The Best Ways to Borrow Money

Borrowing money can fund a new home, pay for college tuition or help start a new business.

Financing options range from traditional financial institutions, like banks, credit unions, and financing companies to peer-to-peer lending (P2P) or a loan from a 401(k) plan.

Banks

Banks are a traditional source of funds for individuals looking to borrow for to fund a new home or college tuition.

Banks offer a variety of ways to borrow money including mortgage products, personal loans, auto loans, and construction loans, and also offer opportunities to refinance an existing loan at a more favorable rate.

Consumers often have a relationship and an account with a bank and personnel are usually on hand at the local branch to answer questions and help with paperwork.

However, banks tend to have high costs associated with loan applications or servicing fees. Banks may also resell loans to other banks or financing companies and this may mean that fees, interest rates, and procedures may change, often with little notice.

Credit Unions

A credit union is a cooperative institution controlled by its members, those who are part of a particular group, organization, or community. Credit unions offer many of the same services as banks but may limit services to members only.

They are typically nonprofit enterprises, which enables them to lend money at more favorable rates or on more generous terms than commercial financial institutions, and certain fees or lending application fees may be cheaper or even nonexistent.

Peer-to-Peer Lending (P2P)

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, also known as social lending or crowdlending, is a method of financing that enables individuals to borrow from and lend money to each other directly.

With peer-to-peer lending, borrowers receive financing from individual investors who are willing to lend their own money for an agreed interest rate perhaps via a peer-to-peer online platform. On these sites, investors can assess borrowers to determine whether or not to extend a loan.

A borrower may receive the full amount or only a portion of a loan and it may be funded by one or more investors in the peer lending marketplace.

For lenders, the loans generate income in the form of interest. P2P loans represent an alternative source of financing, especially for borrowers who are unable to get approval from traditional sources.

401(k) Plans

Most 401(k) plans and comparable workplace-based retirement accounts, such as a 403(b) or 457 plan, allow employees to take a 401(k) loan.

Most 401(k)s allow loans up to 50% of the funds vested in the account, to a limit of $50,000, and for up to five years. Because the funds are not withdrawn, only borrowed, the loan is tax-free and payments include both principal and interest.

Unlike a traditional loan, the interest doesn’t go to the bank or another commercial lender, it is repaid to the borrower. If payments are not made as required or stopped completely, the IRS may consider the borrower in default and the loan will be reclassified as a distribution with taxes and penalties due on it. A permanent withdrawal from a 401(k) incurs taxes and a 10% penalty if under 59.5 years old.

Credit Cards

Using a credit card is just like borrowing money. The credit card company pays the merchant, essentially advancing a loan. When a credit card is used to withdraw cash. It’s called a cash advance.

A cash advance on a credit card incurs no application fees and for those who pay off their entire balance at the end of every month, credit cards can be a source of loans at a 0% interest rate.

However, if a balance is carried over, credit cards can carry exorbitant interest rate charges, often over 20% annually. Also, credit card companies will usually only lend or extend a relatively small amount of money or credit to the individual, so large purchases cannot be financed this way.

Margin Accounts

Margin accounts allow a brokerage customer to borrow money to invest in securities. The funds or equity in the brokerage account are often used as collateral for this loan.

The interest rates charged by margin accounts are usually better than or consistent with other sources of funding. In addition, if a margin account is already maintained and the customer has an ample amount of equity in the account, a loan is easy to initiate.

Margin accounts are primarily used to make investments and are not a source of funding for longer-term financing. An individual with enough equity can use margin loans to purchase everything from a car to a new home but if the value of the securities in the account decline, the brokerage firm may require the individual to add additional collateral on short notice or risk the sale of the investments.

Public Agencies

The U.S. government or entities sponsored or chartered by the government can be a source of funds. Fannie Mae is a quasi-public agency that has worked to increase the availability and affordability of homeownership over the years.

The government or the sponsored entity allows borrowers to repay loans over an extended period. In addition, interest rates charged are usually favorable compared to private sources of funding.

The paperwork to obtain a loan from this type of agency can be daunting and not everyone qualifies for government loans that often require restrictive income levels and asset requirements.

Finance Companies

Finance companies are private companies dedicated to lending money. They usually provide loans to purchase big-ticket goods or services, such as a car, major appliances, or furniture.

Most financing companies specialize in short-term loans and are often associated with particular carmakers, like Toyota or General Motors, who provide auto loans or auto leases.

Financing companies usually offer competitive rates depending on a borrower’s credit score and financial history. The approval process is usually completed fairly quickly and often completed at the retailer.

Finance companies are not subject to federal oversight and are licensed and regulated by the state in which they operate.

Tips On Borrowing Money

Before borrowing money, it’s important to note the following:

• Understand the interest rate that each lender charges as higher interest rates mean paying more for the money that is borrowed.

• Know the loan repayment terms, the length of time to repay the loan, and any other specific rules of repayment.

• Fees may be charged in addition to the interest rate. and may include origination fees, application fees, or late fees.

• Know if the loan is secured or unsecured. If collateral secures the loan, like a home, it can be forfeited to the lender or face foreclosure if there is a default on payments.

The Bottom Line

Banks, credit unions, and finance companies are traditional institutions that offer loans. Government agencies, credit cards, and investment accounts can serve as sources for borrowed funds as well. When considering a loan, it is important to know the terms of the loan and the interest rate and fees for borrowing.