The total lending in the UK has seen an upward trend. The figures released for September, 2005 shows that the total lending has increased by 9.0bn. Secured loans, that constitute an important part of the total lending, are not very far behind. It has seen a growth of around 7.7bn. No data is available however, for best personal loans. Best personal loan is a subjective concept and it is difficult to quantify the data related to it.

Best personal loan is how a borrower perceives the financial product offered to him. The satisfaction that one derives from the use of personal loans will categorise them into best personal loans. The term satisfaction is used often in the financial circles. Lenders often use the term to show their commitment to creating satisfaction among their customers. However, very few lenders are sure about what brings upon satisfaction.

Since the needs and requirements of no two borrowers are similar, it will be difficult for loan providers to gain knowledge of the satisfaction criteria. No more can loan providers sustain by offering standardised products that are meant to cater to a diverse group of people. The number of loan providers has sprung with leaps and bounds. Consequently, borrowers are free to use the facilities of lenders who are prepared to offer loans according to the specifications drawn.

The good thing about the older system was that the banker was considered a confidante who had personal relations with all his borrowers and he knew about their needs through a long history of dealings with them. Online processing of loans has lessened contact between loan providers and borrowers. Though borrowers are encouraged to list their specific requirements along with the application form, borrowers are not articulate enough about them. Personal contact can help elicit information about borrowers preferences. This is why many loan providers have introduced the scheme wherein borrowers can contact experts from the lending organisation. Experts provide valuable advice on all issues related to the best personal loan. By making changes to the present system of lending, loan providers have tried to assimilate certain good qualities of the older system.

Attempting to live up to the expectations of borrowers will be like walking a tight rope. The impact will be on cost and promptness of approval of personal loans. The loan provider cannot hope to be lax on these qualities since they hold an equally prominent place among borrowers.

APR, commonly known as interest rate, principally constitute the cost of the best personal loan. Thanks to the advances in information technology, borrowers today are not as ignorant about the interest rates as in the yesteryears. With the homework done beforehand, borrowers easily get information about interest rates available in the UK. Online loan calculators list APRs of several banks and financial institutions. Loan calculator is used as a comparison tool.

Fees of lenders, documentation charges, etc. form the other components of cost. Many of these costs are given in fine print and included at the time of determining monthly repayments. Looking out for these costs and getting clarification about their inclusion will be necessary before assenting to the loan deal.

As mentioned before, focussing more on the borrowers specifications will impact the promptness of approval. Borrowers will not stand a delay in loan approval. They want a quick sanction of the loan proceeds so that they can use it to their desired purpose. Loan providers have to design a method whereby they can look after the requirements of borrowers without compromising on the issue of time for approval.

Another important quality of best personal loans is simplicity. You would certainly not call a loan simple when the loan provider requires the borrower to visit several times for numerous formalities, and the borrower is required to fill lengthy application forms. Loan providers have attempted to change their ways. Application forms have shortened substantially, with lenders requiring only the relevant details.

The priorities laid down will differ. Thus, loan providers will not have to excel on every count. Focussing ones energy on the quality that the borrower most desires and sprinkling the other qualities, though in somewhat lower proportions, works for the loan providers. The satisfaction levels will improve and help to secure businesses in the future.