How a Credit Card Loan’s Fast and Easy Cash Can Cost You
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Credit card companies want to turn your unused credit line into cash you can borrow for things like home improvements or unexpected expenses. But a loan from a credit card may not be the best choice for your wallet or your credit score.
Two of the largest credit card issuers, Citi and Chase, offer the Citi Flex Loan and My Chase Loan to eligible cardholders. Though these loans are fast, convenient and cheaper than cash advances, personal finance experts say the loans are still costly and can lower your credit scores, making it more difficult to obtain credit with low interest rates in the future.
Before you accept this seemingly simple way to get cash, consider the risks and compare your alternatives.
» MORE: The best ways to borrow money
How a loan from a credit card works
You may see an offer for a credit card loan on your online account or the bank’s mobile app. Though you will need to select your desired loan amount and review your options, you don’t have to formally apply or undergo a credit check to receive your loan. This is because you're not applying for a new form of credit but utilizing the limit already available on your credit card.
“It’s very tempting because it’s so fast and easy, with no application,” says David Rae, a certified financial planner based in Palm Springs, California. “If you’re already in debt, it can cause that debt to snowball and become a big problem.”
The amount you can borrow depends on your available credit, monthly spending habits and creditworthiness, among other factors. The lowest amount you can borrow is usually $500.
Once you choose a loan amount and repayment term, the issuer transfers the cash to your bank account within a couple of days or may send a check.
The loans have payback terms of six months to five years, and monthly repayments are added to your card’s minimum payment due, so you only have one payment to keep track of. Payments are reported to the credit bureaus as credit card payments, not as separate loan payments.
Having different types of credit on your reports can positively affect your scores. In this case, “there’s no added benefit to your credit score, beyond just having a credit card and making a payment,” Rae says.
You can continue using your credit card, but you’ll want to track your balance and stay under the credit limit to avoid costly fees. You also won’t get cash back, miles or points with the Citi or Chase loan.
The costs and risks of a loan from a credit card
Rae advises the loans should only be considered for emergency expenses if you don’t have savings, rather than for discretionary purchases.
“If you’re trying to book a vacation or shopping for clothes, I wouldn’t recommend this product,” he says.
Credit card loans may cost less than cash advances, but they aren’t cheap.
For example, a three-year, $5,000 Citi Flex Loan at 9.99% APR would have monthly payments of $161 and total interest of about $800.
Taking out a credit card loan also increases your credit utilization rate — how much of your credit limit is used. Most financial experts recommend keeping your total utilization below 30%, and the lower the better for your score.
This loan can push you above that threshold and lower your credit score, says Bruce McClary, senior vice president of communications for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
Compare alternatives
Whenever you borrow, compare interest rates on multiple loan options and consider features that build your credit or offer flexible payment schedules.
Personal loans may offer higher loan amounts or lower rates, especially if you have excellent credit. They also show up as separate accounts on your credit reports, helping to diversify your accounts and indicate you can handle different types of credit.
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If you qualify, a 0% APR credit card is an interest-free loan, as long as you pay the balance before the introductory offer period ends. Also, you may earn cash back or travel rewards with this credit card.
If you want a small loan, you may have other options depending on where you bank. Bank of America’s Balance Assist allows customers to borrow up to $500 for a $5 flat fee. U.S. Bank's Simple Loan offers loans to customers in $100 increments, with a $6 fee per increment.
If you need to make a specific purchase, buy now, pay later payment plans are available at most major retailers. These plans divide your total into smaller installments, often with zero interest, and are available to borrowers with bad credit or no credit.
