Installment loans are a broad category that includes various types of loans, for example, auto loans and home loans can be structured as installment loans. Additionally, you can obtain a personal installment loan to address emergencies, medical expenses, debt consolidation, or significant purchases. With repayment terms typically spanning from two to seven years for personal installment loans, borrowers have flexibility in tailoring the loan to their financial circumstances. Interest rates on installment loans can vary widely, with reputable lenders often capping rates at a reasonable percentage, ensuring affordability for borrowers. This structured approach to borrowing, with fixed rates and manageable monthly payments, provides individuals with a pathway to access necessary funds while effectively managing their financial obligations.

Installment Loan Features

1. Fixed Interest Rates. Installment loans often come with fixed interest rates, meaning the rate remains constant throughout the loan term. This provides borrowers with predictability, as they know exactly how much interest they'll be paying each month.

2. Fixed Monthly Payment. Unlike payday loans, installment loans are repaid over a prolonged period, typically spanning several months. Borrowers make regular monthly payments that are predetermined at the time of loan origination. Fixed monthly payments simplify budgeting and financial planning, as borrowers can anticipate their payment obligations.

3. Structured Repayment Terms. Installment loans offer structured repayment terms, specifying the duration over which the loan must be repaid. This clarity helps borrowers plan their finances and ensures they stay on track with their repayment schedule.

4. Various Loan Amounts. Depending on the type of installment loan and the lender's policies, borrowers can access a wide range of loan amounts to suit their financial needs. Whether it's a small personal loan or a substantial mortgage, installment loans cater to diverse borrowing requirements.

5. Flexible Usage. Installment loans can be used for various purposes, including debt consolidation, home renovations, vehicle purchases, education expenses, and more. This versatility allows borrowers to address different financial needs through a single loan.

How Installment Loan Rates Work

Installment loan rates are determined based on several factors, including the borrower's creditworthiness, the type of loan, prevailing market rates, and the lender's policies. Lenders typically assess the borrower's credit score, credit history, and income to determine the interest rate they offer. Borrowers with higher credit scores and stronger credit profiles are likely to qualify for lower interest rates, while those with lower credit scores may face higher rates to compensate for the perceived risk. The type of installment loan, whether secured or unsecured, can influence the interest rate, with secured loans generally offering lower rates due to the presence of collateral.

Cost of Installment Loans

The cost of installment loans encompasses various components, primarily consisting of the interest rate and any associated fees. Interest rates for installment loans can range widely depending on factors such as the borrower's creditworthiness, the type of loan, and prevailing market conditions. For example, borrowers with excellent credit may qualify for rates as low as 6%, while those with lower credit scores might face rates upwards of 30% or more. Additionally, lenders may charge origination fees, typically ranging from 1% to 10% of the loan amount, which can significantly impact the overall cost of borrowing. For instance, on a $10,000 loan with a 5% origination fee, the borrower would pay an additional $500 upfront.

Legal Regulations

In twenty jurisdictions, such as Alaska, Arkansas, and Colorado, among others, there are strict regulations in place limiting the maximum Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for a $10,000 five-year loan to 25% or less. Some states, like Arkansas, Maine, and Vermont, are particularly vigilant in protecting consumers, setting even lower APR limits at 17%, 18%, and 18%, respectively.

Eleven states, including Arizona, Louisiana, and Michigan, among others, have set their APR limits slightly higher, ranging from 26% to 30%. Most of these states, seven in total, opt for the lower end of this spectrum, capping APRs at 26% or 27%.

Iowa stands alone in permitting a 32% APR, while five states, namely Illinois, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, and South Dakota, have established a maximum APR of 36%.

Nevada and Georgia have notably higher APR limits, with Nevada allowing APRs as high as 40%, and Georgia permitting a 60% APR.

Twelve states do not impose a numerical rate cap, including Alabama, California, and Idaho, among others. Instead, they rely on prohibiting rates. In Delaware, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, and Virginia, there is no limit whatsoever for a $10,000 five-year loan.

Among the 39 jurisdictions with interest rate and fee caps for such loans, over half have set an APR limit of 25% or less, while nearly 70% cap APRs at 27% or less. This trend underscores a widespread agreement that while an APR cap of 36% might be suitable for smaller, short-term loans, larger loans necessitate significantly lower caps.

How to Get an Installment Loan

1. Assess Your Financial Situation. Before applying for an installment loan, evaluate your financial needs and ability to repay the loan. Determine the amount you need to borrow and establish a realistic repayment plan based on your income and expenses.

2. Check Your Credit Score. Your credit score plays a crucial role in determining your eligibility for an installment loan and the interest rate you'll receive. Obtain a copy of your credit report from major credit bureaus and review it for any errors or discrepancies.

3. Research Lenders. Research various lenders, including banks, credit unions, online lenders, and peer-to-peer lending platforms, to find the best installment loan options for your needs. Compare interest rates, fees, repayment terms, and customer reviews to make an informed decision.

4. Gather Required Documents. Lenders typically require certain documents to process your loan application, such as proof of income, identification, and possibly bank statements or tax returns. Gather these documents in advance to expedite the application process.

5. Submit Your Application. Complete the loan application form provided by your chosen lender. Be prepared to provide personal information, employment details, and financial documentation as required. Ensure that all information provided is accurate and up-to-date.

6. Wait for Approval. Once you've submitted your application, the lender will review your information and assess your creditworthiness. This process may take a few days, depending on the lender's policies and workload.

7. Review Loan Terms. If your application is approved, carefully review the loan terms and conditions provided by the lender. Pay close attention to the interest rate, repayment schedule, fees, and any other relevant details.

8. Sign the Loan Agreement. If you agree to the terms outlined in the loan agreement, sign the document to finalize the loan process. By signing the agreement, you're committing to repaying the loan according to the specified terms.

9. Receive Funds. After signing the loan agreement, the lender will disburse the loan funds to your designated bank account. Depending on the lender and your bank's processing times, you may receive the funds within a few business days.

Conditions

1. Loan Amounts. Depending on the lender and the borrower's creditworthiness, installment loans typically offer loan amounts ranging from $1,000 to $100,000. The specific amount available to borrowers is determined based on factors such as income, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio.

2. Repayment Terms. Installment loans come with flexible repayment terms, usually ranging from two to seven years. Borrowers have the option to choose a repayment term that suits their financial situation and budgetary constraints.

3. Interest Rates. Interest rates for installment loans vary depending on factors such as the borrower's credit score, the loan amount, and the repayment term. Rates can range from as low as 6% for borrowers with excellent credit to upwards of 30% for those with lower credit scores.

4. Fees. Lenders may charge origination fees, typically ranging from 1% to 10% of the loan amount, to cover the cost of processing the loan. Additionally, late payment fees may apply if borrowers fail to make their monthly payments on time.

5. Secured vs. Unsecured Loans. Installment loans can be either secured or unsecured. Secured loans require collateral, such as a home or car, which can result in lower interest rates. Unsecured loans do not require collateral but may have higher interest rates.

Best places to borrow a loan with bad credit

Upgrade

Upgrade is a prominent online lender that offers personal loans to borrowers with bad credit. They provide loan amounts ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, making them suitable for various financial needs. The minimum credit score required by Upgrade is relatively low, typically around 580. This makes it accessible to individuals with a less-than-stellar credit history. One notable advantage of Upgrade is its flexible repayment terms, which can extend up to five years. This longer repayment period allows borrowers to manage their monthly payments more effectively. However, it's worth noting that Upgrade charges origination fees ranging from 2.9% to 8%. Additionally, while they do not have any prepayment penalties, borrowers should be aware of the interest rates, which can be relatively high for individuals with bad credit.

Upstart

Upstart is another online lender that specializes in providing loans to borrowers with bad credit. Their loan amounts range from $1,000 to $50,000, allowing borrowers to access the funds they need for various purposes. Upstart utilizes a unique underwriting model that takes into account factors beyond just credit scores, making it more inclusive for individuals with limited credit history or low credit scores. The minimum credit score required by Upstart is typically around 580. One of the significant advantages of Upstart is its soft credit check, which means that applying for a loan does not negatively impact your credit score. Repayment terms offered by Upstart range from three to five years, providing borrowers with flexibility. While they do charge origination fees of up to 8%, it's important to note that they don't impose any prepayment penalties. However, borrowers with bad credit should expect higher interest rates.

LendingPoint

LendingPoint is a bad credit lender that offers personal loans ranging from $2,000 to $36,500. They consider borrowers with credit scores as low as 585, making them accessible to individuals with bad credit. LendingPoint prides itself on providing fast funding, often disbursing funds within one business day. Their repayment terms typically range from two to four years, allowing borrowers to tailor their loan duration according to their needs. It's important to note that LendingPoint does charge origination fees that can be up to 6%. They also have a slightly higher interest rate compared to traditional lenders, which is to be expected when borrowing with bad credit. However, they do not impose any prepayment penalties, enabling borrowers to pay off their loans early if they desire.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is an online lender that specializes in bad credit loans, offering loan amounts ranging from $500 to $15,000. Their minimum credit score requirement is relatively low, typically around 550, making them accessible to borrowers with poor credit. Universal Credit offers repayment terms ranging from six months to five years, allowing borrowers to choose a duration that aligns with their financial situation. While they charge origination fees, the amount may vary based on the borrower's creditworthiness. One notable advantage of Universal Credit is its willingness to consider applicants who have previously filed for bankruptcy. However, borrowers should be aware that the interest rates associated with bad credit loans from Universal Credit may be higher compared to traditional lenders.

OneMain Financial

OneMain Financial is a well-established lender that specializes in bad credit loans. They offer loan amounts ranging from $1,500 to $20,000, making them suitable for various financial needs. OneMain Financial requires a minimum credit score of 600, slightly higher than some of the other lenders in this category. However, they have a reputation for considering other factors beyond credit scores when evaluating loan applications. OneMain Financial provides repayment terms that range from two to five years, allowing borrowers to select a term that fits their budget. It's important to note that OneMain Financial charges origination fees, which can vary depending on your residence state. While they do not disclose their interest rates upfront, borrowers with bad credit should expect higher rates.

Avant

Avant is an online lender that specializes in offering personal loans to individuals with bad credit. They provide loan amounts ranging from $2,000 to $35,000, catering to various financial needs. Avant has a minimum credit score requirement of 580, making them accessible to borrowers with less-than-ideal credit histories. Repayment terms offered by Avant typically range from two to five years, giving borrowers flexibility in managing their monthly payments. While Avant charges origination fees up to 4.75%, they do not impose any prepayment penalties. It's important to note that Avant's interest rates can be relatively high for borrowers with bad credit. However, they provide a transparent prequalification process that allows borrowers to check their potential loan offers without affecting their credit scores.

Requirements

1. Credit Score. Lenders typically require borrowers to have a minimum credit score to qualify for an installment loan. While specific requirements vary by lender, borrowers with higher credit scores generally have access to lower interest rates and better loan terms.

2. Income Verification. Borrowers must provide proof of income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements, to demonstrate their ability to repay the loan. Lenders use this information to assess the borrower's debt-to-income ratio and determine their eligibility for the loan.

3. Identification. Borrowers must provide valid identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to verify their identity and prevent fraud.

4. Employment History. Lenders may require borrowers to have a stable employment history to qualify for an installment loan. This helps lenders assess the borrower's stability and likelihood of repaying the loan.

5. Bank Account. Borrowers are typically required to have a valid bank account to receive the loan funds and set up automatic payments for the loan.

Alternatives

1. Personal Lines of Credit. Personal lines of credit are unsecured revolving credit lines that offer flexibility in borrowing and repayment. Borrowers can access funds as needed, up to a specified credit limit, and make payments based on the amount borrowed.

2. Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC). HELOCs are secured lines of credit that use the borrower's home equity as collateral. These credit lines allow homeowners to borrow against the equity in their homes and typically offer lower interest rates than other forms of credit.

3. Payday Alternative Loans. Payday Alternative Loans (PALs) are small, short-term loans offered by federal credit unions as a safer and more affordable alternative to traditional payday loans. PALs typically range from $200 to $1,000 and have repayment terms of one to six months. These loans are designed to help borrowers avoid the high costs and predatory practices associated with payday loan options, featuring lower interest rates and no rollovers. Borrowers must be members of the credit union for at least one month to qualify for a PAL.

4. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending. P2P lending platforms connect borrowers with individual investors willing to fund their loan requests. Borrowers can access personal loans through these platforms, often with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms.

Editorial Opinion

Important

How to Choose a Lender

1. Make sure to confirm whether the lender is licensed to operate in your state. You can verify this information with your state regulator or attorney general.

2. Check if the lender is a member of a reputable association, such as the Community Financial Services Association of America. Membership in such organizations may provide an extra level of reliability.

3. Carefully review all the terms and conditions of your payday loan contract.

4. Thoroughly examine the interest rates on payday loans and ensure that your contract includes a detailed breakdown of the total cost of the loan.

5. Take advantage of your right of rescission. Usually, you can rescind the loan within three days after signing the agreement. Alternatively, there is typically a "cooling-off" period, which allows you several days to thoroughly review the contract before making an informed decision to enter into a consumer loan agreement based on the terms specified by the lender.

6. Choosing a payday lender is a significant decision that demands careful consideration and a good understanding of how such organizations operate.

Additional Resources

• What Credit Score Do You Need for a Personal Loan?
• How to Get a Personal Loan in 7 Steps
• Personal Loan Pre-Approval
• How to Apply for a Personal Loan
• Personal Loan vs Personal Line of Credit