Title Loans have a negative stigma and there are plenty of articles detailing the evils of title loans. These articles also recommend staying away from title loans at all costs. We recently published a brief article about title Loan myths, and will go a step further in this article to discuss why they have a negative stigma, and show that it is the particular Title Lenders, not the loan itself that has earned the negative stigma.

Truth – Title Loans are an important source of funds for many

For many of the population who do not have readily available access to credit, or a significant amount of money saved, title loans are an important source of funds when they need it most. The large majority of our customers are incredibly grateful for the funds we provide, the same day, with no credit check. They honestly don’t know what they would have done if we had not been there to help. For these people, title loans are a life saver. So, why the negative stigma?

Title Loans – Why the negative Stigma?

The answer to this is quite simple, yet a bit depressing as well. Most people looking for a title loan have no other option and are in a situation where they need cash immediately. Many times it is for an emergency, sometimes a loved ones medical or legal bill, and scrutinizing a loan agreement is the last thing on their mind. They want to solve their immediately problem, and will figure out the costs later. This is human nature. So, we have a borrower in desperate need of funds quickly, with no other option, under tremendous emotional stress. Enter the predatory lender.

The Perfect Opportunity for Predatory Lenders

A borrower in desperate need of funds quickly, with no other option, under tremendous emotional stress is the perfect opportunity for a predatory lender. This is how many title lenders built their businesses. It is also how title loans gained the negative stigma they carry today. Predatory lenders saw an opportunity to exploit emotionally and financially distraught individuals with no other option, and id so for decades with little or no repercussion. Sadly, many continue to today. Most of these customers sign loan agreements without reading and fully understanding them, and end up paying an unreasonable amount of interest and fees. This is the reason we started FT Lenders, to provide a better option for those who need title loans.

So, are Title Loans bad?

The simple answer to are title loans bad is: It depends on the loan terms. The loan terms depend on the lender, although they can vary quite a bit even within the same lender. We have seen some of the larger lenders charge a wide range of rates. This also depends on how you define a bad loan. All title loans are expensive when compared to most other loan types (except for maybe PayDay loans in some cases). So, does the fact that a loan is expensive make it bad? This depends on your specific situation, how long you will keep the loan, and what you are willing to pay for the loan. In many cases, it is not knowing what the loan costs that causes the problem.

What makes a Title Loan Bad?

To determine what constitutes a bad title loan, we will take a look at the most important factors that make up the loan costs, starting with the interest rate; followed by the fees. Transparency is often lacking from title lenders, especially their advertising. Typically we have to rely on title lenders for information about title loans, although the Federal Trade Commission has started to provide information online to educate consumers about title loans.

How much is too much?

The first factor when determining the validity of a title loan is the interest rate. The interest rate will define the amount you need to pay to borrow the principle. When combined with the fees and principal payments, this is the total loan cost. It is not unusual for some with a $2,000 title loan to end up paying $5,000 or $6,000 before all is said and done. This, in our opinion, is not a good title loan and should be avoided at all costs. As general rule of thumb, if it costs double or more for a 12 month loan in our opinion that is simply too much. In other words if it costs $4,000 or more for a $2,000 loan, that is not reasonable.

How could someone agree to such negative terms?

If you’re like us, you may be thinking how could someone agree to a $2,000 loan that costs $6,000 to repay? Well, remember, the borrower was under serious emotional stress, with and emergency financial need, when he/she took out the loan and likely did not realize what the actual costs were. Visit some of the large title lenders’ websites and try to figure out what they charge. Give them a call and ask what they charge. You’ll find it very difficult to get a straight answer.

This is why we created our Title Loan Calculator. It gives each of our customers a real time estimate with a payment schedule. Most lenders will not provide this type of information. In fact, one lender (we won’t mention their name, but you can figure it out), actually copied our calculator and put it on their website. Our 8% per month interest rate is in our source code, so when they copied it and used it they are now advertising our rate. Hint – they don’t charge 8% per month, read their reviews to find out what they really charge.

Title Loan Fees

The next factor to consider when determining whether a title loan is ok are the fees. The only fee that should be associated with a title loan, in our opinion, is the lien fee for the actual costs of the lender recording the lien on your title. This is a fee they have to pay, and it is not unreasonable for them to recoup this fee from the borrower. Lien fees vary from state to state, but are usually not significant. Loan application fees, loan origination fees, processing fees, convenience fees, and others are probably not reasonable. Make sure you get a detailed list of all fees associated with your loan and an explanation of what they are. If the fees add up to a significant amount of the loan costs, you may want to consider another lender.

Are all Title Loans bad?

Absolutely not. As mentioned, for some people they are extremely helpful when no other option is available. It is not the loan itself that is the problem, it is the lender. If you find yourself reading a loan agreement with excessive interest rate costs and fees, simply leave and choose another lender.

Good Title Loans from Good Lenders

The good news: There are lenders now charging reasonable rates, with no fees, providing alternatives to the lender who gave the entire industry a negative stigma. If you have a less expensive option than a title loan than our advice is by all means take it. If a title loan is your only option, don’t rush to your nearest lender and sign an agreement without understanding the costs.Take at least a little time to find a reputable, reasonable, lender. You will be glad you did.

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