Search
  1. Home
  2. Business Loans
  3. Short-term vs long-term loans
Published 20 January 2021

Short-Term vs Long-Term Loans

If you are considering taking out a short-term loan, make sure you check whether a longer-term loan might make more sense, or vice-versa. Here, we take a look at both these options in more detail.

When considering a personal loan, there are a huge number of options available to borrowers. You should think about the amount you need to borrow, the reasons why you need the cash and how much you can afford to repay. You should also consider the length of time over which you need to borrow and repay the money.

To explore these options, it’s good to understand how these loan terms are defined. Generally, a loan under 12 months is considered a short-term loan. This can vary between products and providers but is usually where you see these loans fitting in. Terms over 12 months is deemed to be in the standard loans category or ‘longer term’.

Let’s take a look at both short-term loans and long-term loans in more detail to help you decide which option is best for you.

What is a short-term loan?

You will usually be able to borrow a short-term personal loan for a period of up to a year. Sometimes the loan term will be much shorter than this, but a year is often the maximum term offered. There are different types of short-term loans and providers, so it pays to do some serious research into your options if you think you might want to apply for this type of loan.

When applying for a short-term loan, the lender will carry out a credit check to get an idea of your credit history. If you have a poor credit rating you might find that fewer options are available to you and that you may be facing higher interest charges than people with a better credit score. It’s a good move to obtain your free credit record before you start the application process so that you know where you stand.

» MORE: How to find out your credit score

What are short-term loans used for?

Those looking to take out a short-term loan are usually in need of quick cash to meet expenses over a short period. This might mean that your car needs repairing and you can’t afford to get it fixed, or an unexpected bill has come through the door and you need the cash to pay it.

Short-term loans can carry higher interest rates, than standard loans, as well as other charges and fees and should only be taken out if you are sure you can afford to make the agreed repayments on time.

Payday loans, which are short-term loans are intended to help people make ends meet until their next payday, have attracted a lot of bad press. This is because they are often an expensive way to borrow and can lead to people getting into large amounts of debt they cannot repay.

If you are considering a payday loan, only borrow the amount you know you can afford to repay by the agreed date. Ensure you are aware of the interest you will pay over the entire borrowing period and don’t miss repayments.

There are a number of online loan providers available, offering quick cash and fair terms. Some will offer lower interest rates than others and research is needed to ensure you are getting a fair deal.

Short term loans may not be suitable for people with lower credit profiles. Be sure to understand yours before you start apply for loans.

» MORE: Tips for improving your credit score

Pros and cons of short-term loans

Advantages to short-term loansDisadvantages to short-term loans
  • You can access cash quickly
  • There are plenty of borrowing options
  • They don’t tie you into repayments for several years
  • They charge higher interest rates than standard loans
  • They may carry fees and charges
  • There will be a limit to the amount you can borrow
  • They can lead to further debt problems if you miss repayment deadlines

What is a long-term loan?

Long-term loans are what most people consider to be a regular personal loan available from many places, including banks. As long as you have a decent credit history, have a regular income and can afford the repayments.

Long-term personal loans usually have terms of more than a year and are often repaid over several years, in the form of regular monthly payments to the lender.

Depending on your personal financial situation, you may be able to borrow up to around £50,000 through a long-term personal loan on an unsecured basis. Interest rates will vary between providers and you must carry out sufficient research to ensure you get the right deal for you.

Types of long-term loan

Pros and cons of long-term loans

Advantages to long-term loansDisadvantages to long-term loans
  • You can borrow more than short-term loans
  • Interest rates will usually be lower than for a short-term loan
  • You can choose from many providers
  • There are personal loans available to most types of credit profiles
  • You are committed to the debt for a longer period of time
  • Extending debt terms will increase the overall amount you have to repay
  • They may carry fees and charges

Short-term vs long-term: the outcome

In conclusion, there are times when a short-term loan can effectively meet a borrower’s needs. However, they can be expensive and must be treated with caution – especially the pay-day loan and doorstep loan varieties.

A long-term loan will usually offer a better deal to borrowers providing they meet the eligibility criteria and keep to the repayment schedule. Whichever loan type you decide is right for you, make sure you research your options thoroughly to enable you to make a fully informed decision.

About the Author

Jim Kersey

Jim brings together unique data insights, contextual knowledge and thought provoking themes, to shed new light on important issues affecting both UK businesses and individuals.

Read More
Dive even deeper
How a Dad Ditched his Doorstep Loan to Get Out of Debt and Start Saving

How a Dad Ditched his Doorstep Loan to Get Out of Debt and Start Saving

If you’re struggling to get a loan, you may think high-cost credit is your only option. But there are more affordable ways to borrow money, including joining a credit union, as one father-of-two found out.

Thinking of a Loan? Beware of the Fee Scam that  Could Cost You Hundreds of Pounds

Thinking of a Loan? Beware of the Fee Scam that Could Cost You Hundreds of Pounds

With more people turning to borrowing during the cost of living crisis, it’s even more important to be vigilant against loan fee fraud and other types of scams. Find out how loan fee scams work and what you can do to beat these fraudsters.

How a Credit Union Helped Make a Christmas Wish Come True

How a Credit Union Helped Make a Christmas Wish Come True

Christmas can put extra pressure on our bank accounts, but a credit union could help you to save up or get an affordable loan. Find out how a credit union is helping one young family this festive season.

Back To Top