Personal Loans vs. Credit Cards: Which is Better for You?

Personal loans and credit cards are both financial products that can help you manage your expenses, pay for unexpected bills, or fund a major purchase. While both options involve borrowing money, they have distinct features, benefits, and drawbacks that you need to consider before choosing one. In this article, we’ll compare personal loans and credit cards, highlight their pros and cons, and provide some tips on how to make the best decision based on your needs and financial situation.

 What is a Personal Loan?

 A personal loan is a type of unsecured loan that you can use for a variety of purposes, such as consolidating debt, renovating your home, financing a wedding or a vacation, or covering a medical emergency. Unlike a secured loan, such as a car loan or a mortgage, a personal loan doesn’t require collateral, which means you don’t have to put your assets at risk. Personal loans typically have fixed interest rates, fixed monthly payments, and fixed terms, which means you’ll know exactly how much you’ll pay and for how long. Personal loans are usually available from banks, credit unions, and online lenders, and you can apply for any amount between a few thousand and tens of thousands of dollars, depending on your credit score, income, and other factors.

 What is a Credit Card?

 A credit card is a plastic card that allows you to borrow money up to a certain limit, which is determined by the card issuer based on your creditworthiness and income. When you use a credit card to pay for goods or services, you’re essentially borrowing money from the card issuer, and you’ll have to pay back the amount you spent, plus interest, fees, and other charges if you don’t pay in full by the due date. Credit cards typically have variable interest rates, which means the rate can fluctuate based on market conditions or other factors. Credit cards also have different types of fees, such as annual fees, late fees, cash advance fees, balance transfer fees, foreign transaction fees, and more. Credit cards offer various benefits, such as rewards, cashback, travel perks, insurance, and fraud protection, but they also have risks, such as overspending, debt accumulation, identity theft, or credit score damage.

 Personal Loans vs. Credit Cards

Personal loans and credit cards have different features that can affect your decision to choose one over the other.

 Loan Amount: Personal loans have fixed loan amounts that you can choose based on your needs and eligibility. This means you’ll know exactly how much you’ll receive and how much you’ll have to pay back. Credit cards have variable credit limits that can change over time depending on your spending, your payments, and your credit score. This means you might be approved for a certain limit today but may get a lower or higher limit later.

 Interest Rate: Personal loans have fixed interest rates that are determined by the lender based on your credit score, income, and other factors. This means you’ll pay the same amount of interest every month until you repay the loan fully. Credit cards have variable interest rates that can change based on various factors, such as the prime rate, the card issuer’s policy, or your creditworthiness. This means you’ll pay more interest if the rate goes up or if you carry a balance for a long time.

 Payment Terms: Personal loans have fixed payment terms that can range from six months to several years, depending on the loan amount and the lender’s policy. This means you’ll have to make the same payment every month until the loan is paid off, which can help you budget and plan your expenses. Credit cards have flexible payment terms that allow you to pay the minimum amount, a partial amount, or the full amount every month, depending on your ability and preference. This means you’ll have more control over your cash flow, but you might end up paying more interest if you don’t pay the full balance.

 Credit Score Impact: Personal loans have a moderate but temporary impact on your credit score, which means you might see a dip in your score when you apply for a loan, but you’ll see an improvement when you repay it on time. Credit cards have an immediate impact on your credit score, which means your score will change based on your credit limit, your balances, your payments, and your credit utilization ratio. This means you’ll have to be more careful with your card usage if you want to maintain or improve your score.

 Rewards: Personal loans don’t offer rewards or incentives, as they’re designed to provide you with a lump sum of cash rather than encourage you to spend more. Credit cards offer various rewards, such as cashback, points, miles, or discounts, for different types of spending, which can help you save money or earn perks. This means you can choose a card that fits your lifestyle and preferences and enjoy some extra benefits.

 Fees: Personal loans have fewer fees than credit cards, as they usually charge only an origination fee and a prepayment fee, if any. This means you’ll know exactly how much you’ll pay upfront and won’t be surprised by any hidden or unexpected charges. Credit cards have more fees than personal loans, as they charge annual fees, late fees, cash advance fees, balance transfer fees, foreign transaction fees, and more. This means you’ll have to read the fine print and understand all the fees that come with your card to avoid overspending or overpaying.

 Personal Loans vs. Credit Cards: Which is Better for You?

 Now that you know the main differences between personal loans and credit cards, you might wonder which one is better for you. The answer depends on several factors, such as your financial goals, your credit score, your income, your debts, and your spending habits. Here are some scenarios and tips that can help you make the right choice:

Scenario 1: You need a lump sum of cash for a specific purpose, such as renovating your home, buying a car, or paying for a medical expense.

 In this case, a personal loan is a better option, as it provides you with a fixed amount of money that you can use for a specific purpose. You’ll know exactly how much you’ll get, how much you’ll pay, and for how long, which can help you budget and plan your expenses. You’ll also avoid the temptation to overspend or use the money for other purposes, as you have a clear goal in mind. Moreover, personal loans usually have lower interest rates than credit cards, which means you’ll save money in the long run.

 Tip: Use the Bajaj Finserv app to apply for a personal loan quickly and easily, without visiting a bank or filling out paperwork. You can choose your loan amount, your repayment term, and your interest rate, and get approved within minutes. You can also track your loan status, view your repayment schedule, and make payments securely and conveniently from your phone.

Scenario 2: You want to make a big purchase or pay for a service that requires a large deposit, such as a wedding or a vacation.

In this case, a credit card can be a better option, as it offers you more flexibility and convenience than a personal loan. You can use your card to make the payment upfront, and then pay back the amount over time, depending on your budget and your cash flow. You can also earn rewards or cashback on your spending, which can help you save money or get some perks.

Scenario 3: You want to build or improve your credit score and establish a good credit history.

In this case, both a personal loan and a credit card can be good options, as they both report your payment history to the credit bureaus and affect your credit score positively if you make timely payments and avoid defaults. However, a credit card might be a better option, as it also affects your credit utilization ratio, which is a significant factor in your credit score. By keeping your balances low and using your card responsibly, you can demonstrate your creditworthiness and build a strong credit profile, which can help you get approved for future loans or credit card applications.

 Conclusion

 Personal loans and credit cards are two popular financial products that can help you manage your expenses, pay for unexpected bills, or fund a major purchase. While both options involve borrowing money, they have distinct features, benefits, and drawbacks that you need to consider before making a decision. Use the Bajaj Finserv app to apply for Bajaj Finserv RBL credit card or personal loan and manage your payments and finances securely and conveniently from your phone.