Loan Glossary

Complex loan terms explained in plain language. Search for a term or browse all explanations.

Search Loan Terms

Type a term and find the explanation instantly

Why is it important to know loan terms?

When applying for a loan, you will encounter various financial terms. Understanding them helps you:

  • Compare offers objectively — understand what APR, interest rate, and contract fees really mean
  • Avoid hidden costs — recognize late penalties, admin fees, and other charges
  • Make informed decisions — know your rights (early repayment, payment holiday, withdrawal right)
  • Protect against over-indebtedness — understand the importance of credit history

Content prepared by 123laen.ee specialists

Our team analyzes the Estonian credit market daily, verifies conditions and ensures data accuracy for every lender.

AM

Editor

Andres Mets

Analyst team

123laen OÜ

Verified

Borrower requirements

Main conditions for getting a loan

Minimum age 18 years

Must be at least 18 years old, Estonian resident

Regular income of at least €600/month

Regular income must be verifiable

Estonian resident or residence permit holder

Estonian personal ID and bank account

No active debt obligations or payment defaults

Checked via the payment default register

Valid email address and phone number

Required for application verification

Important notice!

A loan affects your credit history. An unpaid loan can worsen your credit rating.

Late payments result in penalties and late fees.

Before taking out a loan, assess your financial situation and ability to repay.

Think before you borrow

Responsible lending

Borrowing is a serious financial decision that affects your life for a long time. Follow these recommendations to avoid financial stress and over-indebtedness.

Create a budget

Before taking a loan, create a detailed monthly budget. Calculate your income and all mandatory expenses — rent, utilities, food, transport. The loan payment must fit within your available funds.

Don't borrow on impulse

Impulsive decisions often lead to over-borrowing. Wait at least 48 hours before submitting an application. If the need still seems justified after waiting, only then proceed.

Compare offers

Don't choose the first offer. Compare terms from at least 3–5 lenders — interest, APR, fees and repayment schedule. Use our comparison table to find the best one.

Read the contract

Before signing, read the contract carefully. Pay attention to the interest rate, APR, penalties, early repayment terms and all fees.

Learn more about responsible lending

Your borrower rights

Protected by law

14 DAYS

Right of withdrawal

You have 14 calendar days to withdraw from the contract without giving a reason. Return the loan amount and accrued interest — the contract will be cancelled.

ANYTIME

Early repayment

You have the right to repay the loan early in part or in full at any time. The lender may charge compensation of maximum 1% of the amount repaid.

YOUR CHOICE

SECCI standard information

Before signing the contract, the lender must provide you with a SECCI information sheet — it contains all loan terms in one document for an informed decision.

LEGALLY PROTECTED

Dispute resolution

If a dispute arises with a lender, you have the right to contact the Consumer Protection Authority free of charge. You can also use out-of-court solutions.

All borrower rights

Checklist: what to ask your loan advisor?

8 important questions before taking a loan

Once a month

Best loan offers — when it really matters

Subscribe and receive a monthly selection of hot offers from verified lenders.

By clicking, you agree to receive our newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time.