Personal Loan FAQs

A personal loan is a type of unsecured loan provided by banks and financial institutions to individuals for personal use, such as consolidating debt, home renovations, medical expenses, or travel. It is not tied to any specific purpose or collateral.

The easiest type of personal loan to get approved for is typically a loan with a lower loan amount and shorter tenure. Lenders may have different criteria, but loans with minimal documentation requirements, lower credit score thresholds, and smaller loan amounts are generally easier to obtain.

The eligibility criteria for a personal loan may vary between lenders, but typically include factors such as age (usually 21-60 years), income stability, credit score, employment type (salaried or self-employed), and residence stability.

The interest rates for personal loans in India vary across lenders and can range from around 9.5% to 24% per annum. The specific rate offered to you depends on factors like your creditworthiness, income, and the lender's policies. Many lenders also provide promotional offers that reduce interest rates at certain times.

The maximum amount you can borrow with a personal loan depends on various factors, including your income, creditworthiness, and the lender's policies. In India, personal loan amounts typically range from a few thousand rupees to several lakhs.

The tenure, or repayment period, for a personal loan in India generally ranges from 1 year to 5 years. Some lenders may offer longer tenures, but it depends on the policies of the specific institution.

Personal loans are typically unsecured, meaning you do not need to provide collateral or a guarantor. They are approved based on your creditworthiness, income stability, and other eligibility criteria. However, some lenders may ask for collateral or a guarantor in certain cases where the credit score of the individual is low, the amount requested is high or the lending risk is high.

Personal loans are generally intended for personal use and not specifically for business purposes. However, you can utilize personal loan funds for small-scale business requirements. If you need a loan specifically for business purposes, it is advisable to explore business loans that are designed to meet such needs, which might be available at a more attractive rate and terms.

Your credit score plays a crucial role in your personal loan application. Lenders assess your creditworthiness by checking your credit score and credit history. A higher credit score indicates good financial discipline and increases your chances of loan approval at competitive interest rates. A lower credit score may result in a higher interest rate or even rejection of the loan application.

Yes, many banks, financial institutions, and Apps allow you to apply for a personal loan online. You can visit their official website or use loan aggregator platforms to compare loan offers and complete the application process online.

Yes, self-employed individuals can apply for personal loans. However, lenders may require additional documentation to evaluate your income stability, such as income tax returns, audited financial statements, business ownership proof, and bank statements. The loan approval and terms may also depend on your business's financial health and creditworthiness.

If you miss a personal loan Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) payment, the lender typically levies a late payment fee and charges interest on the outstanding amount. Missing multiple payments can negatively impact your credit score, making it difficult to obtain credit in the future. It is essential to communicate with the lender in such situations and make timely repayments to avoid adverse consequences.

The charges for late payment of personal loan EMIs vary between lenders. Generally, they include a late payment fee, additional interest on the overdue amount, and the potential impact on your credit score. It is advisable to review the loan agreement or contact the lender to understand the specific charges applicable.

While it is possible to have multiple personal loans, obtaining multiple loans simultaneously may impact your creditworthiness and debt-to-income ratio. Lenders may consider your existing loans when evaluating your repayment capacity. Taking on too much debt can increase the risk of default and affect your credit score. It is important to assess your financial situation carefully before taking multiple loans.

Yes, negotiation is possible – you can discuss the interest rate offered to you on a personal loan with your lender, particularly if you possess a high credit score and demonstrate a robust ability to repay. However, the extent of negotiation may depend on the lender's policies and prevailing market conditions. It is recommended to compare loan offers from different lenders and use that information to negotiate for a competitive interest rate.

A fixed interest rate remains constant throughout the loan tenure, meaning your EMIs remain the same. On the other hand, a floating interest rate fluctuates with changes in market conditions or benchmark rates. As a result, your EMIs can increase or decrease during the loan tenure based on the prevailing interest rates.

Yes, it is possible to transfer your personal loan to another bank through a process called a loan balance transfer. By transferring the loan, you can avail better interest rates, favourable terms, or additional benefits offered by the new lender. However, it is essential to compare the costs, benefits, and eligibility requirements before opting for a loan transfer.

Generally, lenders require income proof, such as salary slips or income tax returns, to assess your repayment capacity. However, some lenders may offer loans without income proof to self-employed individuals based on other factors like bank statements, audited financial statements, or collateral provided. These loans may have different terms and conditions, so it is advisable to check with the lender for specific requirements.

Personal loans do not offer any tax benefits on the principal amount borrowed. However, if the loan is utilized for specific purposes defined under the Income Tax Act, such as home renovation or education expenses, you may be eligible for tax benefits on the interest paid. It is advisable to consult a tax professional or refer to the specific tax regulations for detailed information.