June 17, 2025

Unsecured vs. Secured Personal Loans: Which is Best for You?

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Unsecured vs. Secured Personal Loans Which is Best for You

If you have ever thought of taking a personal loan in your life, whether it’s for a wedding, education, travel, or even a sudden emergency—one question you’ve probably come across is:  

Should I take a secured or unsecured personal loan?  

There are more than one answer to it because it’s defined with a lot of factors. It depends on your situation, how quickly you need the money, and what you’re comfortable putting at stake.  

Let’s break it down in simple terms, without all the financial jargon, so you can choose the best type of loan for your needs.  

What is a Personal Loan?

A personal loan is money borrowed from a bank or lending company (like Instalment Express) that you agree to repay over time in monthly instalments (EMIs). What makes it “personal” is that you can use it for almost anything—travel, medical expenses, home repairs, weddings, even to pay off high-interest debt. 

But while you look out for applying a loan, you’ll find two types of loans, they are secured and unsecured loans.  

So, What’s the Difference?

1. Unsecured Personal Loan

This is the most common type of personal loan today. It does not require any collateral. That means a person doesn’t have to mortgage the house, pledge gold or keep something valuable with the lender and then the lender decides whether to give you the loan or not based on different factors like: 

  • Your income  
  • Employment status  
  • Credit score  
  • Existing liabilities 

Pros: 

  • No need to risk your assets 
  • Faster approval process 
  • Minimal paperwork
Cons: 
  • Interest rates may be slightly higher 
  • Stricter eligibility criteria

2. Secured Personal Loan

A secured loan, on the other hand, is backed by some kind of collateral—like property, gold, fixed deposits, or even insurance policies. 

If you fail to repay the loan, the lender has the right to claim the asset you’ve pledged.

Pros: 

  • Lower interest rates 
  • Easier approval even if your credit score is low 
  • Higher loan amounts possible 

Cons: 

  • Risk of losing your asset if you default 
  • More paperwork and longer processing time 

Example Scenarios: Which One Works for You?

Let’s say your car breaks down, and you need ₹50,000 to fix it. But your savings are tied up in an FD, and you don’t want to break it. An unsecured loan might be perfect here—fast, simple, and no collateral required.

On the other hand, suppose you’re planning a major home renovation and need ₹10 lakhs. You own property and want the lowest possible interest rate. In this case, a secured personal loan backed by your house could save you a lot in interest.

Common Reasons People Take Personal Loans

Whether secured or unsecured, these are some of the most popular reasons borrowers apply: 
  • Weddings – Indian weddings don’t come cheap! 
  • Travel – Dream vacation or emergency travel 
  • Education – Funding higher studies or tuition fees 
  • Medical Expenses – Surgery, hospitalisation, or ongoing treatment 
  • Home Renovation – Repairs, remodeling, or upgrades 
  • Debt Consolidation – Pay off high-interest credit card bills 
No matter the purpose, understanding types of personal loans helps you choose smarter. 
Common Reasons People Take Personal Loans

How to Choose Between Unsecured and Secured Loans?

Ask yourself a few simple questions: 

  1. Do you need the loan urgently? 
    Go for an unsecured loan. Faster disbursal and less paperwork. 
  2. Do you have valuable assets like gold or property? 
    If yes, and you’re okay pledging them, a secured loan could offer you better rates. 
  3. Is your credit score low? 
    It’s easier to get a secured loan approved with a low score, since the lender has a backup. 
  4. Do you need a smaller amount? 
    Unsecured loans are ideal for smaller amounts (₹20K to ₹2 Lakhs), while larger sums (above ₹5 Lakhs) might require collateral anyway. 

Quick Comparison Table

Feature 

Unsecured Loan 

Secured Loan 

Collateral Required 

No 

Yes 

Interest Rate 

Higher 

Lower 

Loan Amount Limit 

Moderate 

Higher 

Processing Time 

Fast 

Slower 

Risk 

Low risk for borrower 

High (collateral may be lost) 

Credit Score Required 

Higher 

Flexible 

How Instalment Express Makes it Easy

Whether you go for secured or unsecured—Instalment Express helps you apply and get approved faster than traditional banks. Here’s why people love us: 

  • 100% digital process 
  • Instant eligibility check 
  • Minimal documentation 
  • Fast disbursement 
  • Transparent EMIs, no hidden charges 

And yes, we have options for secured and unsecured personal loans, so you can choose what works best for you. 

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the best personal loan is the one that fits your need and your repayment ability. Don’t let interest rates or fast approval alone drive your decision. 

If you have an asset you don’t mind pledging, and you want to reduce costs, go secured. If speed, flexibility, and safety are your priority—unsecured might just be the right way. 

Still not sure? Our team at Instalment Express is always here to help you figure it out. 

Apply today, and take your next financial step with confidence. 

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