As a salaried individual, you may face pressing financial needs that require quick access to funds. Medical emergencies, home renovations, wedding expenses, or even debt consolidation needs can arise where you need financing but cannot liquidate your assets quickly. This is where a personal loan for salaried employees comes in very handy.
With the right planning and research, a personal loan can provide the financing you need without putting too much strain on your monthly budget. This comprehensive guide covers everything salaried employees need to know about availing a personal loan.
What is a Personal Loan for Salaried Employees?
A personal loan designed for salaried individuals is an unsecured financing option that provides access to funds without any collateral requirement. The flexible end-use nature of personal loans makes them suitable for any important personal or financial goals of salaried individuals, without impacting existing assets or savings. This includes:
- Medical emergencies: A personal loan can provide financing for medical treatments or procedures not covered by insurance.
- Wedding expenses: A personal loan can be used to pay for booking a wedding hall, decorations, catering, etc.
- Vacation financing: Planning an international holiday? A personal loan provides funds without dipping into savings.
- Home renovation/furnishing: Renovate or spruce up your existing home by taking a personal loan.
- Career enhancement: Pay for higher studies or upskilling courses with funds from a personal loan.
- Debt consolidation: Consolidate multiple debts and credit cards into one loan for easier management.
- Investment opportunities: Take advantage of a time-sensitive and worthwhile investment opportunity using a personal loan.
- Other expenses: Fund any other personal expenses like gadget purchases, hobbies, family functions, etc.
Personal Loan Eligibility for Salaried Employees
To be eligible for a personal loan as a salaried employee, you must meet the following basic criteria:
- For optimal eligibility, your age must be between 21 and 60 at the time of application. The older you are, the lower the loan amount you can get approved for.
- You should be employed with a public/private company or Multinational Corporation (MNC).
- Most loan providers want you to have a minimum monthly income of ₹20,000 per month in metros and ₹15,000* per month in smaller cities. The higher your income, the higher the loan amount you can avail.
- Stable employment of at least 2 years with your current employer is usually required. Those with 1 year of experience in their current job may also get approved, but for lower loan amounts.
Disclaimer: The eligibility criteria may change with the financial institution. Please check with your loan provider for exact details.
Documents Required for Personal Loans for Salaried Employees
Here are the standard documents salaried employees need to provide to apply for a personal loan:
- Completed loan application form with photograph
- Identity proof - PAN Card, Aadhar Card, Passport etc.
- Residence proof - Voter ID, utility bills, etc.
- Latest salary slips for the last 3 months
- Salary account statements for the last 6 months
- Form 16 and ITRs for the last 2 years
- Current employment proof - Appointment letter, ID card, etc.
- Bank statements of any other active accounts
- Credit report (CIBIL or other)
- Processing fee cheque
Having all the documents handy ensures your personal loan application is processed faster. Digital and e-KYC verification also simplifies documentation now.
How Do You Apply for a Personal Loan for Salaried Employees?
There are two ways to apply for a personal loan - offline and online:
Offline Application
Walk into the nearest branch of your preferred financial institution. Ask for the personal loan application form and submit it along with photocopies of your documents. The processing time is usually 5-7 working days once you submit all documents, which could differ based on various factors like your credit profile and lender’s policies.
Online Application
These days, most leading loan providers allow you to apply online from their website or app in 10-15 minutes. You only need to upload soft copies of your documents. This is the quicker and more convenient option. However, the loan approval process maybe similar to the offline process.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to compare interest rates and tenures across financial institutions to get the best personal loan offer.
Factors Influencing the Personal Loan Interest Rate for Salaried Employee
While the personal loan interest rate for salaried employees depends on the RBI's repo rates and base rates set by banks and NBFCs, certain applicant-specific factors also impact rates:
- Credit score: A higher score (typically over 700*) makes you eligible for lower interest rates.
- Monthly income: Higher income indicates better repayment capacity and, hence, lower interest rates.
- Employer profile: Working with an MNC or public sector company improves the chances of getting better rates.
- Loan amount: Borrowing lower loan amounts attracts lower interest rates.
- Employment history: Your total years of experience and tenure with your current employer are considered.
- Relationship with the financial institution: Existing customers may enjoy some benefits.
Summary
We hope this detailed guide covered everything you need to know as a salaried individual about selecting, applying for and obtaining a personal loan. Examining your specific income, credit profile, and budget allows for customising personal loan deals as per individual financial circumstances.
