Extramile Finance

For borrowers with a bad credit score, the better option depends on the label and more on three things: how much you need, how risky your situation is, and how much you can afford to lose if finances change. Unsecured loans may help you meet your needs without providing your assets as collateral.

Alternatively, secured loans may help you qualify for a higher amount by staking assets as collateral. It may help you get a loan with a low interest rate. Getting a secured loan is generally easier with a bad credit score.

What does bad credit mean in the UK?

Bad credit means a history of pending payments, CCJs, loan defaults, bankruptcy, low income or no credit score. It signals you as a risky borrower for loans and other credit facilities. Getting a loan is difficult as the creditor doubts your ability to repay the dues on time.

Even if one qualifies, the interest rates and terms remain competitive. Only a few lenders provide loans for bad credit history. Different agencies use different thresholds to determine the credit score. It means you may have more than one credit score.

Unsecured Loans vs Secured Loans for bad credit – The Basics

Unsecured loans for bad credit from a direct lender are loans that do not require collateral. The approval is based on an individual’s creditworthiness and income. You may get a loan if you have a regular income, low debts, a timely payment history, and manageable debts.

Individuals with low income may require a guarantor. This is because individuals with lower earnings struggle to qualify for a loan with a bad credit score. Non-repayment does not pose a risk to your belongings. It affects your credit score drastically.

Secured loans are loans where one pledges an asset to qualify. It promises a flexible amount and lower interest rates than unsecured loans. The loan repayment term is long, and one may repay the dues within 10 years.

It could be an ideal option for individuals with bad credit history, as it increases the chances of loan approval, and one may qualify for affordable rates. However, the creditor may seize the asset if you cannot repay the loan.

Unsecured loans Vs Secured loans for bad credit- when to use?

For borrowers with a bad credit score, unsecured loans are usually ideal for smaller short-term needs. They can also prove helpful if one does not want to risk their assets to get a loan. Alternatively, secured loans make sense when you need a large amount, have significant home equity, and can comfortably afford the payments over the loan term. Here is the detailed aspect:

When to tap an unsecured loan with a bad credit score?

An unsecured personal loan may be the right option for a person with a bad credit score if:

• Mild credit issues: You don’t have heavy debts or a large number of missed payments
• Not a homeowner: You don’t own a home or do not want to risk it for a loan
• Need money quickly: You want the cash the same day without detailed documentation or loan processing obstacles.
• Your income is variable: You are not sure whether you can commit to a long-term loan like a secured loan with an inconsistent income.
• Can repay the loan: You can repay dues despite high interest rates and competitive terms.
• Have a guarantor: In some cases, having a guarantor may also prove helpful. They may help you fetch better interest rates and terms.

When to tap a secured loan with a bad credit score?

You may consider a secured loan for a bad credit score if:

• You are a homeowner: You have a property or home in your name with usable equity.
• You need a large amount: If you need over £25000, a secured loan may prove helpful.
• You have an adverse credit history: You have a serious and high number of debts (CCJ, bankruptcy, IVAs, missed payments). Collateral offsets the risk, and you may qualify for the loan.
• You have a predictable income: Generally, you need a fixed income from full-time sources to qualify for a secured loan.
• Funding something that justifies a long-term commitment: You are renovating your home to improve its value or large-scale debt consolidation. These aspects reveal the effort to improve lifestyle and credit score.
• You want cheaper interest and loan: Secured loans reduce interest liabilities and overall payment requirements.

Unsecured loans Vs Secured loans for bad credit: Pros and cons

Understanding the pros and cons of unsecured loans and secured loans may help you determine the right loan for a bad credit score.

Pros of unsecured loans for bad credit scores

• You don’t need to provide your precious asset as collateral to get a loan
• You may get the loan quickly within 24-48 hours of the application approval
• Repayments remain fixed for you to budget effectively
• You can streamline payments by consolidating debts at lower rates
• Tenants, students, unemployed (with part-time income) may qualify

Cons of unsecured loans for bad credit scores

• Interest rates can be high for bad credit scores (26.9% 69.9%)
• You may get a lower amount of up to £25000 on these loans
• Strict affordability assessment which may lead to loan rejection
• The fear of missing payments and getting into a debt-trap
• Fewer options to choose from and fewer chances of getting better rates

Pros of secured loans for bad credit scores

• You share high approval chances despite bad credit as collateral reduces risks
• May get up to £100,000 for your needs depending on the equity and affordability
• A much lower interest rate than unsecured loans for bad credit
• You may spread the payments over the long term. It means you pay less monthly.
• Get better control over the loan and flexibility on terms

Cons of secured loans for bad credit scores

• Your home/asset is at risk. You may lose it if you cannot pay the loan

• You pay more interest on the loan over time
• Individuals with bad credit scores may get less favourable terms
• Fees and early repayment charges may increase liabilities
• Property valuation, legal checks and affordability assessments take time to process. However, you may get secured loans for bad credit on an instant decision to determine the approximate costs.

How to know which one is better for my circumstances?

Use the following checklist to determine that:

1. Do you own a home with sufficient equity?

Unsecured loans may be ideal if you lack a home or sufficient equity. However, as a homeowner with bad credit history, secured loans may help you get better terms and quick approval.

2. How much do you need to borrow?

Unsecured loans are ideal if you need less than £25000. Alternatively, you may check secured loans to get £25k or over.

3. How adverse is your credit history?

Unsecured loans are ideal if you have small missed payments and limited high-interest debts. Secured loans may help you qualify with recent CCJs, bankruptcy and multiple defaults.

4. What is the loan purpose?

Unsecured loans are ideal for emergency and short-term needs like paying a utility bill. Check a secured loan for life-changing needs- home improvement, buying a car, etc.