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ToggleAs the expenses of an average Indian household increases, the need for taking help of a financial tool also increases for a family. A personal loan can be of great use if you have the current capacity to repay it on time. Here’s everything you need to know about a personal loan.
A personal loan is an unsecured loan that allows you to borrow a fixed amount of money from a financial institution like a bank or credit union. This use can be anything that can be covered within the approved amount limit, including covering medical expenses, consolidating debt, or covering some vacation costs. Unlike secured loans, personal loans don’t require collateral. The borrower repays the loan in fixed monthly instalments over a set period, typically with a fixed interest rate, which depends on factors like credit score, income, and loan amount.
A personal loan is essentially an agreement between you and a lender that gives you access to funds for a variety of needs, whether unexpected expenses or personal projects. Typically, you’d approach a commercial lender or a reliable financial source, where they evaluate your request and, if approved, provide a set amount of money with clear terms attached. These terms cover details like interest rates, potential fees, and how you’ll repay the loan. Finalising the personal loan comes down to both you and the lender agreeing to these terms, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Based on the reason why you want to take a personal loan there are several different types of personal loans. Below are some of the most popular categories:
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While personal loans come with a higher interest rate compared to other loans in the market, there are some other benefits of ditching other types of loans and taking out this one instead. Here are some of the main benefits of taking a personal loan:
While personal loans can fall in favour of many, there are several factors to consider when taking a personal loan, as, after all, you will have to repay it responsibly. Here are some of the main factors to consider before you take out a personal loan:
Different financial institutions and lenders have different criterias and different interest rates. Before you decide to go for one lender, make sure you compare the interest rates of different lenders and see which one best suits your needs. Go for the lowest interest rate available, as a lower interest rate will mean a lower debt amount to repay over time.
The repayment or loan term is simply how long you must repay the loan. Choosing a shorter term usually means larger monthly payments but less interest paid overall. On the other hand, a longer-term might feel easier on the wallet month-to-month, but it can end up costing more in interest in the long run.
While based on your credit score, you may get a good amount for a personal loan, it’s a smarter choice to only borrow the amount that you need. This disciplined approach helps you avoid taking on too much debt and keeps you from paying interest on funds you don’t truly need. Before taking out a personal loan, make sure to assess your purpose carefully and borrow only what genuinely meets your needs.
Certain lenders may apply extra fees for personal loans, like origination fees or penalties for early repayment. Make sure you’re aware of all associated charges and consider them carefully when deciding on a loan.
Your credit score directly impacts the interest rates lenders may offer. A high score can secure you lower rates, while a low score might result in higher rates or even a declined loan application.
Understanding the terms and conditions for foreclosure can be beneficial. Foreclosure means paying off your loan in full before the end of the loan term. Some lenders allow this after a set period, though they may charge a fee for early repayment, especially with fixed-interest loans.
While documentation requirements may differ from lender to lender, the following are commonly requested when applying for a personal loan:
To qualify for a personal loan, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility criteria set by lenders. These criteria ensure that you are financially stable and able to repay the loan. Key eligibility factors include:
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Below are some factors that determine your personal loan’s tenure and interest rates:
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While personal loans can be a great tool for quick financial emergencies, one can unknowingly fall into a pit of mistakes when not properly planned for making this big financial decision. Here are five common mistakes to avoid when applying for a personal loan:
The longer the loan term you take, the more you will be charged with the interest rate during your entire personal loan repayment tenure. Hence, make sure you only take the necessary loan amount required so you don’t shake your financial budget.
Another mistake that most people make after taking a personal loan is sometimes missing out on monthly payments. This may happen if you end up taking more loan amount than required and you fail to make monthly repayments as they may not fit your budget. Avoid doing this, as that can negatively impact your credit score.
Your credit score plays a crucial role in deciding whether you qualify for a loan and what interest rate you’ll be offered. Interestingly, some lenders might impose steeper origination fees for borrowers with lower credit scores. That’s why it’s essential to check your credit score before applying—this way, you’ll have a clearer idea of what to anticipate in terms of expenses.
Keep an eye out for any hidden fees and penalties by carefully reviewing the lender’s terms and conditions. Although most lenders are transparent about any penalties or charges, you should be in charge of your own financial decisions by making it a point to look out for any hidden charges. This will help ensure you don’t end up with less money than you need to meet your financial goals.
As consumers, we often forget to read the long list of terms and conditions simply because that’s too much information to read. Avoid doing that when taking out loans. Make sure you read the fine print carefully before signing any deal.
To get approved for a personal loan, check your credit score to ensure it meets the lender's requirements. Gather necessary documentation and research various lenders to compare interest rates and terms. Complete the application accurately, providing all requested information.
Yes, you can apply for a joint personal loan with your partner. Both applicants will share the loan amount and be responsible for repayment. This can increase your chances of approval and may lead to better interest rates, as the combined income and credit profiles can strengthen the application.
No, personal loans are unsecured, meaning they are not backed by collateral like a home. Therefore, there are no foreclosure charges associated with personal loans. However, failure to repay can result in negative impacts on your credit score and potential collection actions.
The time it takes to get a personal loan varies by lender. Generally, you should receive funds within a few hours to a few days after approval. Online lenders often offer faster processing, while traditional banks may take longer due to their application and approval processes. To speed up the process, ensure you have all the necessary documents when applying.
A personal loan is a broader term for a loan taken for various purposes, typically with fixed terms and interest rates. It can be unsecured or secured and is repaid in instalments. A cash loan, called a payday loan or cash advance, is usually a smaller, short-term loan meant to cover immediate expenses. Cash loans often have higher interest rates and are due on your next payday, making them more costly in the long run.
The maximum personal loan amount you can borrow varies by lender and depends on factors like your credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio. Typically, personal loans range from ₹50,000 to ₹40 lakh. Some lenders may offer higher amounts, but it's essential to check with individual institutions to understand their specific limits and requirements.
Personal loans can be better than credit cards for larger expenses due to typically lower interest rates and fixed repayment terms. They offer structured payments, making it easier to manage budgets. However, credit cards provide more flexibility for smaller, ongoing purchases and rewards. The choice depends on your financial needs and repayment capacity.
Interest rates for personal loans can differ widely depending on the lender, your credit score, and the current market trends. In India, these rates fall between 10.75% and 28% per year. If you have a solid credit history, you’re more likely to secure a lower interest rate.
The maximum loan duration for a personal loan typically ranges from one to seven years, depending on the lender. Some institutions may offer longer terms, but this can vary based on the loan amount, interest rates, and your credit profile. Always check with individual lenders for their specific terms.
A personal loan can be used for various purposes, including consolidating debt, covering medical expenses, funding home renovations, financing a wedding, or paying for educational costs. It provides borrowers with flexible financing options to address both planned and unexpected expenses.
A prepayment penalty on a personal loan is a fee charged by some lenders if you repay the loan before the end of its term. This fee compensates the lender for the interest lost due to early repayment. Not all loans have prepayment penalties, so it’s essential to check the loan terms before committing.
The credit score needed for a personal loan varies by lender, but generally, a score of 650 or higher improves your chances of approval. Higher scores, around 750 or above, can help secure better interest rates. Some lenders may accept lower scores, but this often comes with higher interest rates and stricter terms.
Priyanka Rao is a content strategist for Jupiter.Money, and specializes in writing on topics related to finance, banking, budgeting, salary & wages, and other financial matters. She has a passion for creating engaging content that resonates with audiences across various digital platforms. In her free time, Priyanka enjoys traveling and reading, which allows her to gain new perspectives and inspiration for her work. With a keen eye for detail and a creative mindset, Priyanka is committed to creating content that connects well with her readers, enhancing their digital experiences.
View all postsAditya Padmawar is the Director of Products - Lending at Jupiter Money, where he oversees the development of innovative lending solutions to deliver seamless, technology-driven customer experiences. Leveraging his strong background in product management and technology, Aditya is instrumental in crafting efficient, automated product journeys that enhance Jupiter's lending offerings. Before joining Jupiter, Aditya was the Head of App Product at Navi, where he used technology to build businesses from the ground up. His key achievements include reimagining the home loan product to address fundamental customer pain points, scaling the personal loans business at an industry-leading pace, and creating one of the best health insurance product experiences for Navi's customers. Previously, Aditya was a Senior Product Manager at Ola, where he contributed to product innovation in the mobility sector. He also served as a Program Manager at Tata Administrative Services, leading strategic projects across various sectors. His early career includes working as a design engineer at Intel and interning at IBM. Aditya holds an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad and a dual degree from IIT Bombay, where he developed a strong foundation in both business and engineering. His blend of technical expertise and business acumen enables him to drive impactful product strategies in the fintech space.
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