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Pros and Cons of Personal Loans

If you’re thinking about taking out a personal loan and know that you’ll need an extended time to pay it back, or are requesting a large amount, then a long-term loan might be the best choice for you.

What is a long-term personal loan?

A long-term personal loan is usually defined as a loan that is between 5 to 7 years long. Long-term personal loans generally allow higher borrowing amounts and they may have lower interest rates than regular loans as they will take into account the extended loan period.

Long-term personal loans are usually secured loans, meaning your home or another asset is used as collateral in case you can’t continue to pay the loan. You can find long-term loans that offer either fixed or variable interest rate options. Fixed rate loans mean consistent repayment amounts, but variable loans give you the flexibility to pay back more when you are able to.

Why take out a long-term loan?

Due to the higher loan amounts, long-term personal loans are suitable for a variety of reasons including:

  • Weddings
  • A car
  • Ongoing education costs
  • Renovations to existing homes
  • Long holidays

Personal Loan Advantages and Disadvantages

Pro: They’re flexible.

A home loan can help you buy a home. A car loan gets you some new wheels. But you can use a personal loan for pretty much anything you need or want. This means it’s suitable for just about any circumstances and can come in handy for any unexpected expenses or essential purchases.

Con: It’s only a temporary fix.

Personal loans aren’t going to get you out of debt. If used wisely, they can be a good short-term solution between paydays. But you need to make sure you never borrow more than you need or more than you can afford to pay back. Otherwise, your personal loan could lead into a cycle of debt.

Pro: Approval and transfer are quick.

The cash from a personal loan can land in your account in days or even hours – great for when your bills or purchases can’t wait. With Cigno, you’ll usually enjoy same-day approval and receive your funds either that day or the next morning.

Con: Interest rates are reasonably high.

Compared to other types of loans, personal loans tend to carry a higher interest rate. Before committing, make sure you understand what rate to expect and do the maths to check that your repayments will be within your budget.

Pro: Bad credit isn’t necessarily an obstacle.

Getting a mortgage or other large loan can be difficult if you’ve got a couple of strikes against your name. Personal loans are typically more forgiving for people with blemished credit histories. Just keep in mind that poor credit can still restrict your options and might lead to a higher interest rate (depending on the lender).

Con: They need to be paid back quickly.

Personal loans are quick – and so are their repayments. You’ll have a limited window to repay the loan before additional fees come into play, so plan your finances accordingly to avoid paying extra.

Pro: No assets are needed.

Many personal loans can be unsecured, which means you don’t need to put your home or vehicle up as collateral.

Weighing Up the Pros and Cons of Personal Loans

A loan isn’t something to apply for on impulse. It’s an important financial decision you should only make after understanding the pros and cons of getting a personal loan – as well as considering available alternatives.

Compare the personal loan advantages and disadvantages listed above and think about how relevant each one is to your current situation. This will help you decide if a personal loan is the most suitable step forward for your finances.

If you’ve determined that a short-term cash loan is the appropriate solution for you, you can apply today.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that Cigno Loans’ articles do not replace advice from an accountant or financial advisor. All information provided is intended to be used as a guide only, as it does not take into account your personal financial situation or needs. If you require assistance, it is recommended that you consult a licensed financial or tax advisor.

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Cigno is a business name of FTA Data Solutions Pty Ltd ABN 95 670 814 221.

FTA Data Solutions Pty Ltd is an Authorised Credit Representative (Credit Representative No. 552387) of Finance & Loans Direct Pty Ltd Australian Credit Licence No. 390166.

Cigno is not a credit provider or a credit assistance provider. When you complete the Information Form, you are not applying for credit or any other particular goods and services. The completion of our Information Form also does not guarantee that you will be provided with credit or any other goods and services through our network.

Depending on the information you provide to us in the Information Form, we endeavour to assist you by providing your information to our intermediary partners. Where we provide your information to our intermediary partners, we may receive a fee.

If the information you provided to our intermediary partners meets their requirements, they may connect you with a credit provider, goods and/or services provider and/or specific products to meet your their needs (depending on the information your input into the Information Form).

Any application you ultimately make through a particular credit provider or goods and/or services provider is subject to that provider’s eligibility criteria and terms and conditions. The loan, credit, product or service may not be available to every person. We do not endorse or recommend any particular provider, product or service that you be connected with or offered. All statement on this website are general in nature and do not constitute financial, credit or legal advice (or any other advice).

Contact

SMS: 0429 213 774
Email: enquiries@cignoau.com.au
Post: PO Box 1810, Southport BC, QLD 4215
ABN: 95 670 814 221

FTA Data Solutions Pty Ltd.

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NOTIFICATION OF MISCONDUCT BY CIGNO AUSTRALIA

Ordered by the Federal Court of Australia

The Federal Court of Australia has found that Cigno Australia Pty Ltd (Cigno Australia) and BSF Solutions Pty Ltd (BSF Solutions) have breached the law by engaging in unlicensed credit activity and charging prohibited fees.

In the period from July 2022 to 3 October 2023, over 100,000 consumers have been lent a total of $34 million, and charged fees of over $70 million, under the ‘No Upfront Charge Loan Model’ operated by BSF Solutions and Cigno Australia. At no time has either BSF Solutions or Cigno Australia held an Australian Credit Licence.

The Court also found that Mark Swanepoel (director of Cigno Australia) and Brenton James Harrison (director of BSF Solutions) were involved in these breaches of the law.

With effect from 24 May 2024, the Court has granted permanent injunctions preventing Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions from:

  • demanding, receiving or accepting fees or charges, including amounts of loan principal, from consumers in relation to credit provided under the ‘No Upfront Charge Model’; and
  • engaging in further credit activity pursuant to the ‘No Upfront Charge Loan Model’, including by entering into new agreements with consumers, for so long as they do not hold an Australian Credit Licence.

Cigno Australia was ordered by the Court to, by 5th July 2024, send written communications to consumers who between July 2022 and December 2022 entered into agreements with Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions under the ‘No Upfront Charge Loan Model’.

The Court will later determine whether (among other things) Cigno Australia and Mark Swanepoel ought to pay a pecuniary penalty in respect of this conduct, and whether Mark Swanepoel should be restrained from carrying on a business engaging in credit activity.

Cigno Australia, BSF Solutions, Mr Swanepoel and Mr Harrison intend to appeal the decision of the Court and have filed an application for leave to appeal. If the appeal is successful, some or all of the orders of the Federal Court of Australia may be set aside.

Where can you get more information?

Where to go for further support

You can access legal advice in your state at: Free legal advice – Moneysmart.gov.au.

If you are experiencing trouble with debt, or money worries in general, contact:

  • the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or online chat (9:30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday).

If you need someone to talk to, contact:

  • Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours) or their crisis support online chat or
  • Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 (24 hours) or their webchat