If your CIBIL score is low — generally anything below 650 — getting a personal loan approved through a traditional bank can be difficult. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Several NBFCs and fintech lenders specifically work with applicants who have a lower or average credit score, though usually at a higher interest rate to offset their risk.
Below are lenders known to consider applicants with low or average credit scores.
⚠️ Interest rates may be slightly higher — this is normal for low-CIBIL loans.
| Lender | Min CIBIL | Loan Amount | Approval Time | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freo (formerly MoneyTap) | 550+ | ₹3L – ₹5L | 24–48 hrs | Check Eligibility |
| LazyPay (formerly PaySense) | 600+ | ₹5K – ₹5L | Same Day | Apply Now |
| CASHe Instant Loan | 550+ | ₹10K – ₹4L | Few Hours | Get Loan |
| KreditBee Personal Loan | 500+ | ₹1K – ₹5L | Minutes | View Offers |
| EarlySalary (Fibe) | 600+ | ₹8K – ₹5L | Same Day | Check Offers |
Low CIBIL? Check your eligibility instantly
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Every lender in the table above requires a minimum score of 500-600 — so if your score is below that, including scores around 400, none of them will approve an unsecured personal loan. This isn’t a lender-specific quirk; it reflects genuine risk assessment across the industry at that score range. Your realistic options at this level are different:
Be especially cautious of any app or website promising guaranteed approval regardless of score at this range — that’s a common pattern for predatory or fraudulent lending schemes. A genuine lender will always assess your income and repayment capacity, even for secured loans.
You have better chances if you are:
Even if banks reject you, NBFCs and fintech lenders may approve your loan. Banks and NBFCs look for different scores, so see the minimum CIBIL score for each type of lender before you apply.
If your CIBIL score is low, follow these tips before applying:
Lower loan amounts mean a higher approval probability.
Each rejection generates a hard inquiry that lowers your score further — apply to one or two lenders at most, not many at once.
Upload salary slips or bank statements clearly.
Even partial settlements help.
If you still face rejection, start by finding out why: see our guide to the common reasons a loan gets rejected. Then consider these safer alternatives:
Avoid illegal money lenders — high interest can trap you in debt.
Yes. Some NBFCs and loan apps approve loans starting from a 500 CIBIL score, but interest rates may be higher.
Realistically, no standard personal loan lender approves unsecured loans at 400. Secured options (gold loan, loan against property or FD) or a co-applicant with a stronger score are your most viable paths at this range.
Several digital lenders provide same-day approval, especially for salaried users — see the comparison table above for specific minimum score requirements.
No. Eligibility checks (also called soft inquiries) do not impact your credit score. Only a formal loan application, which triggers a hard inquiry, has any effect.
With timely repayments, noticeable improvement can typically be seen in 3-6 months. Our guide to improving your CIBIL score fast covers the quickest levers. See our full guide on what a CIBIL score means and how it’s calculated for a deeper breakdown of what actually moves the number.
A low CIBIL score doesn’t mean the end of your financial options. With the right lender and a smart approach, getting a personal loan is still possible.
Compare trusted lenders and check eligibility for free.
You can also check credit cards for first-time users.
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Good one. Informative.
thanks 🙂