The difference between secured loan and unsecured loan is one of the most important concepts borrowers should understand before taking credit. One major area where this difference becomes visible is interest rates. Lenders price loans based on risk, and whether collateral is provided directly affects the borrowing cost.
Understanding how interest rates differ between secured and unsecured loans helps borrowers choose the most suitable option based on affordability and repayment capacity.
What is a secured loan?
A secured loan is a loan backed by collateral. The borrower pledges an asset such as a fixed deposit, property, gold, shares, or mutual funds as security. If repayment is not made, the lender has the right to recover dues by enforcing the collateral.
Because of the lender risk being lower, secured loans generally come with lower interest rates.
What is an unsecured loan?
An unsecured loan does not require any collateral. Borrowers receive funds based on credit score, income stability, and repayment history. Personal loans, credit cards, and most consumer loans fall into this category.
Since the lender has no asset security, unsecured loans are considered higher risk and carry higher interest rates.
Why interest rates are lower in secured loans
The main reason interest rates are lower is collateral protection. The lender can recover losses through the pledged asset, so default risk is reduced.
Secured loans also often involve higher loan amounts and longer tenures, supported by the value of collateral. Examples include home loans or loans against fixed deposits, which typically attract competitive rates.
Why unsecured loan interest rates are higher
Unsecured loan pricing reflects higher risk. Since there is no collateral, lenders depend entirely on borrower repayment behaviour. Interest rates increase to compensate for possible defaults.
Unsecured loans also have shorter approval cycles and fewer usage restrictions, which adds to cost.
Key borrower considerations
Borrowers evaluating the difference between secured loan and unsecured loan should consider not only interest rates, but also collateral risk, repayment flexibility, and loan purpose. Secured loans are cost-effective but involve asset pledge, while unsecured loans offer faster access without collateral but at higher cost.
Conclusion
Interest rates differ because secured loans are backed by collateral and carry lower lender risk, while unsecured loans depend only on borrower creditworthiness and are priced higher. Understanding the difference between secured loan and unsecured loan helps borrowers make informed borrowing choices.