3 Extra Charges You Might Incur When You Take On A Personal Loan

Like any form of borrowing, taking out a personal loan comes with its own set of costs that you might not account for beforehand. Before you jump into a loan agreement, make sure that you understand all the fees and charges associated with the loan so that you can better plan out your finances. 

Here are some extra charges you need to be aware of when taking on a personal loan.

Origination Fee

This is an upfront fee that lenders charge to process your loan application and originate the loan. Origination fees are usually a percentage of the loan amount and often depend on the lender and your creditworthiness. This fee is sometimes deducted from the loan amount before it is disbursed to you. So you might notice the loan amount you get is slightly less than the amount you applied for.

Late Payment Fee

If you miss a payment or two—or more—you may be charged a late payment fee by your lender. This fee is usually calculated as a percentage of the outstanding balance and will vary depending on the lender. If you make multiple late payments, there's a chance that these costs could add up in the long run. Plus, your credit score might take a hit too.

It's important to stay up-to-date with your payments to protect your credit score and avoid being charged additional fees. If you're going to be a few days late, it's always better to get in touch with your lender to discuss the issue and make alternative payment arrangements.

Default Fees/Penalties

If you default on your personal loan (i.e., fail to pay back what you owe according to agreed terms), then there are likely penalties associated with this action. These penalties can range from additional interest charges levied against your account to legal action taken against you by the lender to recoup their losses.

Defaulting is a lot more complicated than just missing a few sporadic payments, and the consequences can be much more long-lasting, so it's important to make sure that you can handle the payments before you take on a loan.

Be sure to read through every detail carefully and understand everything written in the contract so that you don't get stuck with additional charges you didn't know about. With careful consideration beforehand, taking out a personal loan can be beneficial for those who need quick access to funds and can manage their payments responsibly. 

Contact a local financing service to learn more about personal loans

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