Personal loans are typically unsecured loans, meaning they aren’t tied to a specific asset. Unlike auto loans, which are directly linked to a vehicle, personal loans deposit funds straight into your nominated bank account—giving you full control over how the money is used.
Personal loans are flexible and can be used for various purposes, including vehicle purchases, home renovations, debt consolidation, travel, or in cases of emergency. Additionally, personal loans provide the flexibility to combine multiple financial needs, such as purchasing a vehicle while consolidating debt, all under one streamlined loan.
A personal loan may be more beneficial for a vehicle purchase if it the vehicle does not meet typical lending criteria requirements for an auto loan, such as an older model or a leisure vehicle like a caravan or motorcycle. Personal loans also allow for shorter loan terms, meaning you could pay it off faster and save on interest, often without early termination fees.
A secured personal loan requires an asset, such as a vehicle or home equity, as collateral, which generally results in lower interest rates and higher borrowing limits. If repayments are not made, the lender has the right to repossess the asset.
An unsecured personal loan, however, does not require collateral and instead relies on your credit score and income to determine eligibility. While unsecured loans offer more flexibility, they typically come with higher interest rates due to the increased risk to lenders.
Personal loan interest rates vary based on factors such as credit history, loan type, and the lender’s policies. Since unsecured personal loans are considered higher risk, they generally come with higher interest rates than auto loans. Different lenders assess risk differently, meaning that interest rates, borrowing limits, and loan terms can vary significantly. Because personal loans are often used for non-essential expenses, lenders consider them a higher-risk loan category, which may impact interest rates and approval criteria.
Ultimately, the type of loan, your eligibility, and the terms will depend on your financial goals and what you’re looking to finance. Interest rates vary based on lender criteria, your credit history, and overall financial situation.
Here you will find the answers to the most common questions that we get asked.