Six ways to choose the best personal loan

Synopsis:

  • Focus on securing the lowest interest rate by comparing offers from multiple banks.
  • Personal loans are unsecured, eliminating the need for collateral.
  • Opt for loans with minimal documentation and fast disbursal, especially from your bank.
  • Choose a loan tenure that matches your financial needs, balancing EMI amounts and total interest.
  • Ensure the loan amount meets your requirements and consider processing fees to minimise overall costs.

Overview

A personal loan is an excellent way to quickly access funds for various needs, such as weddings, education, medical emergencies, travel, or any other requirement. It provides a convenient line of credit, allowing you to meet immediate needs with minimal documentation. Funds can be disbursed in seconds or hours, and you can pay back the loan in manageable monthly installments over months or years.

With many options available, let's explore how to identify the best personal loan in India and what top offers have to offer.

5 Tips to Choose the Best Personal Loan

  1. Interest rates

When considering a personal loan, the interest rate is the first factor to focus on. Ideally, you want a loan with the lowest possible rate, which you're more likely to find at a reputable bank rather than from a local moneylender who may charge exorbitant fees.


Personal loan interest rates can vary significantly between banks, so comparing rates from multiple institutions online is wise. Keep in mind that banks may offer different rates based on factors like the reliability of your income. Even slight differences in interest rates can affect the overall cost of your loan over time.

  1. No collateral

All Personal Loans are unsecured. You don't have to put up any collateral for your loan. This works for you if you don't have or want to pledge any assets that you may have to get a Personal Loan. Alternatively, consider secured loans, where you pledge assets as collateral. These often come with lower interest rates and can be a good option if you have a poor credit score. Personal loans remain a viable choice if a secured loan isn't suitable.

  1. Minimal documentation

The best personal loans are those that require minimal effort to secure. When you need cash quickly, the last thing you want is to deal with excessive paperwork and numerous forms.

Fortunately, with the convenience of the Internet, you can now apply for a loan from the comfort of your home without extensive documentation. Often, the best option is a loan from your own bank, as they already have your personal and financial details, reducing the need for additional verification. Thanks to online banking, you may find the funds in your account in no time.


You can apply for an HDFC Bank personal loan through various convenient methods: online via their website, through NetBanking, at an ATM, or by visiting an HDFC Bank branch. Pre-approved customers can receive their personal loan within 10 seconds, while other applicants can expect approval in under four hours. If you are an existing customer, check with the bank or via NetBanking to see if you qualify for a personal loan offer.

  1. Tenure

When choosing the right personal loan, a key factor is the loan tenure. The ideal loan should align with your financial needs, whether you require it for a few months or several years. The tenure affects your EMI (equated monthly instalments); a longer tenure results in lower EMIs but higher total interest payments. Opt for a bank that offers flexibility in loan tenures to suit your financial situation and repayment capacity.


HDFC Bank offers a Personal Loan amount of up to ₹ 40 lakh, with tenures from 12 to 60 months, and repayment in easy EMIs, starting at ₹ 2,149 per lakh (Check our Personal Loan EMI calculator to plan your loan better).

  1. Loan amount

The best Personal Loan is one that is of the right amount. If you need a loan of ₹20 lakh, going to a bank with an upper limit of ₹10 lakh is no longer available.

Processing costs:

The total cost of your loan is influenced by both the interest rate and the processing fee, so it's important to consider both before making a decision. HDFC Bank offers low processing fees, which can help reduce your overall loan costs.

With its rapid disbursals and efficient loan process, HDFC Bank stands out as one of India's top choices for personal loans. The bank frequently updates its personal loan offers, making it a strong contender if you seek the best loan options.

Check your Personal Loan eligibility and apply now for a Personal Loan and #Startdoing!

* Terms & conditions apply — Personal Loan disbursal at the sole discretion of HDFC Bank Ltd. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.