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If you ever find yourself in need of quick funds for various reasons like paying off credit card debt, making home renovations, or covering unexpected expenses or buying a house, a car, a loan can be a lifesaver. It provides you with the financial flexibility you need during those times. However, before you dive in and apply for a loan, it’s important to understand how interest rates work and what factors can affect the interest rate you’ll be offered. Being aware of these aspects will help you make informed decisions and get the best possible loan terms.
How does Interest rate on any loan work?
Interest rate is the extra amount charged over the amount borrowed by the lender when you take a personal loan. When paying back a personal loan, you will have to pay back the amount borrowed with this extra amount charged in the form of interest.
The loan interest rate is determined by several factors, including your credit score, loan amount, length of the loan term, type of lender, repayment history, and debt-to-income ratio. A higher credit score and a timely repayment history generally result in a lower interest rate.
Loans can have fixed or variable interest rates. A fixed interest rate remains the same throughout the life of the loan, while a variable interest rate may fluctuate depending on the market conditions. For a fixed interest rate, if a bank offer a 12% interest rate, this will remain constant throughout the life of the loan, while for a variable interest, it can increase or decrease varying on the market conditions.
Note* It’s essential to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of your loan agreement.
The interest rate you receive on your personal loan is determined by several factors, including:
Credit score: Your credit score is one of the most important factors that banks see when determining your interest rate. A higher credit score indicates that it is safe for the banks to give you a loan and they offer a lower interest rate.
Loan amount: The amount of money you borrow can also affect your interest rate. Generally, larger loan amounts will have higher interest rates because the risk for the bank is high.
Length of loan term: The length of your loan term can also impact your interest rate. Longer loan terms may have higher interest rates, as the lender is taking on more risk by lending money for a longer period of time.
Type of lender: The type of lender you choose can also affect your interest rate. Banks and other financial institutions may offer different interest rates than online personal loan apps.
Repayment history: Your repayment history on previous loans or credit cards can impact your interest rate. If you have a history of making on-time payments, you may qualify for a lower interest rate.
Debt-to-income ratio: Finally, your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is another important factor that lenders consider. This ratio compares your monthly debt payments to your monthly income. A lower DTI indicates that you have low debt than your monthly income, and hence you can pay on time, which may qualify you for a lower interest rate.