What is the Most Common Type of Debt?

When you put up collateral for a loan, you’re dealing with secured debt. For instance, a mortgage is typically secured by your home and an auto loan is usually secured by your car. Mortgages are the most prevalent and largest type of debt that many people have.

Potential disadvantages of secured debt include:

  • You can lose the property, such as a home or car, that secures the loan if you fail to make your payments.
  • You’re typically borrowing money for a specific item, like a home or car, rather than being able to use the money for a variety of purposes, as you can with a personal loan.