Originally posted on https://www.arcct.com/what-is-an-installment-loan.html
Installment loans are financing agreements that are structured to be paid back over time with minimum monthly payments. The loan term generally depends on the amount of money that is borrowed and can range from a few months (small personal loans) or up to 30 years (a mortgage).
An installment loan payment is constructed of 3 variables:
- Loan Amount
- Interest Rate
- The Length of the Loan
So for an example let’s look at a $500 personal loan at an interest rate of 7% for a period of 6 months. Each month that you make a payment a portion of your repayment goes towards interest and a portion towards the principal. As you make more payments on your installment loan you will notice a larger portion of your payment will go towards your principal.
What are Examples of Installment Loans?
- Personal Loans
- Auto Loans
- Mortgages
- Business Loans
While credit is a big factor in being approved for an installment loan it is not the only factor. Having good credit will definitely help you to obtain a lower interest rate but you will have to show that your budget will be able to absorb an additional payment.
There are special online programs designed to help people with poor credit as well. These installment loans for bad credit are a great way for people with subprime credit to begin rebuilding their credit history. Of course initially your rate of interest will be higher but as your credit rating improves so will your interest rates.
Unlike other loans like payday loans, title loans or other short term loans an installment loan is generally a much better option. These financing agreements are stretched out over a specified time at a much better interest rate. Therefore, your monthly payments will be lower and more manageable.
