Recourse vs Nonrecourse Loan: What’s the Difference?

All Singaporean borrowers know about personal, business, payday, and convenient fast cash loans from licensed moneylenders and banks. These are simple financial services requiring no collateral. Most borrowers who succeeded with their auto or HDB financing loan might not know if it’s a recourse or nonrecourse loan because lenders assume borrowers understand and accept that these are recourse loans.

However, if you’re a bit cloudy on the subject, here is an in-depth guide to help you know whether you’re paying for a recourse or nonrecourse loan, each one’s pros and cons, and if it’s suitable for your current financial needs.

Recourse and Nonrecourse in a nutshell

A recourse loan gives borrowers complete liability to pay the total principal and interest rate of their financing. It’s out of the question whether it’s a secured or unsecured loan, but most recourse loans will require borrowers to present collateral.  A non-recourse loan disallows lenders from collecting anything other than the borrower-specified collaterals. 

Recourse 

A recourse loan gives borrowers complete liability to pay the total principal and interest rate of their financing. It’s out of the question whether it’s a secured or unsecured loan, but most recourse loans will require borrowers to present collateral.

Borrowers who fail to pay their recourse debt will lose their collateral to their lenders. If the collateral’s value isn’t enough, banks can hire appraisers to advise borrowers on other possessions they can liquidate to facilitate their repayment. Plus, they can hire debt management agencies to help you pay the recourse debt’s interest and principal through a low-interest loan in the future.

Nonrecourse 

Truthfully, these are uncommon financial products banks and financial institutions provide borrowers with favorable credit scores, histories, and other fiscal activities. Nonrecourse loans function similarly to recourse loans; both have collateral, interest rates, and specific regular payment amount.

However, a non-recourse loan disallows lenders from collecting anything other than the borrower-specified collaterals. If the collateral’s value is insufficient, the lender cannot pursue borrowers to pay the remaining balance, leaving them to deal with the outstanding balance.

Recourse Loan Vs Nonrecourse Loan: Which is Better for You?

Recourse Loan

Virtually all bank offers are recourse loans. A recourse loan is for you if you’re a first-time borrower with an average or fresh credit history. It will show banks the borrower’s personally liable attitude in going about their first loan.

Pros

• Higher Chance of Loan Approval

Recourse loans work in favor of lenders because you give them approval to take collateral, have you pay the remaining loan amount, and take legal action if you fail to pay. In turn you get an excellent shot at bank loan approvals despite any amount. 

• For People With Weak Credit History

If you have a junk credit history due to a previously-botched financing, choosing a recourse loan gives you better loan approval chances from both banks and licensed moneylenders. Weak credit scores and histories make banks cautions because of your likelihood of defaulting.

• Low Interest Rates

A recourse financing is always in the bank’s favor, allowing them to hold you personally liable relentlessly until you fully pay your dues despite taking your collateral. Therefore, these financial products always have a lower interest rate.

Cons

• You Will Lose Possessions

When you take on a recourse financing, always prepare for the worst. If you default on your regular payments, banks will take your collateral. For example, you can use a portion or the full equity of your property. If you default on your loan, they can take your property entirely.

• Borrowers Need to Pay The Remaining Sum

Additionally, you’ll need to work with your lender for a viable payment plan if the collateral’s value is insufficient to pay back the loan’s remaining sum. While it is a low-interest financial plan, it’s still additional financing that you need to address.

Nonrecourse Loan

These loans are useful mostly for borrowers securing only a small or average amount. High-amount nonrecourse loans are usually in the form of mortgages or house loans. These products allow lenders to foreclose on properties and deem it sufficient even if the collateral did not pay the remaining balance completely.

Pros

• Lenders Only Go For Your Specified Collateral

You could trust that lenders cannot take legal action against you if you failed to pay your remaining balance when they collect your collateral. However, it’s highly likely the collateral investigations for nonrecourse loans are stricter and will take more time.

• You Won’t Pay Any Long-Term Balances

Without a legal right to pursue you for remaining balance after seizing your collateral, you’re not personally liable to pay back the bank after you default.

Cons

• You’ll Endure Higher Interest Rates

Adding to your lengthy collateral investigation and appraisal, you’ll find banks will give you higher interest rates for non recourse loans.

• Slower Processing Time

Bank actuaries need to measure the collateral’s future performance. For example, a full-equity condominium as collateral is a well-performing future collateral because banks can sell it for a higher than previous value in the future.

Are You Currently Paying for a Recourse Loan?

The best way to know is to read your current financing terms and conditions.

If the borrower’s personal liabilities state that they are to relinquish collateral and pay for the remaining loan amount afterward, then you’ve got a recourse loan.

Truthfully, a bank representative will clarify the borrower’s personal liabilities before you sign that you agree to the bank’s terms and conditions.

All Loan Types Benefit Borrowers Depending On Their Situation

Both recourse and nonrecourse loans are advantageous to borrowers during specific situations. However, if you’re looking to get loan approvals quickly, it’s better to use recourse loans. 

Find the best rates by using dependable loan comparison, such as ours at Loan Advisor. Visit our website today to find the best rates for all your needs.