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With lower rates on average than a credit card, a vacation loan can be a quick and inexpensive way to pay for a trip you don’t have the time to save up for. But it’s not free. If you’re not on a time crunch, consider other options like saving up or using a layaway program to keep more money in your wallet.
Planning a vacay post-lockdown? Read this first …
As states and countries around the world slowly begin to reopen, you’re likely itching to book your next vacation. But with health experts worried that reopening too fast could result in a second wave of COVID-19 cases, you’ll want to take measures to keep yourself safe and help stop the spread.
Our post-coronavirus travel packing list breaks down essentials you shouldn’t leave home without. And our guide to traveling during the pandemic lays out travel restrictions you should keep in mind when deciding where to visit next.
What is a vacation loan?
A vacation loan is usually an unsecured personal loan you can use to pay for a vacation. Some providers like Uplift allow you to take out the loan while you’re booking your trip. But in most cases, you’ll have to take out a loan before you book your flight and accommodations.
These are available at many small banks and credit unions. But online lenders tend to have the quickest turnaround and might be a good choice if you’re crunched for time.
Compare personal loans for vacations
Select your credit score range and your state to view vacation loans you might qualify for. Get started on your application by clicking Check my rate. Or click View details for more information.
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Are vacation loans a good idea?
It depends on the situation. Vacation loans can be helpful if you have an unexpected trip and can’t pay for all of the costs out of pocket. But if you’re planning your trip far in advance, consider saving up instead of financing your trip.
Pros
- Typically costs less than using your credit card
- No collateral required
- Fixed monthly payments
- Funding in as little as 24 hours
Cons
- More expensive than saving up
- High rates and few options for bad credit
- You’ll be paying it off for several years
Can I get a vacation loan with bad credit?
It’s possible to get a vacation loan with bad credit. Uplift, which offers loans specifically for travel, works with bad-credit borrowers. But you’ll generally need a credit score of 670 or higher to qualify for a competitive deal — what most lenders consider to be good credit.
You also might not be able to qualify for the highest loan amounts lenders offer with bad credit.
How else can I pay for a vacation?
Before you take out a loan, consider these alternatives.
Savings account
The cheapest way to pay for a vacation is to save up ahead of time. But you’ll need to have enough time before you start booking flights. How long it takes depends on your budget and how much you need. If this is your first time saving for a goal, you can use the following strategies.
- Use a high-interest savings account. These accounts collect interest and can help you save more. They’re better for long-term vacation goals, like saving up for a trip you’d like to take in a few years.
- Set up an online piggy bank. Online piggy banks are similar to savings accounts, but they’re often less work. You typically set a goal and the amount you want to contribute to your piggy bank each day, week or month, then forget about it.
- Make a budget. While you’re busy putting away money into your savings, take the time to create a travel budget. Money for food, tours and entrance fees should all be added up, on top of transportation costs like flights and car rentals.
Enjoy no monthly fees and a competitive APY with this online-only savings account. Accounts offered by American Express National Bank, Member FDIC.
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
| APY | 0.5% |
|---|---|
| Fee | $0 |
| Minimum deposit to open | $0 |
| New account fee | $0 |
| Minimum balance to earn interest | $1 |
| Interest compounding | Daily |
Credit card
A travel credit card can give you access to airport lounges, complimentary insurance coverage and frequent flyer rewards. Many new cards also come with a 0% promotional APR for over a year — giving you interest-free financing for costs you can repay in that timeframe.
But you typically need good to excellent credit to qualify for a competitive offer. And after the promotional period is up, you’ll usually face higher rates than a personal loan and could have to pay an annual fee. If you travel abroad, you might also be on the hook for foreign transaction fees.
Earn rewards for your vacation
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 2X points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Vacation package financing
Vacation packages often come with a few ways to pay for your trip. For example, Disney offers several financing options including savings accounts, rewards cards, loans and more that you can use to cover the cost of your trip.
These can unlock discounts you otherwise wouldn’t have access to, though they still might not necessarily be the cheapest option out there.
Layaway program
A layaway program allows you to make a deposit on a trip in advance and pay it off before you travel. Typically, you’ll have to pay a flat fee instead of interest. It can be less expensive than a loan, and it’s typically open to all credit types. But you’ll still need to save up for the cost of the trip ahead of time to take advantage of this program.
Crowdfunding
If your trip has a special meaning — maybe you want to climb Mount Everest or teach English abroad — you might be able to raise some of the funds by setting up a crowdfunding campaign and sharing it on social media. Or, unofficially crowdfund by asking friends and families for donations toward your trip rather than birthday or holiday gifts.
Personal line of credit
A line of credit gives you access to cash you can draw from as needed. This allows you to avoid borrowing more than you need, while also giving you access to cash as you need it. They tend to come with higher limits and lower rates than a credit card. But they’re less common than personal loans.
Upgrade Card lines of credit
- No fees
- Rates start at 6.99%
- Use wherever Visa is accepted
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| Min. Loan Amount | $500 |
|---|---|
| Max. Loan Amount | $20,000 |
| APR | 6.99% to 29.99% |
| Interest Rate Type | Fixed |
| Min. Credit Score | 600 |
| Maximum Loan Term | 60 months |
| Turnaround Time | 4 business days |
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Compare more options for funding your next trip by reading our guide to personal loans.
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