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What is the difference between a loan and an installment plan?

A loan and an installment plan are two different types of financial arrangements. With a loan, the borrower receives a lump sum upfront from the lender and returns it with interest in monthly payments. An installment plan, on the other hand, involves regularly scheduled payments for purchases of costly goods or services, where the buyer pays out the full cost over time. A loan usually has a more flexible repayment structure, while an installment plan tends to provide more structured pricing. Additionally, loan payments often allow for some tax relief, whereas installment payments are typically subject to taxes. Ultimately, both loans and installment plans are viable options for covering large expenses while managing a budget.

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Due to the low standard of living, Russians are increasingly making large purchases on credit. Not seeing the differences, citizens draw up a loan or by installments. For consumers, it is only important that in the end the product or service is provided instantly. But these are different financial operations: if you have the opportunity to choose, consider a solution and weigh the pros and cons.

What is installment and credit

What is the difference

These financial services are fundamentally different. A loan is a loan that a bank provides for an agreed period at interest for the purchase of a thing. That is, the financial institution fully pays for the purchase, and the borrower then returns the amount, taking into account the interest rate under the contract.

Installment – a type of purchase when the seller allows you to pay the cost of the goods in equal installments at certain intervals without overpayment.

An agreement is concluded between interested parties, the subject of which is only a product or service.

The main differences from installment loans

5 rules for saving by installments

When concluding an agreement, the document stipulates the terms of the transaction. The main thing that distinguishes a loan from an installment plan is paying interest to a bank for using a loan.

When lending is often not provided for the payment of the down payment, and the loan itself is provided for a longer period.

Interest accrual

Overpayment on credit

If a bank signs a contract when buying a car or household appliances, this is considered a consumer loan. A prerequisite for such an agreement is interest accrual..

Often stores offer customers “installments at 0%” through the bank. This is a loan, but skillfully disguised. In this case, the seller pays interest: a discount is assigned to the goods, which will become the bank’s fee. For the buyer, the cost does not change.

A real installment plan is provided from the store without the participation of the bank, and goods are sold without overpayments, commissions and interest.

Terms of registration

Conditions for obtaining a loan

Upon signing an agreement with the store, the right to own goods passes to the consumer only after final settlement with the seller. The main installment conditions: making the initial payment, consent for a short period for repayment of the debt (up to a year).

Making a loan is more difficult. Banks are more picky about potential customers: the borrower must be a citizen of Russia not younger than 21 years old and not older than 60. Income and seniority at the last place of work are taken into account (at least 6 months).

A loan will be refused if the applicant already has several outstanding debts.

List of documents

General Passport

Currently, to receive goods on credit, you only need a passport of a Russian citizen with a residence permit.

Documents that the bank will additionally require if the loan amount is large:

  • certificate 2-PIT (on income);
  • copy of work book.

Delivery Goals

When applying for a loan or installment plan, a citizen wishes to purchase a product or service without having the amount necessary to pay for the purchase. For a bank, providing a loan is a way of income.

The store uses deferred payment for promotional purposes to attract more customers..

Maturity

How installments work

The seller gives installments to the consumer for a short period: usually up to 12 months. The loan repayment period is longer. Banks determine it depending on the amount provided and the solvency of the borrower: more often it is 3-5 years, sometimes more.

Prepayment Availability

Another important difference between installments and credit is the need to make a down payment. This is a significant amount – 25-50% of the cost of goods or services. So the seller is trying to protect their own financial interests. To purchase an item without prepayment, take a loan at the bank.

Mortgaged property

Lending terms

When you need a large loan, you will have to provide the bank with a guarantee of repayment of credit funds. It will be the guarantee of real estate or a car. If the borrower does not pay the debt, the property will be transferred to the ownership of the financial institution..

But the goods bought on credit funds immediately become the property of the client, and the thing purchased in installments is considered a pledge until the last payment.

Credit history

All premature repayments, arrears and loan arrears are checked by the bank. Prior to providing a loan to a client, a financial institution will necessarily analyze its credit history. Problems with her will become a reason for refusing to issue money. The store is not interested in the client’s previous debt obligations, therefore it is easier to get installments.

What is more profitable – installments or credit

Financial transaction pros Minuses
Installment plan
  • easy design;
  • lack of interest;
  • the possibility of impunity early repayment
  • the seller has the right to request a return of the goods if the debt is not paid on time;
  • initial payment;
  • short term return
Credit
  • long term of the contract;
  • the opportunity to receive a large amount;
  • no down payment
  • interest rate;
  • collection of documents;
  • failure due to poor credit history;
  • late penalties;
  • early repayment fee
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Comments: 3
  1. Hadley

    The main difference between a loan and an installment plan lies in their payment structure. With a loan, you borrow a specific amount of money which is then repaid over a fixed period of time, generally in monthly installments. On the other hand, an installment plan is a way to pay for a product or service in which the total cost is divided into equal payments over a predetermined period, without the need for borrowing money. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, and it depends on the individual’s needs and financial situation.

    Reply
  2. Tatum

    What are the key distinctions between a loan and an installment plan? Is one option more suitable for specific financial goals or circumstances? Can both be used for large purchases or do they serve different purposes entirely?

    Reply
  3. Noah Price

    Can you please explain the distinction between a loan and an installment plan? I’m curious to understand the key differences and how they affect repayment terms, interest rates, and overall financial commitments.

    Reply
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