Short-term vs. long-term personal loans: Which is right for you?

When you need to borrow some cash, a personal loan could be a convenient option. You find a lender, apply, and if you’re approved, you could have the money as soon as one business day.

Personal loans come in all shapes and sizes. Lenders usually give you a range of term options, and this is one of the most important decisions you’ll make about your loan. 

Short-term and long-term personal loans each have their perks, and neither is better or worse than the other. It’s more about whether a shorter or longer loan is better for your situation.

How to compare short-term vs. long-term personal loans

To compare short-term and long-term personal loans, look at each loan’s monthly payment for the amount you want to borrow. The length of the loan is one of the biggest factors that determines your monthly payment.

You’ll generally have a smaller monthly payment with a longer-term loan. You don’t need to pay as much per month, because the loan has a longer payoff period. Going for a long-term loan is one way to make sure that the monthly payment fits into your budget. You may also have more financial flexibility this way, since you haven’t committed to an expensive monthly payment. That flexibility could be helpful if your other expenses or your income are unpredictable.

The downside is that you pay more interest—and thus more money overall—with longer loans. Lenders typically charge monthly interest on personal loans. 

For example, if you’re deciding between a three-year and a five-year loan, the longer one will have an additional 24 months of interest. You may end up paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars more over that time.

It’s smart to get a personal loan that fits your needs. That means one where you can afford the monthly payments, but where you aren’t paying more interest fees than necessary.

What’s the difference between short-term and long-term personal loans?

Short-term loans last one to three years with higher payments but lower total interest. Long-term loans stretch out over five to seven years or more, offering smaller payments but higher overall costs.

Comparison Table

What is considered a short-term personal loan?

Loans that last between one and three years are generally considered short-term personal loans. There isn’t a strict definition, but a loan term of one to three years tends to be on the lower end of what most lenders offer.

How long is a long-term loan?

A long-term loan typically lasts five to seven years or more. With many lenders, the maximum personal loan term is either five or seven years, so this is often (but not always) the longest option available.

When a short-term loan could be a good choice

A short-term loan may be the better way to go if:

• You don’t need a large amount of money. If you’re borrowing for emergency expenses, debt consolidation for a few smaller accounts, or anything up to about $10,000, you might not need to stretch out your loan for too long.

• You can afford a higher monthly payment. If your budget isn’t too tight, you could opt for a short-term loan so you’re out of debt sooner.

• You want to keep your loan costs down. A shorter loan could help you reduce interest charges.

When a long-term personal loan could be a good choice

A long-term personal loan might be the right fit if:

• You’re on a limited budget. You don’t want to have trouble making the payments on your loan. A longer loan could work better if you need a small monthly payment.

• You’re taking out a sizable loan. Let’s say you need a personal loan for $25,000 in debt consolidation (learn how debt consolidation works if you want to know more) or a $40,000 home improvement project. A long-term loan might be the only way to afford the payments.

• Your income is irregular. Maybe you’re a freelancer who could earn anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 in a month. You might want to stick to a smaller monthly payment that you’re confident you can handle even during slow months.

Is it better to get a short-term or long-term loan?

The answer depends on your budget and goals. Short-term loans fit smaller amounts and quick payoff. Long-term loans may offer more flexibility and lower monthly payments.

Do longer loans cost more in interest?

Yes, longer loans generally cost more in interest. You pay interest charges on your loan based on your remaining balance every month, so the longer you have the loan, the more interest you pay total. Many lenders also charge higher personal loan interest rates on long-term loans, because they consider these loans riskier.

Quick checklist to help you decide between a long-term loan and a short-term loan

Here’s a checklist to figure out the right length of personal loan:

• Decide on the amount you’re going to borrow.

• Go over your budget and calculate how much of a monthly loan payment you can afford. If you don’t have a budget yet, you can make one in this free budgeting app.

• Compare short-term and long-term loan options. Look at monthly payments, interest rates, and total loan costs.

• Discard any loans with monthly payments that are too expensive.

• Choose a loan with a monthly payment and total cost that work for you.

Ready to find out what fits your budget? Talk to a loan consultant today to learn about your personal loan options.