Explore the Risks and Benefits of Using a Personal Loan for Shopping

Nov 27, 2023
 |  1 min read
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A personal loan is an unsecured loan where you borrow a fixed amount of money from a lender. Unlike secured loans, you don't need to provide collateral on this type of loan. You can get these loans from banks, online lenders, credit unions, and other financial institutions.

How Do Personal Loans Work Exactly?

Personal loans provide a financial lifeline for various needs. Before applying for personal loans, ask about the lender's fees, which include origination, prepayment, and late fees. Let's look at it in detail to understand 'How do personal loans work exactly?'.

Application Process: You can apply for it at a bank or online. Share information about your employment, income, and credit history.

Approval and Loan Terms: Once approved, the lender specifies the loan amount, interest rate, and repayment terms. Your credit score often influences the interest rate.

Disbursement of Funds: Once it gets accepted, the lender transfers the loan amount directly to your bank account, ensuring swift access to the funds.

Repayment Process: Repay the loan in fixed monthly installments over the agreed-upon term, including principal and interest.

Autopay Option: Many lenders offer an interest rate discount, ensuring timely payments and a positive credit score. Thus, setting up an autopay or a calendar reminder is recommended to maintain timely payments.

Early Repayment: Most lenders allow early loan repayment without penalties, providing flexibility for borrowers.

End of Loan: You keep making payments until the loan is fully repaid. The loan is settled once you've paid the borrowed amount plus interest.

Why Do Most People Take Out Personal Loans?

The reason for taking a personal loan can be anything from requiring money to cover bills to an emergency cost or anything that requires your urgent attention. There cannot be any possible 'best reasons' for personal loan funding. Instead, consider the following scenarios to understand best: 'Why do most people take out personal loans?':

Emergency Expenses: Unforeseen medical bills, car repairs, or other unexpected costs may lead individuals to seek a personal loan for quick financial relief.

Debt Consolidation: When you owe money to different places (credit cards, loans), a personal loan combines them to simplify things, and sometimes, you pay less interest.

Home Improvement: Renovating a home is a common desire that you may push down the priority list due to its higher expense. A personal loan allows you to enhance property value or address necessary upgrades.

Education: The ever-increasing education costs should not come in the way of the career aspirations of your child's education. A personal loan ensures your child can get admission into the desired college or fulfill any career goal.

Wedding: When celebrating the weddings of your loved one, expenses can often go over the budget. Instead of dealing with financial stress, wedding loans can help you celebrate it as per your preferences, creating the memorable day you envisioned.

Benefits of Using a Personal Loan for Shopping

Using a personal loan for shopping can have some advantages, but being cautious about taking on debt is essential. Here are some of the known benefits of using a personal loan for shopping:

Immediate access to funds: Instead of waiting to save up, a personal loan provides quick access to funds, allowing you to make purchases when you want.

Building credit history: Responsible repayment of a personal loan contributes positively to your credit history, potentially improving your credit score.

Making large purchases: Personal loans enable you to make significant purchases, such as appliances or furniture, without straining your immediate finances.

Despite these benefits, it's essential to be mindful of the potential downsides of taking out a personal loan, such as interest costs and the overall impact on your financial health. Always consider whether the purchase is necessary and whether you can afford the loan payments comfortably. Responsible borrowing is critical to ensuring that a personal loan enhances your financial situation rather than causing stress.

mPokket has made securing personal loans for shopping or quick cash loans online much simpler and more streamlined. Several personal loans can be processed and disbursed quickly with minimum hassle. Download the mPokket online loan app for small instant loans or any personal loans you need.

Gaurav Jalan

Gaurav Jalan is the Founder and CEO of mPokket, a digital lending platform serving underserved Indian youth. He leverages technology and experience to deliver cost-effective credit to marginalized populations. In his role, he provides strategic direction and oversees execution to fulfill mPokket's mission.