Top 10 Ways to Get Loans in India
Loans play a crucial role in fulfilling financial needs, whether for personal expenses, education, business growth, or emergencies. In India, multiple lending options are available, including banks, NBFCs, digital lenders, and government schemes.
This 2000-word guide covers the top 10 ways to get loans in India, their interest rates, eligibility, pros & cons, and application process.
1. Personal Loans from Banks
What is a Personal Loan?
A personal loan is an unsecured loan offered by banks and NBFCs for various purposes like medical emergencies, weddings, travel, or debt consolidation.
Key Features:
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Loan Amount: ₹10,000 – ₹50 lakhs
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Interest Rate: 10.5% – 24% p.a.
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Tenure: 1 – 7 years
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Processing Fee: 1% – 3% of loan amount
Top Lenders:
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HDFC Bank
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State Bank of India (SBI)
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ICICI Bank
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Axis Bank
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Bajaj Finserv
Eligibility:
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Credit Score: 700+
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Income: ₹15,000+ per month (salaried)
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Age: 21 – 65 years
Pros & Cons:
✅ No collateral required
✅ Quick disbursal (24-72 hours)
❌ High interest for low credit scores
❌ Strict eligibility criteria
How to Apply?
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Online: Via bank website/app (pre-approved offers)
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Offline: Visit branch with documents (salary slips, ID proof)
2. Gold Loans
What is a Gold Loan?
A secured loan where gold jewelry is pledged as collateral.
Key Features:
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Loan Amount: Up to 75% of gold value
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Interest Rate: 7% – 29% p.a.
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Tenure: 3 months – 5 years
Top Lenders:
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Muthoot Finance
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Manappuram Finance
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SBI Gold Loan
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HDFC Gold Loan
Eligibility:
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Gold Purity: 18K – 24K
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No income proof needed
Pros & Cons:
✅ Instant approval (30 mins)
✅ Low interest compared to personal loans
❌ Risk of losing gold if unpaid
❌ Short repayment period
How to Apply?
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Visit lender with gold jewelry & ID proof.
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Get valuation & loan disbursal on the spot.
3. Loan Against Property (LAP)
What is LAP?
A secured loan where property (residential/commercial) is mortgaged.
Key Features:
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Loan Amount: 50% – 70% of property value
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Interest Rate: 8% – 15% p.a.
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Tenure: Up to 20 years
Top Lenders:
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HDFC LAP
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LIC Housing Finance
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PNB Housing
Eligibility:
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Property Ownership
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Income Proof
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Credit Score: 650+
Pros & Cons:
✅ Lower interest than personal loans
✅ Long repayment tenure
❌ Risk of property seizure
❌ Lengthy approval process
How to Apply?
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Submit property documents & income proof.
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Bank evaluates property before disbursal.
4. Credit Card Loans
What is a Credit Card Loan?
Borrow against credit limit via cash advance or EMI conversion.
Key Features:
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Loan Amount: Up to 90% of credit limit
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Interest Rate: 18% – 48% p.a.
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Tenure: 3 – 24 months
Top Lenders:
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HDFC Credit Card Loan
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SBI Card EMI
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ICICI Instant Cash
Eligibility:
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Active credit card (6+ months old)
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Good repayment history
Pros & Cons:
✅ Instant money in bank account
✅ No extra documentation
❌ Very high interest
❌ Affects credit score if misused
How to Apply?
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Use net banking/app to convert to EMI.
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Call customer care for cash advance.
5. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending
What is P2P Lending?
Borrow from individual investors via online platforms.
Key Features:
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Loan Amount: ₹10,000 – ₹10 lakhs
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Interest Rate: 12% – 30% p.a.
Top Platforms:
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Faircent
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Lendbox
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12% Club (BharatPe)
Eligibility:
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Credit Score: 600+
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Income Proof
Pros & Cons:
✅ Faster than banks
✅ Flexible terms
❌ High risk of fraud
❌ No RBI insurance
How to Apply?
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Register on P2P platform.
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Submit documents & get investor bids.
6. Government-Backed Loans
Types of Govt Loans:
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MUDRA Loan (Up to ₹10 lakh for small businesses)
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PM SVANidhi (₹10,000 – ₹50,000 for street vendors)
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Stand-Up India (SC/ST/women entrepreneurs)
Interest Rate: 7% – 12% p.a.
How to Apply?
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Visit CSC centers or bank branches.
7. Loan Against Fixed Deposit (FD)
Key Features:
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Loan Amount: Up to 90% of FD value
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Interest Rate: 2% – 3% above FD rate
Top Lenders:
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SBI
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HDFC
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Post Office
Pros & Cons:
✅ Lowest interest
✅ No credit check
❌ FD gets blocked
8. Instant Loan Apps
Top Apps:
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KreditBee
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MoneyTap
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CASHe
Interest Rate: 15% – 35% p.a.
Risk:
⚠️ Avoid unauthorized apps charging hidden fees.
9. Business Loans
Types:
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Working Capital Loan
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Startup Loan
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MSME Loan
Top Lenders:
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SBI Business Loan
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Bajaj Finserv
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Tata Capital
10. Education Loans
Key Features:
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Loan Amount: Up to ₹1.5 crore
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Interest Rate: 8% – 12% p.a.
Top Lenders:
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SBI Scholar Loan
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Avanse
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Axis Bank