1. What is a personal loan?

It is a short-term unsecured loan that you can get from a financial institution such as a licensed money lender or bank at a more affordable rate. It’s also sometimes known as a cash advance.

2. How does a personal loan in Singapore work?

The money is disbursed to you directly.

A personal loan is usually given on a monthly basis and paid back in installments over a fixed period of time, more commonly over the course of 12 months.

3. How can I qualify for a personal loan?

Most personal loans do not require credit checks or collateral. Both banks and licensed money lenders offer personal loans.

4. What should I use a personal loan for?

Personal loans are generally good for emergencies as they are pretty flexible. They also can be used for a wide variety of uses:

• Debt consolidation
• Home improvement works
• One-off expensive purchases (e.g. furniture, a vacation or vehicle)
• Business needs (e.g. equipment purchases, payroll or hiring costs)
• Medical emergencies

5. What factors will affect my eligibility for a personal loan?

When it comes to a personal loan, a bank expects you to make payment on time and in full.

This is why your credit score is important. You will need a good credit score that comes close to 2,000 to increase your chances of being approved for a personal loan.

A licensed money lender can overlook your credit score if your yearly income is at least $10,000.

Some other factors that affect your eligibility for a personal loan include:

• Your employment status
• Yearly income
• Debt-to-income ratio

6. What must I take note of when applying for a personal loan?

Make sure you’re looking at the effective interest rate, not the advertised interest rate.

It may be tempting to for a high loan amount but this is a risky move. The loan should be something you can pay back. It is crucial to ensure you can pay back the monthly installments.

If you can, keep the loan tenure short.