Debt Consolidation Vs Personal Loan: Pros & Cons

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When you need to borrow money for your financial distress, you will find encounter numerous options. While some loans like payday loans, business loans, and foreign loans are easy to understand, there are certain types of loans that can confuse a borrower. Most often, the lines are sometimes blurred between whether a debt consolidation loan or a personal loan will best provide you with the financing you need.

What Is A Debt Consolidation And How Does It Work?

Debt consolidation is a type of loan that combines all of your outstanding credit card debts and personal loans into a single loan with a lower interest rate. The combined loan is then paid in automatic monthly payments, much like a personal installment loan, for a period of up to 10 years.

To be eligible for a debt consolidation loan, you must be either a Singapore Citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident, or foreigner with a valid Employment Pass or Work Permit aged between 21 and 60 years old.

What Is a Personal Loan And How Does It Work?

A personal loan is an unsecured loan that you can use for any financial purpose. It is a type of loan that is repaid over a fixed period of time with interest. Personal loans are usually offered by banks and other financial institutions such as money lenders in Singapore. In order to be eligible for a personal loan, you must either be a Singapore Citizen, or a Permanent Resident aged between 21 and 65 years old.

Pros and Cons of Debt Consolidation Loan vs Personal Loan?

Pros & Cons Of Debt Consolidation

Pros:

  • Simplifies your finances by consolidating multiple debts into one monthly payment.
  • Can help lower interest rates and save you money over time.
  • Can help you pay off your debt faster.
  • Can improve your credit score if you make payments on time.
  • Can help you avoid late fees and penalties. 

Cons:

  • May not always be the best option for everyone.
  • May require collateral if you take out a secured loan.
  • Fees and other costs may be associated with it.
  • This could result in a longer repayment period and more interest paid over time. 

Pros and Cons of Personal Loan

Pros:

  • One lump sum: You receive the entire loan amount upfront.
  • Instant Cash: You can usually get the money within a few days.
  • No collateral is required.
  • Lower interest rates: Personal loans typically have lower interest rates.
  • Flexibility: You can use your personal loan for almost anything.
  • Extended loan terms: Personal loans can have longer repayment periods than credit cards.
  • Easier to manage: You only have one monthly payment to worry about.
  • Can help you build credit if you make payments on time.

Cons:

  • Higher fees and penalties: Some lenders may charge origination fees, prepayment penalties, or other fees.
  • May have higher interest rates than secured loans: Because personal loans are unsecured, they may have higher interest rates than secured loans like home/mortage loans or car loans.
  • It may not be the best option for everyone.

 

Planning to take up personal loans? Check this guide out!
How Long Does It Take To Get A Personal Loan

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How To Choose Between Debt Consolidation Or Personal Loan?

1. What Type Of Debt Do You Have?

If you have outstanding debt, a balance transfer credit card could be a great alternative option. However, If you have other kinds of debt in addition to credit cards that you’d like to consolidate then a personal loan for debt consolidation is a great choice.

2. Do You Have A Good Credit Score?

A good credit score may be able to get you a lower interest rate on a personal loan for debt consolidation.

3. How Much Debt Do You Have?

If you have a lot of debt, a personal loan for debt consolidation may not be the best option because it may not cover all of your debts.

How long will it take to pay off your debt?

If you can pay off your debt quickly, then a balance transfer credit card may be a good option because it usually is around 0% APR period

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is It Easier To Get A Personal Loan Or Debt Consolidation Loan?

Both personal loans and debt consolidation loans have their own set of requirements and criteria that must be met before you can be approved for a loan. However, it is generally easier to get a personal loan than a debt consolidation loan because personal loans are more flexible and can be used for any purpose.

2. Can I Get An Unsecured Loan For Debt Consolidation?

Yes, you can get apply for unsecured loans for debt consolidation in Singapore. Debt consolidation loans in Singapore are only available for unsecured loans, such as personal installment loans, credit cards, and personal lines of credit, as these loans do not have any kind of collateral.

3. Can A Personal Loan Help Me Consolidate My Debt?

Yes, a personal loan can help you consolidate your debt. A debt consolidation plan is a solution where you can combine all of your unsecured loans such as credit card debts and unsecured personal loans into a single loan account with a fixed monthly repayment. By securing your debt consolidation, you are able to save money.

4. Will Consolidating My Debt Hurt My Credit?

Yes, consolidating debt can hurt your credit score if you don’t pay your new loan on time or if you open too many credit accounts at the same time. However, if you are able to make payments on time and received no additional new debt, consolidating your debt could actually improve your credit score.

Conclusion

In conclusion, debt consolidation and personal loans have their pros and cons. Debt consolidation loans can simplify your finances by consolidating multiple debts into one monthly payment. However, they may not always be the best option for everyone. Personal loans, on the other hand, offer one lump sum upfront, fast funding times, and no collateral requirement. Choosing between personal loans and debt consolidation depends on several factors such as the type of debt you have, your credit score, how much debt you have, and how long it will take to pay off your debt. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.

If you are interested to get a personal loan, don’t hesitate to contact  JD Credit. You can easily apply for a personal loan with low interest. Request for a quote today.

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