NBFC Personal Loan: Bank Loans vs NBFC Loans

NBFC Personal Loan: Bank Loans vs NBFC Loans

Applying for a personal loan from an NBFC in India is simple and online, with quick approvals and minimal documentation. Loan amounts from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55 lakh, and interest rates starting from 10% per annum.

Rs. 40,000 - Rs. 55 lakh

You may be eligible for a pre-approved offer

Enter mobile and OTP | Check offer | No branch visit needed

 
 

In summary


NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies) offer personal loans with lower entry barriers than traditional banks. A CIBIL score of 650 or higher qualifies you for personal loans with reputable NBFCs like Bajaj Finance, whereas most banks require a score of 700–750.


Here's why borrowers choose NBFC loans:


  • Faster disbursal: Funds credited within 24 hours* of document verification
  • Broader eligibility: CIBIL score of 650 accepted; salaried  and self-employed individuals qualify
  • Fewer documents: KYC proof, recent bank statements, and salary slips — no lengthy paperwork
  • Flexible approval: Income, employment stability, and career profile are considered, not just credit score
  • Online application: Apply end-to-end without visiting a branch

For a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan, you can check your eligibility using phone number and OTP.

What is an NBFC personal loan?

An NBFC personal loan can be a practical financing option when you need funds quickly for planned or unexpected expenses. Whether you are managing a medical emergency, funding a wedding, renovating your home, paying for higher education, consolidating existing debts, or meeting business-related personal expenses, an NBFC can offer a fast and convenient borrowing experience.


NBFC personal loans are also designed to offer flexibility. Depending on the lender and your eligibility, you may be able to choose a loan amount and repayment tenure that suits your financial situation. This can help you manage your monthly EMIs more comfortably while meeting your funding requirements.


With Bajaj Finance, you can check your pre-approved loan offer in just 2 steps and experience the NBFC advantage – quick approval, minimal documentation, and up to Rs. 55 lakh at competitive rates ranging from 10% to 30.5% per annum.


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What are the advantages of getting a personal loan from NBFC?

1. Easy eligibility criteria

  • For an NBFC loan, you don't have to navigate through lengthy or complicated eligibility criteria for personal loans that traditional lenders typically impose. The primary parameter that these progressive lenders consider is your credit score and overall financial profile. 
  • A minimum CIBIL score of 650 or higher can get you instant approval with most reputable NBFCs. But here's the good news – even those with lower credit scores can still apply and get approved by demonstrating substantial monthly income, stable employment, and a promising career portfolio.

Why this matters: In sharp contrast, the eligibility terms set by traditional banks remain quite stringent and inflexible, especially for self-employed applicants, freelancers, or those with non-conventional income sources.


2. Minimal to zero documentation

  • Here's where NBFCs truly shine! Existing or pre-approved customers often don't need to submit any documents when applying for a personal loan with a reputable NBFC. For new customers, the document requirements are refreshingly limited to basic OVDs (Officially Valid Documents) for KYC Verification, recent bank account statements, and the latest salary slips.
  • Contrast this with other lending institutions, where both existing and new customers may have to submit extensive, lengthy paperwork that can be overwhelming. 

Smart advantage: This streamlined documentation process means you can apply and get approved without the stress of gathering dozens of documents or making multiple trips to the lender's office.


3. Quick approval

  • Pre-approved customers can receive loan approval within a few minutes of applying with the best NBFC for a personal loan. In other cases too, you can get an unsecured loan approval in just 5 minutes* from reputed NBFCs.
  • This is not usually the case with traditional lenders, as they have more internal processes to comply with before approving an application.

4. Swift processing and disbursal

  • Leading NBFCs can process and disburse loan applications within one working day after approval. Borrowers can receive the money directly in their bank account in under 24 hours* with select non-banking financial companies. 
  • This makes NBFC loans the ideal funding option for urgent financial needs such as medical emergencies, sudden home repairs, or time-sensitive opportunities.
  • The disbursal time for a personal loan from traditional lenders may extend anywhere between several days to a few weeks, making them unsuitable for urgent financial needs.

Real-world impact: When you need funds urgently – like for a medical emergency or to grab a limited-time investment opportunity – every hour counts. NBFCs understand this urgency and have built their processes accordingly.


5. Completely online application process

  • Modern NBFCs like Bajaj Finance offer a 100% digital and completely paperless application process that you can complete from the comfort of your home. 
  • You only need to provide basic details such as your name, phone number, and city to initiate the procedure of applying for an NBFC loan online.

6. Exceptional customer service

  • Last but certainly not least, NBFCs have built their reputation on superior customer service that you can actually rely on. 
  • These progressive lending companies usually assign a dedicated customer relationship manager who is available to assist and guide you before, during, and after applying for or receiving an NBFC personal loan.

For all these compelling reasons, opting for an NBFC personal loan is increasingly seen as the more convenient option. You can also typically get an instant personal loan of higher amount from an NBFC (based on your eligibility) compared to what a traditional lender might offer.


Apply for a personal loan with Bajaj Finance to get attractive features and benefits at competitive interest rates. You can also use our personal loan EMI calculator to compute your monthly repayments in advance and choose the loan amount that perfectly suits your budget and financial goals.

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Types of NBFCs

Understanding the different types of NBFCs in India can help you understand the financial services and activities offered by different NBFC categories:


NBFC TypePrimary Activity
NBFC-Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC)Provides loans and advances, finances physical assets and undertakes permitted investments. It combines the earlier Loan Company, Asset Finance Company and Investment Company categories.
NBFC-Infrastructure Finance Company (NBFC-IFC)Provides finance for infrastructure projects and related infrastructure activities.
NBFC-Infrastructure Debt Fund (NBFC-IDF)Provides or facilitates long-term debt financing for eligible infrastructure projects.
NBFC-Micro Finance Institution (NBFC-MFI)Provides microfinance loans to eligible borrowers, generally without collateral.
NBFC-FactorProvides factoring services by financing receivables and related business activities.
NBFC-Mortgage Guarantee Company (NBFC-MGC)Provides mortgage guarantees for eligible housing loans and related lending.
Housing Finance Company (HFC)Primarily provides housing finance and is regulated by the RBI under the applicable framework.
Core Investment Company (CIC)Primarily holds investments in shares, securities, debt or loans of group companies, subject to RBI conditions.
NBFC-Peer-to-Peer Lending Platform (NBFC-P2P)Operates a digital platform that facilitates lending between lenders and borrowers.
NBFC-Account Aggregator (NBFC-AA)Enables customers to securely share financial information between financial institutions with their consent.

The RBI's current framework also classifies NBFCs into Base, Middle, Upper and Top Layers based on their size, activities and systemic importance.

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Eligibility criteria and documents for personal loan from NBFC

The table below shows the standard Bajaj Finance personal loan eligibility parameters. 


CriterionRequirement
NationalityIndian
Age21 years to 80 years
Employment typeSalaried or self-employed
Employer categoryPublic sector, private company, or MNC
Minimum CIBIL score650 or higher

*You should be 80 years or younger, at the end of the loan tenure.

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Documents required for personal loan from an NBFC?

The documentation requirements for a personal loan can vary from lender to lender. Below are the personal loan documents that are required to be submitted when applying for a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan: 


Document CategoryAccepted Options
KYC proofAadhaar/ passport/ voter’s ID/ driving license/ Letter of National Population Register/ NREGA job card
Identity proofPAN card, Real-time image / photograph
Employment proofEmployee ID card, Letter of Allotment of Accommodation Issued by Employer
Income proofSalary slips — last 3 months, Bank account statements — last 3 months
OthersPension order, Utility bill, Phone bill, Piped gas bill, Property / Municipal tax receipt


Check your eligibility for personal loan using just mobile number and OTP – 100% online process. 


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Why an NBFC loan may be a better option than bank loans?

  • Flexible eligibility: NBFCs often have more inclusive eligibility criteria, making it easier for salaried professionals, self-employed individuals, and those with multiple income sources to qualify.
  • Minimal documentation: The application process is usually simple, requiring only basic KYC documents and proof of income, reducing paperwork and processing delays.
  • Faster approvals: Many NBFCs use digital verification and automated checks, enabling quicker loan approvals compared to traditional lending processes.
  • Quicker disbursal: Once approved, the loan amount may be credited within hours, which can be helpful during medical emergencies or other urgent financial needs.
  • Fully online application: From checking eligibility to submitting documents and tracking your application, the entire process can often be completed online without visiting a branch.
  • Convenient customer support: Many NBFCs provide multiple support channels, including phone, email, and digital assistance, to help borrowers throughout the loan journey.
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Simple comparison: NBFC vs Banks

When comparing a bank vs NBFC personal loan, you should consider factors such as eligibility, documentation, processing, application process, credit requirements and disbursal. An NBFC loan is a loan provided by a non-banking financial company for eligible borrowers, subject to the lender’s terms.


AspectNBFCsBanks
EligibilityCriteria vary by lender and productCriteria vary by bank and product
DocumentationDepends on the lender and applicant profileDepends on the bank and applicant profile
Processing timeVaries based on lender and verificationVaries based on bank and verification
Application processMay be available through digital and branch channelsMay be available through digital and branch channels
Credit scoreRequirements vary by lenderRequirements vary by lender
DisbursalTiming depends on approval, verification and lender termsTiming depends on approval, verification and bank terms

Both NBFCs and banks have different products, eligibility criteria and processes. Applicants should compare the applicable interest rate, fees, tenure and repayment terms before choosing a lender.

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Key offerings: 3 loan types

Personal loan interest rate and applicable charges

Type of fee

Applicable charges

Rate of interest per annum

10% to 30.5% p.a.

Processing fees

Up to 4.13% of the loan amount (inclusive of applicable taxes).

Flexi Facility Charge

Term Loan – Not applicable

Flexi Loans –Up To Rs 1,999 To Up To Rs 18,999/- (Inclusive Of Applicable Taxes)

Will be deducted upfront from loan amount.

Bounce charges

Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,200/- per bounce

“Bounce charges” shall mean charges for (i) dishonor of any payment instrument; or (ii) non-payment of instalment (s) on their respective due dates due to dishonor of payment mandate or non-registration of the payment mandate or any other reason.

Part-prepayment charges

Full Pre-payment:

  • Term Loan: Up to 4.72% (Inclusive of applicable taxes) on the outstanding loan amount as on the date of full pre-payment

  • Flexi Term (Dropline) Loan: Up to 4.72% (Inclusive of applicable taxes) on the outstanding loan amount, as on the date of full prepayment.

  • Flexi Hybrid Term Loan: Up to 4.72% (Inclusive of applicable taxes) on the outstanding loan amount, as on the date of full prepayment.

Part Pre-payment

  • Up to 4.72% (Inclusive of applicable taxes) of the principal amount of Loan prepaid on the date of such part Pre-Payment.

  • Not Applicable for Flexi Term (Dropline) Loan and Flexi Hybrid Term Loan.

Penal charge

Delay in payment of instalment(s) shall attract Penal Charge at the rate of up to 36% per annum per instalment from the respective due date until the date of receipt of the full instalment(s) amount.

Stamp duty (as per respective state)

Payable as per state laws and deducted upfront from loan amount.

Annual maintenance charges

Term Loan: Not applicable

Flexi Term (Dropline) Loan:

Up to 0.295% (Inclusive of applicable taxes) of the Dropline limit (as per the repayment schedule) on the date of levy of such charges.


Flexi Hybrid Term Loan:

Up to 0.472% (Inclusive Of Applicable Taxes) Of The Dropline Limit During Initial Tenure. Up to 0.295% (Inclusive Of Applicable Taxes) Of Dropline Limit During Subsequent Tenure

Credit guarantee scheme feeUp to 1.18% p.a. (pro-rated daily till 31st March) (inclusive of all applicable taxes) of the loan amount
Credit guarantee scheme renewal feeUp to 1.18% p.a. (inclusive of all applicable taxes) on the outstanding loan amount as on April 01 of the subsequent Financial Year.
*Renewal Fee to be collected only for 3 subsequent financial years.
 
**If the Remaining Tenure is less than 12 months, the CG Fee in subsequent years shall be charged prorated.

Frequently asked questions

Overview

NBFC personal loans

Eligibility

Is it good to take loans from NBFC?

Taking loans from Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) can be beneficial for individuals. They often provide more flexible lending options and faster approvals and cater to individuals with diverse credit profiles. However, borrowers should research and compare terms, interest rates, and customer reviews before deciding on an NBFC loan. 


NBFCs such as Bajaj Finance Limited offer personal loans of up to Rs. 55 lakh, allowing you to fulfil your big-ticket purchases. Check your eligibility in just 2 steps and plan your expenses comfortably.

People prefer NBFCs for personal loans due to their flexibility in lending criteria, quicker processing, and ability to serve individuals with varying credit profiles. They offer accessible financial solutions, making them a preferred choice for borrowers.

Tenures of NBFC personal loans differ from lender to lender. With Bajaj Finance Limited, you can borrow a personal loan and repay it over the tenure of up to 108 months. Check your offer in just 2 steps and apply online to get our loan.

NBFCs registered under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) encompass various categories. These include Asset Finance Companies, Investment Companies, Loan Companies, Infrastructure Finance Companies, Microfinance Institutions, and Systemically Important NBFCs. Each specialises in diverse financial activities, contributing to a diverse financial landscape.

Applicants may qualify based on factors such as a strong credit score, stable banking history, existing customer relationship, or pre-approved offer. Final approval depends on lender policies and verification checks.

Yes, NBFC personal loans are generally safe when taken from lenders regulated by the Reserve Bank of India. Borrowers should always review terms, charges, and repayment conditions before applying.

AspectDigital lending appsNBFC personal loans
RegulationSome apps partner with regulated lenders; verification is important.Directly regulated by the Reserve Bank of India.
TransparencyTerms and charges may vary across platforms.Clear loan terms, structured policies, and defined customer support.
Loan ProcessingUsually quick and fully online.Fast processing with established verification procedures.
Customer SupportLimited support in some cases.Dedicated support and grievance redressal systems.
ReliabilityDepends on the platform and lending partner.Generally more reliable due to regulatory oversight and compliance standards.

A good NBFC for a personal loan is one that offers competitive interest rates, a simple application process, quick approval, flexible repayment tenures, and transparent charges. Bajaj Finance provides a seamless digital borrowing experience with minimal documentation, quick approvals, and loan amounts of up to %PL−Loan−AmountPL-Loan-AmountPL−Loan−Amount%, making it a convenient option for many borrowers.

Yes, self-employed individuals can get a personal loan from an NBFC if they meet the lender's eligibility criteria. Most NBFCs evaluate factors such as age, income stability, business continuity, credit profile, and repayment capacity. Eligible self-employed applicants may benefit from a simple application process, minimal documentation, and flexible loan options.

An NBFC can approve a personal loan quickly, with the exact timeline depending on the lender, the applicant's eligibility, and document verification. With a Bajaj Finance Personal Loan, eligible customers may get instant approval within as little as 5 minutes. Many NBFCs offer digital application processes that help speed up approvals and reduce paperwork. If you meet the eligibility criteria and complete the required formalities, you may receive a loan decision in a short time.

Yes, an NBFC can reject your personal loan application if you do not meet its eligibility or credit assessment criteria. Common reasons include insufficient income, a poor credit profile, unstable employment or business history, high existing debt obligations, or incomplete documentation. Meeting the lender's requirements can improve your chances of approval.

The minimum CIBIL score for NBFC personal loan, specifically Bajaj Finance Personal Loan, is 650 or higher.

There is no single best NBFC for instant personal loans in India. Compare interest rates, fees, eligibility, documentation, processing, disbursal timelines and repayment terms before choosing a lender.

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Disclaimer

Bajaj Finance Limited has the sole and absolute discretion, without assigning any reason to accept or reject any application. Terms and conditions apply*.
For customer support, call Personal Loan IVR: 7757 000 000