Personal loan tips: Key factors to consider for low interest rates and processing fees

Written By Raunak Jain | Updated: May 27, 2023, 07:11 AM IST

Personal loan tips: Save on fees and interest rates wisely.

Personal loan tips: At times, an unforeseen exigency arises, demanding an urgent influx of funds for sundry expenses such as children's education, marriage ceremonies, medical bills, or home repairs. In these pressing circumstances, a personal loan emerges as a veritable savior, offering much-needed financial assistance. Unlike home loans or gold loans, personal loans can be procured from banks without the requirement of collateral. However, one must tread cautiously as personal loans often entail higher interest rates. Additionally, many non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and banks levy exorbitant processing fees on such loans. Hence, it becomes imperative to assimilate essential considerations before opting for a personal loan from any bank or financial institution, thereby paving the way for substantial savings in terms of processing fees and interest rates.

Scrutinize credit score with penetrating vision: To secure a personal loan at a favorable interest rate, one must look after credit score scrutiny. Your credit score holds the key to unlocking the treasure trove of lower interest rates offered by banks. Maintaining a commendable credit score becomes pivotal, and timely payment of credit card bills becomes an indispensable habit to cultivate. Furthermore, ensuring timely repayment of any outstanding loans procured from financial institutions can work wonders in maintaining your creditworthiness.

Harness the power of the salary account: If you find yourself among the ranks of salaried individuals, harnessing the power of your salary account can pave the way for obtaining the best possible deal on a personal loan. The determining factors for interest rates on personal loans often hinge upon your credit history. Simultaneously, your loan repayment capacity, evaluated through your salary, assumes critical importance. Armed with proof of income, the path to acquiring a personal loan with minimal documentation becomes remarkably smooth.

Keep an eye on intriguing optimal interest rates and seasonal offers by banks: To unlock the treasure trove of the most favorable personal loan offer, one must compare interest rates and processing fees across various banks. These financial institutions intermittently unleash a myriad of seasonal offers, capable of bestowing upon loan seekers unparalleled opportunities for substantial savings on both processing fees and interest rates. Seizing the moment and capitalizing on these time-sensitive offers can indeed be a stroke of financial genius.

Keep an eye on additional charges: While embarking upon the journey of securing a personal loan, one must not only fixate on the alluring interest rate but also train their gaze on the additional charges lurking beneath the surface. Beyond the processing fees, one must remain vigilant in monitoring the implications of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and other related charges. Banks, at times, may entice potential borrowers with seemingly low-interest rates. However, upon factoring in the processing fees and GST, the burden borne by customers tends to balloon. Thus, adopting a discerning eye and remaining cognizant of such charges become very important in this financial task.

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