Online loans are something you might have read or heard about. While lenders have been granting loans physically for centuries, the virtual lending concept is relatively new. However, online loans have grown in popularity for many good reasons and you probably want to know more.

That’s why we’re going to look at the similarities, differences, benefits, and potential drawbacks between online loans and other loan options. This should help you decide whether one is right for you.

Similarities Between Online and In-Person Loans

You can find many lenders in either realm and each offers specific types of loans. Online loans are very similar to in-person loans in many ways including the following:

  • Wide range of products – online lenders offer much the same as you can find in-person. Lenders offer small, medium, and large online personal, auto, and business loans. Some are secured by collateral while others are backed by other factors such as your income, financial standing, and stability.
  • Established application process – Whether you apply online or in-person you will go through the lender’s application process. The complexity and time involved depends on the lender you choose. However, most lenders will always want to know at least how much you earn and what you already owe to creditors. Your credit may or may not play a principal role.
  • Varied interest rates & terms – Interest rates and terms also depend on the specific loan product you choose as well as the lender and your financial and personal position. It pays to explore all your options since some lenders will not consider certain clients or they will only lend to them at a higher interest rates or shorter term.
  • Credit checks – Depending on the size and type of loan, lenders almost always check your credit. However, how they do this can vary. Some perform a hard credit inquiry which lowers your credit score, while others perform a soft credit inquiry which does not lower it. Soft credit inquiries are usually associated with a pre-approval process.
  • Loan approvals – Lenders look at the information in your application and evaluate their risk. In-person lenders tend to take a long time to make a decision, while online lenders often decide within minutes.
  • Funds release – If you’re approved, the lender releases funds to you for your use. Most lenders deposit funds directly into your bank account.

Differences Between Online and In-Person Loans

Online loans are definitely different than in-person loans in many ways. Some of them easily explain why online loans have grown in popularity.

  • Complexity of application process – In-person applications are restricted by business hours, the geographic location of the bank or credit union, and your ability to take time off the visit. Online applications are available 24/7 and accessible from anywhere through the internet.
  • Income verification – In-person lenders want to see paper documents that verify the information in your application. Many online lenders forego pay stubs or a letter from your employer in favor of digital income verification through your bank. If you’re paid by direct deposit, this simplifies the process considerably since the lender immediately sees regular bank deposits.
  • Income sources considered – Generally, banks and credit unions only want to grant loans to those earning regular full-time income. Alternative online lenders often consider many income sources including part-time work, contract work, self-employment, disability, social security, private pensions, and more.
  • Credit scores served– Mainstream lenders tend to cater to those with at least fair credit, but rarely serve those with poor credit or no credit history. Many online lenders cater to those with poor or no credit and offer decent interest rates too.
  • Approval speed – Traditional lenders aren’t known for their speed and may take days or weeks before they let you know. Online lenders can sometimes approve loans in minutes, but almost always within a day.
  • Funds release – Mainstream lenders may not release funds straightaway after approval. Most online lenders try to deliver money very quickly to stand apart in a competitive loans market.
  • Customer service – In-person loans include face-to-face interaction with loan officers. Online loans rely on chat, email, and telephone calls.

Benefits of Online Loans Over Other Loan Options

As you have read, online loans offer some important benefits you should think about when you’re considering a loan. The following are worth pointing out:

  • Flexible & convenient – Apply at any time from any device connected to the internet.
  • Mobile access – You can get a mobile loan online without visiting an office or laying your fingers on a keyboard.
  • Ideal for emergencies – Since the application, approval, and funds release process is so fast, online loans are ideal for emergencies and immediate needs.
  • May cost you less – Some online lenders can offer lower interest rates and a no-fee process since they do not have the overhead of brick-and-mortar institutions.
  • Less paperwork – the entire loan process is handled digitally, including signing your loan documents.
  • Easier to compare options – Often times it is possible to see what you can get from multiple lenders by completing a single application form.
  • Access to products, regardless of credit score – Those with less-than-perfect credit can still access many online loans to help them build or repair their credit.
  • Near instant decision – There’s no waiting around for hours or days. An online loan application usually offers a near instant decision. There’s usually fast funding on online loans too.

Potential Disadvantages of Online Loans Over Other Loan Options

Of course, online loans aren’t necessarily for everybody. There are also some things everyone should look out for when they’re considering borrowing online.

  • No dedicated loans officer – If you prefer to talk to someone face-to-face, an online loan may not be for you. Online loans rely on technology such as chat and email. However, a good lender also offers telephone customer service which is often enough if you want person-to-person contact.
  • Potential security issues – If you aren’t tech savvy and know little about security measures such as data encryption, you can still borrow online providing you choose a well-known safe and secure lending platform. Check the lender’s reviews and their stated security measures mentioned on their website.
  • Hidden fees -Many online lenders offer a fee-free experience. However, some charge origination or administration fees calculated as a percentage of your loan amount. Some lenders also charge pre-payment penalties if you want to pay more than your scheduled payments. Look out for steep late fees too.
  • Higher interest rates – Some lenders charge higher interest rates in exchange for the convenience you enjoy when you borrow online. Always comparative shop before your commit to a loan. Online loans aren’t more expensive if you choose wisely. In reality, they can be cheaper.
  • Limited loan options – Some online lenders limit the options you can choose from when you choose their product. As an example, you may not be able to have a long term. You can’t negotiate the interest rate like you can with an in-person lender either.
  • Small loans may not help your credit – If you want to build or repair your credit, be certain the loan you choose is reported to the credit agencies. Otherwise, your timely payments will not help you. This may happen when someone chooses a payday loan or a cash advance loan since they aren’t always reported.

FlexMoney is Your Online Loan Portal

Whether online loans are right for you depends on your individual circumstances. Online loans tend to offer greater access, speed, and convenience, but some people prefer the personalized service of their own bank or credit union.

However, the lowest interest rates of a traditional lender are usually reserved for those with pristine credit. If that’s not you, an online loan should be a serious consideration.

Still, it is very important to research and evaluate loan options as well as security measures before committing to an online loan. Even so, it is certainly worth the effort since you can often find very competitive products and lenders that provide easier approvals than mainstream lenders.

Plus, an online loan application usually provides fast approval. Many of the best online loans also offer an initial application process that does not involve a hard credit check. This makes it easy to compare loans and choosing one also makes it one of the easiest online loans to get approved.

If you’re looking for the easiest online loans with fast funding, FlexMoney USA can help. We offer installment loans with instant approval from a network of reputable U.S. lenders. Loans range between $200 and $35,000.

Our process offers an easy, safe way to check what’s available to you in minutes, without lowering your credit scores. Complete one application form and we’ll find the most suitable lenders for your needs. They’ll connect with you and show you what they have to offer.

By using the best alternative lending platform in the U.S., you can compare interest rates and terms to find the best online loans instant approval online in just a few minutes. Discover why so many people are choosing online loans by applying today.