How to Borrow Money: Best Ways to Get Funds Fast

There are several practical ways to raise funds while keeping ownership of your assets. Each option suits different financial needs and risk profiles. 

Loan Against Fixed Deposit (FD) 

A loan against fixed deposit is one of the simplest ways to access funds. Your FD remains intact, continues to earn interest, and is pledged as collateral. You can typically borrow a portion of the FD value, making it ideal for short-term requirements. Since the loan is secured, interest rates are usually lower than personal loans. Repayment terms are flexible, and the process involves minimal paperwork. This option works well if you want quick liquidity without disturbing a safe investment.  

Loan Against Mutual Funds 

A loan against mutual funds allows you to use equity or debt mutual fund units as security. Instead of redeeming your units during market volatility, you borrow against them and stay invested. This option is particularly useful during financial emergencies when market conditions are unfavourable. You continue to benefit from potential market recovery while meeting immediate cash needs. Interest is typically charged only on the amount you use, offering better cost control. 

Loan Against Insurance Policy 

Certain life insurance policies, such as ULIP and endowment plans, allow you to borrow against their surrender value through a loan against insurance policy. This helps you meet urgent expenses without cancelling your policy or losing long-term protection. Your policy remains active as long as loan conditions are met. This option is helpful for planned needs like education or business funding, where continuity of insurance coverage is important. 

ESOP Financing for Corporate Professionals 

For salaried professionals holding vested employee stock options, ESOP financing provides liquidity without selling shares prematurely. Instead of waiting for a liquidity event, you can access funds based on the value of vested options. This is especially relevant for professionals in growing companies who want liquidity but believe in the company’s long-term potential. It balances immediate financial needs with future wealth creation. 

Loan Against Shares 

A loan against shares lets you pledge listed equity shares to raise funds. You remain the owner of the shares and continue to benefit from dividends and price appreciation, subject to market conditions. This option suits investors with substantial equity portfolios who need funds for business, investment opportunities, or large personal expenses—without exiting the market.

Choosing between an unsecured loan and asset-backed borrowing depends on cost, flexibility, and long-term impact. The table below highlights key differences, including loan against securities eligibility and documents. 

Comparing loans? Asset-backed borrowing can reduce interest burden while keeping your investments working for you. Explore now 

Eligibility for borrowing against assets is usually straightforward, as the focus is on the value and quality of the pledged investments. 

• You must be an Indian resident and meet age criteria set by the lender. 
• The securities or assets should be from an approved list. 
• Assets must be free from existing pledges or legal disputes. 
• The value of the asset should meet minimum loan requirements. 
• Proper documentation and demat or policy details must be available. 

Since the loan is secured, credit score requirements are often more relaxed compared to unsecured loans. 

While asset-backed loans are easier to access, certain factors influence approval and loan amount. 

• Asset quality and liquidity: Highly traded shares or well-rated mutual funds improve approval chances. 
• Loan-to-value ratio: The percentage of asset value you can borrow affects the sanctioned amount. 
• Market volatility: Sudden price movements may impact eligibility or limits. 
• Documentation accuracy: Clear ownership records speed up approval. 
• Existing liabilities: High obligations may affect repayment capacity assessment. 

Understanding these factors helps you prepare better and avoid delays. 

Applying for a loan against securities is typically a digital-first and streamlined process. 

• Identify eligible securities you want to pledge. 
• Check loan limits based on asset value. 
• Submit basic personal and asset-related details. 
• Complete pledge formalities through authorised platforms. 
• Access funds once approval is completed. 

Most borrowers appreciate the speed and transparency of this process, especially during urgent financial needs. 

Applying is simpler than you think. Pledge assets digitally and access funds without selling investments. Get started 

When learning how to borrow money against assets, the most common mistake is overborrowing against volatile securities, which can increase repayment pressure and financial risk.

• Overborrowing: Taking more than you need increases the interest burden and may raise margin call risk for share-backed loans.
• Ignoring margin call risk: If pledged share prices fall sharply, the lender may require additional collateral or partial repayment.
• Not comparing loan options: Different ways to borrow money have different costs; FD-backed loans may carry lower interest rates than share-backed loans.
• Missing repayments: Delayed or missed payments may result in penalties and, in some cases, the forced liquidation of pledged assets.
• Pledging all investments: Keep some investments unpledged to maintain a financial buffer for emergencies or market volatility.

Borrowing money does not always have to mean high-interest costs or selling valuable investments. By using shares, mutual funds, fixed deposits, or insurance policies as collateral, you can access funds while keeping your long-term financial plans intact. Understanding how to borrow money smartly is about using what you already own to your advantage. A loan against securities offers flexibility, cost efficiency, and peace of mind, especially when liquidity is temporary but goals are permanent. Before choosing any loan, evaluate your assets, funding needs, and repayment comfort. Smart borrowing today can protect your wealth tomorrow. 

Turn your investments into a safety net—borrow smartly while staying invested for the future. Explore loan against securities