Secured Loan vs. Unsecured Loan: What’s the Difference?

Two common types of loans are secured loans and unsecured loans. The difference between secured and unsecured loans lies in collateral. Secured loans require collateral as financial assets, a home or a vehicle. Unsecured loans don’t require collateral to apply. As a result, unsecured loans are riskier for the lender and may come with higher interest rates.

Use this comparison chart to understand secured vs. unsecured loans and which types of loans are in each category:

What Is a Secured Loan?

Secured loans are backed by collateral, such as a house, car, or piece of jewelry. Common types of secured loans are mortgage loans and car title loans. With a secured loan, the lender holds an interest the title or deed until the loan is fully repaid. If the borrower cannot repay the secured loan, the lender can take possession of the collateral and sell it to pay off the loan.

Examples of Secured Loans

Here are a few examples of secured loans, or loans that require you to use an asset as collateral:

• Title loan: A title loan is a secured loan that allows you to use your vehicle as collateral. Advance America offers title loans that you can pay off while continuing to drive your car.
• Secured line of credit: This loan is a lump sum of money that you can withdraw from whenever you need to cover an expense. A secured line of credit can be guaranteed by collateral such as a house or car.
• Mortgage: Your mortgage is a loan to pay for your home, using your home as collateral. Over a set amount of time, you will pay off this loan plus interest, taxes, and insurance.

Pros and Cons of Secured Loans

Secured loans may come with higher borrowing limits, lower interest rates, and longer repayment terms than unsecured loans. Still, secured loans may come with greater risk because if the loan isn’t repaid on time, you can lose your collateral.

When You Should Consider a Secured Loan

You might consider a secured loan if you need to borrow a large amount of money over a long period of time. You might also consider a secured loan if you have assets, such as a car or house, that you can offer as collateral.

What Is an Unsecured Loan?

Unsecured loans are not backed by collateral. Common types of unsecured loans are payday loans, installment loans, and personal lines of credit. If the borrower cannot repay the unsecured loan, the lender can’t take the borrower’s assets, but they can transfer the account to collections to help set up payment arrangements. In extreme cases, the lender can choose to take legal action.

Examples of Unsecured Loans

Here are a few examples of unsecured loans, or loans that do not require an asset as collateral:

• Payday loan: A payday loan is a short-term loan that you can pay off when you get your next paycheck. Advance America offers fast payday loans that you don’t need good credit to qualify for.
• Credit card: A credit card allows you to carry a balance and pay it off over time with interest. Typically, you have to pay your credit card bill once a month, whether you pay off your balance in full or make a minimum payment.
• Personal line of credit: With a personal line of credit, you can have access to money whenever you need it. Advance America can give you instant access to a line of credit that you can pay back over time or all at once.

Pros and Cons of Unsecured Loans

Unsecured loans may be less risky for the borrower. More risk for the lender, however, can result in lower borrowing limits, higher interest rates, and higher credit scores needed to apply.

When You Should Consider an Unsecured Loan

You might consider an unsecured loan if you need to borrow a smaller amount of money quickly. You might also consider an unsecured loan if you don’t have collateral, such as a car or house, to offer as collateral.

What Type of Loan is Right for You?

The right loan for you depends on your financial situation and what loan would best fit your needs. Consider the features that each loan offers and how much money would help your financial situation. If you need some extra cash to pay for your expenses while you wait for your next paycheck, for instance, then a payday loan may be your best option. Or, if you would like to have a sum of money that you can draw from whenever you need it, you may benefit from a line of credit.

Secured and Unsecured Loans from Advance America

Advance America provides both secured and unsecured loans. Here are our loan products:

Advance America Secured Loans

Advance America offers the following secured loan:

Car Title Loan

Car title loans provide quick access to cash based on the value of your vehicle and ability to repay. No bank account or great credit score is required to apply.

Advance America Unsecured Loans

Advance America offers the following unsecured loans:

Payday Loan

Payday loans help you put a little extra money in your pocket before your next paycheck arrives. Payday loans are short-term, small-dollar loans that are usually paid back within a month.

Installment Loan

Installment loans are personal loans that can be paid back in small amounts over time, often from between 3 and 24 months. Payments can be automatically withdrawn from your bank account or delivered in cash at an Advance America location.

Lines of Credit

Personal lines of credit provide quick and convenient access to money in case of an emergency. Once you’re approved for a line of credit and certain credit limit, the line stays open for you to withdraw from as needed. You only pay interest on the money you withdraw, and you can pay it back all at once or over time.