What is a personal line of credit?
A personal line of credit is an account that you can turn to when you need extra funds. You don’t need to borrow from your line of credit, but it’s available if you choose to. And from paying bills to a medical emergency, you can use the money for almost anything (personal, family or household use only – not business use). The account will have a credit limit, the maximum amount you can borrow at once. But you can also borrow less than the credit limit if you choose.
What’s the difference between a secured and unsecured line of credit?
Personal lines of credit may be secured or unsecured. With an unsecured line of credit, you can borrow the money based on your promise to pay it back. A secured line of credit requires collateral, such as a vehicle, home, savings account, or another type of asset.
A secured line of credit may offer a higher credit limit and lower interest rates or fees. However, they may also be riskier than unsecured credit lines because the lender could make a claim on your collateral if you can’t afford to make payments.
How does a personal line of credit work?
Unlike a personal loan, you’re not borrowing money immediately when you open a line of credit. You’re merely locking in your ability to use the credit line when the need arises.
Once you have a line of credit, you can request a cash advance when you need to, and the lender will send you the money. Personal lines of credit are revolving accounts. As you pay down your balance, you can borrow against the credit line again up to your credit limit, without having to reapply for a new line of credit.
Welcome! You're one step away from checking your loan options.
In order to pre-qualify you will need a Social Security number and a current U.S. address. Checking your loan options does not affect your credit score.