Personal Loans vs Credit Cards for Making Big Purchases

When financing a big purchase, you have the choice to use a credit card. However, it charges high interest rates, which can drown you deeper in debt. If you’re looking for another option, you could opt for a personal loan instead. Unlike credit cards that charge a variable rate, this type of loan often has a fixed interest rate.

Credit cards or personal loans have to fit the right financial situation. To determine which one is best for your major purchase, here are some factors to consider before deciding:

Interest Rate

Prioritize paying the minimum interest possible on your purchase. A credit card could cost you less with interest if you’re eligible for a promotional APR. This is when credit cards offer zero percent interest on purchases.

Personal loans, on the other hand, usually charge a much lower interest rate than credit cards. However, note that a bad credit score will qualify you for a high-interest rate loan.

Ideally, check which option allows you to get a lower interest rate, depending on your financial situation. If you decide to go for a personal loan, consider shopping around first and comparing rates until you find an affordable small loan.

The Amount You Need to Borrow

Another factor to consider when choosing between using a credit card and a personal loan when making a big purchase is the amount you have to borrow. Personal loan lets you access thousands of dollars, so it may not make sense to get one if you only need to make a small purchase. Using a credit card for a relatively small purchase might be a better idea since it gives you a line of credit and lets you charge as little as you want.

If you want to use a credit card to finance your big purchase, keep in mind that maxing out your card could hurt your credit score. Doing so affects the amount of available credit you have used and limits how much you can borrow in the future. This is called the credit utilization ratio, which is one of the crucial factors when determining your credit score. Getting a personal loan could be a better option if you are paying for something costly.

Urgency

It’s ideal to optimize your credit card for a big purchase if you decide to take out a personal loan to pay back your debt later. As for personal loans, some lenders offer installment loans and promise funds by the next business day.

Keep in mind that other lenders take more time to process your application. When looking for a lender, you should consider not only the interest rate but also how fast they can process applications and provide funds.

Conclusion

Ideally, you should have enough cash on hand to pay for costly items or services, but life doesn’t work that way at all times. When you have to make big purchases but can’t afford to pay for them right away, borrowing money by securing a credit card or getting a personal loan could be necessary. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider different factors to make an informed decision and pick the best approach for your situation.

If you need to get a personal loan in Gadsden, reach out to Gadsden Finance. The financial help you require to fund a purchase could be deposited into your bank account in as little as one business day. Contact us to learn more about how we can help!