Those who have explored Australia’s lending landscape will have found that there are a plethora of loan options available to all types of consumers. Modern travel has been made so much more accessible, specifically through travel loans. On little notice, travelers can secure funding from any number of the many travel loan outfits.
For one, Australians with a zeal for wanderlust can secure a travel loan from Latitude and other financial institutions. However, not all loans are equal, and while many outfits make getting funding ultra convenient, it is not always in our best interests. Those looking to fund a trip with the least amount of damage to their budget should seriously research all of the available options before endeavoring into the often risky realm of travel loans.
Let’s take a look at a few steps you can take to maximize the value of your travel loan.
Clean Up Your Credit
As with all loans, your credit history will not only determine what types of loans you are eligible for, but it will also determine your interest rate. For these reasons, being careful with your credit rating is very important. Some factors that affect credit rating include your entire payment history including delinquencies and charge-offs. Arrange to settle and pay off these debts, so that when you do apply for credit, your report will be in good shape.
Another thing that can be damaging to your credit report is the number of inquiries made in the file. While you might not have actually been approved for the loan, financial institutions will lower the score as if you had. Every time that you apply for a loan, whether it is revolving or non-revolving credit, it affects your credit report.
Finally, a routine review of your credit report can ferret out any unauthorized accounts opened in your name. Often times, the application process can be interrupted when unauthorized accounts appear on the report. To avoid the sort of snafu that might come up when applying for credit, check your credit at least once a year to make sure that nothing appears on the report that should not.
Shop Around
When seeking out a loan, be sure to check out the many different avenues in funding. Online banking has made financing not only convenient but also very affordable, as the rates tend to be lower than your typically on-site bank. Also, check out credit unions, which always have been known to offer consumers the best interest rates when borrowing.
Another factor to consider when shopping for a loan include understanding the requirements and stipulations. With a bank, you can take out a personal loan to travel, but your interest rate might not be favorable. Similarly, online outfits might offer flexible guidelines, but the interest rates, in addition to origination and monthly fees, might cancel out any benefits of a lower interest loan. Finally, it is important to understand the fine details related to any loan because some travel loans will implement an early termination fee.
Alternatives
As opposed to going with your typical travel loan, seek out lenders who might allow you to borrow on a secured basis. This funding can be secured through various types of collateral including cars and homes. Another way to seek travel funding is to resort to using low-interest, zero-interest balance transfers that will allow you to pay the card off before the interest rate kicks in. You can familiarize yourself with balance transfers by reading this Daily Prosper article. While not your typical travel loan, these alternative funding methods can help you avoid paying unnecessary interest and fees over the life of the loan.
Maximize Your Lending Potential
Travel debt is one of those expenses that do not have to be incurred unless necessary. However, when taking out these types of loans, the best way to ensure that you get a great loan at a low rate is to clean up the one factor that determines your creditworthiness – your credit report. Nothing can lower the interest rate on any loan than a report that sparkles and shines.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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