What is a Long-Term Personal Loan?

A long-term personal loan is a type of installment loan, which means that it is repaid in equal monthly payments. This can make it easier to afford the loan and helps you avoid defaulting on the loan. The term of the loan is usually between 12 to 60 months. Some Long-term personal loans may have lower interest rates than credit cards and could be a good option for people who need to finance a large expense, such as a home renovation or an unexpected expense.

When should you consider long-term personal loans?

There are a few different situations when long-term personal loans can be a good option:

-You have a good credit score: If you have a good credit score, you're likely to qualify for a lower interest rate on a long-term personal loan. This can save you money on interest and help you afford the loan.

-You can afford the monthly payments: Long-term personal loans usually have lower monthly payments than short-term loans. This can make them more affordable, but it also means you'll be in debt for a longer period of time. Make sure you can afford the monthly payments before you take out a long-term loan.

-You need to borrow a large amount: Borrowing a large amount of money can be difficult to afford, especially if you have other debts. A long-term personal loan can help by spreading the payments out over a longer period of time. This may allow for lower monthly payments and make it easier to afford the loan.

-You want to consolidate debt: If you have multiple debts with high interest rates, you could make the repayment process more convenient by consolidating those debts into a single long-term personal loan. This could make the process of paying down your debit simpler to manage.

What are the benefits of a long-term personal loan?

There are a few key benefits of long-term personal loans:

-They can help you finance a large purchase: If you need to finance a major purchase, such as a home renovation, a long-term personal loan can be a good way to do it. The lower monthly payments can make it more affordable than using a credit card or taking out a short-term loan.

-They can help you consolidate debt into a single fixed monthly payment: If you have high-interest debt, such as credit card debt, a personal loan can help you consolidate your debt into a single-fixed monthly payment for the term of your loan.

How to apply for a long-term personal loan

Applying for a long-term personal loan is similar to applying for any other type of personal loan. You'll need to fill out an application and provide some information about your finances, such as your income and debts. The lender will also pull your credit report to see if you're eligible for the loan.

If you're approved for the loan, you'll need to sign a contract and agree to repay the loan in equal monthly payments. The term of the loan will be determined by the lender, but it can often be anywhere from 12 to 60 months.

Before you apply for a long-term personal loan, it's important to compare offers from multiple lenders. This will help you find the best interest rate and terms for your loan.

Long-term personal loan interest rates

The interest rate on a long-term personal loan is determined by a few factors, including your credit score and the length of the loan. The best way to get a low interest rate is to shop around and compare offers from multiple lenders.

If you have a good credit score, you're likely to qualify for a lower interest rate. The length of the loan also plays a role in the interest rate. The longer the term, the higher the interest rate will be.

How long does it take to get a long-term personal loan?

Different steps of the approval process for a long-term personal loan may take time, depending on how you apply for the loan. The process starts with an application, which may not take long if you’re filling it out online. The application is then followed by a credit check.

Once the loan is approved, the funds are then typically deposited into your bank account or a check is mailed to your address. How long these final steps take will depend on the bank or lender you choose.

Long-term personal loans: the bottom line 

A long-term personal loan can be a good option if you need to finance a major purchase or consolidate high-interest debt. The key is to shop around and compare offers from multiple lenders to find the best interest rate and terms for your loan. Citi offers personal loans to both existing Citi customers and new Citi customers that meet specific eligibility criteria, including an established credit and income history along with additional factors determined by Citi. If you think you could benefit from a Citi Personal Loan, apply online today.

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.