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When you’re in a bind and need cash fast, it’s important to know what your options are. There are different types of loans that you can get relatively quickly, depending on your needs. Before getting a personal loan, it’s important to understand the different types of personal loans and find the right one for you. Here are four of the most common.
1. Credit cards
If you have good credit, you may be able to get a cash advance on your credit card. This is usually a quick and easy process, but it will come with high interest rates. So if you are able to repay the loan quickly, this could be a good option. Cash advances can be very useful in an emergency situation when you need money immediately.
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Another advantage of using a credit card for a cash advance is that you may already have money available on your line of credit that you can use. This can be useful if you don’t want to take out a new loan or use other assets as collateral. However, using a credit card for a cash advance also has some drawbacks. First, as mentioned earlier, interest rates on cash advances are usually very high. This means that if you don’t repay the loan quickly, you could end up paying a lot of interest. Also, most credit cards have limits on how much you can borrow as a loan. So if you need a large sum of money, this might not be the best option.
2. Payday Loans
Payday loans are one of the fastest ways to get cash, but they come with high interest rates and fees. They’re usually only for small amounts of money, so if you need a lot of cash quickly, they’re probably not the best option. However, if you just need a little extra money to last you until your next paycheck, a payday loan might work. Payday loans are not ideal, however. These are short-term, high-interest loans, usually due by your next payday in a single amount. Currently, 37 states regulate payday loans due to their high costs.
Payday loans are usually for $500 or less and are due on your next payday. Depending on state laws, people can get payday loans online or through a storefront lender. A typical two-week payday loan can have annual percentage rates (APR) as high as 400%. By comparison, credit card APRs can range from 12% to 30%. Payday loans should be considered an option of last resort.
3. Pawnbroker
Pawnbrokers are short-term loans secured by an object of value that people bring to a pawnbroker. As they are backed by the value of the object, they are cheaper than payday loans but are more expensive than a conventional loan. Pawnbrokers are regulated by the government. This type of loan is ideal for people who need cash quickly without a credit check.
Loan terms vary by pawnbroker. People can use valuables, such as jewelry or electronics, to get a loan based on the value of the item. No credit check is required. Those who may not qualify for a traditional loan can consider a pawnbroker. Once the loan amount is paid off, you will receive your items. If you don’t pay it back, the pawnbroker can seize the secured items.
4. Securities Lending
Title loans are another quick way to get cash. These are short-term secured personal loans secured by your car. Financial institutions put a lien on your car. If you are unable to repay the loan, they can seize your car, as it is used as collateral. Title loans generally do not consider your credit and can be approved quickly. However, a title loan is very expensive, with an APR of around 300%.
These are four of the most common types of loans that you can get relatively quickly. Consider which one best suits your needs and compare interest rates and fees before you apply. Understanding how these personal loans work can help you make a smarter decision.
The Ascent’s Best Personal Loans for 2022
Our team of independent experts have pored over the fine print to find the select personal loans that offer competitive rates and low fees. Start by reviewing The Ascent’s best personal loans for 2022.
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