How to Get a Personal Loan – Quick Guide to Apply Online

A personal loan is a type of unsecured credit that individuals can use for various purposes, such as medical emergencies, weddings, travel, or home renovation. It requires no collateral and is typically repaid in fixed monthly instalments.

Let’s take the example of Ramesh, a salaried employee in Delhi. He needed ₹2,00,000 for his sister’s wedding. Rather than using his credit card or borrowing from relatives, Ramesh decided to apply for a personal loan through his bank.

Since his credit score was good and he had a steady income, the bank approved the loan quickly with minimal paperwork. The funds were disbursed within two days.

Below is a breakdown of Ramesh’s loan details:

This shows how personal loans can offer fast financial support when used wisely and responsibly.

When Should You Consider a Personal Loan?

A personal loan can be a practical solution when faced with urgent or planned expenses that exceed your immediate savings. Let’s take the example of Meera, a schoolteacher from Bengaluru. Meera had been planning to renovate her ageing kitchen, which had become difficult to work in. 

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She didn’t want to dip into her emergency fund, so she explored taking a personal loan.

After checking offers from a few banks, Meera chose a lender that offered a reasonable interest rate and a flexible repayment period. The personal loan helped her finish the work quickly without compromising quality.

Here’s how Meera’s loan looked:

This example shows that personal loans are ideal for managing large expenses while keeping your savings intact.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for a personal loan, it’s essential to understand the basic eligibility criteria set by most banks and financial institutions. These usually include a minimum income, a stable job, and a good credit score.

Take the case of Arjun, a 30-year-old IT professional based in Pune. He wanted to take a personal loan of ₹3,00,000 to fund a short course abroad. Arjun had worked with the same company for over three years and earned a monthly salary of ₹45,000. He also maintained a credit score above 750, reflecting his good repayment history.

Here is how Arjun met the eligibility requirements:

Because Arjun met all these criteria, his loan was approved quickly and without complications.

Documents Required

Providing the correct documents is essential for quick approval when applying for a personal loan. These typically include proof of identity, address, income, and employment.

Let’s look at Priya’s experience. Priya, a marketing executive in Chennai, applied for a personal loan of ₹1,80,000 to cover medical expenses for her mother. She approached her bank, which asked for a standard set of documents. 

Since Priya had all her papers in order, her application was processed within 48 hours.

Here’s a list of the documents Priya submitted:

Steps to Apply for a Personal Loan

Step 1: Decide the Loan Amount and Purpose
Determine how much money you need and why. Borrow only what is necessary to avoid unnecessary debt.

Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria
Review the lender’s requirements, such as minimum income, age, employment type, and credit score.

Step 3: Compare Loan Offers
Research and compare interest rates, processing fees, repayment tenures, and EMI options from different lenders.

Step 4: Choose the Right Lender
Select the lender that offers the most suitable terms based on your financial situation and repayment ability.

Step 5: Gather Required Documents
Collect all necessary documents, including ID proof, address proof, income proof, and employment verification.

Step 6: Fill Out the Application Form
Apply online through the lender’s website or visit a branch. Fill out the form accurately and attach all required documents.

Step 7: Wait for Verification
The lender will verify your application details, documents, and credit history.

Step 8: Receive Approval
If everything checks out, the lender will approve your loan application.

Step 9: Get the Loan Disbursed
Once approved, the loan amount will be transferred to your bank account, usually within 1 to 3 working days.

Interest Rates and Repayment Terms

Understanding interest rates and repayment terms is essential before taking a personal loan, as they directly affect the total amount you will pay back. These factors vary between lenders and depend on your credit profile, income, and loan amount.

Take the example of Neha, a graphic designer in Jaipur. She needed a personal loan of ₹2,50,000 to cover the cost of setting up a home office. After comparing several banks, she chose a lender offering a fixed interest rate of 13% per annum over a 2-year term.

Here is a summary of Neha’s loan terms:

Neha benefitted from a fixed EMI, which allowed her to plan her monthly budget without surprises. Always compare rates and terms carefully to choose a loan that suits your financial situation.

Conclusion

A personal loan can be a helpful solution for managing urgent or planned expenses, as long as you borrow wisely. You can choose a loan that suits your needs by checking your eligibility, preparing the right documents, and comparing lenders.

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As shown in the examples, personal loans offer flexibility and quick access to funds, whether for a wedding, medical bills, or home improvements. Just ensure the repayments are affordable and the terms are clear. Borrow smartly, and it can be a valuable financial support.

FAQ’s

Who can apply for a personal loan?
Anyone aged 21–60 with a stable income and good credit score can apply.

How much personal loan can I get?
It depends on your income, credit score, and repayment capacity.

Is a personal loan secured or unsecured?
Personal loans are unsecured, meaning no collateral is required.

How long does loan approval take?
Approval usually takes 1–3 working days if all documents are in order.
 

Can I repay my loan early?
Yes, but check if your lender charges a prepayment or foreclosure fee.

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About the Author

LoansJagat Team

‘Simplify Finance for Everyone.’ This is the common goal of our team, as we try to explain any topic with relatable examples. From personal to business finance, managing EMIs to becoming debt-free, we do extensive research on each and every parameter, so you don’t have to. Scroll up and have a look at what 15+ years of experience in the BFSI sector looks like.