When you’re in a financially challenging situation, a loan can provide the leverage you need to deal with your expenses. Yet, there are so many loans to choose from that getting started with the right one can seem overwhelming. If you need immediate assistance, you may want to consider a spot loan.
But what is a spot loan, and what does it offer? Here, we’ll discuss what it is, how it works, and whether it’s the correct solution for your financial needs.
What Is a Spot Loan?
A spot loan is a personal or a business loan that lenders quickly issue to a borrower—the funds are disbursed “on the spot,” or at least without much delay.
In some cases, a spot loan can be an unsecured loan. This means you don’t need collateral or a valuable asset to qualify.
However, a spot loan can also be a secured loan. With a secured loan, you must rely on your assets or collateral to secure financing. Examples of collateral include:
- Investments
- Real estate
- Insurance policies
- Equipment
- Collectibles
Whether you’ll need collateral depends on who issues the loan. Regardless, don’t disregard what you own when trying to secure a spot loan. Communicating with your lender is the most promising way to determine what you’ll need to get approved.
How Do Spot Loans Work? What Is the Approval Process?
The great thing about spot loans is that they’re usually more accessible than many other loan types. Lenders tend to focus more on the value of your collateral rather than your credit score or financial history when issuing one. If you’re struggling to make everyday payments, you can use spot loans to give yourself some financial flexibility when traditional loans fail you.
While the loan application process varies across different lenders, you may be able to apply for one over the phone, which can take as little as 10 minutes. To get started, you’ll need to provide:
- Name
- Phone number
- Social security number
- Income
- Proof of collateral ownership (if applicable)
You may be asked how you intend to use your spot loan if you receive one. The good news is that you can collect your funds in a couple of hours instead of waiting to hear back for several days or weeks. You’ll know the status of your application quickly.
Remember to keep in mind that an unsecured spot loan will likely carry a higher interest rate. Why? Because lenders want to protect themselves against several missed payments or a loan default. If a valuable asset doesn’t secure the loan, there’s a higher risk for the lender.
If you opt for a secured spot loan, your lender can repossess your collateral if you fail to make your scheduled payments. You’ll need to budget your expenses and determine how much you can afford to borrow realistically.
How much can you borrow on a secured spot loan? That amount depends on the collateral you’re using to secure financing. Once the value is determined and you’ve provided all the requested documents, your lender will issue the proper amount. The funds can come as a check, cash, or direct deposit.
What Can You Use Spot Loans For?
Spot loans are excellent for almost anything requiring immediate financial assistance. You can use them to cover the costs of:
- Home renovations
- Medical expenses
- Unforeseen business expenses (broken equipment, energy costs, permit fees)
- Car repairs
What Are the Different Types of Spot Loans?
The most common types of spot loans are:
- Pawnshop loans
- Home equity loans
- Vehicle title loans
- Installment loans
Pawnshop and vehicle title loans are some of the easiest to get approved for because they don’t involve credit checks. Let’s walk through each one.
Pawnshop Loans
Pawnshop loans are a solid choice if you need immediate access to funds and have something valuable to offer. In this case, you offer something, like jewelry, as collateral. You then take a cash percentage of the collateral’s value.
Vehicle Title Loans
With a vehicle title loan, the amount you can borrow depends on your car’s value. People commonly use these loans to cover expenses caused by car damages. Remember that while there’s no credit check on car title loans, you’ll have a limited time frame to pay back the loan, usually 30 days.
Home Equity Loans
With a home equity loan, you use your home as collateral to secure funds. The amount you receive depends on the difference between your home’s market value and the amount you owe on your mortgage. Because home equity loans tend to have a fixed rate, you’ll owe the same interest amount throughout your loan term.
Installment Loans
What makes installment loans incredibly useful is that you can use them for any unforeseen expense, including auto expenses and unpaid utility bills. Be aware that installment loans are not the same as payday loans.
With installment loans, you can pay back your loan through a series of scheduled payments. With a payday loan, you’ll have to pay back your loan in full by your next due date.
Is a Spot Loan the Right Financing Option?
That depends. Like any other loan, you’ll want to consider your current financial situation, expenses, and monetary needs. The last thing you want is to make a rash decision that worsens your circumstances. You might need immediate access to a loan with lenient qualifications and a simple application process. If so, a spot loan is the right choice.
The flexibility provided by a spot loan can make it easier for you to manage short-term and emergency expenses that occur without warning.
That said, spot loans are not for everyone. Making timely payments will be challenging if you can’t afford to pay high interest rates. The annual percentage rates tend to be high, with some rates going over 300%. Ultimately, you’ll want to consider the benefits and drawbacks of spot loans carefully.
Taking caution will better position you to make informed decisions for a financial advantage. Determine precisely what you need and your ability to pay off a spot loan. Once you do, you can start applying.
Finance Your Expenses with Power Finance Texas
A spot loan can be a great way to reduce your financial concerns. You’ll need the correct partner to help you get back on track. Power Finance Texas can be that partner. We offer Texas residents installment loans with reasonable qualifications to prepare them for unexpected expenses.
Apply now to receive the funding you deserve.