Friday, April 27, 2007

Alternative Loan Options For Bad Credit Applicants!

Most of the lenders like to give their money to safe clients and take minimum risk. This benefits people with good credit since all the privileges and preferences are for those with good credit, rather than those with bad or no credit. It is easier for them to obtain a new credit card, home mortgage and other loans. That does not mean it is the end of the road for those with bad credit. Bad credit loans are a good option that can be also used to clear a bad credit history.

Any Financial Problem Can Be Overcome

There is good news for people with bad credit; they can avail bad credit loans even a day after they file for bankruptcy. There are several options available for those with a poor credit score such as a new credit card, or a home mortgage loan. Moreover, short loan amounts can be easily obtained even without credit checks.

Yet, there is one thing that has to be realized by those with bad credit. They will not be treated at par with the ones who have a good credit rating. Lenders will be different than standard lenders and they will not be able to get similar interest rates. Actually, chances are that the interest rate charged will be considerably higher, sometimes even doubling the rates charged for traditional loans.

Interest Rate

The interest rates on bad credit loans are calculated on the basis of the general rate of interest that is prevailing at the time of taking a loan. The interest rate is then raised by the lender on the basis of the risk that is involved the transaction. The interest rates on all the loans in the United States are calculated on the basis of the U.S. prime rate.

The same goes to the interest rates of credit cards and bad credit loans. Most of the banks and financial institutions give their very privileged customers a loan on the prime rate. By doing so, they are probably loosing money but the idea is to keep the customer and compensate with other fees and costs.

The interest rates on bad credit loans re high. They are higher in case they are unsecured. Sometimes, the interest rate is as high as 6 to 7 percentage points above the prime rate. The reason for high interest rates is very genuine. A lender will prefer anyone with a good credit history and give him/her a reasonable interest. But, when you are putting your money where there is no guarantee of return, the interest rate goes up.

This works like an incentive for the lender. Otherwise there is no reason for lending to someone when there are more odds against timely repayment.

Unsecured Loans - A Good Loan Alternative

The concept of borrowing and lending, in some form or the other, has always been an integral part of all social systems. Probably, the concept is as old as humanity itself, because human needs have always been diverse and multiple.

Nowadays, lifestyle is everyman’s maxim... Fulfilment of major and normal needs is the only aim. Based on that human needs can be sorted as:

  • Major purposes like operation, extended treatments, late education fees and more
  • Regular lifestyle requirements like home, business, health, education, wedding, vacation, holiday season, vehicle, debts, bad credit and more
  • Lifestyle luxuries like spa treatment, cosmetic surgery, flying lessons and more


Of all, regular lifestyle requirements have made taking credit a regular practice. Typically, every loan seeker looks for a deal that affirms:

  • No collateral, i.e., no deposit against the loan amount
  • Lowest possible APR, i.e., interest rate + loan process charges
  • Less paperwork, i.e., no red tapism
  • Quick service, i.e., fast loan processing
  • No immediate risks in the event of repeated defaults or non-repayment

The most certain way of getting a deal like that is by opting for an unsecured loan. This loan can be availed for most of the aforementioned needs without pledging collateral. This feature has made it very popular in the loan market.

Unsecured loans are ideal for people who:

  • Are not capable of offering collateral, as they do not own (tenants) one or are living with their parents (students)
  • Are not willing to get into property related legalities or risk their property for a small amount (homeowners or property owners)
  • Have small monetary requirements, as offering collateral may not be necessary (regular temporary needs)
  • Have urgent needs, as getting into lengthy property evaluation procedures may not be feasible (urgent needs)


No loan option is without a catch. In the absence of collateral, stakes are normally high for the creditor. Hence, the loan terms and conditions of an unsecured loan deal are usually non-negotiable. Typically, the:

  • Amount a loan seeker can borrow is usually small
  • APR (Annual Percentage Rate = Interest Rate + Loan Processing Charges) is generally high
  • Payback terms are generally fixed
  • Loan clauses are by and large non-negotiable