Debt

What is the difference between “secured” and “unsecured” credit?

Close save Added to My Priorities

When it comes to getting credit, you may hear about it being “secured” or “unsecured.” See examples of the two types of credit, learn how collateral fits in, and get to know the pros and cons of each.

Close Disclaimer

The material provided on this website is for informational use only and is not intended for financial, tax or investment advice. Bank of America and/or its affiliates, and Khan Academy, assume no liability for any loss or damage resulting from one’s reliance on the material provided. Please also note that such material is not updated regularly and that some of the information may not therefore be current. Consult with your own financial professional and tax advisor when making decisions regarding your financial situation.

Close Transcript

What’s the difference between secured and unsecured credit?

Secured credit generally refers to credit that requires you to pledge something of value in order to secure the loan.

In banking terms, this is called collateral.

Having secured the debt, your creditors may have the right to take possession of the collateral if you don’t pay back the loan.

For example, most standard types of mortgages and auto loans are considered secured credit, because the loan holder can take possession of your house or car if you don’t pay as agreed.

On the other hand, an unsecured loan or line of credit doesn’t require any collateral. Instead, it’s based entirely on your good credit history.

Most credit cards fall into this category, as does an unsecured line of credit, which is sometimes referred to as a personal loan, or in more official terms, a ULOC.

That stands for, you guessed it, an unsecured line of credit. Because a secured loan, like a mortgage or an auto loan, involves less risk for the lender, it’s got advantages; you can usually get a lower rate.

[Visual of a chart comparing interest rates showing a lower secured interest rate block and a higher unsecured interest rate block.]

The downside is, of course, you could lose the collateral if you don’t pay. With unsecured lines of credit, like a credit card, you don’t have to put your property at risk.

The key downside is that unless your credit score is excellent, your interest rate will likely be higher.

[Visual of a flag pole with two flags- showing that when the credit score flag is high the interest rate flag is low.]

End card:

Better Money Habits
Powered by Bank of America

The material provided on this video is for informational use only and is not intended for financial or investment advice. Bank of America Corporation and/or its affiliates assume no liability for any loss or damages resulting from one’s reliance on the material provided. Please also note that such material is not updated regularly and that some of the information may not therefore be current. Consult with your own financial professional when making decisions regarding your financial or investment management. © 2018 Bank of America Corporation.

What’s the difference between secured and unsecured credit?

Secured credit generally refers to credit that requires you to pledge something of value in order to secure the loan.

In banking terms, this is called collateral.

Having secured the debt, your creditors may have the right to take possession of the collateral if you don’t pay back the loan.

For example, most standard types of mortgages and auto loans are considered secured credit, because the loan holder can take possession of your house or car if you don’t pay as agreed.

On the other hand, an unsecured loan or line of credit doesn’t require any collateral. Instead, it’s based entirely on your good credit history.

Most credit cards fall into this category, as does an unsecured line of credit, which is sometimes referred to as a personal loan, or in more official terms, a ULOC.

That stands for, you guessed it, an unsecured line of credit. Because a secured loan, like a mortgage or an auto loan, involves less risk for the lender, it’s got advantages; you can usually get a lower rate.

[Visual of a chart comparing interest rates showing a lower secured interest rate block and a higher unsecured interest rate block.]

The downside is, of course, you could lose the collateral if you don’t pay. With unsecured lines of credit, like a credit card, you don’t have to put your property at risk.

The key downside is that unless your credit score is excellent, your interest rate will likely be higher.

[Visual of a flag pole with two flags- showing that when the credit score flag is high the interest rate flag is low.]

End card:

Better Money Habits
Powered by Bank of America

The material provided on this video is for informational use only and is not intended for financial or investment advice. Bank of America Corporation and/or its affiliates assume no liability for any loss or damages resulting from one’s reliance on the material provided. Please also note that such material is not updated regularly and that some of the information may not therefore be current. Consult with your own financial professional when making decisions regarding your financial or investment management. © 2018 Bank of America Corporation.

Up Next

Contact Us