Title Loans in Preston, Minnesota – A Guide to Understanding Your Options
Are you short on cash and considering a title loan in Preston, Minnesota? You’re not alone. Title loans are a popular way to get quick cash when you need it. Here’s what you need to know about title loans so that you can make an informed decision.
What Are Title Loans?
A title loan is a type of secured loan that uses your car title as collateral. When you take out a title loan, you agree to give the lender temporary ownership of your car in exchange for a loan amount. Once you pay back the loan, the lender returns ownership of your car to you. If you default on the loan, the lender can repossess your car to recoup the money they lent you.
How Do Title Loans Work in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, title loans are legal but are regulated to protect borrowers from predatory lending practices. Unlike in some other states, Minnesota has no maximum loan amount or interest rate for title loans, but lenders are required to:
- Limit the loan amount to 1/3 of the car’s value
- Limit loan terms to 30 days
- Allow borrowers to renew their loans up to six times if they pay at least 10% of the principal each time
- Provide a written agreement with disclosures of the loan terms, fees, and interest rates
The lender can charge a fee for processing and filing the lien and a monthly interest rate of no more than 2.5%. For example, if you borrow $2,000, you may have to pay a $10 fee for processing the loan and a $50 interest charge each month. If you renew the loan six times, you’ll have paid a total of $360 in interest and fees in addition to repaying the $2,000 loan principal.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Title Loans?
Before you take out a title loan, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
Pros:
- Easy to get approved for even with bad credit
- Quick access to cash
- You don’t have to give up possession of your car
Cons:
- High-interest rates and fees
- You risk losing your car if you can’t repay the loan
- Risk of falling into a cycle of debt if you borrow more than you can afford to pay back
What Are the Alternatives to Title Loans in Minnesota?
If you’re hesitant about taking out a title loan, there are other options to consider:
- Personal loans from a bank or credit union
- Credit card cash advances
- Payday loans
These alternatives may offer lower interest rates, longer repayment terms, and more consumer protections than title loans, so they may be a better choice depending on your financial situation.
Interesting Facts and Statistics about Title Loans in Preston, Minnesota
- In Minnesota, title loan companies have received criticism for targeting low-income individuals and charging high-interest rates on loans.
- The average APR for title loans in Minnesota is 277%, according to the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office.
- Between 2014 and 2018, the number of state-licensed payday and title loan locations in Minnesota increased by 22%, according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Apply Now for a Title Loan in Preston, Minnesota
If you’ve decided that a title loan is the best option for you, TheGuaranteedLoans can help you find a lender in Preston, Minnesota. Fill out our quick online application to get started.
Remember that TheGuaranteedLoans is a connector service, not a direct lender, and we will facilitate your connection with potential lenders who can provide you with the title loan you need.