Is a Personal Loan a Good or Bad Option? Important Points to Know

Is a personal loan a good or bad option to opt for? The simple answer is that it depends on your requirements. For instance, while it gives you the flexibility to use the funds without any restrictions, it can also come with higher interest rates. 

So, you must know all its pros and cons before applying. You also need to analyse your financial requirements, repayment capacity, and several other factors. Read on for answers to the question, “Is a personal loan a good idea?”, and for tips on choosing the best offer. 

Why Should You Choose a Personal Loan?

It is normal to wonder, “When is a personal loan a good idea?”. To help you understand, here are some reasons why personal loans are a good option: 

• Get Lump Sum Funds: It gives you immediate access to ample funds to make a sizable purchase as lenders deposit the loan amount in a lump sum
• No Collateral Required: This protects your valuable assets from any risk, as the lender can rightfully seize your assets if you default on EMIs of collateral-backed loans
• No End-Use Restrictions: It is a versatile loan that you can use to meet any financial requirements; no questions are asked by the lender
• Flexible Loan Tenure: You can choose a comfortable tenure option of up to 3 years or more as per your convenience, allowing you to ensure easy repayment 
• Helps Improve Credit Score: Paying your Loan EMI on time is a great way to gradually improve your creditworthiness and boost your eligibility for other types of credit 
• Affordable Rates: Compared to some credit options, personal loans have lower interest rates, so you can save more with this option
• Streamlined Repayment: Unlike credit cards, you don’t have to wait for a bill to know your monthly dues. The EMI amount remains the same throughout the term unless you have chosen a floating-rate variant

Also Read: Benefits of a Personal Loan

When Should You Not Apply for a Personal Loan?

These loans can be an ideal option when you want to access substantial funds immediately, without any restrictions and collateral requirements. That said, if your application gets rejected, it can hurt your credit score. 

So, here are tips on when to avoid opting for these loans: 

• If You Don’t Meet Eligibility Criteria: Your application will likely get rejected if you don’t meet all requirements 
• If You Have a Better Financing Alternative: In case you have an alternative option, such as a 0% interest credit card, in such case you can skip a personal loan 
• If You Have a Low Credit Score: If you have a score below 600, your application may get rejected or you may get funds at a higher rate  
• If You Can’t Afford to Pay Another EMI: Having a high debt-to-income ratio may lead to rejection, so ensure your ratio is under 30% before applying 

How to Get a Good Offer

With a better understanding of when to avail this option, here are some tips to get the best terms: 

• Improve your credit score before applying 
• Check if you meet the lender’s eligibility criteria 
• Apply only for the required loan amount and not in excess
• Compare the interest rates of multiple lenders to make a well-informed decision
• Check additional fees and charges, such as processing fees, prepayment charges, etc 
• Choose a longer tenure to get a lower EMI amount for easy repayment 
• Apply with an online lender to enjoy a hassle-free application process 
• Use an EMI calculator to plan your instalment amount and other loan terms
• Do a thorough research on the lender before applying 

Keeping the tips in mind, you can choose the best offer that helps meet your requirements without straining your budget. One such option is the Fibe Instant Cash Loan, which gives you access to up to ₹5 lacs loan at a rate of just 2% per month. 

You can choose a convenient repayment timeline ranging from 3 to 36 months and pay zero charges on prepayment. You can also apply online in just a few clicks, with minimal paperwork. Download the Instant Loan App or visit our website to get started! 

FAQs on When is a Personal Loan a Good Idea

Are personal loans high-risk?

Yes. These loans are not secured by collateral and so the rate is often higher. As such, missed payments can put your finances at risk, as the cost of the loan can skyrocket.  

Is it a good idea to take a personal loan?

To answer the question, “Is a personal loan a good option for me?”, you must evaluate your needs and the loan’s affordability. Generally, these loans are ideal when you want a lump sum amount without any restrictions and security requirements. 

What is the safest place to get a personal loan?

Registered financial institutions with positive customer reviews and a secure website can be a safe option to apply for a loan. Fibe has a PCI DSS App-based journey and ISO/IEC 27001 Certification, making it a safe digital lending option.