A personal loan is a sum of money borrowed from a lender for personal use.

Personal loans are repaid in fixed monthly installments over a defined period. Repayment periods typically range from 3 to 60 months, depending on the lender and loan agreement.

These loans can be used for various purposes such as consolidating debt, covering unexpected medical bills, making home improvements, or financing a vacation.

When taking out a personal loan in Singapore, the main cost is the interest rate, which banks typically charge at 3.5% – 10% p.a. (flat rate), translating to an Effective Interest Rate (EIR) of roughly 7% – 20% p.a. 

Most banks such as DBS, OCBC, UOB, and Citibank charge a one-time processing or administrative fee of 1% – 3% of the loan amount, though some promotional loans waive this entirely. Some banks may also charge an annual fee, though many have removed this for personal loans.

If you miss a payment, a late payment fee of $60 – $120 is typically imposed depending on the bank. Should you choose to repay the loan early, an early repayment fee of 1% – 3% of the outstanding loan amount may apply. Some banks also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel the loan after it has been disbursed.

For those borrowing from licensed moneylenders instead of banks, the interest is capped at 4% per month, late interest at 4% per month on arrears, late fees at $60 per month, and administrative fees at 10% of the principal loan amount.

Repaying your loan can be done through various methods, including bank transfer, PayNow, or cash payments. Borrowers can also opt for the convenient auto-debit GIRO payment for hassle-free monthly repayments.

Approval times for personal loans in Singapore vary depending on the type of lender and your individual circumstances.

For banks, existing customers who already have an account or credit card with the bank tend to get faster approvals, sometimes within the same day or within 1 to 3 business days. New customers typically wait a little longer, usually between 3 to 7 business days, as the bank needs to verify documents such as your NRIC, income documents like payslips or CPF statements, and employment details. Some banks like DBS and POSB offer instant or same-day approval for eligible applicants through their digital platforms.

For licensed moneylenders, the process is generally much faster. Many approve loans within the same day, sometimes within a few hours, as their requirements and processes are simpler compared to banks.

The speed of approval can also be affected by how complete your application is, your credit score as assessed by the Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS), your income level relative to the loan amount, and whether any additional documentation is requested by the lender.

It is worth noting that approval and disbursement are two separate steps. Even after approval, the actual transfer of funds may take an additional 1 to 3 business days depending on the bank, though some lenders disburse almost immediately upon approval.

To be eligible for a personal loan, you must have a minimum monthly income of SGD1,800 and be at least 18 years old.