If you find yourself in a bind and need cash now, then a title loan might be for you. Title loans are what they sound like – if you have a car worth more than the loan amount, then you can use that as collateral. Loan amounts vary but usually range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the car’s worth. Although not always checked, your credit history will affect how much money you are entitled to receive and the repayment terms.
With title loans, the loans are typically short-term (one to two months), but interest rates can vary from 15% to 30%, depending on your state’s laws. The borrower can choose between paying back the loan all at once and paying it off over time in installments. Fees for title loans include a processing fee and fees for late payment or non-payment.
You must be 18 years old to apply for a title loan. Authorized signers include the car’s owner and any co-owners. Title loans are available anywhere in the continental U.S., but you must be able to show proof of your car’s value, such as a title and insurance information, to get approved for a loan. Title loans are more expensive than most bank loans, but they can be helpful if you find yourself in a bind and need cash fast.
Does Massachusetts do title loans?
Yes, Massachusetts does title loans, but not all lenders will approve them. If you have a car, you have the option to use it as collateral to get a loan. Title loans are typically between $1,000 and $5,000. The lender will put down your car’s value as collateral for the loan amount you need.
If your credit score is low and other lenders have denied your application for personal loans or credit cards, title loans might be worth looking into. Suppose you don’t make payments on time or decide to stop paying off the loan entirely after taking out one. In that case, the lender can take legal action on behalf of their company and repossess your car if they want to continue charging interest on the loan.
To qualify for a title loan, you must be the owner or co-owner of the car. You can apply for a title loan if your credit score is low or average, and there are usually no checks to see if you have any prior bankruptcies or other debts. If approved for a title loan, you will only pay interest on the amount borrowed until the loan is paid in full.
Due to high-interest rates, title loans are expensive. Roughly half of all borrowers who take out a title loan end up defaulting on their payments. To avoid going into default, it’s best only to take out a title loan if you have to.
Consider applying for title loans if you have a car and need some extra cash. The lender will check the worth of your car and decide how much money you can borrow. Title loans are typically due in full within a few weeks to one or two months after getting the loan, but interest rates can be high.
Most lenders don’t perform any credit checks on applicants, so you still might qualify to get a title loan even if your score is poor. If you are approved for a title loan and make all your payments on time, there is no way the lender can take your car away from you as long as it’s being used as collateral for the loan.
Can you get a title loan in Massachusetts?
Title loans are not the same as payday loans. Title lenders can charge high-interest rates, but they cannot force you to pay more money than you borrowed. Lenders can take your car if you stop making payments, but the lender is not responsible for repossessing the vehicle if you default on your payments, so there is no way a borrower can lose their car through non-payment of a title loan.
If borrowers end up losing their cars because of non-payment, laws help prevent that from happening. To apply for a title loan, visit a local lender or check with one of the title loan companies shown in the table below. Some lenders will also accept applications through the mail or over the phone.
Why Should You Get a Massachusetts Car Title Loan?
If you have a car, you are eligible to apply for a Massachusetts title loan. There are several reasons why you should consider getting one:
Interest rates. Title loans in Massachusetts can have interest rates as high as 30%, but you can compare different lenders’ rates before getting approved to see who offers the best deals.
Moral support. Title loan companies know that people borrow money when they are desperate, so they are helping their customers out by making sure the process is straightforward and the payback plan is easy to follow.
Bad credit. Title loan companies will not check your credit rating, so title loans may be the only option if you need money but can’t qualify for a personal loan or credit card.
Low fees. Many payday lenders in Massachusetts charge high fees for their loans, including late payments, ballooning interest rates, and other fees. Title loans are much less expensive than payday lending because they only charge you interest on the amount borrowed.
Payment schedule. Title loan companies understand that it’s in your best interest to repay your debt as soon as possible. They will usually tell you how much money you need to pay back and give you all the necessary information about their company and their policies on collecting past due amounts.
Can I get a title loan online in Massachusetts?
You can apply online if you want a title loan but don’t have the time or energy to visit a nearby lender. Although online lenders are not as common in Massachusetts, they are still easier to find and offer more options than your local bank or credit union.
Some websites dedicated to title loans will also accept applications via mail, phone, or fax. You should contact the lender directly with questions about their services and fees. Even though you can apply for a title loan online, you must visit the lender’s office and sign the agreement with a notary present.
How much will my title loan cost?
Title loans typically cost more than most other types of personal loans. For example, interest rates range from 15% to 30%, so a $1,000 loan will cost $150 to $300 in interest. The lender can also charge a processing fee for the application, any payments you pay on the loan, and fees for late or non-payment of your loan.
The interest rate is not always uniform and can change depending on various factors. Massachusetts does not have laws governing how much interest lenders can charge for title loans, so lenders may be able to raise the rate of their title loans during certain months or years. By law, all title loan lenders in Massachusetts must give you a copy of the lender’s full fees and costs schedule before signing an agreement.
What are the benefits of a Title Loan?
Title loans are generally very cost-effective when used as a short-term borrowing option. Some of the benefits of using a title loan include:
It can help you avoid the high fees in payday lending or other loans from financial institutions.
It can be an affordable alternative for customers with low credit scores or poor credit histories. It is because you do not need to apply for costly loans from financial institutions and because title loan companies have no origination fees or annual fees.
The loan offers you a way out of debt at a time when you may be about to lose your job or have financial problems.
Many title loan companies are available for those with bad credit, but not all of them will offer the same terms. You should compare all of the lenders willing to give you the best deals to find the one most suitable for your needs.
How do I get a title loan in Massachusetts?
There are three easy steps to getting approved for a Massachusetts title loan:
Step 1: Visit your local title lender or check their website to learn more about their company and its operations. When you apply, make sure you have all your paperwork ready. If you can spread the paperwork over two visits, that’s ideal as it will help your trip go more quickly and smoothly.
Step 2: Once approved for your title loan, make all your payments on time.
Step 3: After you have made your final payment and no more money is taken out of your paycheck, the lender will release your car’s title back to you. Depending on how quickly you pay off your loan, this can take anywhere from one month to a year.
Requirements for Applying for a Massachusetts Title Loan
If you own a car worth more than the loan amount, you can apply for a title loan by filling out an application. There are some minimum credit requirements for getting a title loan in Massachusetts:
- Own a car that is worth more than the amount of the title loan.
- Have a valid driver’s license.
- Have proof of your vehicle registration and insurance information.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a full-time, legal job.
- Have no open bankruptcy forms.
- Have a minimum credit score of 650.
- Maintain regular and consistent income.
When deciding how much to borrow, consider your current financial situation and how much you can afford to repay each month. You should not borrow more than you can afford to avoid financial difficulties.