Spotlight on: Zopa's 4.9 per cent loans

The deal

Peer-to-peer lender Zopa is offering loans between £7,500 and £10,000 over one to three years at 4.9 per cent until 22 May.

Good points

The rate is the lowest on the unsecured loan market as Zopa looks to take on lenders that have been cutting loan rates in recent weeks.

Bad points

You've only got until next Wednesday to apply. If you want a longer loan – over four or five years – you'll be charged 5.1 per cent.

Conclusion

Zopa is looking to move closer to the mainstream with this offer. It doesn't offer loans itself, but effectively arranges them from other people. As such it claims it bypasses the high fees charged by banks. If you need a loan, it's worth looking at the online firm's offer.