Please note: You should always refer to your loan agreement for exact repayment amounts as they may vary from our results.
Loans for gaming laptops
Worried about affording a gaming laptop? A loan is one option. Read our guide to find the best way to finance a new gaming laptop.
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Whether it’s life simulation games or sports gaming that you are interested in, gaming laptops allow you to skip loading screens and poor graphics. However, they’re more expensive that standard laptops, on average.
If you decide you want a gaming laptop but are worried about the expense, a personal loan may help you spread out the cost over a fixed period. Before you dip your toe in the expansive pool of PC gaming, check out our guide to finding the best way to finance your purchase.
Compare personal loans
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How can I finance a new gaming laptop?
For your new purchase, there are several options available to help you to afford it.
- Personal loan. A personal loan is when you borrow a set amount of money from a specialist lender, and pay the money back over an agreed period of time through monthly instalments. With a personal loan, you receive the money upfront, meaning you can purchase your new gaming laptop and pay it back over the agreed period.
- Credit card. With a credit card, you can purchase your new gaming laptop and spread the cost of it over an extended period, with a minimum amount required to be paid every month. You could consider a 0% purchase card to give you an interest-free period. However, if you have a bad credit rating or no credit history, you may struggle to be approved for loans or credit cards. In this instance, you may want to ask about a credit builder credit card, which is specifically designed for people with a bad credit history, or none at all. Whilst the terms are less favourable, you will have the same perks as a credit card and will be able to spread your purchase of a gaming laptop over monthly payments.
- In-store finance. Many companies and shops offer an in-store finance scheme in order to help you to pay for your purchase. With this, you spread the cost of your purchase over a time period of your choosing, with many offering a 0% interest period, as well as the possibility of opting to pay nothing for a few months.
Key features of personal loans at a quick glance
- Loan terms. The terms can include the loan duration as well as interest rates and repayment plans.
- Loan amounts. The amount of money that you are allowed to borrow.
- Get a personalised quote. This will give you an indication about the terms in which a provider will lend you money, and will have no impact on your credit rating.
- Price matching. Some providers offer a price guarantee to match or beat offers from other providers.
- Monthly repayments. You will be able to repay your loan in monthly instalments.
- Repayment holidays. This is an agreed period with your lender, perhaps either one or two months, where you will not have to make repayments. However, interest will still build up.
- Quick decisions. Providers will usually make a fast decision about whether they will lend you money or not.
- Access to funds. You are able to get access to all the funds upfront.
- Fees. You may incur extra costs, such as interest or late payment fees.
- Perks. With some loans, there may be special benefits such as a 0% interest period.
- Overpayments. If you wish to pay off your loan sooner than agreed, making overpayments is the way to do it. Most overpayments will not incur a penalty so long as you remain within the overpayment limit. It is important to check the small print of your loan before you make an overpayment.
- Early repayment. For many loans, you will incur a penalty and additional costs if you repay your loan in full earlier than expected.
How should I compare different loans for a gaming laptop?
When comparing loans for your gaming laptop, focus on the important characteristics of each loan. We’ve listed several features for you to consider.
- Loan amount. The amount that you can borrow will differ between lenders, so make sure you have a value in mind when choosing your loan.
- Interest rate. There are some loans available that are interest-free, which will save you some money. If the loans you are considering are not interest-free, make sure you take the interest rate into consideration.
- Fees. You may be required to pay upfront or ongoing costs that will add to the cost of your loan.
- Eligibility criteria. Whilst you may be eligible for some loans, you may not meet the criteria for others.
- APR. The Annual Percentage Rate is designed to provide consumers with an annual summary cost for the loan, including any setup fees and interest. Different loans will have different APRs, but it is important to remember that they are only representative, and your costs may be more expensive.
- Loan terms. The length of the loan period may differ between providers, as well as the terms and conditions of taking out the loan.
- Overall cost. As well as the loan amount, you should also take into consideration any setup costs and any interest.
- Early repayment. Although you may find yourself in a position to pay off your loan early, some loans charge extra costs if you repay your loan too early.
Am I eligible for a personal loan?
You should only apply for a personal loan to finance your new gaming laptop if you are positive that you can meet the repayment terms. If not, you will likely face additional costs and it may impact your credit rating.
To apply for a personal loan, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You are over the age of 18
- You will be no older than 70 when the loan term finishes
- You have been a UK resident for over 3 years
- You have a regular income above £12,000
- If you are self-employed, you have been so for over 2 years
- You must have a good credit rating, with no history of bankruptcy or county court judgement
- You hold a UK bank or building society account that is able to pay direct debits
How can I apply for a loan?
If you have decided that a provider’s loan is right for you, simply fill in the application form for the loan via their website. You will need proof of the following:
- Your ID
- Your address details for the past 3 years.
- Your current income and employment details in the form of payslips and bank statements.
The bottom line
If you want a new gaming laptop but can’t stump up the cost upfront, a personal loan could help you fork up the cash and spread your costs over a fixed period. Whether you opt for a personal loan, a finance scheme or a credit card, make sure you pick the option that is right for you and your income.
Frequently asked questions
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