5 Simple Ways to Repay Your Personal Loan Quickly

Personal loans for most people have become synonymous with everyday life. Be it buying appliances, going on a holiday, starting a business or even meeting emergency expenses, personal loans are the easiest way to finance your needs and even the occasional indulgences.

In recent times, getting personal loans sanctioned has become a much more simplified process. For example, SMFG India Credit approves personal loans up to Rs. 30 lakhs online, with minimal documentation.

Having said that, you also need to have a precise understanding of how to repay your personal loan, quickly. Planning your repayment strategy smartly not only saves valuable time but also improves your overall financial standing.

Take a look at these 5 simple ways of how to repay your personal loan fast.

1. Foreclosing Your Personal Loan

Personal loans are often used to fulfil short-term financial deficits. But a personal loan comes with an interest rate and a repayment tenure of 12 to 60 months. Therefore, while you were able to meet your immediate financial requirements, you are laden with a financial burden that requires you to pay back an additional interest component on the principal amount borrowed. Plus, you will have to abide by a minimum of a 12 month period repayment tenure.

The best way out here is to foreclose your personal loan if you have sufficient funds to do so. This can be done as soon as your lock-in period of the loan is over. Even though you may have to pay a penalty charge, prepayment of your personal loan saves on a lot of interest and definitely lessens your financial burden.

2. Repay Quickly on a Higher Interest Rate

Remember that even if you meet the personal loan eligibility, getting one means attracting a higher interest rate than home or car loans. While everyone agrees to the fact that personal loans are a necessary route when it comes to financing, it can also lead you towards a debt trap if you are unable to repay it within the specified timelines.

If you have other existing loans on lower interest rates, it makes a lot of sense to repay your personal loan that comes with a much higher interest rate, first. Prioritising debt is also a smart way of ensuring that you repay it quickly.

3. Go in For Debt Consolidation Loans

You may struggle to repay your monthly EMIs on time if you have multiple debts including personal loans. To make sure that you do not lag behind in your personal loan payments too often, it is best to opt for a debt consolidation loan.

You can club all your loans, including credit card debts into a unified entity with a debt consolidation loan. As opposed to making several repayments on varying interest rates this results in a convenient single pay-out every month on a fixed interest rate. As a matter of fact, in most cases, you will be paying a lower interest rate with a debt consolidation loan on your monthly instalment making it easier for you to manage your finances better.

Must Read: How to Clear Overdue Payments with a Personal Loan?

4. Get A Home Loan Top-Up

If you have an existing home loan, you can take up a home loan top-up to cover any unexpected expenses with regards to home improvement instead of a personal loan. Home loans come with more economical interest rates in comparison to personal loans and even credit cards.

Not only does it help to consolidate your debt, but your monthly pay-out decreases too. Plus, you are servicing a single loan account rather than spreading out your debt across multiple loan platforms.

5. Personal Loan Balance Transfer

If you have a credit card with a significant spending limit, or are displeased with your current lender, you can even choose to go for a personal loan balance transfer as a mode of repaying it off quickly. Under this facility, your previous outstanding balance is completely closed. Plus, you may get a higher loan amount sanctioned at a more affordable interest rate.

This makes sense if you are paying a higher interest rate on your personal loan and your credit card service provider offers you the option to transfer it at a lower rate of interest. Having said that, this is only possible if you have a good credit score.

Most importantly, never miss a single EMI payment on your loan. Opt for the auto-debit / ECS facility which is offered by most lenders, and always make sure that your bank account is funded sufficiently so as to manage the payment. Any delay in paying an EMI will attract penalty charges, and lack of sufficient funds in your account will attract bounce charges, thereby making your loan more expensive.

What is the prepayment penalty applied to personal loan pre-closure?

For personal loan pre-closure, SMFG India Credit, like many other lenders, charges a pre-payment penalty of up to 7% of the loan amount. Borrowers who want to pay off their loan before the end of the term must pay this penalty. The penalty is intended to repay the lender for the interest that would have been received if the borrower had continued to make regular payments until the loan term ended. Borrowers must carefully read the terms and conditions of their loan agreement in order to fully understand the pre-payment penalty and other penalties that may apply. 

What are the documents required for loan pre-closure?

Borrowers must present specific documentation to their lender in order to commence loan pre-closure. The particular documents necessary may vary based on the type of loan and the lender's requirements; however, the following are some typically required documents:

1. Loan account number and details
2. Identification documentation, such as a passport or driver's license
3. Proof of address, such as a utility bill or rental agreement
4. Loan repayment plan
5. Statement of Payment History
6. Income documentation, such as payslips or tax returns

Borrowers should consult with their lender to understand the exact documentation needed for loan pre-closure and to verify that they have all essential documents before beginning the process.

How To Apply For A Personal Loan?

Here is what you need to do to apply for a personal loan from SMFG India Credit:

1. Provide Basic Information

Put in your primary details like mobile number, PAN, pincode, and employment nature (self-employed or salaried).

2. Authenticate Mobile Number

Verify your mobile with the received OTP.

3. Fill in Additional Information

Enter more information such as email address, DOB, gender, and annual household income. Be sure to confirm your email ID.

4. Supply Employment Details

Add in details of your employment if you are in a salaried position.

5. Bank Statement Submission

Please submit your bank statement through Net Banking, an Account Aggregator, or by uploading it. We will use this information to generate a loan offer (only applies to salaried employees).

6. Proceed With Identity Verification

Verify your identity (take a selfie to complete the process) and share location details using the provided digital verification options – CKYC, Offline Aadhaar XML-based KYC, or DigiLocker.

7. Submit Bank Account Information

Provide bank account details which will be verified by us.

8. Provide Additional Details

Once bank account verification is done, enter the required details in the ‘Additional Details’ section. These can include the purpose of the loan, marital status, and so on.

9. Select Re-payment Mode and Activate E-NACH

Choose the re-payment mode you prefer, debit cards or internet banking, and complete your E-NACH setup.

10. Review the Loan Agreement and Sign Digitally

Conclude by reviewing and digitally endorsing the loan agreement, and confirming it with an OTP.

Following these straightforward steps will take you closer to your financial objectives.

In Conclusion

While it has become the norm to meet high-value consumptions with the help of personal loans, it is also necessary for the borrower to be aware of how to repay your personal loan in simple and easy steps. Ultimately, the aim is to reduce your debt obligation whilst building your financial stability.