If you’re in the market to borrow cash, “signature loans” are one type of loans that you have to sign that may be recommended to you. Signature loans are attractive in a number of features, but you should be sure to learn more about them prior to making a decision to sign up for ones they come with important disadvantages, too.

Signature loans: The fundamentals

An important aspect of every loan is whether or not it’s secured. A mortgage, for instance, is secured through the property that it’s helping to purchase. The property is the collateral. If you do not pay back your loan agreement, then the bank may take possession of the property.

The debt on credit cards, however, isn’t secured. If you do not pay the debt the lender may pursue you or set up an agency to collect on you, however, it’s unlikely to take possession of the property. Signature loans are loans with no collateral.

Signature loans are also described as “character loans” as well as “good trust” loans because they are a loan from a lender usually one of the credit unions or banks that lends money according to your character and how you interact with them with your signature as well as a commitment to pay back. They usually have a fixed interest rate, as well.

Signature loans: benefits

When looking at the advantages and disadvantages of signature loans, one significant benefit is that they are quick and easy to access. The rates of interest that the lenders charge are generally higher than those for secured loans because the lender will be taking on more risk. However, they’ll likely be less than a different unsecured choice that is that of a payday advance.

Its status as not secured is a further benefit for the borrower since it means that you’re not placing any of your assets at risk. Signature loans are a great option for certain people when, for instance, they’re looking to consolidate multiple debts that carry high and fluctuating interest rates, like credit card debts.

Signature loan: drawbacks

Of course, there are disadvantages, as well. Some people aren’t well-served by these loans. They require credit checks for instance, which means that if your credit score isn’t great then you’re unlikely to get an appealing rate of interest – and you may not be able to get the loan at all.

A good rate because of a high credit score could be greater than rates that you could get from secured loans. If you own a property and you want to improve your credit score, look into an equity loan for your home instead.

Signature loans typically are with relatively short durations typically for just up to a couple of months typically, but not more than 4 or 5 years. If you’re looking to borrow the sum of $50,000, $100,000, or more, then you’re likely out of luck because they are likely to be that are in the $3,000-$35,000 range. (Again it’s because the loan is unsecured and the lender takes on some risk.)

There are times when you’ll need to be able to get a cosigner for the loan, as well. This lowers the risk for the lender in the event that it goes after the cosigner should you don’t pay back the loan.

What can you do?

If You think that a loan with a signature might be for you, take a look at it further. Get quotes from the lenders you prefer however, you shouldn’t overdo it. Be aware that every quote is likely to require a credit assessment and will show up upon the credit report, and can temporarily lower your credit rating of yours.

If you’re in the middle of a bad credit score at the moment and you are able to put off applying for a loan, it might be a good idea to increase your score over the next period of time like by making sure to pay bills on time, and getting your debt-to-credit ratio to your credit limit.

Additionally, you could receive a better rate by ensuring that the loan does not be extended for too long the riskier for the lender, and also by not borrowing too much, since lenders typically view smaller sums as being less likely to be repaid. Additionally, bigger loans bring in more money on the part of the lending institution.