Before applying for a loan to consolidate your debts, make sure to check a few things to make the process go smoothly.
Use a loan calculator. This is so you’ll get an idea of the loan amount and duration suitable for your personal circumstance. By using a loan calculator, you’ll have a better picture of how much you are likely to pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly including the interest rate, establishment fees and other charges.
Comparison rate vs interest rate. When you are doing your homework to determine what personal loan is best for you to consolidate your debt, reviewing the comparison rate versus the interest rate is important. Whilst the interest rate is the rate at which you are charged for borrowing the money, the comparison rate is designed so you can easily compare the true cost of one loan versus another. The comparison rate is calculated by combining the interest rate of the loan with other fees, charges and costs associated with the loan such as the establishment fees, monthly account fees, and early exit fees.
Check your credit history. Your prospective lender may review your credit history as part of their loan assessment, so make sure that your credit history is accurate. Reviewing your credit history is also a way to discover any potential setbacks prior to applying for a loan to consolidate your debts.
Prepare your requirements. Depending on the loan provider, they may ask you to submit supporting documents such as employment details, a copy of your bank statements and some details about your living expenses. Make sure to check with your lender and prepare these documents beforehand.