Installment loans: What they are and how to use them

Installment loans are some of the most common types of loans for almost any financial need, and most Americans get one at some point in their lives. Some examples include auto loans, personal loans, mortgages, and student loans.  

Understanding installment loans, how they’re paid, and what personal factors influence your rate will help you navigate the borrowing process efficiently and effectively. 

What is an installment loan? 

An installment loan is a type of loan taken out for a fixed amount and repaid over a predetermined schedule over a set period of time––the “installments.” Payments are typically monthly but can also be weekly or quarterly, depending on the loan. 
 
One of the main benefits of installment loans is that most are fixed-rate agreements, meaning the payments remain the same. This can help significantly when creating and sticking to a budget. However, once you've borrowed the principal amount, you must make payments on a specified schedule. You cannot borrow additional money on that loan as you can with a credit card or another revolving line of credit. If you anticipate needing ongoing funds, this can be a drawback. 

Examples of installment loans 

There are many different types of installment loans depending on what you need to finance. 

Auto loans 

Auto loans are often listed according to how long the loan will take to pay off. For instance, you may hear of 24-month or 36-month car loans. In those cases, the price must be paid in full by the end of the loan agreement. 
 
Traditionally, auto loans were offered at the dealership, but increasingly, individuals are choosing to get auto loans online, at their bank, or through another third-party financial institution. 

Home mortgages 

Mortgages are installment loans that virtually every homeowner takes out at some point. These home loans require a down payment—anywhere from 3 to 20 percent of the home’s value—with the remainder paid off monthly for the set time period of the loan. Mortgages typically range from 10 to 30 years and can be either fixed or adjustable-rate loans—which refers to whether the interest rate stays the same or changes during the course of the repayment period. 

Personal loans 

Unlike mortgages and auto loans, personal loans aren’t tied to one specified purpose. It's kind of like borrowing cash from a friend but on a much larger scale. While personal installment loans still involve borrowing a fixed amount and paying it off for within a set period of time, the loan itself can be used for a number of purposes. 
 
For example, if you have an expensive wedding and honeymoon and find yourself low on funds, applying for a personal loan would allow you to spread the cost over several months or years. Other uses for personal loans include medical bills, home repairs and upgrades, or a large unexpected expense.  

Many personal loans are unsecured, meaning they don’t have assets backing them. Therefore, lenders consider them riskier and can charge higher interest rates than mortgages or home equity lines of credit. 

Student loans 

Student loans are used to pay for higher education, and their payment schedule starts 6 to 12 months after graduation. These loans can take a couple of years or decades to pay off, depending on what institution issued the loan, how much was borrowed, and how much it cost. Generally, student loans carry interest rates of 3 to 14 percent but can be refinanced at lower rates after the borrower becomes employed. Student loans can be either federal—meaning they’re provided by the government—or private through an online lender or bank. 

Important features of an installment loan 

Understanding the terms of your installment loan offers will ensure you get the right type of loan for your situation. 

Loan amount 

The first thing to consider when applying for a loan is how much money you need to borrow. Installment loans are fairly large, so they are paid off over long periods of time. This is especially true if they are tied to a collateral asset such as a car or house via an auto loan or mortgage. Unlike a line of credit, the amount you borrow for an installment loan is fixed, so you’ll want to make sure you borrow enough for your needs. 

Interest rate 

Interest is, in essence, the cost of your loan. The higher your interest rate, the more money you’ll owe for each dollar borrowed. Keep in mind, the advertised interest rate and annual percentage rates (APR) are different. APR measures the total cost of your loan including fees and interest, as opposed to just the interest. So when you’re deciding between loans, compare the total APR. 

Repayment period 

Generally, the faster you pay off a loan, the less you’ll pay in interest. However, the shorter the repayment period, the larger your monthly installments will be, as you’re paying off the same amount in less time. Be careful to note loan terms, as many installment loans have prepayment penalties if you pay the loan off too early. When considering options, choose the shortest repayment period that you can manage without stress. 

Secured versus unsecured 

A “secured” or “unsecured” loan type refers to whether a loan is backed by collateral. Securing a loan by tying it to an asset makes it less risky for the lender and allows you to borrow more money, generally with lower interest rates. However, this also means your asset could be seized if you fail to repay on time. 

Fixed versus variable 

A fixed rate is one that does not change after you start repaying. With a variable rate (or adjustable rate) the interest charged on the outstanding balance fluctuates based on predetermined factors. Though most installment loans are fixed, it’s common to see variable rates with higher-priced amounts, like mortgages. Be careful when evaluating variable interest loans—though they’ll often start with lower interest rates, they can change without reminder or warning to much higher rates after a certain time period has expired. 

Credit score 

Credit scores and credit history are key factors lenders use in determining the interest rate you will receive on a loan. Though there are installment loan options for individuals with bad credit, you’ll want to check your credit report to make sure your score is accurate before signing up for a loan. 

Installment loan vs revolving credit 

In addition to installment loans, revolving credit is one of the most common ways to borrow large sums of money. With revolving credit, your borrowing capacity is flexible, meaning you can continuously use and repay funds as needed. The best example of this is a credit card or a home equity line of credit. 
 
Both loan types have their advantages. Revolving credit lines allow for flexibility for how and when they can be paid off, while installment loans allow you to borrow more money and have a longer period of time to pay back the principal. Keep in mind revolving credit can often carry higher interest rates than installment loans. 

The bottom line 

If you’re considering borrowing money, always consider first how much you need and how long you need it. If you know exactly how much and feel confident in being able to pay back a fixed monthly payment, then installment loans could be an option for you. To find the best installment loans, shop around with multiple lenders, and make sure to consider customer service, reviews, and ease of repayment before committing. 
 
LendingClub’s application takes only a few minutes, and you can check your rate for free without impacting your credit score. 

FAQs 

Still have questions? Some of these commonly asked questions may provide the answer. 

How much can I receive in an installment loan? 

If you’re buying a house, you can get anywhere from 70 to 95 percent of the home value in a mortgage. For personal loans, you’ll likely receive less money, especially if the loan isn’t backed by an asset. It also helps to consider how much you can pay in monthly payments and how that compares to the amounts offered to you. 

Can I refinance my installment loans? 

If your income or creditworthiness has improved since opening your installment loan, you may be able to save money by taking out a new loan with a better rate, and then paying off the former loan with the new funds. This is especially true for student loans or debt with a high interest rate. At LendingClub, for example, over 5 million members have used a personal loan to pay down their high-interest debt. The best way to tell if you’re eligible for a new personal loan is to check your rate and see your loan options. 

Is it better to borrow $5,000 through a credit card or personal installment loan? 

It depends on your desired flexibility for funds, the offered interest rates, and how quickly you can repay what’s been borrowed. Credit cards generally carry higher interest rates than installment loans; however, they also have no fixed payment schedule and some months can have more or less money due depending on how much you’ve spent. This makes them attractive if you need small, ongoing purchasing power, or can repay the funds quickly. An installment loan might make sense for larger, defined amounts or if you need more time for repayment.