How To Use Fixed Deposits to Get a Car Loan?

Fixed Deposits

Buying a car is an exciting journey, but it often comes with financial difficulties. While car loans have made automobile ownership accessible for many, qualifying for one isn't always straightforward. If you have invested in Fixed Deposits (FDs), however, you may have an untapped resource to secure that car loan more easily.

In this blog, we explore how you can leverage your FD investment to get a car loan and make your dream of owning a vehicle a reality.

FD Investment: A Financial Safety Net

For many, a fixed deposit investment represents a secure and low-risk avenue for growing wealth. The funds are locked in for a specified period at a predetermined interest rate, providing guaranteed returns. But did you know that your FD investment could serve a dual purpose? Not only does it grow your wealth, but it can also act as collateral for a car loan, enhancing your eligibility and potentially lowering your interest rates.

Utilizing Fixed Deposits as Collateral

When you apply for a car loan, financial institutions assess your creditworthiness based on various factors like income, credit score, and existing liabilities. Offering your fixed deposit investment as collateral can significantly strengthen your loan application. Doing so can:

• Improve Loan Approval Chances: Providing collateral generally makes financial institutions more comfortable with approving your loan application.
• Negotiate Lower Interest Rates: Secure loans often come with lower interest rates than unsecured loans. Your FD investment can serve as a bargaining chip for more favourable terms.
• Flexible Loan Tenure: Since the lender has collateral, they may offer more flexible repayment terms, making it easier for you to manage your car loan EMIs.

How Do You Go About It?

• Check FD Terms: Before pledging your FD as collateral, verify whether your financial institution allows it, and what the related terms are.
• Loan-to-Value Ratio: Understand how much of your FD amount can be utilized as a loan. Generally, you can get up to 80-90% of your FD's value as a car loan.
• Apply for the Loan: Once you've assessed the feasibility, apply for the car loan with your fixed deposit investment as collateral. You may need to fill out additional paperwork and undergo a streamlined credit evaluation.
• Loan Disbursement: Once approved, the loan amount will be disbursed, and your FD will be marked as a pledged asset until the loan is repaid.

Points To Remember

• Interest Obligations: Even though you've secured the loan with your FD, you still must make timely payments. Defaulting could result in the forfeiture of your fixed deposit investment.
• FD Interest vs. Car Loan Interest: Your FD will continue to earn interest even when it serves as collateral. Compare this rate with your car loan interest rate to assess if this approach is financially viable for you.
• Review Loan Terms: Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions, including the interest rate, prepayment charges, and tenure, before finalizing the loan.

Conclusion

Leveraging your FD investment for a car loan can be a strategic move that offers a multitude of benefits, from improved loan eligibility to lower interest rates. However, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully and understand the terms involved. Your fixed deposit isn't just a tool for long-term wealth creation; it's an asset that can help you fulfil your immediate dreams, like owning that much-coveted car.

So, the next time you consider taking a car loan, remember that your FD investment could be the key to unlocking better financial terms.

FAQs

1. How does a Fixed Deposit Investment impact the interest rate on my car loan?

Utilizing a Fixed Deposit as collateral for your car loan may result in more favourable interest rates. Lenders perceive the risk as lower when collateral is involved, which can translate to reduced interest rates on your loan amount.

2. What is the process for leveraging a Fixed Deposit to obtain a car loan?

To leverage a Fixed Deposit for a car loan, you generally need to approach the same bank where the deposit is held. Submit an application to mark a lien on the Fixed Deposit, after which the bank evaluates it and potentially approves the car loan.

3. Is there a minimum Fixed Deposit amount required to be eligible for a car loan?

The minimum Fixed Deposit amount required can vary between financial institutions. Generally, the loan amount is a percentage of the Fixed Deposit's value, so the larger the Fixed Deposit, the higher the eligible loan amount.

4. Can I continue to earn interest on my Fixed Deposit while it's used as collateral for a car loan?

Yes, most banks allow you to continue earning interest on your Fixed Deposit even when it's serving as collateral. However, terms may vary, so it's advisable to consult your financial institution for specific details.

5. What happens to my Fixed Deposit if I default on my car loan repayments?

In the event of a loan default, the financial institution has the right to liquidate your Fixed Deposit to recover the outstanding amount. It's crucial to understand the terms of collateral seizure before using a Fixed Deposit for a car loan.