You should not make a major decision like taking out a loan lightly. You must pick a lender who will meet your demands, especially when you’re taking out a personal loan. These days, the market is flooded with plenty of lenders. This may make it difficult to choose one.
Some lenders don’t operate for the benefit of their clients. Because of this, you must take your time and conduct in-depth research on any lender you are considering. To learn more about some of the important considerations you must make while looking for a lender, keep reading this article.
Here are things you should look for in a personal loan lender when you want to apply for a personal loan in Singapore.
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Expertise and reputation
When selecting a lender for your personal loan, you must consider several important factors, including experience and credibility. You need to look for a lender who won’t charge extra fees and hidden charges to get you to spend more than you should. A reputable lender ought to be transparent with you regarding loan repayment. It must be reliable as well.
The best course of action if you are unfamiliar with a specific lender is to conduct a Google search to learn more about it. Most businesses display testimonials from previous customers. In addition to checking for credibility, you should choose a lender that will perform in the industry that interests you. The length of time a lender has been in business determines experience.
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Available loan types
Do you need the money, or will you use it to get your finances in order? Often, lenders do not place restrictions on how money may be used. On the other hand, personal loans can either be secured (requiring security for approval) or unsecured. They also have a variable interest rate that changes over time or a fixed interest rate that is constant, and many are promoted for a particular use. Typical categories are:
- Customers with a history of credit issues can apply for bad credit loans from lenders.
- With debt consolidation loans, you can consolidate several debts into a single loan that often has a reduced interest rate. You can simplify the repayment process by making just one payment each month.
- Emergency loans cover unexpected costs and last-minute financial difficulties.
- Loans for home improvements are utilized to finance pricey improvements to your house without using any of the equity you’ve accrued.
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The interest rateÂ
Another important aspect you must consider when applying for a personal loan in Singapore is the interest rate. It’s important to note that the interest rate will impact the total amount of your loan payments. So, it is best if the interest rate is low. On the other hand, you shouldn’t always take the interest rates you read on the lender’s website at face value.
People frequently consider the average interest rate rather than the rate they will be given when determining interest rates. The exact interest rate is determined by several variables, such as your credit score, the type of loan you desire, how long it will take to repay it, etc. You should remember that while taking out a loan, there are other costs in addition to interest rates that you should consider.
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Application processes and processing times
The loan will be better off if it is granted more quickly. Choose a lender that doesn’t prolong the procedure by requiring a big list of paperwork or adding extra processes. Ideally, a personal loan should be approved within 72 hours of the submission of the following documents:
- Bank statements for the previous three months of the applicant
- Slips of income for the last three months
- Address and identity proof documents
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Fees
Is the lender charging an origination, prepayment, or application fee? Even if they are rolled into the loan, these fees can speedily accrue depending on how much you have borrowed.
Consider getting three quotations for a $10,000 loan as an example. The origination cost for the first lender is 8%, while the fees for the other two lenders are 6% and 2%, respectively. Depending on the personal loan you select, the additional principal and interest will cost you $800, $600, or $200.
Several lenders provide personal loans in Singapore without any application or origination costs, and they won’t penalize you if you repay the loan early. Nevertheless, these aren’t the only expenses to consider; check the fee schedule to determine how much the lender will charge for missed or late payments.
But don’t let fees rule out a certain lender. Even if you have to pay some fees, the loan charges could, in some situations, still be lower.
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 Payment flexibility
When searching for a lender, you should inquire about a lender’s payment schedule flexibility. Can the lender push it back one month if you cannot pay? Will there be a hefty penalty for any late payments? Before selecting a lender, you should find answers to these questions.
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Reliable documentation
To know what the lender promises to do for you and what you are liable for regarding payments, you must have clear and legal documents regarding your loan. When you take out a loan, your lender should give you all the documentation required to maintain your financial stability.
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Customer support
What are the business hours for the lenders you are thinking about? Can they be reached promptly via phone or email? Can you go in person to receive help? These are only a few considerations as you assess lenders to see if they are simple to reach.
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Additional services
Lenders could provide unique benefits that you might find interesting. For instance, some lenders might provide complimentary services for internet privacy protection, credit scores, or credit reports. Some lenders might offer mobile apps to assist you in managing your loan. Some lenders will send your money straight to your creditors if you want to combine your debt.
Final thoughts
The lender’s reputation and the loan terms they are offering will ultimately determine which lender is ideal for you. Although your credit rating and overall financial history will influence whether you are approved for a personal loan in Singapore, you should still compare quotations from other lenders to determine the interest rate and other costs. The lender must have a history of offering top-notch customer service to its previous and current clients.
