Online loan platforms have increasingly become popular in Australia and around the world. They play a crucial role when it comes to bridging the gap between lenders and borrowers from different parts of the country.
The major driving factor for online loan platforms is technology. Unlike traditional lenders, online lending platforms make it easy for borrowers to submit applications and receive money through the internet. They don’t have to physically visit a lender to make loan applications.
The increased penetration of the internet has made getting personal loans online easier than ever before. With many different options available at the consumer’s fingertips, it’s easy to compare providers and apply for a personal loan online. The process is also usually faster than a conventional loan, with applications sometimes able to be assessed within hours after submission.
Here are simple tips to properly utilise online loan platforms:
1. Borrow what you can repay
Whether you are borrowing a loan for a business or personal use, it is always important to ensure that you only borrow what you can afford to pay.
Most online lending platforms offer huge amounts depending on your capacity to repay. Borrowing a lot of money and defaulting or refusing to pay only reduces your chances of borrowing next time. It’s best to find out your minimum repayment amount and consider whether this fits comfortably into your budget, and whether you need the amount of capital being offered.
2. Maintain a good credit score
Although you might be able to borrow from some lenders with bad credit, having a good credit score increases your chances of getting approved quickly compared to someone with bad credit. Besides, those with poor credit ratings are often charged higher interest rates because they are considered high-risk borrowers.
3. Always repay your loan on time
This is another great tip for successfully utilising online loan platforms. Many lenders keep track of borrowers who are faithful in repaying back their loans. They then use that information when considering subsequent loan applications. This means that your future loan applications could be more easily approved if you always repay your personal loans on time.
4. Borrow money to undertake important projects
The fact that online loan platforms are easily available doesn’t give you a license to borrow money without a plan. It is advisable to apply for personal loans only for important purposes or when you want to start or boost your business.
For example, you may encounter financial challenges in your business that you had never expected. Instead of losing customers or closing the business, it may be an option to apply for a business loan through the internet and use the money to buy inventory or pay your employees.
5. Develop a debt management strategy
Sometimes you might end up having many debts to a point that managing them becomes an issue. As mentioned earlier, defaulting on your loans has a negative effect on your credit. The best way to avoid defaulting on your loans is to have a strong debt management strategy.
This may include consolidating all your debts and even talking to your lender in case you are unable to repay your loan on time. Doing so will ensure that your credit is always in good shape and ready for borrowing from online loan platforms.
6. Shop for lenders with reasonable interest rates
Different online lenders charge their own interest rates. There are those who charge exorbitantly while others have reasonable loan rates. As such, it is important to get a list of various online lenders and try to compare their rates before you decide where to borrow from.
Some lenders consider different factors before approving loan applications. One of the major factors they use is your credit score. Those with a poor credit score are likely to be charged higher interest rates compared to those with good credit history.
7. Borrow from genuine and accredited lenders
Although there are several online lending platforms where you can borrow money, not all of them can be trusted. You should always check the credibility of a lender before engaging them and ensure they have an Australian Credit Licence (ACL).
Bottom line
Online loan platforms have generally helped many people to easily access loans. Unlike in the past, borrowers don’t need to physically visit a bank or any financial institutions to get a loan. All you have to do is submit your loan application and the comfort of your home or office and within a few hours, the money could be in your bank account.
About the Author:
Ray is a sought after thought leader and an expert in financial and money management. He has been published and featured in over 50 leading sites and aims to contribute articles to help novice financial planners. One of his goals is to impart his knowledge in finance to educate and help ordinary people create and achieve their financial goals.