Understanding the right borrowing tool for your needs can save you time, stress, and money. Both personal loans and lines of credit offer financial relief, yet their structures and benefits vary.
A personal loan offers a one-time lump sum with consistent monthly repayments, making it predictable and straightforward. In contrast, a personal line of credit resembles a credit card, offering you a revolving credit facility.
As such, a line of credit is versatile, permitting users to borrow up to a predetermined limit, and as one pays down the borrowed amount, the available credit is restored. This means that with a PLOC, you can continuously borrow and repay funds, only paying interest on the amount you’ve utilized. This flexibility can be invaluable for ongoing expenses or uncertain financial needs.
While both tools cater to a range of financial situations, choosing between a personal loan and a line of credit depends largely on the nature of your financial requirement, whether it’s a one-time expense or an ongoing cost. Knowing the nuances of each can guide you to make the most informed decision.
here may come a time when you find yourself in need of financial support. Perhaps you need to pay an unexpected medical expense. Maybe you are faced with a major home repair. You might even want to take out a loan with a lower interest rate for debt consolidation.
If you need financial assistance, a personal loan or personal line of credit can help you achieve your goals. Both types of financing allow you to borrow funds for just about any purpose. However, they work differently.
A personal loan is a type of installment loan, which means you will receive a lump sum and make fixed principal and interest payments. A personal line of credit, on the other hand, is a type of “revolving loan” and works similarly to a credit card. The amount you can withdraw is dynamic – as long as it is within your credit limit and make regular payments of both a principal and interest to pay it off.
At a Glance
| Personal Loan | Line of Credit | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Credit | Installment loan | Revolving credit |
| Repayment Terms | Fixed monthly repayment | Ranges from daily to monthly to yearly repayments |
| Loan Tenure | Up to 7 years (banks)6-12 months (moneylenders) | Open-ended |
| Interest Rate | Interest accrues on the full loan amount right away. The interest rate ranges between 3.7% and 7.9%.For moneylenders, 1-4% per month | Interest accrues only when funds are accessed. The interest rate is variable and averages between 7.0% p.a. and 18.72% p.a. |
| Fees | Typically includes a processing fee and may have other fees and charges, such as repayment fees and late fees | Typically charges an annual fee. |
| Access to Funds | Borrowers have access to funds in one lump sum | Borrowers have access to a preset credit limit that they can use any time, pay back, and borrow again. |
When Should I Choose a Personal Line of Credit?
A personal line of credit is best for individuals with an unpredictable or inconsistent source of income. This financing option will help you tide over gaps in income. Here are other uses of a credit line:
- On-going home renovations
- Small, everyday purchases
- When you don’t know how much money you’ll need for a particular expense
With a personal line of credit, you can withdraw money anytime from your credit line. Interest is accrued once you make a withdrawal. Plus, the interest is based on the amount withdrawn and not on the whole credit limit.
Benefits:
- The credit limit can be used any time
- Borrow only what you need as long as it is within the credit limit
- Interest is charged on the outstanding balance only, not the entire credit limit
- Can be used for any purpose
Risks:
- Credit lines tend to have higher interest rates than personal loans
- They have a lower credit limit than the amount you can borrow from a personal loan
- Typically, interest accrues on a daily basis on the outstanding balance in your account.
- It charges a variable interest rate which means you don’t pay a fixed amount every month.
When Should I Choose A Personal Loan?
A personal loan is best for making large, one-off expenses. However, it can be used for a variety of purposes, such as debt consolidation, major medical expenses, and minor home repairs. Find out what are the things to consider before taking out a personal loan.
Personal loans have two general forms – secured and unsecured. With a secured personal loan, you can borrow any amount since it is backed by some form of collateral, such as your property. Unsecured loans, on the other hand, are not backed by collateral. It relies on your credit history and credit score.
Benefits:
- Can be used to pay off large, expensive purchases
- Offers a lower rate than a personal line of credit
- Fixed monthly payments throughout the loan term
- Have a fixed payment schedule
- Have access to cash in one lump sum
Risks:
- Typically charges processing fees and other additional charges
- Failing to pay a secured loan will put your property at risk of being repossessed.
- Meant to be taken out infrequently
- May negatively affect your credit score if you frequently take out a personal loan for small purchases.
When Should I Choose a Personal Line of Credit?
A personal line of credit is best for individuals with an unpredictable or inconsistent source of income. This financing option will help you tide over gaps in income. Here are other uses of a credit line:
- On-going home renovations
- Small, everyday purchases
- When you don’t know how much money you’ll need for a particular expense
With a personal line of credit, you can withdraw money anytime from your credit line. Interest is accrued once you make a withdrawal. Plus, the interest is based on the amount withdrawn and not on the whole credit limit.
Benefits:
- The credit limit can be used any time
- Borrow only what you need as long as it is within the credit limit
- Interest is charged on the outstanding balance only, not the entire credit limit
- Can be used for any purpose
Risks:
- Credit lines tend to have higher interest rates than personal loans
- They have a lower credit limit than the amount you can borrow from a personal loan
- Typically, interest accrues on a daily basis on the outstanding balance in your account.
- It charges a variable interest rate which means you don’t pay a fixed amount every month.
Best Personal Loans and Line of Credits in Singapore September 2023
| Bank offering Personal Loan | Interest Rate | Loan Amount | Minimum Income | Repayment Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSBC Personal Loan | 3.6% p.a.EIR: 6.5%Promotional interest rates | Up to S$200,000 | S$30,000 for Singaporeans/PRS$40,000 for Foreigners | Up to 7 years |
| Standard Chartered CashOne | 3.48% p.a. EIR: 6.95% | Up to S$250,000 | S$20,000 for Singaporeans/PRS$60,000 for Foreigners | Up to 5 years |
| DBS Personal Loan | 3.88% p.a. EIR: 7.56% | Up to 4x your monthly salary if your annual income is less than S$120,000Up to 10x your monthly salary if your annual income is S$120,000 and above | S20,000 for Singaporeans/PR | Up to 5 years |
| UOB Personal Loan | 3.77% p.a.EIR: 6.89% | Loans starting from S$10,000 | S$30,000 for Singaporeans/PR | Up to 5 years |
| Citi Quick Cash | 3.45% p.a. EIR: 6.5% | Up to 4x your monthly salary or up to 8x your monthly income if your annual income is S$20,000 and above | S$30,000 for Singaporeans/PRS$42,000 for Foreigners | Up to 5 years |
| Bank offering Personal Line of Credit | Interest Rate | Maximum Credit Limit | Minimum Income | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSBC Personal Line of Credit | 20% p.a. | Up to 6x your monthly salary or S$100,000 whichever is lower | S$30,000 for Singaporeans/PRS$40,000 for Foreigners | S$60waived for the first year |
| Maybank CreditAble | 20.9% p.a. | Up to 4x your monthly income | S$30,000 for Singaporeans/PR | S$80Waived for 2 years |
| DBS Cashline | 29.8% p.a. For annual incomes S$20,000 to below S$30,00022.9% for annual income S$30,000 and above | Up to 10x your monthly salary for annual incomes of S$120,000 and above | S$20,000 for Singaporeans/PR | S$120 |
| UOB CashPlus | 0% p.a. for 3 months (EIR 0% p.a.); 0% p.a. for 6 months (EIR 3.34%); 0% p.a. for 12 months (EIR 3.30% p.a.)
Otherwise, 29.98% p.a. Default interest rate |
Up to 6x your monthly salary | S$30,000 for Singaporeans/PR | S$120 |
| OCBC EasiCredit | 29.80% p.a. | Up to 2x your monthly salary for an annual income of S$20,000 to less than S$30,000Up to 4x your monthly salary for an annual income of S$30,000 to less than S$120,000Up to 6x your monthly salary for an annual income S$120,000 and above | S$20,000 for Singaporeans/PRS$45,000 for Foreigners | S$80 |
Should I Take Out A Personal Loan or a Line of Credit?
The best financial product is the one that fits your situation best. Plus, it’s also a good idea to choose one that will help you save more in the long run. This means comparing several factors, such as loan amount, interest rate, and loan tenure.
For instance, if you know exactly how much you need to cover costs on a project or expense, consider getting a personal loan. With this option, you’ll be charged at fixed interest rates and you’ll have fixed monthly payments. This makes it easier to create a budget.
However, if it is an ongoing project or you need access to funds to tide over gaps in your income, you may want to consider getting a credit line. This allows you to take out only the amount you need. However, keep in mind that a credit line charges a higher interest rate. Moreover, interest accrues on a daily basis on the outstanding balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is It Hard To Get A Personal Loan or A Personal Line of Credit?
As long as you meet the eligibility requirements of the bank or financial institution, you can easily take out a personal loan or open a credit line.
If you’re a cardholder and have good credit, bank officials may encourage you to avail such financial products. However, don’t do it unless it becomes necessary.
2. What Options Do I Have If I Don’t Qualify For A Personal Loan Or Credit Line?
You may turn to a licensed moneylender in Singapore to get the financing you need. These licensed moneylenders can provide loans even when you have poor credit. You can find the complete list of licensed moneylenders on the MinLaw website.
With a licensed moneylender, you can borrow money up to 6x your monthly salary at an interest rate of up to 4%. Licensed lenders are required by law to thoroughly explain the terms and conditions of the loan in a language you understand.
3. What Are The Limitations Of A Personal Line of Credit?
A credit line gives you access to funds whenever you need them. This means you can withdraw only the amount you need and be charged interest for only the outstanding balance. This gives you more flexibility than personal loans.
However, a line of credit charges a much higher interest rate than a personal loan. Lastly, not all banks offer foreigners the option to apply for a credit line.
4. How Do You Repay A Personal Line of Credit?
A line of credit has flexible repayment schemes. With a credit line, you can withdraw whenever you want and repay whenever you want. However, make sure to repay it as soon as you are able since some banks charge interest daily.
If you repay early, you won’t be incurring additional fees, unlike a personal loan that charges early repayment fees.
Some banks, such as HSBC personal line of credit, require you to repay a minimum of 3% of the outstanding balance or S$15, whichever is higher. So make sure to ask your bank about the terms and conditions of the credit line.
You can repay through any of the following options – depending on your bank:
- Bank branches
- ATM
- Internet banking
- SingPost branches
- AXS station
- Cash deposit machine
- Via cheque
5. What Are The Fees & Charges Associated with Personal Loans and Credit Lines?
Personal Loans:
- Processing fee
- Late fees
- Early repayment fees
Personal Line of Credit:
- Annual Fee – some banks offer a waiver for the first year
- Late charges
- Administrative charges
- Returned cheque fee
Keep in mind that when you borrow money from any credit facility, you’ll pay interest plus other fees. The fees and charges may vary per bank or lender. So make sure to fully understand the loan terms and conditions before taking out a loan or applying for a credit line.
Final Word: Which is Better For You?
Key Takeaway:
- Personal loans and lines of credit allow you to borrow quick cash for just about any purpose.
- With a personal loan, you will receive a lump sum, and will subsequently make principal and interest repayments based on a monthly payment schedule.
- A line of credit is a flexible loan with a set amount of money that you can access as needed.
- With personal lines of credit, the interest is charged only on the amount you borrowed and accrues daily.
Still unsure which credit facility to choose? The first thing you need to take into account is the purpose of the loan. What do you need the cash for?
If it’s a large, one-off purchase then a personal loan may be a good option. But if it’s for an ongoing project or if you’re using the cash to tide over gaps in your income, then a credit line would be a better choice. You could also consider bridging loan as an alternative solution.
You can also turn to a licensed mohttps://www.loanadvisor.sg/article/personal-loan/secured-vs-unsecured-loan/neylender for financial assistance. Loan Advisor is the best one-stop loan comparison portal to find the best deals. Request up to three loan quotes from the top licensed moneylenders in Singapore for free today to find the best loan package for your needs.
