Should You Pay Off Your Credit Card Debt With A Personal Loan?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by credit card debt, you’re not alone. After all, it’s easy for those high-interest payments to become a never-ending cycle. Thankfully, there are ways to say goodbye to your credit card debt Singapore faster.

One smart solution is to consider applying for a personal loan. Ideally, you would want a personal loan with a lower interest rate than your credit card to make it worth it. This can save you money in the long run.

But before you take out a personal loan, you should consider your financial situation and make sure it’s the right move for you. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Here at OMY Singapore, you will discover the following:

Personal Loan Vs. Credit Card Debt

As you consider how to solve credit card debt and whether or not a personal loan is the right move for you, you must first understand the key differences between personal loans and credit card debt.

Credit cards usually have a higher interest rate than personal loans, which means that you will end up paying more in interest over time. Credit card debt is also revolving so you can continue to use it even as you are paying off your debt. This can make it difficult to make progress on paying down your balance.

On the other hand, personal loans typically have a fixed repayment term and interest rate so you will know exactly how much you need to pay each month, and how long it will take you to pay off your debt.

Are There Options You Can Use Aside from A Personal Instalment Loan?

Personal instalment loans are not the only solution available for those dealing with credit card debt Singapore. Explore other options below.

Line Of Credit

This type of loan gives you access to a pool of funds. You can draw from your line of credit as needed, up to a certain limit. Interest is only charged on the amount of money you use, and the repayment terms can be flexible

Balance Transfer

A balance transfer involves moving your credit card debt to a new credit card with 0% interest for a certain period, usually 3 to 8 months. This can help you save money on interest.

Debt Consolidation Loan

If your credit card debt is too high for you to handle, consider a debt consolidation loan. This type of loan allows you to combine multiple debts into one, with a single monthly payment. This loan is the best way to pay credit card debts that have gotten out of hand since it has a longer repayment term compared to other personal loans.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Personal Loan To Pay Off Credit Card Debt

Take a look at the pros and cons of using a personal loan to pay off credit card debt Singapore.

Pros

Lower interest rate

Generally, annual interest rates for credit cards in Singapore range from 15% to 28%. This can significantly strain your budget. In comparison, personal loans have an average APR of 11% to 20%. Considering this, a personal loan with a lower interest rate can give you much-needed relief in the long run.

Boost your credit score

As long as you pay off your loan on time and in full, it can help boost your credit score. This can help you secure better terms on future loans.

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Pay off debt sooner

With a fixed payment schedule and a lower interest rate, a personal loan can help you pay off your credit card debt sooner than if you continued to make minimum payments on your credit cards.

Consolidate payments

If you have multiple credit card debts, consolidating them into a single personal loan can simplify your repayment process and reduce your stress level, therefore making it easier for you to manage your finances overall.

Cons

Fees

Personal loans may come with fees and charges, such as application fees and early repayment fees. Make sure you understand all the fees before applying for one. You don’t want to get surprised by hefty charges later on.

Risk of more debt

If you continue to use your credit cards after paying off the balance with a personal loan, you may end up with even more debt. This makes it more vital to change your spending habits and develop better financial management skills to avoid falling into the same situation again.

Low interest rate is not guaranteed

When considering your financial situation and whether a personal loan is the right choice to pay off your credit card debt, keep in mind that a low interest rate is not guaranteed. Do your research and compare different loan providers to find the best rate possible.

Loan amount is subject to different factors

Another factor to consider is that the loan amount you are eligible for is subject to different factors, such as your credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio. Make sure you know how much you need to pay off your credit card debt and check if you are eligible for that amount before applying for a personal loan.

Tips To Remember When Using A Personal Loan To Pay Off Credit Card Debt

Wondering how to solve credit card debt more efficiently? We’ve rounded up some additional tips to keep in mind.

Create a budget

Before taking out a personal loan, create a budget to determine how much you can realistically afford to repay each month. This will ensure that you don’t take out a loan that you can’t afford to repay, which can lead to further financial difficulties.

Prepare before applying

Have all your documents ready, such as proof of income or any other financial information the bank or financial institution may require. Having everything organised and ready to go can speed up the application process and increase your chances of approval.

Shop for the best deal

Many providers in Singapore offer personal loans so take the time to shop around and compare interest rates and fees. You may be surprised at the savings you can make just by choosing the right loan provider.

A loan matching platform will help you save time and effort by providing you with a list of loan providers that match your requirements. This can help you find the best loan option for you more efficiently.

Understand the loan terms

When it comes to how to solve credit card debt, take time to carefully read the terms and conditions of the personal loan before accepting it. Understand the interest rate, repayment period, and any fees or penalties for late payments or early repayment. Make sure you are comfortable with the terms and know exactly what you’re getting into before taking out a personal loan.

Don’t overborrow

It’s easy to get carried away with the extra cash, but stick to your budget and resist the temptation to spend more than you need to. Remember that a personal loan should be used to pay off your credit card debt, not to create more debt. Only borrow what you need and can afford to pay back.

Check the total costs involved

Using a loan calculator can help you understand the total costs involved in taking out a personal loan, including interest and fees. This can also give you a better idea of how much the loan will cost you over the entire repayment period.

Repay your loan on time

Making on-time payments is crucial when using a personal loan to pay off credit card debt. Late payments can result in fees and penalties, and can also damage your credit score. Set up automatic payments or reminders if needed to ensure that you don’t miss a payment.

When Does a Personal Loan Not Make Sense for Credit Card Payment?

While a personal loan can be a great option for paying off credit card debt, there are some situations where it may not make sense. Here are a few scenarios to consider:

You can pay off your credit card debt on your own

If you have a manageable amount of credit card debt, a personal loan may not be necessary. In this case, focus on creating a budget and paying off your debts as quickly as possible without taking on more debt.

You have a low credit score

If your credit score is low, you may not qualify for a personal loan with a lower interest rate. In this case, it’s best to work on improving your credit score before applying for a personal loan. Consider other options for paying off your credit card debt, such as a balance transfer credit card with a low introductory interest rate.

Your income is unstable

It’s difficult to secure a personal loan for those who are unemployed. Find a stable source of income first.

You have a large amount of debt

If you have a large amount of credit card debt, a personal loan may not cover the full amount. In this case, consider other options such as debt consolidation or working with a credit counsellor. Keep in mind that to qualify for a debt consolidation plan, your balance on interest-bearing loans should be 12 times your monthly salary.

It may also be worth speaking with a financial advisor to determine the best course of action for your specific financial situation.

More from OMY: Ultimate Guide To Personal Loans In Singapore

A Word from OMY

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to the best way to pay credit card debt in Singapore. However, taking out a personal loan can be a wise financial decision. That said, it’s imperative to do your research and be committed to your repayment plan if you’re serious about becoming debt-free. With proper planning and discipline, you will soon be on the path to financial freedom.

Ready to see the top tailored loans for you? Let OMY help you find the right match of personal loan in Singapore today.

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