Inklingo

How to Say "loan" in Spanish

English → Spanish

crédito

nounA2formal
Use 'crédito' when referring to a line of credit or a loan agreement, especially one from a financial institution.

Examples

Pedí un crédito al banco para comprar la casa.

I asked the bank for a loan to buy the house.

préstamo

nounA2formal
Use 'préstamo' specifically for a sum of money lent by a bank or other institution, often for a specific purpose like a mortgage.

Examples

Necesito pedir un préstamo hipotecario para comprar la casa.

I need to ask for a mortgage loan to buy the house.

deuda

DEY-dah/ˈdeu̯.ða/

nounA1
Use 'deuda' to refer to the state of owing money or the total amount of money that is owed.
A small cartoon bear is chained to a massive, heavy iron ball, symbolizing the burden of debt.

Examples

Tengo una gran deuda con el banco.

I have a big debt with the bank.

Necesito pagar mis deudas antes de fin de mes.

I need to pay my debts before the end of the month.

La deuda nacional es un problema serio para el país.

The national debt is a serious problem for the country.

Feminine Noun

Remember that 'deuda' is always feminine, so you must use 'la deuda' and 'una deuda'.

Using the wrong verb for 'to owe'

Mistake: “Hacer una deuda (To make a debt)”

Correction: The correct verb is 'tener una deuda' (to have a debt) or 'deber dinero' (to owe money). 'Contraer una deuda' means to get into debt.

presta

/press-tah//ˈpɾesta/

verbA2informal
Use 'presta' as the informal command 'lend!' (tú form) or as part of a verb phrase meaning 'lends'.
A storybook illustration showing one person gently offering a red book to another person's outstretched hand, symbolizing the act of lending.

Examples

Mi hermana me presta su coche los fines de semana.

My sister lends me her car on weekends.

Presta tu chaqueta a María, tiene frío.

Lend your jacket to María, she is cold. (Informal command)

El banco nunca presta dinero sin aval.

The bank never loans money without collateral.

Dual Role of 'Presta'

'Presta' is used when talking about what a third person does ('He/She lends') AND when you are giving a direct order to a friend ('Lend it!').

Lend vs. Borrow

Mistake: “Using 'prestar' when you mean 'to borrow.'”

Correction: To borrow is 'pedir prestado.' Remember: 'Prestar' is what the generous person does.

Confusing 'Crédito' and 'Préstamo'

Learners often confuse 'crédito' and 'préstamo' as they both refer to borrowed money from institutions. 'Préstamo' is generally for a specific sum and purpose (like a mortgage), while 'crédito' can refer to a broader credit line or agreement with a bank.

Related Translations

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