2 min read
18 July 2025

Apart from offering easy access and a hassle-free application process, a personal loan gives you the freedom to use the funds as needed. However, understanding the loan approval process is essential, whether your expenses are planned or unexpected. The personal loan approval time can range from a few hours to several days, depending on the provider and the verification involved. To make informed decisions, it’s important to know the loan sanction meaning and how the process works across different lending platforms. Read on to learn more about how approvals are typically handled.

Personal loan approval process

The personal loan approval process involves application submission, credit and financial assessment by the lender, documentation verification, and approval or rejection decision. Lenders consider credit history, income, debt-to-income ratio, and other factors. If approved, terms are offered; upon agreement, funds are disbursed, initiating the repayment period.

  • Peer-to-peer lenders

Peer-to-peer lending offers the advantage of dealing directly with the person who is willing to fund your need. It cuts out any middlemen and lets you avail yourself of a personal loan online at a competitive rate, even with a low CIBIL score. This is because these lenders don’t have a defined set of application requirements. Similarly, the processing time is a lot quicker in comparison to a bank. Typically, you can get finance within a few business days.

  • Online direct lenders

Online direct lenders are common today, and reputed ones are easy to access too. Usually, approval takes only minutes if you have all the documents on hand and fill up the form carefully. A delay only occurs when there is a mismatch, and the lender has to review your application and supporting documents manually.

Additional Read: Personal loan with bad CIBIL Score

  • Banks

Banks, by far, have the most extended personal loan approval times simply because of the strict lending protocols and higher credit standards. Typically, when you apply for a personal loan from a bank, it takes at least a few days to a week to get approved.

What is the maximum personal loan approval time?

The personal loan approval time can vary based on your credit history, document accuracy, and the lender’s internal checks. While some providers take a few days, others offer faster approvals with minimal delays.

A fully digital personal loan application process is designed for speed, and online applications generally ensure quicker processing and faster disbursal.

To help ensure smooth approval, keep your documents up to date and maintain a healthy credit score. A stable income can also improve your chances of quick approval.

Key factors that determine personal loan approval time

The time taken for a personal loan approval depends on multiple factors, including the lender’s policies and the borrower’s financial profile. Some applications are processed quickly, while others may take longer due to verification procedures. Understanding these factors can help streamline the personal loan verification process and speed up approval.

Factors affecting personal loan approval time:

  • Applicant’s credit score: A high credit score increases approval chances and speeds up the process.
  • Income and employment stability: Lenders prefer applicants with a steady income and stable employment history.
  • Document verification: Submitting complete and accurate documents ensures a quicker personal loan verification process without delays.
  • Lender’s internal process: Some lenders offer instant approvals, while others may take a few days based on their evaluation process.
  • Existing liabilities: Lower debt obligations improve your loan approval chances.

To ensure a fast approval, maintain a good credit profile and provide all required documents correctly.

How to improve the chances of your personal loan approval?

To enhance loan approval chances, maintain a good credit score, ensure accurate documentation, manage existing debts, demonstrate steady income, and choose a suitable loan amount. Research and choose lenders based on your credit profile to maximize approval odds. Following are the special measures to improve your chances of getting speedy approval.

What is the disbursement time after personal loan approval

The personal loan disbursement time after approval varies depending on the lender’s process and the applicant’s profile. Some financial institutions take a few days, while others offer quick disbursals.

With Bajaj Finance, once your loan is approved, the funds are transferred directly to your bank account within 24 hours, ensuring instant access to cash when you need it.

What happens after your loan is disbursed

Once your personal loan is disbursed, the funds are transferred to your bank account, ready for use. You will receive a repayment schedule detailing your EMI amounts and due dates. It’s important to make timely payments to maintain a good credit score and avoid penalties during the loan tenure.

Conclusion

A personal loan is a convenient financial tool that helps meet urgent expenses, whether for medical emergencies, home renovations, or travel. Before applying, it is essential to compare lenders, check eligibility criteria, and understand the personal loan interest rate to ensure affordable repayments.

Timely documentation and a good credit score can speed up the approval and disbursement process. Choosing the right tenure and interest rate can make repayment easier, reducing financial stress. Always evaluate loan terms carefully to make an informed borrowing decision that aligns with your financial goals.

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Frequently asked questions

What is eligibility for a personal loan?

Eligibility for a personal loan depends on factors such as age, income, employment type, credit score, and repayment capacity. Most lenders require applicants to be between 21 years- 80 years old, have a stable income, and maintain a good credit score for quick approval.

How to pass a personal loan?

To successfully get a personal loan, maintain a high credit score, have a stable income, and ensure all required documents are accurate and up to date. Choosing a suitable loan amount based on your repayment capacity and applying with a reputed lender increases the chances of approval.

How to increase CIBIL score?

To improve your CIBIL score, pay EMIs and credit card bills on time, maintain a low credit utilization ratio, avoid multiple loan applications in a short period, and ensure a good credit mix of secured and unsecured loans. Regularly checking your credit report also helps identify and rectify any errors.

How fast can a personal loan be approved?

Personal loan approval can be instant or take a few days, depending on the lender and your document submission.

Who has the fastest loan approval?

Many financial institutions offer instant approvals, but lenders with digital processing, such as Bajaj Finance, provide one of the fastest loan approvals. If all eligibility criteria are met and documents are correctly submitted, the loan can be approved within minutes and disbursed within 24 hours.

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