Co-Borrower Vs. Co-signer

What is a co-borrower?

Put simply, a co-borrower is someone who agrees to take on the responsibility of a loan with you. They are equally responsible for the loan and can make payments on it in conjunction with you. Co-borrowers share the legal right to the asset as well as the legal responsibility for paying it from the get-go.

How does a co-borrower loan work?

When applying with a co-borrower, both parties have a legal responsibility to pay back whatever is owed. The amount paid back on a consistent basis can come from either person’s account, either partially or in-full, so long as the total amount is paid back on time. Co-borrowers typically share legal rights to assets.

What is a co-signer?

On the other hand, a co-signer does not take on financial responsibility for a loan or asset unless the primary borrower defaults on their payments. A co-signer is typically used to help somebody get approved for a loan, who may not otherwise get approved. They usually have a higher credit score and stronger financial history than the applicant. Common examples may include parents becoming co-signers on their child’s first apartment or car, where the child doesn’t have an established history of credit.

How co-signer loan works?

A co-signer acts as a guarantor for a primary borrower but isn’t responsible for making any payments unless the primary borrower defaults. All responsibility for what is being borrowed is with the primary borrower until the event of default. At that point, should it occur, the co-signer takes on all legal responsibility.

Related: Co-signer rights

Difference between co-borrower vs co-signer

Pros and cons of co-borrower

There are certain pros and cons to co-borrowers and co-signers that are important to consider when deciding which path is right for you. Here are the pros and cons of having a co-borrower:

Pros:

• All applicants on the loan will be able to build credit by making on-time and in-full payments
• Both applicants can enjoy the loan purpose
• Potentially reduced interest rate with a higher principal payment

Cons:

• Either borrower failing to contribute to the loan results in one person taking on the full brunt of the loan
• Two parties are financially responsible regardless of how their personal relationship potentially changes (divorce, friendship falling out, etc.)

Pros and cons of co-signer

As with co-borrowers, there are certainly pros and cons to being or having a co-signer. Here are some of the most prominent:

Pros:

• Ability to qualify for a loan you may not have qualified for before
• The asset fully belongs to you and not the co-signer

Cons:

• As a co-signer, you may eventually become responsible for the payments on an asset or loan
• The credit scores and history of both parties can be damaged if payments are not met by the primary borrower

<h2id=”link8″>When is co-borrowing a right option?

When two people wish to share equal responsibility for payments on a loan or asset and wish to both be able to use that loan or asset, co-borrowing is the best choice. You will typically see co-borrowing with joint mortgages for homes between spouses, joint auto loans for a car, or joint business loans. Just remember that no matter what happens to your relationship with your co-borrower, you will still both be legally responsible for completing payments.

When is a co-signer the best option?

On the other hand, a co-signer is the best option when it’s clear that only the primary borrower should be responsible for payments and the use of the loan or asset. While responsibility will fall to the co-signer in the event the primary borrower defaults, co-signers typically have no desire to use whatever the asset is and are usually just helping the primary borrower get approved.

Related: Personal loans with a cosigner

How to decide between being a co-borrower or co-signer?

Deciding whether you want to be a co-borrower or co-signer depends entirely on what you want to get out of the loan. Should you wish to be equally responsible for payments legally and have access to whatever is being borrowed or paid off, being a co-borrower is the best choice. If you have no desire to use whatever is being borrowed and are simply helping someone get approved, being a co-signer is the best choice.

What should I do before co-borrowing or co-signing?

Regardless of whether you are using a co-borrower or co-signer, take the time to sit down with the other party and discuss the loan. Determine whether the loan is necessary and be sure to clarify that all parties responsible for payments can meet their agreed-upon obligations. Discuss alternatives and what happens if somebody cannot meet payments.

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