With the introduction of banking and non-banking financial corporations in India, it’s not difficult to borrow a loan anymore.
With the introduction of banking and non-banking financial corporations in India, it’s not difficult to borrow a loan anymore.
Half of all households (50.3%) in India had borrowed money in some form or the other (as of the Sep-Dec 2022 period).
However, the amount of loan (in most cases) that you can borrow depends on your CIBIL score.
Your CIBIL score is a testament to your creditworthiness. But a borrower without a CIBIL score or with a low score means that it’s difficult for you to either:
Borrow a loan
Get good interest rates on the loan
So, are there any alternatives?
Alternatives to loans without CIBIL score
There are still viable pathways to obtain a personal loan.
Here’s a detailed exploration of six expert-recommended methods to secure a personal loan without relying on a CIBIL score.
Even though there are multiple ways of borrowing a loan, mutual fund loans offer what most banks can’t – quick approvals, fast disbursal times, and low interest rates.
All this without the need for a CIBIL score.
Mutual fund loans are a fairly new concept for solving an age-old problem.
If you have a mutual fund portfolio, there’s a good chance you might need cash in your hand from time to time.
Liquidating your portfolio is one option. However, a better alternative is to pledge your mutual fund portfolio and take out a loan against it.
50Fin is one of the best platforms for doing so.
All you have to do is sign up, fill out the e-paperwork, and pledge your mutual fund portfolio.
You’d get an approval within 7 minutes and the money disbursal within 4 working hours.
The convenience and streamlined process that 50Fin offers also comes at just a 10.5% interest rate per annum.
2. Leverage Relationships with Banks
Building a strong relationship with your bank can pave the way for securing a personal loan despite lacking a CIBIL score.
Financial experts suggest opening a savings or a fixed deposit account with a bank and maintaining it actively.
So how can you do that?
Maintain regular transactions with your bank
Have a healthy balance in your savings or current account
Use the services that your bank offers – including fixed deposits and mutual funds
Such activities can build trust, making banks more likely to offer you a loan based on the banking relationship rather than just your credit score.
Engage frequently with bank staff, utilize multiple services, and maintain transparency about your financial status. This personalized engagement helps in building rapport and could work in your favor when applying for a loan.
3. Opt for Collateral-Based Loans
Securing a loan against collateral is another effective strategy.
Assets like real estate, gold, or fixed deposits can be used as collateral to obtain a loan.
According to financial experts, banks are more comfortable providing loans when there is an asset as security.
This not only increases the likelihood of loan approval but also potentially earns you a lower interest rate.
Loans against securities are already on the rise in India, starting with SBI.
SBI Interest Rates for Loans Against Securities
Choose an asset that has stable market value and is readily liquidable.
This assures the bank of minimal risk in loan recovery and can facilitate faster processing of your loan.
4. Apply with a Co-applicant or Guarantor
While it is mostly couples who apply for joint loans, the co-applicant can also be a parent, sibling, or child.
This usually happens when one applicant has a poor CIBIL score or lacks the ability to repay loan instalments on their own.
What makes joint loans so great is their division of EMI.
The amount of monthly instalments can be divided between the two borrowers, easing the financial burden, and adding to their convenience.
It has become quite common to substitute a co-applicant with a guarantor.
Again, this can be anyone – from a close friend to a family member.
All that is required is for them to be a resident of India, be above the age of 18, and have a good enough balance in their account (should you fail to repay).
5. Demonstrate a Stable Income
You have a higher chance of securing a loan if you provide them evidence of regular income.
Loans get instantly approved even without a CIBIL score.
If you are self-employed, you can attach evidence of income through freelance or business.
An income proof builds your case and reflects your creditworthiness.
When you fill out the application form, add the following documents.
In fact, such loans are less expensive, meaning you’d have to pay lower interest rates (starting from 11.50% per annum), making your monthly payments easily manageable.
7. Peer-to-Peer Lending (P2P)
The Indian P2P lending industry has a market value of USD 9.60 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 21.66% by 2029.
Standing in contrast to traditional loans, here you borrow money from a P2P lending platform.
You can repay the loan in flexible monthly instalments.
Here’s what you need to provide:
ID Proof
Aadhaar or PAN card
A utility bill (address proof)
Bank statement
Income proof (pay slip)
Conclusion
Due to the increased need for financing, Indians have started seeking unconventional lending options when they fail to meet the criteria for the traditional ones.
This allows them to access quick funds even without a CIBIL score.
While you have many options, a loan against mutual funds is definitely the most secure and simpler one.