The surge in personal loan demand can be attributed to various factors, including rising living costs and increasing expenses related to education and healthcare.
Instant personal loans provide a range of advantages, making them an attractive option for many individuals seeking financial support. In this article, we will explore these benefits in depth, helping you determine whether a personal loan is the right fit for your financial needs.
9 Benefits of Personal Loans You Should Be Aware Of
1. No Restrictions on Usage
Unlike loans meant for specific purposes, such as a car loan or education loan, there are almost no restrictions on how you use the funds for a personal loan. It is entirely up to you whether you want to use a personal loan to cover unexpected expenses, wedding costs, or home renovation expenditures.
2. Fixed Repayment Schedules
One of the key benefits of personal loans is a fixed repayment schedule. This means you’ll know exactly how much you need to pay each month and when. This predictability can help you plan your budget better and avoid any surprises due to fluctuations in payments.
3. Quick Fund Disbursals
When you are dealing with an emergency or seeking to seize a time-sensitive investment opportunity, lengthy waiting periods can be quite challenging. Instant online loans are often characterised by swift processing and disbursement, subject to applicant’s eligibility and lender’s policies. For example, at SMFG India Credit, you may receive funds within just 30 minutes* of final approval for your personal loan for loan amount upto INR 2.5 lakhs, allowing you to address your needs promptly.
4. Affordable Interest Rates
Eligible borrowers with strong credit scores can often secure personal loans with lower interest rates, which helps reduce the monthly payments and the overall loan cost. Most personal loans also come with fixed rates, protecting you from sudden rate hikes.
5. Structured Repayments
Personal loan tenures typically range from 12 to 60 months. You can choose a tenure that fits your financial situation and repayment capacity, which adds to the flexibility of personal loans.
6. No Collateral Required
Personal loans don’t require any collateral, meaning you don’t need to pledge assets like property or a car to secure the loan. This makes personal loans accessible to a wider range of borrowers, as you don’t need to risk valuable possessions.
7. Simple Application Process
Most lenders offer a simplified online application process that can be completed from the comfort of your home. The document requirements are generally minimal, adding to the overall convenience of the process.
8. Possibility of Simplifying Repayments with Debt Consolidation
Debt consolidation is a common and effective use of personal loans. By taking out a personal loan to pay off multiple high-interest debts (such as credit card balances or other loans), you consolidate them into one loan with a potentially lower interest rate. This can simplify your finances, reduce the total amount you need to pay monthly and help you manage your debt more easily.
9. Potential to Boost Your Credit
Making timely personal loan payments can help improve your credit score over time. A higher credit score can, in turn, make it easier to secure better credit offers and loans in the future. Furthermore, lenders may provide preferential rates and offers to their existing customers tailored to their individual credit profiles. This can facilitate easier access to funds when you need them. By maintaining a good payment history, you position yourself for greater financial opportunities down the line.
Personal Loan Application Process
Now that you understand the benefits of personal loans, let’s go over the typical application process you can expect:
Step 1: Research to Find a Suitable Lender
Start by searching for a lender that offers terms that suit your needs. Be sure to review interest rates and check for associated fees and charges, such as processing fees.
Step 2: Check Eligibility and Gather Documentation
To increase your chances of approval, verify whether you meet the eligibility criteria of your chosen lender. Prepare the required documentation in advance for a smoother process. Common documents include KYC for identity and address verification, income proof (such as salary slips from the past 2-3 months), and bank statements from the last 6 months.
Step 3: Apply for a Personal Loan Online or Offline
To apply online, visit the lender’s website, fill out the application form, and submit it along with the required documents. Alternatively, you can visit the lender’s local branch for consultation and guidance on your application. Please note that offline applications may take longer to process.
Step 4: Await Approval and Disbursement
Your application will go through various stages of verification. Upon final approval and your signing of the loan agreement, the funds will be disbursed to your account.
Closing Thoughts
Personal loans offer a range of benefits, including flexible usage, quick disbursement and the potential for credit score improvement, making them an ideal solution for many financial needs. By understanding the application process and evaluating your options carefully, you can make an informed decision and secure the financial support that best aligns with your needs. Trusted lenders, such as SMFG India Credit, serve as reliable allies in achieving your financial goals by offering competitive interest rates, flexible repayment tenures, and transparent processing with no hidden fees and charges.
*T&C apply. Please note that final approval, loan terms, and disbursement process may vary based on lender policies and borrower’s eligibility.