
Secured loans are a type of loan that uses an asset as collateral, which means the lender has the right to take possession of the asset if the borrower fails to repay the loan.
The asset used as collateral can be a house, car, or any other valuable item. In the case of a mortgage loan, the house itself serves as the collateral.
Secured loans typically offer lower interest rates and larger loan amounts compared to unsecured loans. This is because the lender has a higher level of security in case the borrower defaults on the loan.
Secured loans can be used for various purposes, including home improvements, debt consolidation, and buying a car.
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What is a Secured Loan?
A secured loan is a debt product backed by an asset you own, such as a car, home, or other valuable item. The lender will place a lien on that asset until the loan is repaid.
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Most secured loans are installment loans, where you receive all your funds at once and make equal monthly payments until the loan is paid in full. Interest rates are typically fixed, and repayment terms can range from one year for a secured personal loan to as long as 30 years for a mortgage.
What is a Loan?
A loan is essentially a way to borrow money from a lender, and it's a common financial tool used by many people.
Loans can be secured or unsecured, but that's a topic for another time.
Secured loans are backed by an asset that you own, which is used as collateral to secure the loan.
You can pledge your car, home, or other asset as collateral for a secured loan.
Most secured loans are installment loans, meaning you receive all your funds at once and make equal monthly payments until the loan is paid in full.
What It Does

A secured loan is a type of loan that's backed by collateral, which can be a physical asset like a car or house, or liquid assets like investments or cash.
This type of loan is generally considered less risky for lenders because it's secured by something of value. As a result, they may be easier to qualify for than unsecured loans.
Secured loans can have higher loan amounts and lower interest rates, making them a more attractive option for some borrowers.
The application process for a secured loan typically involves checking your credit score, getting an estimate of the collateral's value, and shopping around with at least three lenders to find the best deal.
Most secured loans are installment loans, where you receive a lump sum and pay it back in regular monthly payments. Some examples include mortgages and car loans.
Some secured loans, like secured credit cards and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), are revolving credit, which means you can use and pay down the account repeatedly as long as it stays open and in good standing.
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If you default on a secured loan, the lender can take the collateral to cover the unpaid debt. This is a serious consequence, so it's essential to understand the terms and conditions of your loan before signing.
Secured loans can be secured by a contractual agreement, statutory lien, or judgment lien. This can include a purchase money security interest (PMSI) loan or a non-purchase money security interest (NPMSI) loan.
Here are some examples of secured loans:
- Home loans
- Car loans
- Boat and RV loans
- Secured personal loans
- Mortgages
- Car loans
- Secured credit cards
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs)
Types of Secured Loans
Secured loans can be used for a variety of purposes, and there are many different loan products that use collateral.
Mortgages, including home equity loans and HELOCs, are common types of secured loans. You can borrow hundreds of thousands of dollars with a mortgage and spread the payments out over terms of up to 30 years.
Auto loans and loans for boats, motorcycles, and other types of vehicles are also popular. If you don't make the payments on time and in full, it could be repossessed.

Secured personal loans are another option, which can offer lower rates and easier approval for borrowers with low credit.
You can also get a secured loan using assets like stocks and bonds, or even your 401(k) account.
Here are some common types of collateral:
- Real estate, including equity in your home
- Cash accounts
- Cars, boats, RVs or other vehicles
- Machinery and equipment
- Investments
- Insurance policies
- Valuables and collectibles
Secured credit cards and car title loans are also types of secured loans. Each secured loan works differently by lender and loan type, but they all require some kind of collateral.
Pros and Cons
Secured loans can be a great option for those with low or fair credit, as they can be easier to access and qualify for. This is because the collateral mitigates some risk for the lender, making them more willing to approve the loan.
One of the main benefits of secured loans is that they tend to offer lower interest rates than unsecured loans. This is because the lender takes on less risk, which means they can offer more favorable terms to the borrower.
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However, it's essential to review the individual loan's terms carefully, as some secured loans, like car title loans, can have high interest rates. This can make the loan more expensive and harder to pay off.
Borrowing a secured personal loan or using a secured credit card and managing it responsibly can help you build credit over time. This can be a great way to improve your credit score and qualify for other types of loans in the future.
Here are some key pros and cons of secured loans to consider:
- Easier to access: It can be easier for applicants with low or fair credit to qualify for a secured loan or a larger personal loan amount because the collateral mitigates some risk for the lender.
- More affordable: Secured loans tend to offer lower interest rates than a comparable unsecured loan because the lender takes on less risk.
- Build credit going forward: Borrowing a secured personal loan or using a secured credit card and managing it responsibly can help you build credit to qualify for other types of loans going forward.
Collateral and Security
You can use various assets as collateral for a secured loan, including real estate, cash accounts, cars, and investments. Collateral is essentially something of value that you put up to secure a loan.
Some common types of collateral include real estate, cash accounts, cars, and investments. You can also use valuables and collectibles as collateral.
Here are some examples of secured loans that use collateral:
These are just a few examples of the many types of collateral that can be used for secured loans.
Types of Collateral
Collateral can take many forms, and the type of collateral used often depends on the loan's purpose. For personal loans, common collateral includes real estate, cash accounts, and vehicles.
Real estate is a popular choice for collateral, especially for mortgages, home equity loans, and HELOCs. This is because the value of the property can be easily assessed and used as collateral. In some cases, even the equity in your home can be used as collateral.
Cash accounts, such as checking and savings accounts, can also be used as collateral for loans. This is often the case for secured personal loans and business loans. However, it's worth noting that using cash accounts as collateral can be risky, as the lender may seize the funds if you default on the loan.
Vehicles, such as cars, boats, and RVs, can also be used as collateral for loans. This is often the case for auto loans and secured personal loans. The value of the vehicle can be assessed and used as collateral, but be aware that the lender may repossess the vehicle if you default on the loan.
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Here are some common types of collateral:
- Real estate (homes, property, etc.)
- Cash accounts (checking, savings, etc.)
- Vehicles (cars, boats, RVs, etc.)
- Machinery and equipment
- Investments (stocks, bonds, etc.)
- Insurance policies
- Valuables and collectibles
It's essential to carefully consider the type of collateral you use and the potential risks involved. Remember, the lender may seize the collateral if you default on the loan, so choose wisely!
Regions Deposit Details
If you're considering a Regions Deposit Secured Loan, you'll want to know the specifics of their deposit requirements. The minimum deposit secured loan amount is $2,000 if you secure the loan with a Time Deposit (CD), but it's just $250 if you secure it with a Savings Secured Loan or a Money Market Secured account.
The maximum deposit secured loan amount is up to 100% of your verified available balance in your collateral account, minus any loan fees. This means you can borrow a significant amount, but you'll need to have a substantial balance in your deposit account to qualify.
To secure a Regions Deposit Secured Loan, you can use a Regions savings account, CD, or money market account. Just keep in mind that the pledged collateral amount won't be available for withdrawal during the life of the loan. You'll still earn interest on your account, though.
If you're approved for a loan, you'll receive the full amount in one lump sum at the time of closing, which must take place in a Regions branch.
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What Is a Region's Deposit?
A Region's Deposit is a type of loan that uses your savings, CD, or money market account as collateral.
The loan amount is determined by the available balance in your Regions Savings, CD, or Money Market account. This means you can't borrow more than you have in your account.
A fixed interest rate begins accruing as soon as your funds are deposited, so you'll start paying interest right away.
You'll pay the loan back, plus interest, over a set monthly term.
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Default and Repayment
Defaulting on a secured loan can have serious consequences, including lender-assessed late fees, a late payment showing on your credit report, and damaging your credit score. This can happen as soon as you're at least 30 days late on a payment.
The lender can seize your collateral if you stop making payments altogether, and this can remain on your credit report for up to seven years. The grace period between missing a payment and losing your asset depends on the terms of your loan contract, so it's essential to review the loan's terms before applying.
If you're struggling to afford payments, act quickly to avoid missing payments. Review your budget to determine the root of the cash flow problem, and reduce expenses to free up funds and manage your debt.
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Default Consequences
Defaulting on a secured loan can lead to lender-assessed late fees, which can damage your credit score if you're at least 30 days late on a payment.
Missing a payment can result in a late payment showing on your credit report, which can stay there for up to seven years.
The lender can seize your collateral if you stop making payments on the loan altogether. This can happen quickly, depending on the terms of your loan contract.
You may still owe money on the debt even after the lender repossesses the asset, if it doesn't sell for enough to cover the loan amount. This is known as a deficiency judgment.
In some states, lenders must go to court to foreclose on a property, which can take up to a year. In other states, the process can be settled out of court, but it still takes at least two months.
The time it takes to sell a house, land, or business asset can give you more time to get caught up on your payments, but it's still a serious consequence of defaulting on a secured loan.
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What to Do If You Can't Repay
If you're having trouble repaying a secured loan, act quickly to avoid default. Reviewing your budget is the first step to take, as it will help you determine the root of the cash flow problem. You should tally up your income and review your basic expenses to identify areas where you can cut back.
Reducing expenses is a crucial step in managing debt. If your basic living expenses leave you with enough income to get by, then reducing your discretionary spending may be enough to free up funds and manage your debt. Cutting back can be a challenge, but make avoiding default your priority.
Increasing your income can also help you manage your debt. Flexible work such as driving for a ride-hailing service or offering babysitting and pet sitting through an app may allow you to bring in spare cash around your current schedule. This can be a great way to earn extra money without having to commit to a full-time job.
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Communication is key if you're at risk of falling behind on a secure loan payment. Contact your lender as soon as you realize you'll have a hard time making payments. They may be willing to offer you forbearance or another way to avoid the consequences of default.
If you're struggling to afford your debts, reach out to a nonprofit credit counselor. Credit counselors can help you review your finances and come up with a plan that works for you. They may help you manage your debt by budgeting, and in some cases, they may suggest a debt management plan.
Here are some steps you can take if you're having difficulty repaying a secured loan:
- Contact the lender to discuss your options, such as modifying your loan terms or pausing payments via loan deferment.
- Seek financial help from a consumer credit counseling agency certified by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) or the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA).
- Prioritize your bills by focusing on secured debts that could affect your basic needs, such as a car payment, which is necessary for transportation.
Defaulting on a secured loan can have serious consequences, including repossession of the asset attached to the loan. The lender may repossess the asset after several months, and you may still owe money on the debt if the repossessed asset doesn't sell for enough to cover the amount of your loan.
Secured Loan Market

The secured loan market is a vast and complex world, but don't worry, we've got the basics covered. Secured loans are typically offered by high street banks, building societies, and other financial institutions.
These lenders have a wide range of products to choose from, with varying interest rates, repayment terms, and loan amounts. Borrowers can expect to find loans with interest rates ranging from 3.5% to 18% APR, depending on their credit score and loan term.
Secured loans can be used for a variety of purposes, including home improvements, debt consolidation, and large purchases.
UK Market Timeline Post-Credit Crisis
The UK secured loan market has undergone significant changes since the global economic crisis of 2006. The Financial Services Authority (FSA) estimated that the UK secured loan market had a net worth of £7,000,000,000 before the crisis.
The crisis led to a major shake-up in the market, with the UK's most prominent secured loan providers being forced to withdraw due to the close of Lehman Brothers' sub-prime lender BNC Mortgage in August 2007.
This marked a significant turning point for the UK secured loan market, and it would take some time for the industry to recover.
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United States Law

The United States is the global leader in security interest law with respect to personal property, thanks to its development of a "unified" security interest in the 1940s.
This unified concept has since spread to many countries, contributing to the strength of the US economy. For example, American ranchers can pledge personal property like cattle to raise money, a practice that was historically difficult in other countries.
In the US, real estate is secured through liens, which can be either voluntarily created, like a mortgage, or involuntarily created, such as a mechanics lien.
A mechanics lien is created when real estate is improved through work or materials provided by the person filing the lien, without needing the title owner's consent.
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Regions at a Glance
Regions Deposit Secured Loans offer a straightforward approach to borrowing. You can receive all the funds up front.
With a Regions Deposit Secured Loan, your monthly payments are predictable, making it easier to budget and plan your finances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it difficult to get a secured loan?
Secured loans are relatively easier to qualify for, as offering collateral reduces the lender's risk and makes you a more attractive borrower. By providing collateral, you can increase your chances of approval and a better loan offer.
How much of a secured loan can I get?
You can typically borrow up to half of the value of the collateral offered. For example, a $20,000 car can secure a $10,000 loan.
Sources
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/what-is-a-secured-loan/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secured_loan
- https://www.regions.com/personal-banking/personal-loans/deposit-secured-loan
- https://www.bankrate.com/loans/personal-loans/what-is-a-secured-loan/
- https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/secured-loan/
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