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What is a Personal Loan? A Complete Guide for Borrowers in India

  • 26 Jun 2025
  • Post Views: 95

Personal loans are becoming one of the most popular ways for individuals in India to manage unexpected expenses and fund personal goals. But before you apply for it, it’s important to understand what a personal loan really is, how it works, and what to consider to make the most of it.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what a Personal Loan is, break down its key features, eligibility, documents, and interest rates, and show you why taking a personal loan from a trusted NBFC like DMI Finance can be a smart move for your financial journey.

What is a Personal Loan?

A personal loan is an unsecured loan that individuals can borrow from lenders (Banks & NBFCs) to meet various financial needs without providing any collateral or security. That means you don’t need to mortgage property or assets to get a loan.

Unlike home or car loans, which are typically used for specified purposes only, personal loans can be used freely for various purposes, such as medical emergencies, travel, or large purchases.

Why Are Personal Loans Popular in India?

  • No collateral required.
  • Easy online application and disbursal.
  • Fixed EMIs make it easy to plan monthly budgets.
  • Customisable repayment tenure.
  • An increasing number of lenders, such as DMI Finance, are simplifying the process.

How Does a Personal Loan Work?

Knowing how personal loans work helps you borrow the right way.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

  • Application: You apply for a loan online or at a lender’s branch.
  • Evaluation: The lender checks your income, credit score, and documents.
  • Approval: If eligible, you’re approved for a specific loan amount.
  • Disbursal: Money is directly transferred to your bank account.
  • Repayment: You repay the loan through fixed monthly EMIs over the specified loan tenure.

DMI Finance personal loans start from â‚č50,000 and go up to â‚č5 lakhs, with flexible repayment tenure and zero collateral.

Common Uses of a Personal Loan

Here are some common ways people use personal loans:

  • Debt Consolidation: Pay off multiple loans or credit card debt by taking a personal loan.
  • Medical Emergencies: Cover urgent healthcare expenses.
  • Home Renovation: Redesign or repair your home.
  • Wedding Expenses: Fund big family occasions without draining savings.
  • Education: Pay for tuition, courses, or exams.
  • Travel or Gadgets: Go wherever you want to go, buy what you love when you need it.

DMI Finance doesn’t put any limitation on the usage of personal loan amount; you’re free to use your loan for whatever matters most to you.

Types of Personal Loans

Generally, there are only two types of personal loans:

Unsecured Personal Loan

An unsecured personal loan is a type of loan that does not require any collateral or security. This means you don’t have to pledge assets like your house, car, fixed deposit, or gold to get the loan. The lender gives you the loan based entirely on your creditworthiness, which is assessed through your income, credit score, employment status, and repayment history. Suppose you apply for a personal loan from DMI Finance. In that case, you don’t need to submit any property documents or provide any guarantee.

Secured Personal Loan

Though rare, some lenders offer personal loans against security like fixed deposits, insurance policies, or gold. These are called secured personal loans and usually offer lower interest rates.

Best for:

  • Borrowers with low credit scores.
  • Individuals needing larger loan amounts.

Individuals who are not eligible for an unsecured loan can apply for a secured loan instead. You can click here to take a loan against property.

Also Read: How to maintain a healthy credit score?

Key Features of Personal Loans

FeatureDetails
No CollateralUnsecured loan – no asset required
Flexible Loan Amountâ‚č50,000 to â‚č5 Lakhs at DMI Finance
Fixed Monthly EMIsConsistent, predictable payments
Customisable Tenure12 to 48 months
Easy DisbursalOften within 24–48 hours after approval
Digital ProcessApply, verify & track loans online

Personal Loan Eligibility

Eligibility criteria can be different, but here’s what most NBFCs, including DMI Finance, look for:

CriteriaRequirement
Age23 to 52 years
Monthly incomeMinimum â‚č25,000
EmploymentSalaried or self-employed
PAN & Aadhaar linkingMandatory
Credit score for a personal loan700+

Documents Required for Personal Loan in India

You’ll need the following documents:

  • PAN Card & Aadhaar Card.
  • Recent salary slips or income proof.
  • Address proof (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement)

DMI Finance uses a secure digital KYC process, reducing paperwork and speeding up your application.

Interest Rates & Charges on Personal Loans

Fee TypeGeneral Range
Interest rate14.25% to 24.90% p.a.
Processing feeUp to 3.95% of the loan amount
Prepayment chargesUp to 4%
Late payment feeUp to â‚č1200 or % of EMI

DMI Finance Personal Loan Application Process

  1. Open the DMI Finance app and log in using your registered mobile number.
  2. Tap on “Apply Personal Loan” to begin your application journey.
  3. Enter Personal & Employment Details, including employment type, monthly income, educational qualifications, and residential address.
  4. Enter your bank account details to allow DMI Finance to verify your income details securely.
  5. Select the loan amount you need and pick a repayment tenure that suits you.
  6. Complete the e-KYC process by entering your Aadhaar details.
  7. Review your address, then provide your bank account details to enable automatic EMI payments (e-Mandate).
  8. Read and accept the loan terms and conditions, and you’re done!

Your application will be submitted for review, and you’ll be notified of approval shortly.

How to Choose the Right Personal Loan?

Before borrowing, compare these factors:

  • Interest rate & fees.
  • Repayment tenure flexibility.
  • Credit score requirement.
  • Customer reviews & Service.
  • Process & Transparency.
  • Is the lender RBI-registered?

DMI Finance is an NBFC registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), offering personal loans through a transparent application process and timely disbursal, in line with regulatory guidelines.

Why Choose a Personal Loan from an NBFC like DMI Finance?

BenefitDescription
Fast ApprovalHassle-free first process saves time
Easy DocumentationDigital KYC, no paperwork
Custom Loan AmountsStarting â‚č50,000, up to â‚č5,00,000
No Hidden FeesTransparent charges and terms
Trusted & SecureRBI-registered, data-secure platform

A personal loan is one of the most accessible financial tools today, especially with digital NBFCs like DMI Finance making the process fast, secure, and flexible.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, renovating your home, or handling an emergency, knowing how personal loans work will help you borrow smart and repay comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a personal loan, and how does it work?

A personal loan is an unsecured loan that does not require any collateral. You borrow a fixed amount from a lender and repay it through monthly EMIs over a set period. The loan is approved based on your credit score, income, and repayment capacity.

2. What are the main features of a personal loan?

Key features of a personal loan include:

  • No collateral required.
  • Fixed repayment tenure and EMI.
  • Flexible usage for any personal expense.
  • Easy disbursal (especially with NBFCs like DMI Finance)

3. Who can apply for a personal loan?

Anyone who meets the lender’s eligibility criteria is eligible to apply. At DMI Finance, you must:

  • Be an Indian citizen.
  • Be aged 23 years or older.
  • Have a monthly income of at least â‚č25,000.
  • Have a valid PAN and Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

4. How much personal loan can I get?

Loan amounts vary by lender. At DMI Finance, you can get a personal loan ranging from â‚č50,000 to â‚č5,00,000, depending on your income, credit score, employment type and repayment ability.

5. What documents are required for a personal loan in India?

The standard documents include:

  • KYC: PAN Card and Aadhaar Card.
  • Income Proof: Salary slips or bank statements.
  • Address Proof: Utility bills and rental agreement.

DMI Finance accepts digital document submissions, making the process fast and paperless.

6. How can I apply for a personal loan online?

You can apply online through the DMI Finance app.

  1. Check your eligibility.
  2. Submit documents online.
  3. Get approval and e-sign.
  4. Receive the loan in your bank account.

7. Can I prepay my personal loan?

Yes. Many NBFCs, including DMI Finance, allow loan prepayment.

8. Does taking a personal loan affect my credit score?

Yes, your personal loan is reported to credit bureaus. If you pay your EMIs on time, it can have a positive impact on your credit score. Missing payments will lower it.

9. What happens if I miss an EMI payment?

Missing an EMI can lead to:

  • Late payment penalties.
  • Negative impact on your credit score.
  • Difficulty in getting future loans.

Always set reminders or auto-debit to avoid this.

Also Read: Top factors that affect your credit score?

10. Can I take more than one personal loan in India?

Yes. You can take multiple personal loans as long as you meet the lender’s eligibility and repayment capacity. DMI Finance may allow additional loans after 6 successful EMI payments.

11. What are the benefits of taking a personal loan from DMI Finance?

  • Faster approval and disbursal
  • Minimal documentation
  • Digital onboarding
  • Transparent terms with flexible tenures and competitive interest rates

12. Is it safe to take a personal loan from DMI Finance?

Yes. DMI Finance is an RBI-registered Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) that adheres to strict data security and regulatory guidelines for lending.