Did you know that a study conducted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) found that credit builder loans can significantly boost credit scores? Credit builder loans play a vital role in helping individuals establish or improve their credit history.
This article will delve into the world of credit builder loans giving you an idea of
- What is a Credit Builder Loan?
- How does a Credit Builder loan work?
- What are some key features of Credit Builder Loans?
Before we go further into the topic, it is highly recommended that you first read more about How to build credit if you dont have any by Bright Money!
So, let's dive in and understand more about credit builder loans and their key features!
What is a Credit Builder Loan?
A credit builder loan is a certain type of loan specifically designed to help individuals establish or improve their credit history.
There are generally 2 types of credit builder loans:
- Secured Credit Builder Loan: A secured loan or transaction is backed by collateral, an asset or property the borrower pledges to lenders like Bright Money as security for the debt. If the borrower fails to repay the loan, the lender can seize and sell the collateral to recover their money. Examples of secured loans include mortgages (where the property is the collateral) and car loans (where the vehicle serves as collateral).
- Unsecured Credit Builder Loan: An unsecured loan or transaction does not require any collateral. It is based solely on the borrower's creditworthiness and ability to repay the debt. If the borrower defaults on an unsecured loan, the lender does not have a specific asset to claim, which makes it riskier for the lender. Common examples of unsecured loans include credit card debt, personal loans, and student loans.
Credit Builder Loans are an excellent option for those with limited or no credit history and those looking to rebuild their credit after past financial challenges. The primary purpose of a credit builder loan is to demonstrate creditworthiness and responsible financial behavior to potential lenders and credit reporting agencies.
How does a Credit Builder Loan work?
Here are the 7 steps on how does a credit builder loan work:
Step 1: Application
- You apply for a Credit Builder Loan with a lender
- The lender assesses your creditworthiness based on factors like your credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio
Step 2: Loan Approval and Fund Placement
- The loan approval process for unsecured loans involves the borrower applying, undergoing a credit check, verifying income, and signing the loan agreement if approved. No collateral is required.
- For secured loans, the process includes evaluating the collateral's value, along with the credit check and income verification. If approved, the borrower must provide collateral documents, and after signing the loan agreement, the lender has the right to claim the asset in case of default. Once you apply for Bright Builder, our team will review your application. If your application is approved, you can use your approved line of credit to refinance your credit card debt.
- You can choose which cards and how much debt on those cards you would like to pay down using your approved limit. Funds will be transferred directly to pay down those cards.
Step 3: Loan Term and Monthly Payments
- The loan is a revolving line of credit, and hence there is no fixed term.
- You agree to make monthly payments to the lender for the duration of the loan term
- The lender reports these payments to the credit agencies
Step 4: Payment History and Credit Reporting
- As you make timely monthly payments, your payment history becomes more favorable, which can positively impact your credit score
- Your credit report reflects your consistent payment behavior
Step 5: Loan Repayment Completion
- After successfully making all the monthly payments for the entire loan term, you complete the loan repayment process
- You have effectively demonstrated responsible credit behavior by fulfilling your loan obligations
Step 6: Release of Funds
- With the loan fully repaid, the lender releases the funds from the savings account or CD back to you. The Bright Money app is among the reputed names that offer credit builder loans through its credit builder loan program
- You now have access to the loan amount that was initially secured
Step 7: Credit Score Improvement
- Your credit report shows a positive payment history for the Credit Builder Loan, which can improve your credit score over time
- The successful repayment of the loan demonstrates your creditworthiness to other lenders and creditors
What are the Key Features of Credit Builder Loans?
Unlike traditional loans, credit builder loans function in a unique way, focusing on building credit rather than providing immediate funds. Here are 10 key features of credit builder loans:
- No Money Upfront
For Secured Loans:
In secured loans, borrowers provide collateral, such as property, assets, and cash to lenders as a form of security. This collateral acts as a guarantee for the lender, reducing their risk. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender has the legal right to seize and sell the collateral to recover the funds. Secured loans typically have lower interest rates and higher borrowing limits due to the added security.
Example: With Bright Money, you deposit at least $50 and get a secured loan starting at $50
For Unsecured Loans:
Unsecured loans do not require collateral; instead, they rely solely on the borrower's creditworthiness and ability to repay. Since there is no asset backing, unsecured loans present a higher risk for lenders. As a result, they usually have higher interest rates and lower borrowing limits compared to secured loans. Lenders base their approval decision on the borrower's credit history, income, and other financial factors.
Example: Credit card debt, personal loans, or student loans are typical examples of unsecured loans.
- Collateralized Savings Account
To secure the credit builder loan, the borrower's loan amount is held in a savings account or CD that acts as collateral. The borrower makes regular monthly payments towards the loan, which are then reported to the credit bureaus as positive payment history. At the end of the loan term, once all payments have been made, the lender releases the funds to the borrower, along with any interest earned.
- Affordable Payments
Credit builder loans are typically designed with affordable monthly payments. The loan terms can vary, ranging from six months to two years or more. The manageable payments make it easier for borrowers to budget and consistently meet their financial obligations.
- No Credit Check Requirement
For acceptance, many credit building loan providers do not demand a credit check. Lenders may evaluate additional criteria such as income, job history, and banking habits in addition to the borrower's credit score. The credit score required to get a credit builder loan can vary depending on the lender. Some lenders may offer credit builder loans to individuals with lower credit scores, while others might have minimum credit score requirements.
This approach makes credit builder loans available to a larger group of people, including those with a limited credit history or a history of credit problems. As a result, individuals who may have difficulty obtaining traditional loans due to their credit scores can still have access to credit-building opportunities through these specialized loan programs.
- Building Credit History
According to Credit Builders Alliance, over 70% of credit builder loan borrowers observed an increase in their credit scores after completing the loan term. Credit builder loans are primarily intended to assist borrowers in establishing or raising their credit ratings. By making timely payments throughout the loan period, borrowers prove their creditworthiness and sense of responsibility. A high credit profile is facilitated by the reporting of a positive payment history to the credit agencies.
- Small Loan Amounts
Credit builder loans typically involve smaller loan amounts compared to traditional loans. The amount borrowed is often based on what the borrower can comfortably repay within the loan term. Smaller loan amounts make it more manageable for borrowers to meet their payment obligations.
- No Interest or Low Interest
Some credit builder loans come with little to no interest, while others may have low interest rates. The focus is on helping borrowers build credit rather than generating profits for the lender. This feature makes credit builder loans more attractive and financially feasible for those with limited means.
- Education and Support
Many credit builder loan providers offer educational resources and financial counseling to borrowers. This support helps borrowers better understand credit management, budgeting, and personal finance, empowering them to make informed financial decisions beyond the loan term.
- Gradual Credit Improvement
Credit builder loans promote gradual credit improvement. While the loan's positive impact on credit scores may vary based on individual circumstances, responsible and timely payments contribute to a stronger credit history over time.
- Automatic Payments
To ensure timely payments, credit builder loans often offer options of setting up automatic payments. This feature helps borrowers avoid missing due dates, which can negatively affect their credit scores.
Conclusion
Credit builder loans provide valuable opportunities for individuals to establish or improve their credit history. While most credit builder loans do not offer money upfront, alternative options like secured credit cards and credit-builder loans with secured savings provide immediate access to funds. Companies like Bright Money can help you build your credit! Understanding how credit builder loans work, their benefits, and the options available for accessing money upfront is crucial. By making informed decisions and using these tools responsibly, individuals can build a positive credit history and open doors to better financial opportunities.
References:
2.https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_targeting-credit-builder-loans_report_2020-07.pdf
4. https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/credit-cards/credit-builder-loan/
FAQs:
Q1: Can anyone get a credit builder loan?
A: Yes, credit builder loans are generally available to anyone, regardless of their credit history.
Q2: Will a credit builder loan guarantee a perfect credit score?
A: While credit builder loans can significantly improve credit scores, achieving a perfect score depends on various factors.
Q3: Can I access the funds before completing the loan term?
A: No, the loan amount is usually held in a secured account until the loan term is completed.
Q4: Can I have multiple credit builder loans simultaneously?
A: In theory, yes, but it's essential to consider your overall financial responsibilities and repayment capabilities.
Q5: Are credit builder loans safe and legitimate?
A: Yes, credit builder loans are offered by reputable financial institutions and are a legitimate way to build credit.
* Payment history has the biggest impact on credit score accounting for 40% of how score is calculated per TransUnion (https://www.transunion.com/credit-score). Bright Builder helps you build payment history that may positively improve your credit score. Credit score increase is not guaranteed. Individual results may vary. Late payments, missed payments, or other defaults on your accounts with us or others will have a negative effect on your credit score. Products and services subject to state residency and regulatory requirements. Bright Builder is currently not available in all states.
