Personal loan rates still increasing

According to a recent report rates on personal loans are still increasing, even though the base interest rate in the UK has plummeted to just 0.5 percent over recent months. The base rate is now at its lowest level in the history of the Bank of England, but personal loans rates have been continuing to rise, resulting in greater borrowing costs for consumers that need to take out finance.

Recent date was released that showed even those with a decent credit rating were often being charted over 12 percent on overage on their personal loans in terms of interest rates. However, when the base rate stood at ten times its current level back in October the average rate of interest charged on a personal loan was just over 10 percent for the same consumer group.

One industry official said: ‘Lenders are under more funding pressures now and they are reluctant to lend to all but those with top credit scores.’ He added: ‘The imminent loss of payment protection insurance sales will also hit lenders’ profits so they are looking to stretch their margins.’

Another went on to state: ‘This may all sound very negative, but there is no need to panic. Loan rates in general are not increasing as much as credit card rates and, unlike these variable rates, your loan rate will not rise as it is fixed for the length of your agreement. Other great deals on, for example, a £5,000 loan over three years include Sainsbury’s Finance (8.8%), Tesco Personal Finance (8.9%), Alliance & Leicester (8.9%) and Lombard Direct (9.4%), to name a few. You’re going to need an excellent credit file to get them – no missed credit card payments over the past six months – but they are nonetheless there for the taking.’