What happens when you take out a loan but don’t use it? (2024)

FAQs

What happens when you take out a loan but don’t use it? ›

If you fail to live up to your end of the agreement, it will be reported to the credit bureau and your credit score is likely to take a nosedive. The problem with allowing your credit score to be damaged is that it can take years to rebuild your credit history.

Being accepted does not mean that you have to accept the money. Instead, it simply means the lender has accepted your application and is willing to loan you the funds you applied for in the form of a loan. Fortunately, choosing not to accept a loan that you are approved for does not yield any consequences on your end.

If you accept a loan and realize that you don't need it, the good news is you can cancel the loan, or a portion of it, within 120 days of disbursem*nt. By canceling the loan, you'll return the money you received, and you won't owe any interest or be charged any fees.

The lender can initiate legal proceedings against the borrower, which may lead to a civil lawsuit or criminal case. If the lender files a civil lawsuit against the borrower, the court may order the borrower to pay the loan amount along with interest and penalties.

Depending on loan type and your lender, you may be able to return the excess amount — or cancel the loan entirely — without having to pay interest or fees on that amount. However, how lenders handle interest on returned loans depends on how quickly you return the funds and notify the lender.

If you decide that you don't want or need a loan once you have received the funds, you have two options: Take the financial hit and repay the loan, along with origination fees and prepayment penalty. Use the money for another purpose, but faithfully make each monthly payment until the loan is paid in full.

After Your Loan Is Disbursed

You have the right to turn down a loan or to request a lower loan amount. If you accept less than the full amount of the loan you're offered, you can increase the amount (up to the offered amount) later on.

In addition, because pre-approval includes submitting a loan application and securing financing, it can accelerate the closing process. However, don't worry if you don't use your pre-approval in time. Your house-hunting doesn't have an expiration date just because your pre-approval does.

Grants and Student Loans

Any money left over is paid to you directly for other education expenses. If you get your loan money, but then you realize that you don't need the money after all, you may cancel all or part of your loan within 120 days of receiving it and no interest or fees will be charged.

If you get approved for a personal loan, you do not need to accept it. However, because applying for personal loans has an impact on your credit, it's best to shop around and compare lender preapprovals to avoid applying for a personal loan you won't end up accepting.

Is it bad to pay off a loan early? ›

In most cases, you can pay off a personal loan early. Your credit score might drop, but it will typically be minor and temporary. Paying off an installment loan entirely can affect your credit score because of factors like your total debt, credit mix and payment history.

Personal loans can be used to pay for almost anything, but not everything. Common uses for personal loans include debt consolidation, home improvements and large purchases, but they shouldn't be used for college costs, down payments or investing.

Many lenders offer personal loans ranging anywhere from $500 to $50,000. Some banks and financial institutions cap borrowing amounts at around $20,000, while others offer loans up to $100,000 to borrowers with exceptional credit.

If one or more late payments or collections show up on a credit report after you've already been approved, your credit score could drop below the minimum required for your loan, and your loan could be denied.

Yes, you can cancel a personal loan after approval. But it is advisable to do so before disbursem*nt to avoid additional fees. Check your loan agreement for any specific cancellation terms and conditions.

Once the loan approval is received and you have received the funds, you may not be able to cancel the loan. If you applied for the personal loan without instant loan apps, you should contact the lender to let them know that you wish to cancel your loan. You can contact the lender by phone, email, or mail.

If you do not use the loan your credit score will not change. The impact to the credit score has already occurred due to your applying for the loan. If you signed a contract to buy the vehicle you have not collected, you will likely be stuck with the vehicle.