A new online loans service has been launched by internet lending site Zopa that enables consumers to advertise how much they would like to borrow and at what rate .
The social lending website currently provides consumers with the option of borrowing from or lending money to each other - side-stepping the banks in the process.
The new move by the group, dubbed the eBay of money, will enable people to pitch for the specific loan they want. For example, people will be able to give details of how much they want to borrow, what they want the money for, what interest rate they want to pay and how long it will take them to repay their total debt .
The listings can include a photograph and eventually also a video, as well as any information the borrower wants to give on their personal circumstances to help lenders decide whether or not they want to advance them the cash .
Individuals who decide they want to lend money to a particular consumer can bid on the listing, stating how much they would be prepared to lend and at what rate . The loan will go ahead if the full amount is reached, with the borrower charged interest based on the different rates people are prepared to lend at.
The group claimed the move would introduce an openness, transparency and market effectiveness that had not previously applied to people looking to borrow money .
Zopa will continue to examine all would-be borrowers to ensure they have a good credit rating and good repayment histories.










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