Installment loans allow borrowers to take a fixed amount of credit when they borrow. This type of loan differs from revolving credit which deals with a line of credit or credit cards since you must decide on the exact amount of money you need before borrowing. Once you borrow the loan, you have a fixed set of installments that you must pay over a period. You and the lender agree on these terms based on the interest rate calculations, the number of installments you can afford, and the period for which you need the loan to last. Most installments are monthly, but you can also change the schedule. Each installment brings you closer to finishing the repayment of your loan. Here are a few facts about installment loans that you should understand. 

Types

The most common types of installment loans are auto, mortgages, and personal loans. Auto loans have a repayment period that depends on the amount you want to pay in installments. For example, you may end up paying a lot of money if the car loan lasts for several years and your installments are relatively low. Mortgages are long-term loans that help you when buying a home. The home is the collateral in this case. The last type of installment loan is a personal loan. These loans are helpful for several reasons, including paying medical bills, consolidating debt, or financing emergency expenditures. Personal loans have high-interest rates since they do not require collateral like car or mortgage loans. Therefore, ensure you are familiar with the types of installment loans and their terms when looking for financing from the loans market.

Application Process

The first move in applying for an installment loan is to discuss terms such as interest rates, down payment, loan duration, and purpose of the loan. If you like the terms and the loan process, you can fill in an application form that contains your personal information and details regarding the collateral and loan terms. The lender evaluates the loan and determines your ability to repay it by weighing your current cash flow, collateral, and other details based on your recent financial statements. Lenders also request credit reports from past years before they can approve the application. 

Benefits

Installment loans are beneficial in several ways. For example, the essential components of a fixed-interest-rate loan remain the same every month until you repay the loan. Having such a predictable payment amount is necessary for budgeting for the installments in your monthly expenditure. The simplicity of these repayment terms is also essential in preventing missed payments due to sudden changes in the amount you owe the lender. Ensure the terms of your installment loan do not stretch your budget. You can also give yourself an allowance on top of your monthly budget as a contingency for settling emergencies and ensuring you do not miss your installments. 

Downsides

These types of loans have a fair share of problems as well. For example, you cannot increase the amount you need after taking out the loan. The credit card or line of credit loans allows you to borrow more than you initially requested. However, the only way to increase the loan is to take a new one with new terms. Another major drawback is that these loans rely on your credit score. Your credit score determines the interest rate and other terms of your loan. If your credit score is low, the interest rate may be high, or the lender may need additional assurance. 

Ensure you understand the types, application processes, benefits, and downsides when applying for installment loans.