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Before diving into the context of the post (are payday loans fixed or variable rate), we must understand the differences between fixed and variable interest rates if we consider a loan.

Whether we are applying for a new mortgage, refinancing our current mortgage, or wish to apply for a personal loan and credit card, understanding the differences between fixed and variable interest rates can help save us time and money and meet our financial goals.

Payday Loans Variable or Fixed Rates

This post will state what a payday loan is, what an interest rate is, the clear difference between a fixed interest rate and a variable rate, and whether payday loans are variable or fixed rates.

What is a payday loan?

Payday loans (cash advances) are short-term, high-interest, low-balance loans. Payday loans are designed to be quick and easy to qualify for if the person (applicant) has a valid form of identification, a job, and a checking account, and the individual is 18 years and above. The eligibility requirements for this kind of loan (payday loans) are generally easy to meet.

Lenders may qualify individuals for payday loans if they meet the following requirements:

Applicants must be 18 years old and above.
Applicants must have a government-issued photo ID.
Applicants must have proof of residence.
Applicants must have proof of employment.

Payday loans are loans that are easy to get by consumers (borrowers) that have bad credit and need to borrow money. While other unsecured loans need a credit check, people can get a payday loan without good credit.

People can visit a brick-and-mortar location or apply for payday loans online. The only difference between these two is the service speed and how people provide their documentation.

Payday loans work differently from installment loans. Borrowers (receivers) have to pay the money back within two weeks. Payday loan establishments automatically roll over a late payday loan. A rollover means the individual will receive another 2 weeks to pay off their borrowed money plus the rollover fee.

What is the interest rate?

Interest rates are said to be a proportion of a charged loan or a price paid to borrow money; it can be a student loan, a credit card, or a mortgage. Interest rate is the amount a lender (the giver) charges a borrower (receiver) and is a percentage (%) of the principal (the amount loaned). Below, we will look at the two types of interest rate loans: the fixed interest rate loan and the variable interest rate loan.

Variable Interest Rate Loans

variable interest rate loan is a type in which the interest rate charged on the outstanding balance varies as the market interest rates change. The interest charged on this interest rate loan (variable interest loan) is linked to an underlying index or benchmark, such as the federal funds rate.

As a result, the payments will also vary (as long as the payments are blended with the interest and principal). People can find variable interest rates in personal loans, derivatives, mortgages, credit cards, and corporate bonds.

Pros of variable interest rate loans

Loan repayments reduce when the interest rates fall.
Loans typically get upfront perks like low introductory rates for an initial loan period.
The interest rate for a variable loan is lower than a fixed loan, most especially when the loan is incurred.

Cons of variable interest rate loans

Loan repayments tend to increase when interest rates rise.
Loans become more expensive than fixed-rate loans if the interest rates rise quickly.
Borrowers (receivers) face a bigger risk if overcapitalized or already at repayment capacity.
Borrowers (receivers) might be unable to forecast or plan the future cash flow due to changing rates.

Fixed Interest Rate Loans

A fixed interest rate loan is a type of loan in which the interest (rate) charged on the loan is fixed for that loan’sloan’s entire term, no matter if the market interest rates increase or decrease. This action results in people’speople’s payments being the same over the entire loan term. Whether a fixed-rate loan is a good choice for people largely depends on the interest rate environment when the loan is taken and on the loan’s duration (repayment term).

When a loan is said to be fixed for its entire term, the interest rate remains at the then-prevailing market interest rate, minus or plus a spread that is unique to the borrower (receiver). If interest rates are relatively low, but are about to rise, then it will be better for people to lock in their loans at that fixed rate.

Depending on the terms of the borrower’sborrower’s agreement, their interest rate on the new loan will stay the same, even if interest rates reduce or climb to higher levels. On the other hand, if interest rates are declining (falling), then it would be better for people to have a variable-rate loan. As the interest rates fall, so will the interest rate on their loan.

Pros of fixed-rate loans

Borrowers (receivers) know exactly what their monthly interest rate payment will be regardless of market rate changes.
Fixed rates do not increase during periods of rising interest rates.
Borrowers (receivers) can self-select their time frames for different loans ranging from 6-month to 12-year non-mortgage loans.

Cons of fixed-rate loans

Loans are not flexible under fixed-rate agreement terms.
Fixed rates do not reduce during periods of declining interest rates.
Fixed-term fees incur additional fees should the borrower (receiver) want to change terms or exit the loan early.
Fixed rate loans are more expensive over their life than variable rates.

How to know if a loan is fixed or variable?

A fixed-rate loan is a loan rate with the same interest rate for the entirety of the borrowing period (throughout the borrowing period). In contrast, variable-rate loans are loan rates with an interest rate that changes over time depending on the market interest rate.

Borrowers (receivers) who prefer predictable payments generally prefer fixed-rate loans over variable-interest loan rates, which won’twon’t change in cost.

What type of loan is a payday loan?

Payday loans are said to be short-term cash loans based on electronic access to the borrower’sborrower’s (receiver’s) bank account or the borrower’sborrower’s (receiver’s) personal check held for a future deposit. Borrowers (loan receivers) write a personal check for the amount they borrowed and the finance charge and receive cash.

Payday loans are fixed-rate loans; the interest rate stays the same for the entire term of the loan, 20 days or one month. The longer the loan, the lower the monthly payments because the interest rate will be less than what it would have been on a short-term loan.

What types of loans are variable rates?

People can find variable interest rates in personal loans, derivatives, mortgages, credit cards, and corporate bonds.

Is a payday loan revolving or installment?

Payday loans are neither revolving lines of credit nor installment loans. Payday loans are short-term cash loans. The loan has extremely high-interest rates, and the lenders usually target borrowers with bad credit. The loan usually requires payment authorization from a checking account, and the loan is expected to be repaid in full from the borrower’s (receiver) next paycheck, usually within 2 weeks.

Conclusion

Payday loans are loans designed to cover short-term expenses, which can be taken without collateral or a bank account. Payday loans charge high-interest rates and very high fees.

FAQS

What is a payday loan?

A payday loan is a short-term, high-interest, low-balance loan designed to be quick and easy to qualify for if the applicant has a valid form of identification, a job, and a checking account, and is 18 years or older. Payday loans are typically repaid within two weeks or by the borrower’s next paycheck.

What is the interest rate?

The interest rate is the amount a lender charges a borrower for loaning money. It is expressed as a percentage of the principal (the loaned amount).

What is a variable interest rate loan?

A variable interest rate loan is a type of loan in which the interest rate charged on the outstanding balance varies as market interest rates change. The interest rate is linked to an underlying index or benchmark, such as the federal funds rate.

What is a fixed interest rate loan?

A fixed interest rate loan is a type of loan in which the interest rate charged on the loan remains constant for the entire term of the loan, regardless of whether market interest rates increase or decrease.