When Should You Apply for a Personal Loan?

Are you wondering how to fund large purchases, like an engagement ring or unexpected expenses, such as medical bills? Depending on the amount of money you need, your credit score, and other factors, a personal loan may be the answer.

Personal loans have several attractive qualities that make them a great option for certain borrowers. Explore these five instances below to help determine whether a personal loan may be the best solution for you.

1. When You Need Versatility

Do you have expenses that the maximum limit on your credit card isn’t high enough to cover? If your limit is high enough, is the interest rate low enough for you to comfortably borrow the money you need?

If you have financial needs that require a solution your credit card can’t accommodate, a versatile personal loan could be the answer.

Personal loans are flexible in that you can apply for just the amount you need and, once approved, they don’t have to be used for a specific purchase or purpose.

2. When You Need a Fixed Interest Rate and Predictable Payments

Many personal loans have a fixed Annual Percentage Rate (APR). A fixed APR means that the interest rate remains the same during the fixed rate period of the loan. The most ideal personal loans have a low interest rate with a long fixed rate period. This helps you to accrue less interest, and therefore have lower payments, for a longer period of time than a loan with a shorter fixed rate period.

3. When You Need Fast Approval

While approval times vary between lenders, in some cases, you could learn that you qualify for a personal loan the same day you apply. Same-day approval is common at many banks and credit unions.

4. When You Don’t Have Collateral

Some loans require collateral. These loans are called secured loans and require you to provide security that you’ll pay off your loan in the form of collateral. Examples of collateral may include a home or a car. If you don’t make your payments, the lender can take possession of your collateral to pay off the loan.

Most personal loans are unsecured, which can make them more accessible for people who don’t have high value assets they can use to secure the loan.

5. When You Need a Fast and Affordable Way to Borrow Money

Regardless of your ability to cover your monthly expenses, you may need extra cash from time to time. When your roof starts to leak, your car stops running, or you’d like to refresh your home with upgraded appliances or new furniture, a personal loan can help. Because a personal loan often has a lower APR than a credit card, it can also be a more affordable way to cover these expenses.

Where Should You Apply for a Personal Loan?

We call our personal loans “Signature Loans.” You can use a Signature Loan for a variety of expenses, including home repairs, vacations, and even engagement rings. Whether you’re getting married, starting a business, or updating your home, a personal loan can provide the funds you need.

Choosing your lender is one of the most important decisions you’ll make after you decide to apply for a personal loan. The source of your loan helps determine how much money you can borrow, what your repayment plan looks like, what your interest rate will be, and whether or not you’ll need collateral.

A Signature Loan from PSECU provides multiple benefits.

• Fast: You’ll receive a quick decision and get funds in your account within days, if approved.
• Affordable: Payments range from $100 to $400 per month.*
• Accessible: Our Signature Loans are unsecured, so you don’t need to pledge anything, like a car or a home, to secure the loan.
• Flexible: Borrow any amount from $1,000 to $20,000.

A Signature Loan allows you to get money when you need it, from funding an event to reducing a temporary strain on your budget.

Apply for a Signature Loan From PSECU

If a personal loan sounds like the right solution for your financial situation, choose a Signature Loan from PSECU.

Learn more about Signature Loans and how you can apply today!

*Personal Loan Annual Percentage Rate is currently 7.9%, and subject to change. Unsecured loan amounts available from $1,000 to $20,000. Actual loan term and monthly payment amount will vary based on approved loan amount. Payment example: A loan amount of $10,000 will have a loan term of 61 months and monthly payment amount of $200 at 7.9% APR. See psecu.com/signature for more information.