Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our opinions or reviews. Learn
how we make money.
Secured personal loans
Learn how to lock in a lower rate by guaranteeing your loan with an asset.
If you are looking for a personal loan to help you take the next step towards a holiday, a new car or another large purchase, you might want to consider applying for a secured loan. Find out how to compare secured loans and what you can use as an asset to get a lower interest rate.
A secured personal loan is a type of loan that is guaranteed against an asset you own or one you buy with the funds. Depending on the lender and the loan purpose, you can apply for an amount up to $100,000 for up to 7 years. The security you use could be a car, equity in your home, high-priced items such as jewellery, or a term deposit.
Is a secured loan right for you?
It is important to determine whether any type of financial product is right for you before you apply. When it comes to secured personal loans, here are some points to keep in mind:
You can manage your repayments. If you find yourself unable to repay your secured loan the lender is able to repossess the asset you offered as collateral to cover its losses.
You have an asset to guarantee or are looking to buy one. Lenders will require you to either be looking to buy an asset with your loan (such as a car or home renovations) or you already have an asset that meets its criteria.
You meet the requirements set by the lender. Lenders will have requirements for the guaranteed asset, such as its age or value. For example, if you are using a vehicle as security, it will need to be under a certain age; or if you are using a term deposit you will need to have a certain amount in the account.
What assets can you use for a secured personal loan?
Depending on the type of loan that you want to take out, you can use one the following assets to secure your loan:
New car. If you are buying a new car or you have a car that is less than two years old, you can use it as a guarantee for a secured loan.
Used car. Lenders may let you purchase a used car with a secured loan. Other vehicles such as motorbikes or caravans may also be allowed. The vehicle will generally need to be less than than 20 years old and in good condition, but some lenders may have tighter restrictions.
Equity in your home. If you own a mortgaged property, you can draw against any equity you have in the property to finance a purchase. Common uses for home equity loans are home renovations.
High-cost assets. Some lenders are more flexible with the assets they let you use. If you own expensive jewellery, fine art, precious metals, prestige cars or even certain antiques, you may be able to secure these against your loan.
Term deposits. This type of loan is available from some banks and credit unions. How much you have available in your term deposit is how much you are able to borrow with that same institution. The amount of your term deposit works as the security in case you default on the loan.
How does a personal loan work when you secure it with equity?
A loan secured against your home works in the same way as other guaranteed personal loans. When you apply, you need to provide details of your mortgage, financial position and the reason you wish to take out the credit. The loan provider will assess your application, and if you obtain approval, you receive the loan. This is dependent on how much equity you hold and how much the lender thinks you can afford to repay.
Working out your equity
Home equity is essentially the difference between your property’s value and the debt you hold against it. Typically, you can borrow up to 80% of your home’s value, minus the debt you hold against it. For example, if your home is worth $500,000 and you’ve paid off $300,000, you have $200,000 left on your mortgage.
Here’s how much you can borrow on a personal loan in this scenario:
80% of a $500,000 home = $400,000
The amount of debt on the property = $200,000
Value – debt = $200,000
Do you need to apply with the same lender as your mortgage?
No, you don’t. However, your lender may have secured personal loan options to consider that allow you to use your home equity as a guarantee. If you decide to apply with a different lender, you need to provide details of your mortgage, including your total loan and how much equity you hold.
How to compare secured personal loans
Consider the following features when comparing secured loans:
Loan amounts. Find out what loan amounts the lender is offering and if it matches your loan purpose.
Loan terms. Generally, loans are available for terms of between six months and seven years. Loan terms may only extend up to five years for peer-to-peer loans and with some providers, so make sure you find a loan with terms that meet your needs.
Assets you can secure to the loan. Lenders have different requirements when it comes to secured loans. You may not be able to secure the asset you have in mind, so check this before you apply.
Fees. Establishment fees, annual or monthly fees add to your costs for the loan. Find out what fees may be applicable to your loan.
Interest rate. How competitive is the interest rate? Compare the rate to other lenders but don’t forget that rates are sometimes advertised as a range. If you have a good to excellent credit rating, you may receive a better rate.
Repayment flexibility. Are you able to repay the loan early without penalty? Can you make additional repayments without being charged? Check this before you apply.
Lower rate. These loans are less of a risk for the lender and so come with lower interest rates.
Flexible. Unlike car loans, where you have to purchase the vehicle you are securing to the loan, you can generally purchase whatever you need to with a secured personal loan as long as the amount doesn’t exceed your secured asset’s value.
Higher chance of approval. Offering an asset to secure a personal loan can help you be approved for loans you may previously have been refused. This is because the loan is deemed less risky for a lender to take on when there is an asset attached to it.
Risk to your asset. When you take out a secured loan you are “guaranteeing” your loan with it. While this gives you a lower rate, it also means you can lose the asset if you default on the loan.
Loan amount is tied to your asset’s value. When you attach your asset to a secured loan it needs to be valued. This value will then be used to determine the loan amount you are offered by the amount.
Before applying for any type of secured loan, it is important to establish whether you can afford the repayments. If you default on the loan, the asset you have used as the guarantee can be taken by the lender and sold to cover the loss.
Compare lenders to find the most competitive options in terms of terms, rates and fees, as this will help find the right option for your budget and needs. Make sure you have done a proper search before submitting your application.
Frequently asked questions about secured personal loans
A car loan is used specifically to purchase a vehicle. The loan is still secured, but the loan amount is restricted to buying the vehicle that will be used as security for the loan. A secured personal loan is where you already own an asset, such as a car or equity or in your home and then use the loan amount for a different purpose.
The lender is able to sell your asset to recoup its losses.
Because you have attached an asset to the loan, the lender is taking on less risk by lending you money. If you default on the loan, they have a right to seize the asset you have attached to the loan. In exchange for you taking on the risk of attaching the asset to the loan, you receive a lower interest rate.
Elizabeth Barry is Finder's global fintech editor. She has written about finance for over six years and has been featured in a range of publications and media including Seven News, the ABC, Mamamia, Dynamic Business and Financy. Elizabeth has a Bachelor of Communications and a Master of Creative Writing from the University of Technology Sydney. In 2017, she received the Highly Commended award for Best New Journalist at the IT Journalism Awards. Elizabeth's passion is writing about innovations in financial services (which has surprised her more than anyone else).
Looking for an easy way to earn money while you sleep? Investing in shares, peer-to-peer lending and renting out property can all offer the returns you desire.
When you’re a temporary resident in New Zealand, you want to see everything, which can be difficult without a car. Luckily there are some lenders that consider car loans for people on a work or study visa. Find out how to apply here.
Confused about DeFi? Find out how it works in this easy-to-read guide.
Feedback
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Advertiser Disclosure
finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which finder.com receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. finder.com compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.
