- (855) 503-1800
- 1 Park Plaza, Ste 600 Irvine, CA 92614
More results...
When it comes to borrowing money, you have plenty of options. It’s important to do your research and understand the intricacies of these options before borrowing money. Today, we’re focusing on two popular lending options: installment loans and “same as cash” financing offers. Though both can help you fund major purchases, each has unique features that can significantly impact your finances.
An installment loan is a straightforward borrowing method that involves borrowing a specific amount of money and repaying it over time in equal installments, generally on a monthly basis. This could be over a few months, a few years, or even a few decades. The benefit of such loans lies in the predictability they offer.
One of the greatest advantages of installment loans is their fixed interest rates. These loans typically come with a set interest rate for the entire loan term. This means the amount you repay every month is constant, so you can budget effectively without worrying about fluctuating interest costs.
Installment loans also come with the benefit of flexibility. These loans can be used for various purposes, including buying a car, home renovations, or consolidating high-interest debt. With an installment loan, you can get the funding you need without stringent restrictions.
Another advantage of installment loans is their impact on your credit score. Regular, on-time payments of an installment loan can help you build a solid credit history. This not only enhances your credibility in the eyes of lenders but also improves your chances of securing better loan terms in the future.
On the surface, “same as cash” financing offers can appear quite attractive. They promise you a period—often 6 to 12 months—during which you can repay the borrowed amount without incurring any interest. That sounds like a great deal, right? However, there’s more than meets the eye.
First, these offers come with a catch known as deferred interest. If you cannot repay the total loan amount within the promotional period, you will be charged interest on the entire loan amount from the date of purchase, not just the remaining balance. This interest rate is typically much higher than that of an installment loan and can lead to a financial shock.
Another drawback of “same as cash” financing offers is their potential impact on your credit utilization ratio. These offers are typically a type of revolving credit, which means the borrowed amount directly impacts your credit utilization ratio. A high utilization ratio can lower your credit score, affecting your ability to secure credit in the future.
The complex terms and conditions of these offers can also lead to confusion and additional costs. Late or missed payments can often trigger penalties, and these conditions are frequently buried in the fine print, making it easy for consumers to overlook.
Lastly, “same as cash” financing offers are limited to specific retailers or purchases. This restricts your buying options and may force you into buying from a more expensive or less reputable vendor.
While both installment loans and “same as cash” financing offers have their places in the financial world, it’s crucial to understand their intricacies before making a decision. The predictability and flexibility of installment loans make them an appealing choice for many. On the other hand, the superficial attractiveness of “same as cash” financing offers can mask some less-than-favorable terms that could end up costing you more in the long run.
As with any financial decision, always consider your personal financial situation, needs, and risk tolerance. And most importantly, read the fine print. A well-informed consumer is a financially secure consumer.
United Credit strives to keep the content shared on this blog accurate and up to date. You are urged to consult with business, financial, legal, tax and/or other advisors and/or medical providers with respect to any information presented. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and have not been approved or otherwise endorsed by any financial or medical institution. This content is intended for informational purposes only.
As Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Nate expertly drives revenue growth for United Credit by leading sales and marketing strategies across all channels. With over 20 years of experience working with global brands in various industries, Nate has a proven track record of boosting sales, expanding market share, and building strong relationships. His unique ‘right-brain + left-brain’ approach combines business acumen and strategic thinking with striking creative execution, ensuring United Credit’s sales and marketing efforts consistently deliver results for continued success.
Matthew is the President and Founder of United Credit. Matt founded fintech company United Medical Credit in 2011 to connect consumers and businesses with an array of experienced, innovative financing solutions. In 2022, the company grew and became United Credit, fueling an expansion into retail markets while retaining its expertise in specialty healthcare.
Since its founding, Matt has provided leadership for all aspects of the Company, emphasizing long-term growth while ensuring United Credit delivers value to its consumers, merchants, and business partners. The Company has risen in the fintech space as a preferred consumer financing partner under his tenure.
Matt is also an active member of YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization), the world’s largest leadership community of company chief executives.
