Also consider whether the loan is flexible or fixed. Some personal loans allow you to make early repayments, while others charge penalty fees for doing so.
Loan Amount
Most lenders offer personal loans from £1,000 up to £25,000. The larger the loan amount, the less likely it will be approved by the lender. Make sure you are realistic and take into account your income and other financial commitments when deciding the loan amount.
Lender
Once you’ve established what type of loan you need, it’s important to compare lenders to ensure you get the best deal. Different lenders have different interest rates, fees, terms and loan amounts available so it’s worth checking out what’s on offer.
When considering different loan providers, read reviews of commercial loan reviews, look at customer satisfaction ratings and do your research on the lender's financial stability. It's also useful to check if the lender is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Summary
Personal loans are a great way to finance large purchases and get the funds you need. When comparing lenders and loan offerings, be sure to consider both the interest rate, fees, loan term and loan amount in order to find the right loan for your needs. Do your research into each lender and make sure you read the contract before signing anything. It's also important to consider your credit score and past financial history, as this can affect your chances of getting the loan.