Personal Loans Vs. Credit Card Debt: What To Choose
Many employees in need of emergency funds face a decision. Should they choose to use credit cards or get personal loans?
Generally, the best option would be the one that offers the most benefits. A lot of people may think that it would be credit cards. Thinking that way is only natural. After all, credit cards offer a convenient source for urgent cash needs.
However, it is also necessary to weigh other options. For instance, some USA employee loan programs offer affordable interest rates. To help you get started, we have listed below some of the things a borrower should consider when comparing credit cards with personal loans.
1. Interest Rates
In most cases, personal loans have fixed rates that are typically lower. While credit cards may offer low introductory rates, the rate can increase after the initial period. Meanwhile, there is often no surprise interest rate increase in personal loans as they implement fixed rates.
2. Impact on Credit Score
Making large purchases using a credit card or maximizing the credit limit may increase the debt to credit ratio. That could have an impact on the credit score. The general rule is to keep credit utilization at around 10% to help maintain a good credit score. On the other hand, some personal loans offer diverse types of credit.
3. Budgeting
Dealing with an unexpected expense is already challenging when it comes to finances. It makes it harder to save money. But, depending on what option you chose to settle that expense, you may have either an easy or hard time sticking to a budget.
A credit card allows the payment of only a minimum amount. That makes it easier for an individual to overspend or prolong the repayment schedule until it becomes too big. Meanwhile, personal loans remove the guesswork. That is because the terms and payment are already agreed upon.
4. Late Payment and Rate Repricing
Late payment of credit card dues will most likely lead to a penalty. It can also stay in the credit report for years, which affects the credit score. Personal loans may also impose late fees. But the interest rate for the loan itself does not change.
5. Debt Consolidation and Simplification
Huge unexpected expenses may require the use of multiple credit cards. Each company has different terms, interest rates, and billing schedules. That makes it hard to keep track of all terms and requirements. A personal loan will allow the consolidation of these variables, making it easier to monitor.
Some people may find it hard to acquire credit card loans. The best thing to do then is to rely on a trustworthy lender like Access Loans to get access to USA employee loan programs. Check out our services and find out how we can help.