Let’s cut to the chase; there is a good chance that you’re reading this because your credit situation is more than a little… imperfect, and you’re worried about your ability to obtain an affordable loan as a result. Perhaps you have even approached a few lenders already for a loan, and been turned down?
Whatever the exact situation is for you, if your credit is poor, we can understand you giving a degree of thought to the question of a secured loan versus an unsecured loan.
So, as a credit broker that has a strong track record of helping to arrange loans for bad credit in the UK, we here at CashCompare decided to delve a little deeper into this subject.
Firstly… why would you consider a secured loan as a bad credit applicant?
A secured loan is a loan that requires the person borrowing the money to put forward a valuable asset that they own as security. This asset is typically something like a house or car that the borrower presently owns. Conversely, an unsecured loan is a loan that doesn’t require such collateral.
The idea with a secured loan is that the borrower and lender come to an agreement whereby, in the event of the borrower not being able to make all their repayments on the loan, the lender will be entitled to take the named asset as a way of recovering their money.
A lot of people who seek bad credit loans in the UK give serious thought to the notion of applying for a secured loan. This is partly because it can sometimes be easier for someone in this situation to get approved for a secured loan than an unsecured one.
But would a secured loan actually make much sense for someone with bad credit?
Naturally, the answer to this question will depend greatly on the applicant’s own circumstances and needs.
If, for instance, you are someone who has bad credit and who has applied unsuccessfully for an unsecured loan already, you might be attracted to the idea of asking for a secured loan instead, to strengthen your chances of getting what may be desperately needed funds in your bank account.
For people in such circumstances, the interest rates to be paid on secured loans can also often be lower than would be the case if the applicant insisted on the loan being unsecured. Longer repayment terms may also be easier to get on a secured loan than the unsecured alternative.
However, there is also no getting around the fact that if you have bad credit and you choose to take out a secured loan, you will be taking a certain amount of risk.
You will be putting up a valuable asset as collateral for the loan, so there is a genuine risk that you will lose that asset if you fail to keep up with the repayments. You will therefore need to think carefully about how you would cope in the event that you did lose that asset as a consequence of this situation coming to pass.
It's crucial to understand the risks associated with secured loans, particularly the possibility of losing your collateral (like your home or car) if you fail to keep up with repayments. This risk should be weighed carefully against your current financial situation.
It is worth bearing in mind, too, that while the interest rate on a secured loan may be lower than would be the case on an unsecured one, it might still be quite high. Plus, secured loans can often come with high arrangement fees and other charges that you will need to take account of.
So, in the final analysis… which is best?
As you might expect, there is no single, one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
So, let’s put it this way: when it comes to obtaining loans for bad credit in the UK, both secured and unsecured loans have their advantages and disadvantages. This means you will need to think extremely carefully about the implications before you commit to a particular option.
We advise responsible borrowing and careful consideration of your financial situation before taking out any loan, especially if you have a history of bad credit. Assessing your ability to repay without putting yourself in financial jeopardy is key.
As a credit broker that has a great track record of assisting people with the process of getting a loan even if they have bad credit, we could well help you, too. Completing and submitting our no-obligation loan request form could enable you to get a clearer sense of what the possibilities are likely to be for you, especially given that we maintain relationships with a broad range of lenders.
Warning: Borrowing, either secured or unsecured, can lead to debt if not managed properly. For free independent financial advice, visit MoneyHelper
If you have any concerns or complaints about our services, please contact us directly. Alternatively, for independent support, you can approach the Financial Ombudsman Service.
"Warning: Late repayment can cause you serious money problems. Always consider if borrowing is the right option for you and ensure you can repay your loan." For help, go to moneyhelper.org.uk.