Can Bank Loans Meet your Quick Cash Needs?
Filipinos still do not have much interest in dealing with banks. It could also be possible that some Filipinos only opened a bank account as part of the employment policy.
However, those with bank accounts may know that there are benefits to having a bank account, such as the privilege of having access to bank loans. Getting a bank loan is usually thought of as a tedious job.
Here are the steps to applying for bank loans.
Preparation
Check your credit report.
Many Filipinos may not know about credit reports as we are used to informal lenders such as 5-6 or Bombays. When you get a bank loan, the bank will look for your credit history or past debts to know your character as a borrower. We all know that lending is a risky business, and to lessen the risk of losing money, banks have set up a filtering system that greatly depends on the credit report. Of course, if you put yourself in a lender’s shoes, you won’t lend to a person who had run away from previous debts. There is a high chance that the person will do the same to you. Lending is about trust, and a tarnished debt history could significantly affect your impression of the borrower. Your credit report is your borrowing history, and your credit score is the grade banks give you according to the information they review. Banks have various guidelines when giving scores; a passing score for one bank can fail another. If you apply for a bank loan, check your credit report first to know if you have a fair chance of loan approval. If you think it is a bit shaky, you must first nurse it in good shape to ensure a better chance for approval.Have a stable job for at least 6 months.
Having a stable job proves that you have money to pay your loan. Most Filipinos get regular job positions after being on probation for six months. You need to prove that you are employed, and you are earning the required minimum net income. You may be asked to submit your latest payslips and Certificate of Employment. While some authorized money lenders require at least 6 months of employment, most banks will need at least a year or two consecutive years working in your current company. Banks also lend to self-employed individuals. However, you need to prove that you generate regular income for a year or two by submitting your bank statements. If you are an allottee who gets financial support from OFW relatives, you have to show regular remittances. Not all banks have an allottee or OFW loans.Keep your documents.
Banks require a long list of documents you have to provide, and more requirements will be added if you are applying for a secured loan with your house or another asset as collateral. Keep the documents at hand and pass them all once you are asked to do so. Loan applications will only be processed if you have at least 2 valid IDs and complete documents. Most banks require a billing statement, proof of income, ITR, and other paperwork depending on the kind of loan you are applying for.Use an online loan calculator.
Making a well-informed decision can be your ticket to a better future. It is why you must use a loan calculator. When you use an online loan calculator, you can easily see the loan terms, loanable amount, interest rate, and total repayment needed. When you see the repayment amount, you will know how much you have to pay every month and affect your financial status. Reflect if you can pay the monthly repayment with ease and without sacrificing your daily needs. Banks have various calculators especially created for certain loans. Make sure that you use the appropriate calculator.Research the kinds of bank loans.
Banks offer various loan products depending on your needs. You can choose from:- Personal Loans
- Housing Loan or Home Loans
- Car Loans
- Business Loans
- Salary Loans
Finding your Lender
Eligibility
You will know if you are qualified to apply for a bank loan with eligibility. Eligibility usually indicates the age, residency status, and monthly income. Some banks are particular with the area where the applicant lives and the landline’s availability. Find a bank where your status fits. Also, since banks have a couple of loans, the eligibility could vary from one loan to another.Required Documents
Most banks require two valid government IDs and prefer a driver’s license. You also have to provide proof of billing such as Meralco or Maynilad bills and payslips. If you are self-employed, you may produce your bank statements. Do you think you can provide all the requirements? The list goes longer if you apply for a secured loan.Interest Rate
Most Filipinos know that we have to pay interest when we get loans. As for bank loans, the interest depends on various factors such as the purpose of the loan you are applying to, the kind of loan (secured or unsecured), loan tenure, and the appraised value of the collateral. Find a lender who offers an affordable interest rate for you. When you compare loans, use the Effective Interest Rate per annum as this is the most accurate. Make sure to ask your bank if the interest rate is fixed or variable.Loanable Amount
Since we discuss bank loans, you have to expect that some banks have a high loanable amount. Some offer a minimum of P10 000, while others loan at least 50,000. If you do not need such a high amount, you have to look for other alternative lenders. The loanable amount will depend on the collateral’s appraised value for secured loans.Loan Purpose
There are various types of loans, and most depend on the purpose. Are you borrowing for your children’s tuition fee, for a once in a lifetime grand vacation, for purchasing a house and lot, for buying a brand new car, or for expanding your business? Do you plan to use your property as collateral to apply for bigger loans? When applying for a loan, your lender might ask for your purpose to guide you on which loan can be appropriate for you.Loan Term
Choose a bank that offers a loan tenure that fits your needs and financial status. Choosing the longest tenure may mean low monthly dues but more expensive in the long run as it usually has a higher interest rate than the shorter terms. While it would seem to be more affordable to pay smaller amortization each month, be realistic and compute how much you have to pay for the whole loan term.Early Settlement Charges
Some banks charge a penalty if you settle your loan earlier than your due date. Make sure that you are choosing the right loan tenure for you. On the other hand, some lenders even encourage early settlements.Processing Fee
Banks charge processing fees, which are usually deducted from the capital loan. Make sure that you clarify with your bank how you will be charged. Let’s say you are borrowing P5 000, and your processing fee is 10%. Then you will only receive P4 500 in your bank account.Payment Method
Banks usually have these three payment options:- Automatic Debit Arrangement
- Over the Counter
- Post Dated Checks
Loan Monitoring
It is important to monitor your loan to be reminded of your current balance and how long you still have to pay for it. This way, you can plan your finances better. You can monitor your loan repayments online. Some banks will remind you automatically about your payment dues, while others will require you to submit a request for such a service.Loan Process
Since banks require a long list of requirements, it will take a few days to verify your financial status and creditworthiness. Usually, banks take five to 14 days or more to approve your loan, and then it will take a few more days to disburse your cash. This does not fit your quick cash needs, especially if you need money for emergencies.Monthly Installments
Banks usually offer repayment loans in monthly installments, and the amount will depend on the terms and interest rate.Benefits and Downsides
Carefully weigh on the loan’s positive and negative aspects. Choose the one that fits your needs and payment capabilities.Top Lending Banks
- Bank of the Philippine Islands
- BDO Unibank, Inc.
- Security Bank
- Eastwest Bank
- RCBC
- UnionBank
- China Bank
- China Bank Savings
- PSBank
- Metrobank
- PNB
Applying for a Loan
- Fill up the application form with accurate information to avoid confusion during verification.
- Pass the complete requirements to start the loan process. Banks will not process your loan unless you have given your required IDs and documents.
- Wait for a bank call to know your loan process’s next step.
- Sign the contract after reading it carefully. If you don’t understand, ask the bank representative to explain it to you. There might be fine prints that can cause you to pay more than you should.
Repayments
- Pay on time to avoid incurring late charges.
- If you have a hard time, get in touch with your lender. Lenders are willing to give their borrowers options having a hard time repaying. There can also be a chance that your lender will consider your valid reason.
- In case you can’t repay, you may have an option to refinance your loan.
Other Lenders with More Flexible Quick Cash Loans
- Pawnshops
- Informal Lenders
- Online Money Lenders
