2023-11-26 11:11:19
European interest rate increases are making borrowing money increasingly expensive. Interest rates will also rise once more in 2024. That is why it is extra important to pay extra attention if you are in the red or take out a loan to pay for a large purchase.
De maximale rente voor leningen voor grote aankopen of bij roodstand op je betaalrekening gaat begin 2024 omhoog van 14 naar 15 procent. Aan het begin van dit jaar was dat nog 12 procent, en daarvoor nog lager. Die percentages stijgen door de renteverhogingen van de Europese Centrale Bank (ECB).
In de strijd tegen inflatie verhoogde de ECB haar belangrijkste rente in ruim een jaar tijd tien keer om lenen minder aantrekkelijk te maken. Onze maximale rente voor leningen is aan de ECB-rente gekoppeld. Daarom stijgt die maximale rente dus mee.
Grote banken hebben de afgelopen maanden ook tarieven voor rood staan op je betaalrekening verhoogd tot net onder het maximale niveau. Dat is vaak 13,9 procent (rente plus bijkomende kosten). Die percentages kunnen in 2024 mogelijk nog verder stijgen, richting de 15 procent.
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Personal loans are also becoming more expensive
Loans with monthly repayments often have somewhat lower interest rates, from 7 to 10 percent. But these have also risen sharply in the past year and a half following the ECB interest rate increases. In addition, lending standards were tightened in September, meaning you can borrow less.
“We expect that percentages of loans for small amounts up to 5,000 euros will rise further next year due to the higher interest rate ceiling,” says Amanda Bulthuis of comparison site Geld.nl.
According to Bulthuis, interest rates for small loans are often close to the maximum permitted interest rate. This is because the costs of banks weigh slightly more heavily on the loan amount. “If you want to prepare for rising interest rates, you can decide to take out a loan now,” says Bulthuis.
Being overdrawn is easier, but sometimes more expensive
The best choice when borrowing money? In terms of interest rates, being overdrawn can be more expensive than taking out a loan, says Karin Radstaak of budget advisor Nibud.
“Yet sometimes people prefer to choose that option,” she says. “You don’t have to sign for this and you are not tied to it for long. That is true, but because it is easier, people are not always aware of the costs.”
Saving can of course always be more convenient, because borrowing costs more money. But Nibud mainly emphasizes that you make conscious choices. The budget officer has the Borrowing risk meter made. You enter all kinds of information regarding your fixed costs and income. This way you can see whether you have enough room to take out an additional loan.
“See if you can spare the monthly amount of interest and any repayment. Suppose you need a new washing machine costing 800 euros, then you have to pay 50 euros monthly with a loan, for example,” Radstaak explains. “If you can afford to do that and you make a well-considered choice, then that’s fine. Especially if you don’t have those 800 euros now.”
Do not repay by borrowing once more
Radstaak acknowledges that it sounds logical that you should list the costs of a loan. “But sometimes people are so eager to purchase something that they don’t check whether the monthly costs fit within their budget.”
She also advises people to look at the small print. “What happens if you lose (part of) your income? Some lease constructions take this into account. And what regarding early repayment? Is that possible, and does it cost extra money? Borrowing and repaying sometimes seems easier than it is .”
People with problematic debts are sometimes forced to borrow money in order to pay off another loan.
Radstaak: “You can do that, but that will of course end at some point. Be careful not to wait too long before asking for help if you cannot pay off your debts. Indicate that you cannot pay. Then you may be able to make a payment arrangement. encounter.”
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