A line of credit comparison might be done to ensure that an individual is getting the best possible deal when shopping around for a line of credit. Application or origination fees, interest rates, collateral required, access to funds and availability of funds are all items that might be considered when conducting a line of credit comparison. Understanding how the line of credit is supposed to function is another important aspect of line of credit comparison.
In order to apply for a line of credit, some financial institutions require an application or origination fee. This fee is charged to initiate the application process, and the amount can vary from institution to institution. Some might offer line of credit applications with no application or origination fee, so it is best to shop around before settling on one particular company.
Interest rates also are important considerations when conducting a line of credit comparison. Each financial institution has its own set of interest rates that it will charge for line of credit withdrawals, and some might be quite high. This money functions as a loan if withdrawn, so a higher interest rate will result in a higher repayment amount.
Some financial institutions require some form of collateral in exchange for extending a customer a line of credit. This usually is an asset such as a car or house. Other institutions will offer lines of credit with no collateral requirement, but they might charge a higher interest rate. An individual’s current financial institution will often extend a line of credit with no collateral requirement for upstanding, long-term customers.
It is vitally important for an individual to understand how his or her line of credit funds can be accessed. Some institutions require a special check be used for withdrawals, and others require an in-person transaction. Before choosing an institution that requires the latter, an individual should be sure that a branch is available to him or her locally.
When making a line of credit comparison, it also is important for one to understand the availability of funds. Knowing whether funds are available immediately or will take several business days can mean the difference between overdrawing an account or not. An individual also might check to see if any additional fees are required for immediate fund withdrawals.
Some financial institutions offer lines of credit that are exclusively available for overdraft protection. Others offer personal lines of credit that function much like emergency checking accounts and allow withdrawals to be made at an automated teller machine (ATM) or various banking institutions. When comparing lines of credit, it is advisable for each individual to evaluate his or her needs and ensure that the type of account applied for is one that will work for him or her.