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July 26, 2024

5 Personal Loan Mistakes to Avoid Before You Apply

A personal loan is the most beneficial financial tool for fulfiling your dreams and ambitions or addressing unexpected expenses; you never know when you might need it. While instantly getting money might seem tempting, not knowing what you should avoid might land you in trouble.

We’ve seen this is often the case with first-time applicants. To help you avoid such pitfalls, here are 5 common personal loan mistakes you should avoid before applying.

  1. Not comparing other loan offers

    It is a general tendency to accept the loan offer you first come across. It seems lucrative, but unfortunately, it might not be the right decision. By immediately accepting the initial loan offer, you may miss out on better terms, lower interest rates, or more favourable conditions that you can get from other lenders.

    Take your time and compare different loan offers to secure the most promising deal. Doing so could help you save money on interest rates and additional fees. Quid helps you find the best loan offers from RBI-approved lenders, where you can compare and choose what works best for you.

  2. Not checking your credit score

    Financial institutions examine a borrower's creditworthiness before they give a personal loan to ensure their ability to repay the loan amount in a timely manner. Hence, tracking your credit score to determine your eligibility for a loan is equally important.

    Maintaining a high credit score is an excellent practice as it allows an individual easy access to loans; on the other hand, borrowers with low credit scores must assess and improve their creditworthiness in order for their loan amount to be approved.

  3. Taking more than you need

    Borrowing more than necessary can lead to financial difficulties, including extra monthly interest payments. Such extra debt can disrupt your monthly budget and lead to a cycle of borrowing to maintain your cash flow. Remember to take funds only as much as you can pay.

    Monitor expenses, costs, monthly payments, essential cash flow, and monthly income diligently to accelerate your journey to debt freedom. You can determine the approximate loan amount required by carefully analysing these aspects.

  4. Not carefully reviewing the fine print

    While applying for a loan, it's common to emphasise more on the loan amount and interest rate, overlooking the extra hidden charges and penalties upfront. Unfamiliarity with all the terms can lead to unfavourable loan terms and conditions, which can strain finances and make loans more expensive than predicted.

    Hence, reading the fine print is crucial, as it typically includes details that might not have been mentioned verbally or in other documents. This additional information is often found in footnotes, which contain additional terms and conditions and other applicable charges.

  5. Not having a structured repayment plan

    One of the most common mistakes when applying for a personal loan is not having a solid repayment plan. While securing a personal loan can provide immediate financial relief, it becomes essential to consider how you will manage repayments over time. Without a clear strategy, you might fall behind on payments, accruing additional interest and lowering your credit score.

    While using a personal loan EMI calculator is a good tip, it is always practical to evaluate your financial situation realistically before taking on any loan commitments. Once you establish a well-structured repayment plan, you can mitigate the risk of loan default and improve your credit score.

Remember to be mindful of these personal loan mistakes and take the necessary precautions when obtaining a personal loan. Take time to compare lenders, check your credit score, understand the loan terms, borrow wisely, and plan how to repay it.

Your choices now can shape your financial future, so approach personal loans carefully and with a clear plan in mind. Platforms like Quid can simplify finding the best loan offers and help you get a personal loan that works for you, not against you.


Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why is comparing loan offers important before applying for a personal loan?

    Comparing loan offers allows you to find favourable terms and conditions, lower interest rates, and more factors that suit your financial needs. Rushing into the first offer might cause you to miss out on potential savings from other lenders

  2. What are the risks of borrowing beyond your requirements for a personal loan?

    Borrowing more than needed can strain your finances with unnecessary debt and higher interest costs. This excess borrowing can disrupt your budget and prolong your repayment timeline, creating additional financial burdens in the long run.

  3. Why is reading the fine print important before signing a personal loan agreement?

    Overlooking the fine print in a loan agreement can lead to misunderstandings about additional charges, penalties, and terms that may affect your repayment. Being aware of all terms and conditions, including hidden fees, can help you avoid unexpected issues in the future.

  4. How crucial is having a solid repayment plan when taking out a personal loan?

    Establishing a well-defined repayment plan is crucial to prevent falling behind on payments, accumulating additional interest, and harming your credit score. It helps you manage your loan effectively, reducing the risk of default.

  5. What should you do if you struggle to pay off a personal loan?

    In this scenario, keep your lender updated about your situation and discuss the matter to find a mutually beneficial solution. Failure to do so will create a major setback and worsen things if both parties are not on the same page.

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