Fees & Rates
These days, many programs help individuals overcome short-term financial struggles. Naturally, this variety of financial products will come with slightly different conditions. While all the terms of a loan agreement are important, the rates and fees should be one of your primary concerns.
Our goal is to educate you and explain what to expect. Before you sign any paperwork, here is what you need to know.
Why Rates and Fees Are Flexible
We cannot provide you with exact, universal information about lender fees and rates. Not only do all credit products come with different charges and penalties, but the figures also vary based on your unique case. We will explain how prices are structured so you know which questions to ask. Most importantly, you will understand that looking at just one estimate is insufficient when assessing a lender’s terms.
Every application will differ in at least several key details, such as the loan amount, its maturity/duration, and your credit score. As a potential applicant, you can directly contact the lending company. This allows you to ask about the specific costs they impose on their clients and receive a personalized, exact quote.
How Your Payments Are Calculated
To give you a general sense of your future monthly payments, we have compiled the key factors you need to consider:
- Interest Rates – This percentage is the main component you need to keep in mind. These rates are usually fixed, meaning you will pay the same interest amount on a consistent basis throughout the loan term.
- Loan Amounts – The total cost will vary depending on how much you borrow; for instance, whether it’s in the hundreds or thousands of dollars.
- Special Terms (Loan Duration) – The time between when borrowers initially receive the money and when they need to pay it back affects the rates. Ask the lender what time frame you should choose to secure a better deal.
What Fees Does a Short-Term Loan Come With?
There are several types of fees that borrowers need to consider. Review the most common ones so you are not taken by surprise later:
- Application Fees – These cover the costs the lender incurs when processing your initial application, such as background checks.
- Origination Fees – This fee is for the administrative work needed to set up and process the loan. It is typically quoted as a percentage of the requested loan amount.
- Pre-payment Fees – Will you need to pay extra if you repay the debt before the specified term? Make sure to include this potential cost in your calculations.
- Late-Payment Fees – Finally, you may face monetary penalties if you fail to make your repayments as agreed upon in the contract.
Keep in mind that not all lenders impose all of these fees. Therefore, take the time to compare multiple available options to find the one with the most favorable fee structure.
How to Reduce Short-Term Loan Costs
As a borrower, you have the power to influence your total costs to a certain extent. Here are our most effective recommendations for avoiding additional expenses:
- The first step is to consistently make the monthly minimum payment on time, as this is the least you can do. You will prevent late payments that can negatively impact your credit report for up to seven years.
- If, for some reason, your payment is going to be late, discuss this with the lender before the due date.
- Use automated payment tools. This will eliminate the risk of simply forgetting about a payment.
- Find out the terms for paying off the debt early. Sometimes there are discounts, while other times there are penalties—so be sure to ask about this policy.
So, are you convinced that short-term debt can ultimately be worthwhile? You never know when you will need access to capital, and having a reliable financial back-up plan helps immensely. Get in touch with our specialists at Payday Depot for quick financial assistance.