Where Should You Get a Debt Consolidation Loan?
When applying for a personal loan, you have several options. The two most common are traditional financial institutions and private lenders. Which one you choose depends on your current financial situation, your credit score and how much money you’re looking for.
Traditional Lenders: Banks and Credit Unions
When most people think about getting a personal loan, they typically initially consider their daily financial institution. This is because banks and credit unions are known for having lower interest rates. Many financial institutions also offer lower rates for their customers who have multiple products with them. The lender also knows you quite well, so the loan approval may be more likely since they can vouch for you.
However, there are some downsides to getting a bank loan. Most traditional lenders require an in-person visit before approving you for a loan. This can be time-consuming and often results in long wait times before receiving the funds. Even if you’re not required to go into the bank, there’s usually a wait time of at least one week after approval before the loan proceeds are disbursed. Additionally, traditional lenders usually require a higher credit score.
Private Lenders
People choose to go with private online lenders for many reasons. The main one is that they receive the funds they’re looking for faster. Some online lenders like Spring Financial can distribute your loan funds the same day you apply or within 24-48 hours.
Many of these lenders are starting to offer more competitive rates that are the same as or only slightly higher than those of banks. For many people, the pros of getting their funds sooner outweigh the cons, especially if the loan gives them the option to pay it off early with no hidden fees or penalties.