By Izzy M
Modified on March 18, 2024

The General Assembly created SouthCarolina’s capital city of Columbia in 1786. The name Columbia comes from Christopher Columbus. A Senate vote of 11-7 resulted in the official city name. The runner-up name for the city was Washington.

While the city of Columbia is historical, there are not many original buildings left standing. During the Civil War in 1865, General of the Union Army, William T. Sherman, led his army through the streets of Columbia. As a result, about two-thirds of the city burnt down.

One of the few historical buildings left in the city is Columbia City Hall. The building used to be a federal courthouse but became the city hall in 1937. Columbia City Hall on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1894, Columbia was home to the first electric textile mill built globally. The mill is still standing and now serves at the South Carolina State Museum.

Visitors will immediately notice something odd when they visit downtown Columbia. The streets, specifically Assembly Street, are unusually extensive. City planners during the 18th century purposefully made the streets broad under the misbelief that mosquitos would not cross.

Columbia doesn’t have an official nickname, but residents call the city Cola or Soda City. Soda City has adventurous activities and scorching temperatures during the summer months. Columbia is also host to a few entertainment opportunities that are hard to find in the United States. Visitors can stop by the Riverbanks Zoo and see the Koala Exhibit. There are less than half a dozen permanent koala exhibits in the country. If you enjoy unusual art, visit the Columbia Marionette Theater. You can enjoy one of the few puppet theaters around.

The population size of Columbia city is 136,632. The median household income for residents in the city is $47,286. Residents in Columbia who own homes make up about 46.0% of the population. The median value of homes in the city is $181,100, much lower than the national average of $374,900. Homeowners with a mortgage pay about $1,303 monthly, while those without a mortgage pay $460. The median gross rent in Columbia is $933.

What Is a Personal Loan?

Looking for a quick cash loan? A personal installment loan is a loan option for Columbia residents that need fast emergency cash. Borrowers get money in one lump sum, and borrowers pay the loan in several monthly installments. Credit history and a borrower’s ability to make timely payments are essential for approval.

The loan amount a borrower could get in South Carolina is flexible. The minimum loan amount can be as low as a few hundred dollars. While the maximum loan amount can be as high as a few thousand dollars. Whether you need money to cover rent or an expensive medical bill, a personal installment loan could help you cover the cost.

The interest rate is one of the most important repayment terms a potential borrower should notice about a loan offer. Most fast cash loans have high-interest rates, which means high monthly payments. If the monthly loan amount is too high, borrowers can fall behind on payments and default.

The repayment length for a personal installment loan can be short or long. The average repayment length for personal installment loans is twelve months. However, eligible borrowers can choose to pay back the loan within a few months or several years. The more time a person has for repayment, the smaller their monthly payments will be. But keep in mind that the total interest amount will be higher with long repayment terms.

There are plenty of personal installment loan options available in Columbia, SC, to choose from. However, not every loan option is going to benefit your finances. For example, there are better loan options than CashNetUSA in Columbia. Keep reading to learn more about personal loans and why CreditNinja may be a better choice for emergency cash.

What Can I Spend a Personal Loan On in Columbia, SC?

Borrowers use personal loans  for personal expenses, but what does that mean? A personal expense  is  the cost of individual living. Unlike other fast cash loan options in Columbia, you could use a personal installment loan for just about anything!

These are some common reasons people get loans in South Carolina:

Furniture Costs

You may need new furniture to make your living space feel like a home if you recently moved. Unfortunately, the cost of furniture can be very high. Large furniture pieces can cost thousands of dollars. If you need a new bed for your apartment or house, you will need to pick out a frame, mattress, box spring, and accessories. All of those furniture pieces can be pricey.

Although some furniture stores offer financing options, their interest rates can be outrageous. Consider using a personal installment loan as a furniture loan for greater affordability.

Debt Consolidation

A personal installment loan can be outstanding for debt consolidation. If you struggle with paying too many bills each month, it can be easy to miss due dates. Late fees can cost $25 to $50. This may not be a lot of money for a one-time fee, but continuously missing payments can hurt a borrower’s wallet and credit history.

A debt consolidation loan could help you obtain enough money to pay off multiple debts. Debt consolidation can make life easier and far less stressful each month. Financial organizations in Columbia, SC, can help you improve payment history on your credit report, which can raise your overall credit score.

Home Improvements

Remodeling a home requires a lot of capital. Even if you plan on doing home improvement projects on your own, you may need money for materials and tools. Expected home improvements include remodels, new appliances, roof replacements, flooring, and more. Improving the look and function of a home can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket.

The loan process for personal installment loans is quick, making them an ideal option for home improvement funding. The loan proceeds are flexible, so you could get enough money to cover the cost of multiple projects on your to-do list.

Funeral Expenses

Funerals can take a toll on your emotions and your finances. Unfortunately, most funerals are unexpected. Residents in Columbia can find themselves frantically trying to come up with thousands of dollars with little short notice.

The median cost of a funeral with a viewing and a burial in the United States is $7,848. However, funeral expenses vary by location and the services performed. If you need money fast to plan a beautiful funeral, there are options! A personal installment loan could help you get quick loan approval for various funeral expenses.

Medical Costs

It’s no secret that medical costs in the United States can be astronomical. Even with health insurance, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by medical expenses. If you had a procedure done or visited the emergency room, you might end up with an expensive medical bill.

Most medical bills have due dates within 30 days of the date billed, which may not be enough time to come up with a couple thousand dollars. The loan process for personal installment loans is incredibly speedy. Eligible borrowers could get emergency money in as little as one business day.

Moving Costs

The cost of moving can be incredibly high in Columbia. The ordeal can cost a few thousand dollars in supplies and labor costs. Residents typically have to rent a truck and hire movers. If you have a lot of furniture to move, the cost of hiring movers may be more than you initially thought. A personal loan can help you pay moving costs and reduce your stress.

What Are the Different Types of Personal Loans Available?

A personal installment loan is a great financing choice for all kinds of personal expenses in Columbia. There are different kinds to choose from, as there is not one singular version of a personal installment loan.

Read about some options and make an informed decision in South Carolina:

  • Secured Loan — Secured loans require collateral for approval. If you have a low credit score, you could get quick approval by using an asset.
  • Same-Day Loan — If you need money to pay an unexpected bill that’s due soon, consider applying for a same-day loan! Emergency money could be in your hand within one business day.
  • Bad Credit Loan — Individuals with a bad credit score may have trouble qualifying for affordable loan terms. But a bad credit personal loan is a budget-friendly option available!
  • Cash Advance Loan — With a cash advance personal installment loan, you could conveniently receive money in your checking account for personal expenses.
  • No Credit Check Loan — There are no credit check loan options available if you want to avoid dips in your credit score due to hard credit inquiries. You will still have to undergo a soft credit check, but this will not appear on your credit report.

Do I Need a Job To Get a Personal Loan?

If you recently lost your job, you may be looking for ways to get a job quickly. Meanwhile, you may have debt payment obligations that have upcoming due dates. A personal installment loan is an excellent option for fast cash, but can you qualify without a job?

Depending on your finances, you could still be eligible for a personal installment loan despite being unemployed. When it comes to qualification for loans, the most important factors include your credit history and your income. There are alternative ways to get money besides simply paychecks. Suppose you have sufficient cash in your bank account. In that case, you may still be able to qualify for a personal installment loan in Columbia, South Carolina.

Do I Need a Bank Account To Get a Personal Loan?

One of the benefits of a personal installment loan is that eligible borrowers could receive high loan amounts in as little as 24 hours! Money can be received rather swiftly because it is dispersed through direct deposit. If you don’t currently have a bank account, you will be unable to qualify for a personal installment loan.

Signing up for a bank account is no longer an arduous ordeal. There is no need to dress up in your Sunday best when visiting a bank. In fact, you can avoid visiting a local branch in-person altogether! Banks offer online services, so you can sign up for a free checking account right from home!

Although some banks require a minimum amount to open a checking account, plenty of accounts don’t. You could open a checking account with as little as one dollar at certain banks. Look into the fees a bank has before opening an account. Although rare, some financial institutions have annual fees because they offer additional benefits. When choosing a bank, consider the location of branches and ATMs.

Once you have created a free bank account, you will need to provide these details to get a direct deposit:

  • Bank Name
  • Account Number
  • Routing Number

Do I Need an SSN To Get a Personal Loan in Columbia, SC?

You will need to provide proof of identification during the approval process for a personal installment loan in Columbia, South Carolina. Typically, a financial institution will require a Social Security Number. However, some people do not have a Social Security Number because it is lost. Individuals that are not permanent residents in the United States may also lack a Social Security Number.

Can you get a personal installment loan without a Social Security Number? Depending on the lender, it may be possible. An alternative identifying number is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Contact a loan agent for more information on documentation.

What Are the Benefits of Personal Loans in Columbia, SC?

Personal installment loans are available to eligible borrowers in South Carolina who want budget-friendly funding! A personal installment loan comes with numerous benefits that are hard to find with payday loans and other fast cash options.

These are just some of the benefits you could receive with personal loans:

Easy Qualification

Not all applicants in Colombia qualify for funding due to bad credit. Many financial institutions in Columbia have strict credit criteria that many people simply can’t meet. Fortunately, a personal installment loan has flexible qualification requirements!

Fast Funding

While you could visit a local branch to apply for a loan, the process can take days! Meanwhile, online lenders that offer personal loans could help you get money in as little as 24 hours. To avoid wasting unnecessary time, consider applying for personal installment loan funding online.

No Spending Restrictions

With a personal installment loan, you could use your money however you see fit. You don’t have to justify your spending or reveal your receipts. Whether you need cash for home repairs or medical bills, a personal installment loan could help cover the cost.

Custom Length of Repayment

The amount of time you receive to pay back the loan will determine affordability. The more time you receive for repayment, the smaller your monthly payments will be. Payday loans offer short terms that demand repayment within two weeks. It can be tough to pay back a loan under strict repayment terms. You could choose how much time you want to repay the money with a personal installment loan!

Low-Interest Rates

Too many lenders offer high-interest rates that make the cost of financing expensive. Eligible borrowers could receive affordable, low-interest rates with a personal installment loan. Even if borrowers have low credit, they could still secure a low-interest rate.

Minimum and Maximum Loan Amounts

You could get minimum loan amounts or maximum loan amounts with a personal installment loan. Most loan options provide either small or large loans. But you could choose to borrow a little or a lot with a personal installment loan. Depending on your financial background, you may get a few hundred dollars in cash or a couple thousand dollars.

Fixed Payments

It can be hard to budget loans with variable interest rates. Although some months will undoubtedly be affordable, there will undoubtedly be months where the loan payment is too high. A personal installment loan has fixed payments that can be efficiently planned for.

How Can I Apply for a Personal Loan in Columbia, SC?

If you’re looking for a debt consolidation loan in Columbia, choose a personal installment loan!

CreditNinja is a better option for financing due to superior benefits and affordable repayment terms. CreditNinja is an online lender that provides quick approval and flexible eligibility. You could be one of the numerous satisfied customers helped thus far!

This is merely a highlight of the benefits CreditNinja offers:

  • Apply at any time with 24/7 access to an online application
  • Competitive interest rates
  • No Prepayment penalty fees
  • Fixed monthly payments
  • Quality customer service
References

1. Columbia, South Carolina Census
2. 10 Facts about Columbia
3. Funeral Statistics