Personal loans, Peer-to-Peer lending, and instant loans are all common ways to borrow money. In this guide, we’ll cover what each one is and its advantages and disadvantages.
What are Personal Loans, P2P, and Instant Loans?
A personal loan is a short-term loan where you borrow money from a bank, credit union, or Non-banking financial company.
Peer-to-Peer lending is a type of lending where an individual can borrow money directly from another individual. The borrower and the lender can connect via online platforms and do not require a financial institution to act as an intermediary. The two parties need to mutually agree on the terms and conditions of the loan.
An instant loan is an unsecured loan where you can borrow money in a fast, hassle-free manner through online loan apps with easy application processes. This type of loan is often used by people who are new to borrowing or need emergency cash quickly.
Pros and Cons of Personal Loans
Pros:
Personal loans are a well-established way to borrow money. Lenders are registered with the Reserve Bank of India and have fixed, regulated processes. This gives you the peace of mind that you are interacting with a trusted financial institution.
Moreover, personal loans have a higher borrowing limit compared to P2P and instant loans. This can be helpful if you need to borrow a large lump sum of cash.
Cons:
The interest rate may be higher than on other types of loans (especially if it’s variable), so make sure you compare options before deciding on a personal loan option. Personal loans are only available to borrowers over 18 years old with an active checking account and a good credit score (above 600). There might be a significant amount of paperwork to fill out which makes the process of applying, getting approved, and receiving the money much longer.
Pros and Cons of Peer-to-Peer Lending
Pros:
The main advantage of Peer-to-Peer lending is that there is no middleman involved, so borrowers do not have to pay any fees for this service. This type of lending works best for borrowers who may not have access to traditional credit or other financial resources. P2P lending also has lower interest rates than traditional banks, which might make it enticing for some. Depending on the lender, the transfer of money is quicker as well.
Since there are no banks involved and all lending takes place online, borrowers can borrow from anywhere in the world. There are no upfront fees, which means you can use your own funds for this type of lending rather than having to put up collateral as in a traditional mortgage loan.
Cons:
This method to borrow money is less regulated compared to personal loans and instant loans. The borrowers and lenders share the risk of losing their money if they cannot repay their loans. Because of poor regulation, P2P lending has more risks than other options.
Pros and Cons of Instant Loans
Pros:
You can apply for an instant loan with no collateral or outside approval required. You won’t need to get pre-approved first, which means less paperwork overall, and it can be easier to get approved if you have a good credit history. Loan apps have more lenient eligibility requirements and fast application processes; thus giving easy access to credit to a range of people. You will usually be approved for and receive cash for an instant loan within 24 hours of applying online.
Cons:
Instant loans are offered by a range of lenders. This results in many different loan products, each with its own terms and conditions. You need to carry out enough research to find lenders that you can trust. Interest rates of instant loans can also be higher compared to P2P lending.
While each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, personal loans and instant loans are safer ways to borrow money. P2P lending can suit certain individuals but they must borrow money from lenders that they trust because there are more risks involved.
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