It’s tempting to take whatever loan you can get if you need money immediately yet have poor credit. If your choices are few, vehicle title loans may appear to be a viable answer. These agreements, however, come with drawbacks that might worsen your financial circumstances. Consider alternative choices for managing your money and paying down debt before taking out a title loan. This post will first cover what a title loan is, its advantages and disadvantages, and then discuss some viable alternatives that you might find helpful.
What Is A Title Loan?
Title loans are essentially loans secured by the title of a vehicle. The borrower receives the money and must pay back the loan with interest. You contact the title loan provider and provide them with information regarding your car, such as the make and model, mileage, condition, etc. You then get a quote, including the fees to set the loan up and the interest rate you will pay. If you find yourself unable to pay, you can offer up your car to pay off the debt or opt for a title loan refinance. This is similar to how you might refinance another type of debt obligation but can also lead to a downward spiral of debt repayment if you aren’t careful.
Advantages
Title loans are an alternative to payday loans, and they are used mainly by people who need to borrow money but don’t have enough to cover the entire amount. While they come with drawbacks discussed later, they are a valuable tool for people looking for a fast way to get a lump sum of cash for anything from medical bills to help you get by until your next payday (although this is not a sensible choice). Some advantages include:
- You can apply even with bad credit
- Minimal processing times
- You get a sensible repayment schedule
- They provide an instant surge of cash when you need it most
Disadvantages
Some people consider title loans as predatory lending practices, and there are many risks associated with them. In addition, lenders often charge high-interest rates and fees, which can burden borrowers who don’t have much money to spare. Some disadvantages include:
- High-interest rates
- They sometimes have high costs associated with the setup
- You could lose your vehicle
Simple Cash Title Loans is a great platform where you can get quick cash with lenient processes. They offer title loans in Oklahoma, Ohio, Virginia, Colorado, and many more states, read on to know more.
What Are The Alternatives?
With those points in mind, you might find that a title loan isn’t for you and want to look at alternative ways to raise much-needed cash. Fortunately, you have some options for getting the money you need while minimizing the drawbacks associated with title loans.
Credit Unions
Credit unions are financial cooperatives that are owned by their members. They are typically local and offer loans and other financial services to their members at a lower cost than banks. Credit unions are known for their low-interest rates and have a reputation for providing loans to people with bad credit. However, you need to be aware that if you have a terrible credit rating, you could be denied during your application. Nevertheless, the upside is that they are happy to accept most people as long as you can prove you can repay the loan with your job, for example.
Peer-To-Peer (P2P) Lending
Peer-to-peer lending is a new and rapidly growing industry that has been around for the past decade or so. It’s not like a traditional bank where you need to fill out a lot of paperwork and have your identity verified before you can get started. Essentially, you find a reputable P2P platform and negotiate directly with someone willing to lend you cash. The advantages of borrowing money peer to peer include lower interest rates, faster loan processing, and more flexibility as long as you can meet the lender’s terms. Additionally, you can contact your lender directly, making it more straightforward to communicate.
Friends Or Family
The process of borrowing money from your friends or family is simple. All you have to do is ask them if they would be willing to lend you some cash so that you can pay off your debt or buy something that you want. Borrowing money from your friends and family is a great idea, but it can be complicated. It’s a good idea to have a conversation with them before borrowing money to ensure that they’re comfortable with the loan terms.
Sell Your Unused Items
This final alternative is a great way to raise cash when needed but might not be possible for everyone. Nonetheless, if you have an excess of things lying around your home, you could find that selling some of it via a garage sale or online will help you quickly get the money you need.
A title loan is a great way to get the money you need if you have no other means of getting it. If you are uneasy with the terms and fees, you should look at all of your options before making your decision.