All about: Credit

Credit can be a powerful tool in the financial world. However, not many people know about credit and the different types of credit that you can obtain from your local bank or building society. Read this article to know about credit.

Credit

What is credit? Credit is a powerful tool that comes in several forms. It allows you to buy now, with the promise of paying later. By understanding how each works, you’ll learn how to manage credit successfully and use it to your advantage. Loans Loans let you borrow money that must be repaid with interest. You can obtain a loan for a specific purpose, such as financing a new car, paying college tuition and buying or renovating a home. You can get a debt consolidation loan, which combines all current debts from various creditors into a single reduced-interest payment plan. You can also get a credit limit linked to your checking account that gives you bounce-proof protection in case you write a check for an amount that exceeds your account balance. Loans are divided into two types: secured and unsecured. Secured loans Secured loans are guaranteed by collateral, which is an item of equal or greater value than the amount of the loan, such as a car, home or cash deposit. Unsecured loans Unsecured loans do not require collateral and are made based on your credit score and ability to repay. Instalment loans Instalment loans are made for a fixed amount at the time of your application and approval. This type of loan is repaid in fixed monthly payments over a specific period of time. The interest charges are included in the payments. Auto loans and mortgages are examples of instalment loans. Credit cards Credit cards are perhaps one of the most common types of personal credit. Unlike instalment loans, credit cards allow repeated transactions up to a maximum credit limit, also known as your available credit limit. Each time you charge something, you are borrowing the money until you pay it back. If you decide to pay the money back over time, the credit card company adds interest charges to your account. Each month, you will pay a calculated amount of interest until the borrowed amount is repaid.

Your advantage

Pros and cons of credit Always ensure that you are capable of repaying back the credit that you borrowed as this may dictate your future credit report and your future chances of borrowing. Always check the credit rate and the interest rate on the loan that you obtain. İnterest rates are very competitive. However, it is always possible to obtain free credit if you shop around long enough. Happy credit hunting!