A bank loan and a bank overdraft are two types of credit facilities provided by banks, but they differ in terms of structure, purpose, and usage. Here are the main differences between a bank loan and a bank overdraft:
- Structure:
- Bank Loan: A bank loan is a lump sum amount provided by the bank to the borrower. It has a predetermined repayment schedule, which includes regular installments of principal and interest over a specified period.
- Bank Overdraft: A bank overdraft is a flexible credit facility that allows the account holder to withdraw more money from their account than what is available in the balance. It provides a short-term borrowing arrangement, and the repayment terms may not be as structured as a loan.
- Purpose and Usage:
- Bank Loan: Bank loans are typically used for specific purposes, such as financing a large purchase (e.g., a house or a car), funding a business expansion, or investing in capital equipment. The loan amount is disbursed upfront, and the borrower uses it as required.
- Bank Overdraft: Bank overdrafts are generally used for managing short-term cash flow fluctuations. They are suitable for addressing temporary or unexpected expenses or covering occasional deficits in the account. Overdrafts are often used to meet working capital requirements or to bridge gaps between incoming and outgoing payments.
- Interest Calculation:
- Bank Loan: Interest on a bank loan is calculated on the entire loan amount disbursed and is usually charged at a fixed or variable interest rate. The interest is typically spread over the loan’s tenure and is included in the regular installment payments.
- Bank Overdraft: Interest on a bank overdraft is calculated on the daily or monthly outstanding balance. The interest rate charged on an overdraft is typically higher than that of a loan, and it is only applied to the amount utilized from the overdraft facility.
- Repayment:
- Bank Loan: Repayment of a bank loan is typically done in equal installments over a fixed period. The borrower is required to make regular payments (monthly, quarterly, etc.) that include both principal and interest until the loan is fully repaid.
- Bank Overdraft: Repayment of a bank overdraft is more flexible. The borrower can repay the outstanding balance whenever they have sufficient funds in their account. Overdrafts do not have a fixed repayment schedule, but the bank may set a maximum time frame for the account holder to bring the balance back to zero or within an acceptable limit.
- Approval Process:
- Bank Loan: Bank loans generally require a formal application process. The borrower needs to provide supporting documents, such as financial statements, collateral (if applicable), and undergo a credit assessment. The approval process can take some time, depending on the loan amount and the bank’s internal procedures.
- Bank Overdraft: Bank overdrafts are often pre-approved for account holders based on their creditworthiness and banking relationship. Once approved, the account holder can utilize the overdraft facility up to the specified limit without requiring additional application or documentation.
It’s important to note that the specific terms and conditions of bank loans and bank overdrafts may vary across banks and jurisdictions. It is advisable to consult with your bank or financial institution to understand the precise features and requirements of these credit facilities.
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