How NBFCs Are Transforming Access to Finance in India

May 1, 2025
How-NBFCs-Are-Transforming-Access-to-Finance-in-India

With the rise of digital lending and underserved credit markets, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) have stepped up to play a crucial role in India’s financial ecosystem. These institutions are not just alternatives to traditional banks—they’re pioneers of inclusive, fast, and flexible lending, offering everything from small-ticket loans to large personal financing without the bureaucratic hurdles.

India has seen a major shift in the way people borrow money. Earlier, people relied only on big banks to get loans. But now, NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies) are offering loans quickly, easily, and with fewer documents. This has changed the game for salaried people, self-employed workers, small business owners, and even those who are taking loans for the first time.

Let’s explore how leading NBFCs like Tata Capital, InCred, Bajaj Finserv, and others are opening new doors to credit access—especially for first-time borrowers, self-employed individuals, and low-income households.

Tata Capital – The Trustworthy All-Rounder

Tata Capital is one of the most trusted names when it comes to personal loans. They offer loans for weddings, travel, education, and other needs.

Feature Details
Loan Amount ₹75,000 to ₹35 lakhs
Interest Rate Starting at 10.99% p.a.
Processing Fee Up to 2.75% of loan amount
Tenure 12 to 72 months
Eligibility Salaried and self-employed with minimum ₹20,000/month income
Unique Aspect Pre-approved offers, flexible EMI options, and strong pan-India network

Best for: Salaried individuals and professionals looking for large personal loans from a reputed lender.

Bajaj Finserv – Fast Loans, Flexible Repayment

Bajaj Finserv is a popular NBFC for people who need instant personal loans. The loan process is fully digital, and the money can be credited in a few hours.

Feature Details
Loan Amount ₹30,000 to ₹25 lakhs
Interest Rate Starting at 11% p.a.
Processing Fee Up to 3.93% of loan amount
Tenure 12 to 84 months
Eligibility Minimum ₹22,000 monthly income in metro cities
Unique Aspect Flexi Loan facility – pay interest-only EMIs and prepay anytime

Best for: Ideal for users looking for fast approval and disbursal, especially for urgent needs like medical expenses or travel.

InCred – Lending for the New-to-Credit India

Many people in India are new to credit and don’t have a CIBIL score. InCred gives them a chance by offering loans without needing a traditional credit history.

Feature Details
Loan Amount ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakhs
Interest Rate 15% to 36% p.a.
Processing Fee 3% to 5%, minimum ₹1,500 + GST
Tenure 6 to 36 months
Eligibility Age 21–55, income proof not always mandatory
Unique Aspect Instant digital approval, no credit score inquiry before disbursal, no physical paperwork

Best for: Freelancers, new-to-credit users, and self-employed individuals without stable income proofs.

L&T Finance – Focused on Bharat, Not Just India

L&T Finance is known for its deep reach in semi-urban and rural India, offering customized loans for salaried and self-employed individuals.

Feature Details
Loan Amount ₹50,000 to ₹15 lakhs
Interest Rate Starts from ~12.5% p.a. (varies by region)
Processing Fee Up to 2%
Tenure Up to 60 months
Eligibility Minimum ₹15,000 monthly income, age 23–58
Unique Aspect Rural financing focus with doorstep documentation and vernacular support

RupeeQ Tip: Choose L&T if you’re located in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 city and need support in local language or simplified onboarding.

IDFC FIRST Bank – From NBFC Roots to Smart Banking

While now a full-fledged bank, IDFC FIRST’s legacy as an NBFC continues to shape its personalized, borrower-first approach.

Feature Details
Loan Amount ₹20,000 to ₹10 lakhs
Interest Rate Starting from 10.75% p.a.
Processing Fee Up to 2%
Tenure Up to 60 months
Eligibility Minimum ₹20,000 monthly salary
Unique Aspect Fixed interest rate, transparent terms, zero foreclosure charges on personal loans

Best for: Salaried borrowers who want stable, long-term loans with zero penalty flexibility.

Unity Small Finance Bank – The Digital Underdog

Previously Centrum NBFC, Unity SFB brings the benefits of NBFC agility to banking compliance.

Feature Details
Loan Amount Small-ticket loans (₹25,000–₹2 lakhs)
Interest Rate Custom rates based on credit profile
Processing Fee 1% to 3%
Tenure 6–36 months
Eligibility Urban poor, small traders, informal workers
Unique Aspect Digital onboarding, inclusive lending with minimal documentation

Best for: Individuals who are underserved by mainstream banks, including daily wage workers or nano-business owners.

Comparison Table: NBFC Personal Loan Terms in India

Below you will find the table comparing all major NBFCs currently operating in India:

 

NBFC Name Loan Amount Interest Rate Processing Fee Ideal For
Tata Capital ₹75K – ₹35L From 10.99% p.a. Up to 2.75% Salaried & self-employed
Bajaj Finserv ₹30K – ₹25L From 11% p.a. Up to 3.93% Urgent loan needs
InCred ₹50K – ₹5L 15% – 36% p.a. 3% to 5% New-to-credit borrowers
L&T Finance ₹50K – ₹15L From 12.5% p.a. Up to 2% Rural borrowers
Bajaj Finserv ₹30K – ₹25L From 11% p.a. Up to 3.93% Urgent loan needs
InCred ₹50K – ₹5L 15% – 36% p.a. 3% to 5% New-to-credit borrowers
L&T Finance ₹50K – ₹15L From 12.5% p.a. Up to 2% Rural borrowers
IDFC FIRST Bank ₹20K – ₹10L From 10.75% p.a. Up to 2% App-savvy salaried borrowers
Unity SFB ₹25K – ₹2L Custom 1% to 3% Informal sector & micro-businesses

IDFC FIRST Bank₹20K – ₹10LFrom 10.75% p.a.Up to 2%App-savvy salaried borrowers Unity SFB₹25K – ₹2LCustom1% to 3%Informal sector & micro-businesses

Why NBFCs Are Winning India’s Credit Game

NBFCs are supporting the RBI’s mission to increase financial inclusion and so they are giving some serious competition to traditional banks. Let’s understand some differences below:

 

Advantage NBFCs Traditional Banks
Approval Time 2–48 hours 3–7 working days
Credit Evaluation Alternate data, flexible CIBIL-centric
Loan Options Highly personalized Mostly standardized
Documentation Digital, low-paper Often physical and extensive
Market Penetration Tier-2, Tier-3, rural stronghold Metro-focused

 

Benefits of Taking a Personal Loan from NBFCs in India

NBFCs have become a favorite for many borrowers in India. Here’s why:

  • Faster approval and disbursal – some within 2–4 hours
  • Lower documentation – minimal paperwork or digital KYC
  • Flexible eligibility – gig workers, freelancers, and low-income groups welcome
  • Smaller loan amounts – perfect for everyday needs
  • Technology-led process – easy apps and websites

Final Thoughts – NBFCs Are Changing the Way India Borrows

NBFCs have made personal loans in India more flexible, faster, and inclusive. Whether you’re a salaried professional, a shop owner, a freelancer, or someone living in a small town—there’s likely an NBFC loan tailored for you.

And the best part? You don’t have to search all over the internet.

✅ Use RupeeQ to Compare NBFC Personal Loan Offers

Whether you need ₹25,000 or ₹25 lakhs, RupeeQ helps you find the right lender based on your profile, income, and need. You can compare interest rates, processing fees, and even check eligibility—without affecting your credit score.

Disclaimer: The interest rates and numbers used on this blog stand valid as on 24 April 2025. Interest rates are subject to the Repo Rate which is decided by the apex bank RBI.

FAQs

  1. Can I get a personal loan without CIBIL from an NBFC?
    Yes. Lenders like InCred evaluate alternate data and offer loans without pulling your CIBIL score initially.
  2. What’s the minimum salary to get a loan from NBFCs?
    Many NBFCs offer personal loans to individuals with a net income as low as ₹15,000/month.
  3. Are NBFCs safe to borrow from?
    Yes. Most large NBFCs like Tata Capital, Bajaj Finserv, and L&T Finance are RBI-regulated and follow strict lending norms.

A few easy steps can help you practice better financial decision-making.