A low credit score does not necessarily mean your personal loan application will be rejected. Every lender evaluates risk differently. While banks may have stricter credit requirements, many NBFCs focus on your ability to repay the loan by reviewing factors such as monthly income, employment record, and existing financial commitments. In addition to your credit score, they may evaluate factors such as income stability, employment history, existing financial obligations, and repayment capacity.
This flexibility makes NBFC personal loans a practical option for individuals who have a poor credit profile, limited credit history, or previous repayment issues. Although approval may come with higher interest rates or stricter terms, these loans can provide quick access to funds during emergencies or for planned expenses.
In this guide, you'll learn how NBFC personal loans for bad credit work, the eligibility requirements, documents needed, interest rates, top lenders to consider, and practical ways to improve your chances of loan approval.
What Is an NBFC Personal Loan?
An NBFC Personal Loan is an unsecured loan offered by a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) to help individuals meet various financial needs, such as medical emergencies, education expenses, home renovations, or debt consolidation. Since no collateral is required, approval is primarily based on factors such as income, employment stability, repayment capacity, and credit history.
Compared to traditional banks, NBFCs often provide faster approvals, minimal documentation, and more flexible eligibility criteria. Many NBFCs also consider factors beyond just the credit score, such as salary stability, banking transactions, and overall repayment behavior, making them a potential option for borrowers with limited or less-than-perfect credit histories.
Can You Get a Personal Loan with Bad Credit?
Yes. NBFCs and digital lenders in India approve personal loans for applicants with credit scores as low as 600, sometimes with no credit history at all, provided you can show stable income. The trade-off is a higher interest rate - typically 18% to 36% per year versus 10-16% for good-credit borrowers - and a smaller approved amount on your first loan, usually ₹15,000 to ₹3 lakh depending on your salary and repayment history.
Top NBFCs Offering Personal Loans for Bad Credit (2026)
The following table lists the Best NBFCs offering personal loans in India.
| Lender | Loan Amount | Interest Rate | Tenure |
| L&T Finance | Up to ₹30 Lakh | 11% p.a. onwards | Up to 72 Months |
| Aditya Birla Capital | Up to ₹40 Lakh | 10.99% p.a. onwards | Up to 84 Months |
| Tata Capital | ₹40,000 – ₹35 Lakh | 10.99% - 29.99% | Up to 72 Months |
| Shriram Finance | Up to ₹10 Lakh | 11% – 36% | 12 – 60 Months |
| Fibe | Up to ₹10 Lakh | 18% p.a. onwards | Up to 36 Months |
| Poonawalla Fincorp | Up to ₹50 Lakh | 9.99% p.a. onwards | 12 – 84 Months |
| MoneyView | ₹5000 – ₹10 Lakh | 14% p.a. onwards | 3 – 60 Months |
| CASHe | Up to ₹3 Lakh | Up to 36% | Up to 18 Months |
| Hero FinCorp | Up to ₹5 Lakh | 18% p.a. onwards | Up to 36 Months |
| InstaMoney | ₹5,000 to ₹1,00,000 | 24% - 48% | 3 – 12 Months |
Disclaimer: The features, process to apply and all other information specified above including rates, prices and other critical information are as of the date this page was created and are subject to change. Contact the relevant authority or refer to their official website for exact information.
Eligibility Criteria for a Bad Credit NBFC Loan
Most NBFCs apply some version of these baseline requirements, though exact numbers vary by lender:
- Credit score: Many NBFCs consider applicants with a CIBIL or Experian score of 600-650+; some go lower if income is strong
- Most lenders expect salaried applicants to earn at least ₹15,000-₹20,000 per month, with eligibility criteria varying across cities and financial institutions.
- Employment: Usually at least 6-12 months in your current job, or an established self-employment/business history
- Age: Generally 21 to 60-65 years at loan maturity
- Residency: Indian resident with a stable, verifiable address
Documents You'll Need
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence.
- Address Proof: Aadhaar, Passport, Utility Bill, or Rent Agreement.
- Income Proof: Recent salary slips, bank statements, and Form 16/ITR.
- Photographs and a completed application form
How to Apply for an NBFC Personal Loan with Bad Credit
- Check your credit score and report to assess your loan eligibility.
- Explore and compare NBFC offers to secure competitive interest rates and better loan terms.
- Verify the lender's eligibility criteria, including age, income, and employment requirements.
- Keep essential documents such as PAN, Aadhaar, income proof, and bank statements ready.
- Complete the online loan application form with accurate personal and financial details.
- Upload the required documents for identity, address, and income verification.
- Respond promptly to any verification calls or additional document requests from the lender.
- Carefully review the loan amount, interest rate, tenure, EMI, and applicable charges.
- Complete the e-KYC process and accept the lender's terms and conditions.
- Receive the approved loan amount directly in your registered bank account after successful verification.
Pros and Cons of NBFC Personal Loans for Bad Credit
Pros
- Higher approval odds than banks, even with limited or poor credit history
- Fast, fully digital processing - often same-day or next-day disbursal
- Flexible eligibility on income type, age, and employment history
- Credit score improvement over time through consistent on-time EMIs, now reflected in your report roughly every 15 days
- Strong reach in rural and semi-urban areas where bank branches are limited
Cons
- Higher interest rates - often 18-36% versus 10-16% for good-credit bank loans
- Smaller loan amounts on a first application, especially with a weak credit history
- Shorter tenures with higher EMIs in some cases, which can strain monthly cash flow
- Processing fees of 1-3% of the loan amount, plus possible late-payment charges
How to Improve Your Chances of Loan Approval with a Bad Credit Score
- Add a co-applicant or guarantor with a strong financial profile to improve your loan eligibility.
- Reduce your existing debt before applying to maintain a healthy debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.
- Pay your EMIs and credit card dues on schedule to build a strong repayment history.
- Keep your credit utilisation below 30% of your available credit limit.
- Provide proof of stable income through salary slips, bank statements, or business income records.
- Select a borrowing amount based on your financial needs and affordability.
- Avoid submitting multiple loan applications within a short period, as this may affect lender confidence.
- Review your credit profile carefully and resolve discrepancies before applying.
- Verify that the lender is an RBI-registered NBFC and carefully review all loan terms and charges.
NBFC vs. Bank Personal Loans: Quick Comparison
| Factor | NBFC | Bank |
| Minimum Credit Score | No fixed minimum score | Usually 750+ |
| Approval Speed | 24-48 hours, sometimes minutes | Several days to weeks |
| Documentation | Minimal, fully digital | More extensive |
| Interest Rate | Higher (18%–36%) | Lower (10%–16%) |
| Flexibility for Self-Employed/Gig Income | High | Lower |
Conclusion
A low credit score may reduce your borrowing options, but it does not make getting a loan impossible. Many NBFCs offer financing solutions for individuals who may not meet traditional bank lending criteria. To improve your approval chances, maintain a stable income, consider adding a co-applicant, and demonstrate responsible repayment behavior. Most importantly, use any approved loan as an opportunity to rebuild your credit profile. Consistent, on-time repayments can help improve your credit score and increase your eligibility for higher loan amounts and more competitive interest rates in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it possible to get a personal loan from an NBFC with bad credit?
Yes. Many NBFCs approve applicants with scores as low as 600, though you'll likely face a higher interest rate and stricter terms than a good-credit borrower would.
2. Can an NBFC personal loan help improve my credit score?
Yes, an NBFC personal loan can help improve your credit score if you make all EMI payments on time. Regular and timely repayments demonstrate responsible credit behaviour, which can positively impact your credit profile over time.
3. How long does NBFC loan approval take?
Usually 24-48 hours once your documents are verified, faster than most bank timelines. Some digital lenders disburse smaller pre-approved amounts within minutes.
4. Does an NBFC loan affect my credit score?
Yes, in both directions. On-time payments build your score, now updated roughly every 15 days; missed payments damage it just as fast.
Disclaimer: This page includes information that has been compiled from many sources and is only offered for informational purposes. Given that this type of data may change over time, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information supplied or included within it. It is anticipated that the user will confirm with the relevant source before making any choices or taking any actions.








