Car repairs, medical bills, or even replacing a broken appliance—life’s unexpected expenses can throw your budget off track. When these challenges arise, two common financial solutions can help: installment loans and lines of credit.

An installment loan gives you a set amount of money upfront, repaid in regular monthly payments, while a line of credit offers flexible access to funds as needed. While both can provide relief, installment loans are typically the smarter choice for tackling unexpected costs.

What is an Installment Loan?

Let’s start by answering the obvious question—what is an installment loan? Many consumers are familiar with specific loan types like mortgages, auto loans, student loans, or personal loans, but these all fall under the broader category of installment loans. At its core, an installment loan is a type of borrowing where you receive a fixed amount of money upfront and repay it over time in regular, scheduled payments, typically monthly.

These loans are structured with clear terms, including the loan amount, interest rate, and repayment period, making them a dependable option for borrowers seeking consistency and clarity. Whether you're financing a large purchase, consolidating debt, or covering an emergency expense, installment loans offer a simple way to manage repayment.

Here are the typical features of installment loans.

• Routine monthly payments: Your repayment amounts stay the same each month, making it easier to budget.
• Fixed loan amount and repayment schedule: Borrow a set amount and repay it over a defined period, typically ranging from months to years.
• Lower interest rates than revolving credit: Installment loans often offer more favorable rates compared to options like credit cards.

What is a Line of Credit?

Now that you know what an installment loan is, let’s talk about lines of credit. A line of credit is a flexible option, giving you access to funds up to a predetermined limit. Instead of receiving a lump sum all at once, you can borrow only what you need, repay the borrowed amount, and then borrow again as needed. This revolving structure makes lines of credit a good option for ongoing or unpredictable expenses.

Common examples include credit cards and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). While these tools can provide convenience, they often come with unique considerations, such as variable interest rates and fluctuating repayment amounts based on usage.

Here are the key features of a line of credit.

• Variable borrowing amount: Borrow as much or as little as needed, up to your credit limit.
• Revolving nature of credit: Once you repay borrowed funds, they become available to borrow again.
• Often has variable interest rates: The interest rate may change depending on market conditions or the terms of your credit agreement.

Key Differences Between Installment Loans vs. Lines of Credit

Choosing between an installment loan and a line of credit depends on your financial needs and spending habits. While both options can provide valuable support, they differ significantly in structure, costs, and impact on budgeting. Let’s break down the differences to help you decide which one fits your situation.

Repayment Structure

• Installment Loan: Payments are fixed and scheduled over the loan term, providing consistency and predictability.
• Line of Credit: Payments vary depending on how much you borrow, offering flexibility but less structure.

Interest Rates

• Installment Loan: Typically comes with fixed interest rates, meaning your payments remain steady and predictable. For example, as of the end of 2024, the average interest rate for a personal loan is 12.29%.
• Line of Credit: Often has variable rates, which can increase over time, making borrowing costs less predictable. For example, the average interest rate on credit cards is 24.43%.

Borrowing Limits

• Installment Loan: You receive a one-time fixed amount, which helps you stick to a defined budget.
• Line of Credit: Provides access to flexible borrowing, which can be convenient but may tempt overspending.

Financial Planning

• Installment Loan: Predictable payments make it easier to plan and stick to a budget.
• Line of Credit: The flexibility can lead to financial uncertainty if not managed carefully.

Choose the Right Option: Why Installment Loans Are a Better Fit for Many Borrowers

Both installment loans and lines of credit offer valuable solutions. Installment loans provide predictable payments, fixed interest rates, and a structured repayment plan, making them an excellent choice for many borrowers. On the other hand, lines of credit offer flexibility but come with variable costs and less certainty.