What You Need to Know About Personal Loans

Personal loans are a flexible option for managing life’s expenses—whether you’re consolidating high-interest debt, covering an unexpected cost, or starting a home improvement project. At Sandia Area, we’re here to help you understand how personal loans work so you can make the best decision for your financial goals.

Understanding Personal Loan Terms
Unsecured vs. Secured Loans
Most personal loans are unsecured, meaning they don’t require collateral like your car or home. However, some lenders may offer secured loans that use savings accounts or certificates as collateral. Sandia Area does offer share secured loans, which can provide additional interest rate benefits. Learn More about Share Secured. 
Installment Loans with Fixed Payments
Personal loans provide a lump sum that you repay in fixed monthly installments over a set term—usually between 12 and 84 months. Sandia Area offers personal loans up to 60 months. Shorter repayment terms mean higher monthly payments but less interest over time, while longer terms offer lower payments but may cost more in interest overall.
Loan Amounts and Rates
Loan amounts can vary based on the lender. You can borrow up to $40,000 with a Sandia Area personal loan. Additionally, interest rates vary based on your creditworthiness and the lender’s terms. Fixed rates ensure predictable monthly payments, helping you stay on track with your budget.
Fees to Watch For
Some lenders charge an origination fee, typically 1–6% of the loan amount, to cover loan processing. Additionally, prepayment penalties—fees for paying off the loan early—can sometimes be included in loan terms. Being aware of these charges will help you choose a loan that works for you. Sandia Area does not charge these fees. 
Personal Loans vs. Other Lending Options
Credit Cards
Credit cards provide a revolving line of credit, but they often come with higher, variable interest rates that can climb unexpectedly. If only minimum payments are made, it could take years to pay off the balance. However, credit cards may offer rewards like cashback or temporary 0% introductory APRs for those with excellent credit.
Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit (HELOCs)
For homeowners, a HELOC uses your home’s equity as collateral, providing a revolving line of credit. Alternatively, a home equity loan is an installment loan with predicable rates and payments, similar to a personal loan, but requires using your home as collateral. While home equity options can offer access to larger amounts of credit, they carry the risk of foreclosure if payments are missed.
The Application Process
Applying for a personal loan is straightforward. Lenders typically check your income, total debt, and credit score to determine the loan amount and interest rate they can offer. This process often includes a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may slightly lower your score.
The good news? Making on-time monthly payments can improve your credit score over time
Interested in a personal loan? At Sandia Area, we offer competitive personal loan options and the guidance you need to make the most of your loan. Visit our personal loans page to explore rates and calculate your payments. 

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