Bannière article blog
05.03.2024

How much does your loan cost?

Repayment of the loan, payment of interest... We explain your payment plan to see the total cost.

 

A personal loan. What's that?

This is an interest-bearing loan with a warranty.

You have the option to use the money you don't have as you see fit, whether it's bill payments or personal projects.

The repayment of the money paid and the calculated interest, including all fees, is generally done between 12 and 120 months, which directly influences the total cost of your loan.

Of course, an analysis of your preliminary file is carried out in order to confirm your solvency and avoid a case of over-indebtedness.

It is also important to note that consumer credit is regulated by law.

 

Duration!

We were referring to the repayment period.

This duration obviously influences the amount of your monthly payments, which decreases.

However, the total cost of credit increases with the term.

So you'll pay less, in total, if you pay back in 12 months instead of 36 months.

 

What is a monthly payment?

This is the monthly amount you will pay to the lender in order to pay off your credit within the allotted term.

If you take out a loan that will have to be repaid in two years, you will have to pay 24 monthly payments.

These 24 monthly instalments will be shown on 24 lines in your amortization table.

 

What is depreciation?

Imagine that you are loaned CHF 12,000 interest-free and you have to pay that amount back within a year.

This means that you will have 12 monthly instalments of CHF 1,000.

The amortization, i.e. the monthly accounting of each payment made, will be CHF 1,000 per month.

You will therefore amortize the entire loan after twelve months to pay it off.

 

What about the depreciation table?

It is a simple document that allows you to view, month by month, the portion of amortization and the portion of interest used to pay off your loan as you go along.

An outstanding balance usually accompanies an updated depreciation schedule. This way, you will know how much remains to be repaid to the lender at all times.

 

The interest?

Of course, a loan is not free; An interest rate is applied.

Depending on the term, the amount borrowed and the contractual terms defined with the lender, interest will be calculated.

This interest covers all the costs related to your loan. It is also a form of remuneration and risk hedging relating to the lending of money over a fixed period. This also covers management costs.

In order to simplify the repayment process, your monthly payments are fixed.

You will therefore pay the same monthly instalment, each month, which includes both the amortization portion of the amount borrowed and the interest.

If you add up all your monthly payments and subtract the amount of the loan, you will know the real cost of your loan.

 

So I'm paying the same amount of interest every month?

No.

You will pay the same monthly instalment, but the interest and amortization costs vary from month to month.

At the beginning of your repayment period, you'll pay more interest and amortize less.

As payments are made, the interest portion will decrease and the depreciation portion will increase.

This, without the amount of your monthly payments varying and until the total repayment, including interest, of your loan.

What if I can't pay my monthly instalments?

It's common to deal with unforeseen financial events. In this case, it is important to discuss this with your credit partner as soon as possible. Together, you can explore solutions that are right for you. By being transparent and responsive, you will increase your chances of finding a balanced solution. This will prevent you from having problems with the ZEK.

Don't forget that there are rights and obligations that govern the contract signed with the lending bank.

 

What if, on the other hand, I am able to anticipate the full repayment?

The Consumer Credit Act states that you have the right to pay off your credit at any time.

A refund to your advantage can also be made in the event of an overpayment of interest proportions. Be careful, however, because, even if relatively low, cancellation fees may be charged by the lender. In some cases, there is none.

 

The best rate. The best service.

As you can see, calculating the cost of your loan and managing your amortization schedule is not complicated in itself.

The important thing is to assess your repayment capacity, control your budget and choose the right partner to build your credit request.

What for?

Taking out a loan is contractually binding. A risk of over-indebtedness must be avoided at all costs.

As soon as your situation is healthy, move forward with peace of mind to carry out your project.

The next step is to build your credit application. To maximize your chances of acceptance, surround yourself with good advisors, experts who are familiar with administrative requirements and know how to prepare and submit your file to lenders.

Finally, opt for a financing platform that has a wide range of banking partners; one that is well-established and adheres to an ethical charter for the benefit of its customers' interests.

 

A little revision.

  1. An amortization is the monthly repayment of your loan.

True or False?

  1. Your monthly payments are fixed.

True or False?

  1. If you add up all your monthly payments and deduct the amount of your loan, you get the real cost of your loan.

True or False?

  1. The portion of the interest paid each month is fixed.

True or False?

  1. You'll pay less for your loan if you spread your repayment over a longer period.

True or False?

  1. You have the right to repay early.

True or False?

  1. Bonus question not provided for in the curriculum. You have to pay a fee to build your credit report.

True or False?

 Answers:

  1. V
  2. V
  3. V
  4. F
  5. F
  6. V
  7. F (Opt for a financing platform that has a 0-fee policy, like Milenia!)

 

 



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How to buy or refinance your loan and benefit from better terms.

Are you hesitating to pay off your loan? Would you like to transfer your loan to another bank? It's possible and it can be to your advantage if you do it right and on time.

 

Am I a prisoner of my contracted loan?

The short answer is 'no'. The  Federal Consumer Credit Act gives you the right to redeem your loan at any time, to consolidate your loans into a single loan or to choose another financial institution that would take over your loan, possibly on better terms.

The financial sector very often locks in contractual agreements, but as long as it is a consumer loan, you are free to take whatever actions you think are in your best interest. No time limit or specific reason to provide.

So don't be afraid. You are free to carry out your procedures with complete peace of mind.

 

Is it risky?

If you don't try anything, you've reached your limits in this context. Although the risk is not increased, it is important to think carefully about your personal situation.

If it's a buyback and you have the funds to pay off your credit, the risk is zero. You may have to cover administrative costs related to the preparation of your statement, but the amounts are generally small.

If it is a transfer of your loan to another institution with the wish to renegotiate the interest rate, the amount or the term, the only risk is that of refusal.

In this case, your application is registered in the ZEK's register  as having been refused and this may adversely affect your future requests to the local financial institutions.

It is therefore important to calculate your ability to repay and to judge the quality of your file. Advisors can of course assist you in this process before you formalize your application.

 

So why do it?

There are many reasons for this. In the context of a credit transfer, you may wish to:

 

  • Reduce your monthly financial burden. You need to free up your cash to deal with some unexpected costs. 

In this case, you will want to extend the term used to pay off your loan to spread out your repayment period and reduce the amount you have to pay each month to your financial institution.

  • Increase the amount borrowed. Your project turns out to be more expensive than expected. You want to deal with capital gains in the context of a real estate project.

It is typically in this case that reason and foresight are required. This is for you to benefit from an additional amount to the one initially received. Of course, your ability to repay must go hand in hand.

  • Negotiate the  interest rate. Do you think you're paying too much? Did you underestimate the impact of the rate applied on your monthly payments?

It's up to you to play the competition and see if you can have better conditions elsewhere. Be careful, the interest rate is an important factor but the quality of your relationship with your financing platform and the banking partner is also important.

 

  • Consolidate various loans into a single loan from a single intermediary. You want to simplify your administrative burden and have a single point of contact. Maybe the consolidation will allow you to renegotiate the rate applied?

 

A final case concerns the debt incurred on your credit card. If you can't keep up with payments due to purchases made with your card, you can consolidate this debt into a loan. You will then be able to establish a repayment plan that is more suited to your means.

Again, don't wait until the last moment and get there in time. It is always better to study the feasibility of restructuring your debt than to risk being registered in the various data registers in Switzerland. 

This would significantly complicate your dealings with a bank, a real estate agency, a shop offering a purchase on credit or even with a future employer. 

 

I need help

It's the right thing to do. It is advisable to inform yourself about the feasibility of your approach. In order to avoid a refusal once your application has been submitted, take precautions.

  • Compare your personal situation today with the one when you took out your initial loan. Are you in a more comfortable financial situation? Do you have additional financial resources?
  • Research the market and compare. Do not use many service providers but concentrate your efforts on a partner who is reliable, recognized and who will not ask you for an administrative fee to analyze your request.
  • Ask the right questions, have all your documents available, and be upfront and transparent about your intentions. You will then have access to sound advice and personalized support throughout the process.


At Milenia, we are used to dealing with these operations. On a day-to-day basis and with particular attention to establishing relevant and balanced files in order to maximize your chances of having an application that is accepted.

0 fees, 0 commitments. Just people serving people who want to improve the lives of their customers.

 

The leading financing platform

With more than CHF 250,000,000 of projects financed in just a few years, Milenia is now a recognised and respected player in the consumer credit sector.

As a Swiss company with advisors based in Switzerland, Milenia offers a tailor-made service and counts the country's main banks as partners.

Its team is made up of advisors who offer their expertise, in several languages, to private clients and small and medium-sized businesses. Benefiting from excellent references, favorable customer testimonials, a high score via Proven Expert and Great Place to Work© certified, it stands out for its resolutely human and respectful approach of irreproachable quality.

Modern in spirit, new technological means allow its customers to save time and facilitate administrative procedures. 

Responsible in its actions, Milenia also strives to establish and propose loan applications that make sense, that protect the interests of its clients and partners.

Finally, its financing platform aims to go beyond the strict framework of credit by offering solutions in terms of unemployment insurance, by making  a blog available to readers looking for additional information on topics as varied as data protection, tracking registers in Switzerland, credit cards, the risks of scams and of course,  consumer loans.

'Make a difference'. This is our belief and what we are committed to every day. 

Ready? Then get in touch  with us. We look forward to meeting you!

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27.04.2022
Do you need a personal loan? What guarantees will need to be provided?

You may not have the collateral you need to obtain consumer credit. Is this really a concern? How to do it?

 

Remember your first time?

You put on your best suit or dress to visit the person who will have a huge influence on your life and plans. You're kind of going to meet your significant other. 

The appointment is set, the address where the 'date' will take place is known and you are not sure what to expect.

The date goes as you hoped, the charm works. And then comes the fateful moment, the question that will decide the rest of your meeting... 'What guarantees do you have so that we can review your loan application?'

The cold shower, the atmosphere changes abruptly... You were simply hoping to benefit from financial assistance for your project and you realize that without funds, without goods, without a contribution... This will be more complicated than expected.

As everyone knows, in order to benefit from a bank loan  , you need to present assets in return. The system is thus set up and serves as a margin of safety that allows our financial institutions to take as little risk as possible in granting a loan. Is that fair? Is it romantic? It's simply a give-and-take game.

 

Will history repeat itself?

It all depends on your need. There is indeed a form of financing that does not require any contribution or even the slightest commitment before the contract is signed.

This form of financing is private credit. No need to advance a sum, no need for collateral, no need for guarantees from a third party.

All you need to do is be domiciled in Switzerland, be of legal age and have a file that meets the legal standards in force. 

Of course, additional acceptance criteria are applied once your application has been submitted. Each bank has a set of rules that will need to be agreed to in order for you to benefit from a favorable review. It is therefore essential to gather all the supporting documents to maximize your chances.

Apart from that, there are no guarantees, no advances, no collateral... is not required beforehand.

 

What's the catch?

There is none. A financing platform such as Milenia puts together your file by simply making sure that your budget is in line with the amount requested. It's about presenting you with a responsible and repayable loan. It's as simple as that.

Do I still need to provide documents?

Yes, it is essential to put together an application that meets the established criteria. Repayment capacity, indebtedness, marital status, ZEK and CRIF history, etc.

Is it a cumbersome administrative procedure?

Absolutely not. You will be accompanied and advised. With just a few steps, all the necessary documents are gathered and you will receive a financing proposal within 24 hours. Are you happy with the conditions? Your money is paid out immediately after you sign the credit agreement. It's simple and it's fast.

 

Does it work to buy a vehicle? To finance a furniture project? To pay for my studies?

Yes, yes, yes. The advantage of a loan of this type is also your freedom to use the borrowed funds according to the need you encounter.

Not a fan of the leasing principle  ? You can buy your car in cash. The vehicle is fully yours, you are free to resell it whenever you want, you are not tied to a specific garage or dealership and the type of insurance policy taken out is at your convenience.

Need to renovate your apartment? No need to go through a mortgage. In order to circumvent the complexity of this type of arrangement, a personal loan is indeed an attractive solution. Of course, it all depends on the amount involved, but the simplicity of a loan application combined with the fact that you do not have to pre-finance a loan is very attractive.

Are the registration fees for your studies high? Credit can help. When you're just starting out in the workforce, which is the case for most people entering higher education, needless to say, you're not immersed in cash. As long as your approach is balanced and well thought out, access to a personal loan makes things a lot easier. This way, you can devote yourself fully to succeeding in your academic endeavours!

We repeat; As long as the credit solution is balanced and respectful of your personal and financial reality, it is undoubtedly the least restrictive and easiest to carry out financing method available on the market.

 

How do I do it?

It's easy. All you have to do is go to a financing platform, make a simulation including the amount, duration and the expected interest rate. You will then be contacted for an exchange allowing your personal advisor to further your query. Once the required information has been gathered and you give your consent, your request will be sent to one of the partner banks that is best able to respond favourably.

The contract will then be sent to you. After signing, the amount is paid into your account. Your personal advisor will guide you from the beginning of the process to the receipt of the funds. 

One last thing, not only will you not be asked for any guarantee, but there will be no application fees or remuneration required for the management of your file. This is taken care of by the bank. So don't rely on organizations that charge application fees, study fees, or commissions for advice. You don't have to pay anything upfront to your advisor or the financial institution.

In the end, it's not a romantic approach but at least it's better than your first time!

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ompare credit offers. It has to be prepared, it has to be done calmly and it has to make sense.

When it comes to your money and a contractual commitment, there's no need to rush. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.

 

What exactly are we talking about?

When you want to finance a project, there are various solutions available to you. Credit is a relatively simple financing tool, quick to execute and with a light administrative burden.

For further clarification, a credit is also called consumer credit, personal loan, loan, private loan, etc. This is a loan of a sum of money by a creditor to you, the debtor. The amount in question must be reimbursed within a time limit agreed between the parties. An interest rate is calculated in addition to the principal to be repaid in order to remunerate the services of the creditor, a bank in most cases.

As this is a form of financing that does not require a down payment or guarantee, the rate applied varies according to the amount borrowed, the quality of your file and the repayment period.

Financing platforms such as Milenia are used to offer the best rates on the market and to support you in your efforts. You don't pay anything for this service; The remuneration of these platforms is ensured within the framework of the agreements with the partner banks.

 

Before you compare, ask yourself two questions.

Is credit the right solution for my project?

Am I eligible?

The first question has the merit of judging the relevance and usefulness of your approach. As a responsible service provider, we put your interests at the heart of our attention. Over-indebtedness must be avoided at all costs and your loan must bring real added value and not represent a debt that is difficult to overcome.

Can your project be scaled back? Does your cash flow simply allow you to avoid taking out a loan? Is it the right time?

These are all useful questions that allow you to judge whether or not you need to move forward.

The second question is also important.

Your advisor will be able to support you in this reflection, but you can already eliminate some doubts:

Am I domiciled in Switzerland? If not, you will not be eligible.

Am I of legal age? If not, you will not be eligible.

Am I involved in an action filed in the debt collection? If this is the case, you will not be eligible.

 

One egg, one basket.

If you want to continue with a credit application, don't rush!

Above all, do not file multiple applications with different providers or banks.

Each request is logged and will block your access to a favorable response.

Compare, choose your financial partner wisely and, if the conditions are met, draw up your file with them.

To make a fair choice, take advantage of the service offered by a financing platform. It's online and it's easy.

 

Compare what, exactly?

The quality, the network, the accessibility and, of course, the conditions.

By quality, we mean the clarity of the information provided and the transparency of the platform. 

Are there testimonials from satisfied customers? Is there an independent quality body involved, such as Proven Expert? Is the team running the company clearly displayed? Is the company based in Switzerland?

As far as  the network is concerned, the quality and scope of the network will determine the quality of the offers offered to you. Check the partners page or search for published articles or the platform's blog if it exists. 

It is preferable to do business with a major player in the market that has serious, even exclusive, partnerships with recognized banks.

Accessibility. An online solution is often less time-consuming and just as relevant as if you went to an agency. However, it will be necessary to speak with an expert, go through your file in person and have live advice. 

Be sure that you will be able to access this service.

Lately, the conditions. The rates displayed on the various platforms are often similar. There are criteria to be met, however, and these often make the difference.

First of all, the process until you sign the loan agreement must be completely free of charge! Whether you visit a credit comparison platform or a financing platform, run away if you are asked for a single franc for so-called administrative or processing costs.

Secondly, do not sign anything when you are in a comparative or information-seeking process. Your file must first be well completed and analysed and it is only when you make a credit proposal following the acceptance of your application that you will have the opportunity to sign or not.

Finally, a 0.10% lower rate does not necessarily mean a good deal. All of this must be considered. The quality of your relationship with your advisor, the seriousness shown when drawing up your request, the choice of partners... Confidence and peace of mind knowing that you are in good hands is far more important than a tiny spread in the rate offered.

 

Do you have any questions?

We invite you to inquire via Milenia. You will have the opportunity to simulate your credit, learn about our solutions, get to know our team, ask your questions, browse through our customer testimonials and discover our articles on our blog.

Take your time, compare and when your choice is made, we will be at your side to carry out your project. Under the right conditions, with confidence and transparency.

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Loan illustration: loan of CHF 10'000. Effective annual interests rates between 4.9% and 11.95% over a 12 month period lead to total interests of between CHF 261.80 and CHF 624.80. Duration: 6-120 months; Maximum annual interest rate (including all loan handling costs) 11.95%. Loans approval are prohibited if they lead to excess debt for the consumer. (Art. 3 LCD)

 

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