In the lending and loan industry, co-signing is a very common practice. It allows someone with stronger credit to assist someone with less-than-ideal credit. Due to the need, there must be a strong bond and a lot of trust for the applicant. This technique is most popular among close family members and friends.

The reason why there are conflicting opinions on whether or not co-signing a loan is a smart option is that many people don’t fully comprehend what co-signing a loan implies. Just as with other financial commitments, knowing all the risks and perks is the ideal way for you to make the best decision. 

What Does Co-signing a Loan Mean?

When you co-sign a loan, your name is attached to the application of the principal borrower. If the principal borrower misses any loan installments, you are compelled by law to repay the loan or payments missed.

If the principal borrower is unable to obtain approval for the loan on their own, a co-signer is required. The co-signer’s credit history strengthens the loan application and increases the likelihood that it will be approved.   

What is the Difference Between a Guarantor and a Co-signer? 

The main differentiator is the liability. By agreeing to co-sign for a debt, you are legally bound to repay it if the principal borrower is unable to make payments.

 A Guarantor for a loan is an individual or business that guarantees the repayment of a debt that another person or entity is taking out.

A co-signer bears more financial responsibility than a guarantor because the cosigner is responsible for the debt from the start. Only when a debtor is unable to make payments does the guarantor step in.

Criteria for co-signers

It can be difficult to co-sign a loan, and some lenders have tight rules on who can guarantee the debt of another borrower. The following criteria must generally be met to co-sign for a loan.

A good credit score

A good or excellent credit score (like 650 and above) is required.  

Steady and decent earnings

If necessary, you may be asked to provide evidence of your income or sufficient resources to repay the loan.

Job plus housing security

You might be asked to provide documentation of your employment history and length of residence at your present home.

Canadian Citizen

You must have lived in Canada for a particular amount of time to be eligible to co-sign on some loans. 

Age

In most provinces, you’ll also need to confirm that you’re older than 18 years old.

How Does Co-signing a Loan Affect My Credit Score?

Co-signing for a loan may have both positive and negative effects on your credit score. Your credit score will rise if the primary borrower makes their on-time payments. It may also vastly improve your credit mix, which may result in a higher credit rating.

Your credit score will suffer if the loan’s primary borrower chooses not to make any or all of the required repayments. 

If I co-signed for a loan, how would that impact on another  loan application?

If you’ve co-signed for another borrower, it may be difficult for you to obtain another loan. This is so that lenders can determine whether you have enough money to make payments by looking at your debt-to-income ratio.

Even though the loan is owned by someone else and they are responsible for repayment, any loan you co-sign is still regarded as “your debt.” Lenders determine how much you can borrow by adding the loan’s amount to the total of what you owe and comparing it to your income.

As a general rule, the more money you have co-signed for, the less money you’ll be able to borrow for yourself.

Advantages of Co-signing a Loan

Assisting loved ones

Your loved ones may be able to borrow money at lower interest rates, qualify for bigger loans, or both with your co-signing.

Can help credit

If they pay back the loan on schedule, your credit score can also increase.

Disadvantages of Co-signing on a Loan

It’s risky 

When a loved one asks you to co-sign for a loan, it may put you in a difficult financial position if they don’t make the payments.

Can hurt one’s credit

Your credit score will drop if the person you co-signed for is late or has missed any payments.

Added debt

You may find it more challenging to borrow money for yourself if you wind up with a bigger debt ratio.

No quick fix

Once you have co-signed for a debt, it is extremely difficult and almost always impossible to withdraw from it.

Should You Co-Sign a Loan?

There are a few crucial decisions you should make before agreeing to co-sign for a loan:

Could you pay back the loan?

Will you have the money to cover the extra payments, on top of what you already owe yourself, if the borrower defaults on the loan? Even if you might be eligible to sign as a co-signer, you should still confirm that you wouldn’t mind picking up the tab if the borrower couldn’t.

Do you fully comprehend all of the contract’s terms and conditions?

You should be aware of all the conditions of the agreement to which you will be subject since you will be in charge of taking over the loan if the primary borrower defaults. This covers the due dates, fines, and other details.

Do you comprehend the dangers?

Being a co-signer entails some dangers. First off, if the principal borrower defaults on the loan, you are responsible for paying it back.

Your credit may also suffer if the borrower fails to make payments or if the debt load is too much for you to bear. The additional debt you’re putting on may affect your capacity to obtain your loan.

Your relationship can suffer. 

You’ll be forced to assume control if the borrower stops making loan payments. Naturally, this could cause tension in your relationship with the borrower.

Conclusion 

If you’ve chosen to co-sign a loan, you must be willing to assume the associated financial risks. Find out more about the requirements for co-signing and the things you should think about before committing.

If you are in more debt due to your generous mind that led you to cosign a loan for someone who later defaulted, you should speak out. This can be achieved if you speak with one of our trained debt experts, who can give you financial advice on how to handle the situation. At EmpireOne Credit, we offer free and friendly consultation. Contact us today.