Personal Loan Guarantor - Know Before Becoming A Guarantor for A Loan

Don’t let your emotions get the best of youTo be honest, the reason why most people opt for Personal Loans , more than any other source of financing, is because they are unsecured loans. Meaning, unlike other loans, personal loans do not require you to put up a collateral.However, some banks and other financial assistance institutions might ask you for a guarantor before accepting your loan application.
So, if you’re planning on becoming a guarantor its better you read this article before letting your emotions get the best of you.

When a person applies for a Personal Loan, many banks ask for a guarantor. He/she is not only a witness or someone who proves the authenticity of the borrower, but is also someone who guarantees that the borrower will repay the loan.
And in case the borrower doesn’t, the guarantor becomes liable to cover up for the defaults.

Asking for a guarantor is the bank’s way of ensuring that the money they have lent is safe and secure, and will be duly repaid.

• The borrower’s credit health does not meet requirements
• Unstable employment with frequent transfers to different cities
• Job stability is a concern
• Unstable income which brings a big cloud of doubt when it comes to repayments
• Poor academic background

Additionally, there might be other reasons as well. For example, the requirement of a guarantor may be a part of the lending party’s rules and regulations.PS: Not everybody can become a guarantor for a Personal Loan. There are almost always certain norms specified by financial institutions which a guarantor must meet.

It is quite understandable that you would want to help out a friend or a family member in their time of need. But, it is also equally important to understand the repercussions of the worst case scenario i.e them not being able to repay back the Personal Loan they have taken.When you sign up as a Guarantor to their Personal Loan, you become liable for the loan as the principal borrower. Which is basically you giving consent to the bank that you’ll be financially backing the borrower in case they default .What follows next are a series of events that don’t look well for the Guarantor-

• Banks usually send a notice to the guarantor to take up the responsibility of clearing the loan. In case the guarantor fails to take up the responsibility, the bank will treat him/her as a ‘wilful defaulter’.
• This in turn reflects poorly on the credit rating of the Guarantor which then hampers his or her ability to get a loan easily in the future.

The decision to become a Guarantor is yours, and yours only. But, it is pertinent that you be aware of all that is involved in doing so. The Pros and the Cons.

The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.