Personal Loan vs. Personal Line of Credit: What's the Difference?

Yusra3

VIP Contributor
When it comes to borrowing money for personal expenses, you may encounter two common financing options: personal loans and personal lines of credit. While they both provide access to funds, there are key distinctions to understand.

A personal loan provides a lump sum of money upfront that you repay over a set term with fixed monthly payments at an agreed-upon interest rate. The total cost of the loan is known from the start. Personal loans are best suited for one-time, defined expenses.

In contrast, a personal line of credit resembles a credit card – you are pre-approved for a maximum borrowing limit that you can draw from as needed. Interest only accrues on the outstanding balance. Lines of credit offer ongoing access to money on a revolving basis, making them ideal for covering variable costs over time.

Personal loans offer repayment certainty through fixed terms and rates, while lines of credit provide flexibility at the cost of fluctuating minimum payments based on your outstanding balance and the lender's requirements. Evaluating your financing needs and conditions will help determine which option better fits your situation.
 
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