Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Taking Out a Loan in 2026

For many individuals, borrowing a loan is a way to manage a tight money situation, whether that be an emergency expense, such as a car repair at a reputable garage like In Town Automotive, or vet bills for a pet health emergency. However, what many don’t realise is that borrowing from the right lender can make all the difference.

In 2026, amid inflationary pressures and rising costs, you need to be discerning about your borrowing choices. While fintech innovations have made credit more accessible and inclusive, doing your due diligence and limiting your borrowing risks are still key factors to consider. This ensures you have a stress-free borrowing experience.

One of the best ways to do this is to borrow from ethical and responsible lenders, such as Salad, who prioritise borrower welfare and financial inclusion. With an ethical lender, you’re also likely to receive fairer credit at lower costs, allowing you to meet your financial needs more comfortably.

In this article, we discuss the top 5 mistakes you need to avoid when taking out a loan in 2026.

Ignoring the True Cost of the Loan

Experienced borrowers know that ignoring the true cost of the loan, i.e the APR, can prove risky when taking out a loan. This is because people are often lured by low interest rates and miss the fact that interest rates only represent the cost of borrowing the principal amount. APR rates, on the other hand, include interest rates plus any additional loan fees, such as arrangement fees, origination fees, or hidden charges. 

This can significantly increase the total cost of the loan, which can catch you by surprise. So how do you avoid this? It’s simple, just compare the total amount repayable and the advertised APR rate. This will help you arrive at a more realistic estimate of the total cost of your loan and what you’re signing up for when you borrow.

Failing to Assess Your Own Loan Affordability

When you borrow from responsible lenders like Salad, you needn’t have to worry as they carry out robust affordability assessments to limit their lending risks and your borrowing risks. However, that doesn’t excuse you from assessing your own financial situation, especially when you’re looking to borrow with bad credit. If you’re wondering how this helps, here’s how. Assessing your finances gives you a clear idea of your current financial situation, including the impact of future financial bills, payments and other variables. 

This can help you understand whether you can afford to take a loan without repayments impacting your budget, even if an unforeseen expense arises. For example, if your income had to drop by 5-10% in the months after you borrow, would you still be able to make your loan repayments comfortably? Consider stress-testing your budget and ask yourself tough questions before you apply for a loan.

Choosing the First Credit Option You’re Offered

The ideal credit option is one that you can comfortably repay, has low interest rates, has flexible repayment options, and provides you with a sense of safety and security. The truth is that this exists, and there is a credit option that is just right for you and meets your needs without trapping you in debt. However, choosing the first credit option you’re offered is not it, doubly so if you’re already struggling with a poor credit history and want a borrowing option fast.

Even if you had a strong credit score, you’d do best to avoid applying for the first credit offer that comes your way. Most borrowers make the mistake of not comparing their loan options, which means you’re likely to risk overpaying for your loan. There’s an easy fix to avoid this, which is to use comparison tools online or search for alternative credit providers like direct ethical lenders or credit unions.

Not Reading the Fine Print

Failing to read the fine print on loan offers can be a costly mistake for borrowers. This is because the fine print often contains hidden clauses, charges, and additional loan fees, all neatly packaged in legal jargon that can confuse you. Overlooking this means you’ll end up paying more each month on repayments, which can derail even the best planned budgets.

Look for terms such as prepayment penalties, late payment charges, documentation fees, administrative processing fees, etc. Make sure you know how much you’ll be paying in total costs and clarify any doubts you may have regarding these with your lender.

Not Verifying Your Lender Status

Credible, ethical lenders will always be found on the FCA database. Verifying your lender’s status is something you need to consider doing as part of your due diligence. Borrowing from an authorised lender will prevent you from getting scammed or falling prey to misleading advertisements from predatory lenders. 

This is a non-negotiable for borrowers, no matter your credit profile. Do not make the mistake of going merely by professional-looking websites or the promise of easy cash and no checks. Also, beware of lenders who promise to give you more than the amount you’ve asked for, as this can be a sign of a fraudulent lender.

Summing Up

It’s okay to feel nervous about borrowing a loan, especially if you’re a first-time borrower or are applying for a loan with bad credit. Doing your research, comparing your loan options and choosing the right lender can take the stress out of your borrowing experience.