When considering a settlement loan you should always know the differences between a settlement loan and a traditional loan. They are two complete different ways to obtain fund during a pending lawsuit when a client has no income. This article is designed to explain the differences between a settlement loan and a traditional loan and allow the reader to determine which can be a better solution.  Traditional Loan  A traditional loan can be compared to normal loans; this includes auto loans, mortgages and other types of unsecured credit. Basically a lender is providing you money up front, which is to be paid back on a set schedule with a pre-determined interest rate. Your credit history and current credit obligations affect the amount of interest and amount of money that can be loaned.   A traditional loan must always be paid back according to the agreement between the lender and the person receiving the loan; regardless of income changes or living situations. Missed payments can result in negative marks on your credit history, resulting in higher interest rates and make it harder to achieve loans in the future. In some cases, if you miss too many payments over a period of time you can lose the item you bought the loan with; like a house or automobile.  Settlement Loan  A settlement loan is much different than a traditional loan; in fact you can’t even consider a settlement loan an actual loan at all. It’s more like a lending provider buying interest into your lawsuit. They are providing you an advance on your possible winnings in a lawsuit in return for that amount back with interest. A settlement loan is based solely on your current lawsuit case; your credit history and current income play no role what so ever in the decision process.  What stands out the most in the differences between a settlement loan and a traditional loan is a settlement loan does not have to be repaid if the case is lost! Yes, that means if you lose your pending lawsuit you do not have to pay back one dollar to the settlement loan provider. You’ll also not receive any marks on your credit history, nor will it affect any future chances of receiving a settlement loans.  Summary  As you can tell from reading this article a settlement loan can be far more beneficial and smarter financial move if you’re attempting to obtain financial funds during a pending lawsuit. However, situations are different and sometimes a traditional loan might be the only way for someone to go. This article author believes you should apply for a settlement loan prior to a traditional loan. Remember, if you receive a traditional loan and lose your case your still obligated to pay it back!