【Daily Knowledge】The difference between auto loans and general personal loans

1. Definition

Car Loans

  • Definition : A loan specifically for the purchase of a car. The car itself serves as collateral.
  • Usage restrictions : can only be used for car purchases and cannot be used for other consumption.

General Personal Loan (Personal Loan)

  • Definition : A loan that is not earmarked for any purpose, usually without security or collateral (i.e., an unsecured loan).
  • Usage restrictions : Can be flexibly used for any legal purpose, such as consumption, decoration, travel, urgent need for cash, etc.

2. Collateral

Car Loans

  • Secured : The car itself is used as collateral. If repayments are not made, the bank can repossess the car.

General personal loan

  • Unsecured : Usually no property is required for collateral. Only personal credit approval is required.

3. Loan interest rate

Car Loans

  • Lower interest rates : Since there is collateral, the risk is lower and the interest rates are usually lower than private loans.

General personal loan

  • Higher interest rates : These are unsecured loans with higher risks and usually higher interest rates.

4. Loan amount

Car Loans

  • According to the car price : Usually the maximum loan amount is 70% to 100% of the car price (depending on the bank's policy).

General personal loan

  • Based on personal financial situation : The loan amount is usually calculated based on income and credit score, and there is a maximum limit.

5. Repayment period

Car Loans

  • Longer : The installment repayment period is generally 2 to 7 years.

General personal loan

  • Shorter : The repayment period is usually 1 to 5 years.

6. Application Procedures

Car Loans

  • You need to submit a car purchase contract and vehicle information , and the procedures are relatively complicated.

General personal loan

  • Only proof of identity and income is required , and the procedure is relatively simple and quick.

7. Impact

Car Loans

  • If you default : the vehicle will be repossessed by the bank, but it will have an impact on your credit.

General personal loan

  • If you default , your credit score will be greatly affected, and in serious cases, you may be subject to legal action.

Summary table

project Car Loans General personal loan
use Only car purchase Any legal purpose
Collateral car No collateral required
interest rate Lower Higher
Loan Amount According to car price Based on income, credit
Repayment Period 2-7 years 1 to 5 years
Application Procedure More complex Simpler
Consequences of Breach of Contract Vehicle repossessed Credit damage, legal recovery
Back to blog