Loan Against Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB)

Discover the advantages of obtaining a loan against Sovereign Gold Bonds.
Leverage your investments for funds!
3 mins read
22-July-2025

Did you know you can unlock the value of your investments without selling them? If you hold Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs), you can use them as collateral to secure a loan, giving you access to liquidity while still benefiting from potential gold price appreciation and interest payouts. Banks determine your loan eligibility based on a percentage of your bond’s market value, ensuring you get the funds you need without disrupting your long-term investment strategy.

And it’s not just gold bonds—many types of bonds can be pledged to secure a loan, helping you meet financial needs without liquidating your assets.

So, why sell your investments when you can get a loan against them? Apply now

What is a loan against SGB?

A loan against Sovereign Gold Bonds is a secured loan offered by banks and financial institutions. Instead of selling your gold bonds when you’re in need of cash, you pledge them to the lender as security. Based on the market value of your SGBs, the lender disburses a certain percentage as a loan, usually up to 95%.

This means you still retain ownership of your bonds and continue to earn the fixed annual interest (currently 2.5% per annum) offered by SGBs. When you repay the loan, the lien on the bonds is lifted and you get full control over your investments again.

Looking to raise funds without disturbing your portfolio? Get a secured loan by pledging your shares or mutual funds. Explore loan against securities

Eligibility criteria for loan against SGB

To avail of a loan against Sovereign Gold Bonds, borrowers need to meet the following basic conditions, though they may vary slightly from lender to lender:

  • You must be the legal owner of the SGBs.
  • You should meet the minimum age requirement, usually 18 years or above.
  • A minimum bond value may be required to qualify for the loan.
  • Some lenders might ask for income proof, especially for larger loan amounts.
  • Standard KYC documentation is mandatory.
  • A healthy credit score may improve your chances of loan approval and better interest rates.

This process ensures that only eligible and genuine applicants benefit from the offering, helping both borrowers and lenders mitigate risks.

Required documents for loan against SGB

When applying for a loan against SGBs, you’ll need to submit a set of documents to verify your identity, investment, and income (if required). Here’s a typical list of documents that most lenders ask for:

Document type

Details

Mandatory documents

A recent passport-size photograph, PAN or Form 60, and valid ID proof

Official ID proofs

Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, NREGA card, NPR letter

Income proof (if asked)

Salary slips, Income Tax Returns, or recent bank statements

SGB ownership proof

Bond certificate or holding confirmation from RBI/issuing bank

Application form

Duly completed and signed loan application form

This documentation ensures your application can be processed quickly and efficiently.

How to apply for a loan against Sovereign Gold Bonds: Step-by-step guide

Applying for a loan against your SGBs is generally straightforward. Most banks and financial institutions have streamlined processes that help you get funds in just a few days. Here’s how it usually works:

Step 1: Check lender eligibility

Start by confirming whether your bank or financial institution offers loans against SGBs. Review their interest rates, tenure options, and LTV (Loan-to-Value) ratio.

Step 2: Gather documents

Prepare all necessary documents including your ID, address proof, bond certificates, and income proof (if required).

Step 3: Submit your application

Either visit the bank branch or apply online (if available) by filling out the application form and uploading documents.

Step 4: Pledge your SGBs

The lender will assess the current market value of your SGBs and place a lien on them as collateral.

Step 5: Loan approval and disbursal

After verification, the loan amount is sanctioned and disbursed directly to your bank account.

Step 6: Repayment

Repay the loan as per the agreed terms. Once you clear all dues, your SGBs will be released by the lender.

Benefits of taking a loan against SGB

There are several reasons why borrowers prefer loans against SGBs, especially when they want to retain ownership of their investments. Here are some of the most important benefits:

  • You do not have to sell – Continue owning your SGBs while accessing funds.
  • Earn interest while borrowing – SGBs continue paying annual interest even when pledged.
  • Lower interest rates – Compared to unsecured loans, these are more affordable.
  • Digital and safe – SGBs are paperless and stored securely in your demat or RBI account.
  • Flexible loan amounts – Loan value is linked to the current market price of gold.

Want quick funds without giving up your bonds? Pledge them and borrow at competitive interest rates. Apply for a loan against bonds

Loan amount and interest rates

Here is a quick look at typical loan amounts and interest rates for SGB loans.

Feature

Description

Loan Amount

Typically up to 95% of the current value of your SGBs

Interest Rates

Usually lower than personal loans, but depends on lender

While the exact terms vary, loans against SGBs are considered safer by lenders due to the government backing of these bonds, which often results in more attractive borrowing terms.

Tenure and repayment options

Repayment terms for loans against SGBs are quite flexible. Lenders usually offer:

  • Tenure options ranging from a few months to up to 2 or 3 years.
  • EMI-based repayment, where you pay monthly instalments.
  • Bullet repayment, where the principal is paid at the end of the tenure.
  • Prepayment flexibility, with little or no penalty in most cases.

These flexible terms allow borrowers to customise their repayment plans based on personal cash flow and financial planning.

Risks and considerations

As with any form of borrowing, loans against Sovereign Gold Bonds come with their own set of risks:

  • Default risk – Failing to repay may result in the lender liquidating your SGBs.
  • Interest burden – Long tenures can lead to higher overall interest costs.
  • Market risk – If gold prices drop, the value of your pledged SGBs may affect future loan eligibility or margin requirements.

It’s always important to plan your repayment in advance and avoid over-borrowing just because your SGBs offer strong collateral.

Conclusion

A loan against Sovereign Gold Bonds offers an efficient way to manage short-term liquidity without compromising your long-term financial goals. You retain ownership of the gold bonds, keep earning interest, and still gain access to timely funds. You can unlock similar benefits by pledging other eligible investments like bonds, shares, or mutual funds.

Need liquidity but prefer to stay invested? Leverage your securities to borrow smartly and meet urgent needs. Check loan options

Frequently asked questions

How much can I borrow against Sovereign Gold Bonds?

Loan amounts depend on the lender's policy and the market value of the SGBs. Typically, banks may lend up to 75% of the SGB's current market value.

But did you know that some bonds can get you even higher loan amounts?

Secure loans up to 95% of your bond's value. Apply now

What are the repayment terms?
Repayment terms vary by lender, with options such as up to 24 months for overdraft loans and up to 60 months for term loans.

How is the loan amount determined for SGBs?

The loan amount is based on a percentage of your SGB’s market value, as per the lender’s loan-to-value (LTV) ratio and policies.

How long does it take to get the loan approved?

Loan approval usually takes a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the lender’s verification process and document submission.

Can I prepay or foreclose my loan against SGB?

Yes, most lenders allow prepayment or foreclosure, though some may charge a nominal fee. Check with your lender for specific terms and conditions.

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