Introduction: A Serious Talk Before You Apply
Hello, and welcome to Fiknow!
We understand you are here because you need a loan and your CIBIL score is low. You might be in a tough financial situation or have an emergency. We are here to help.
But first, we must be 100% honest with you.
This article is not a “magic list.” We will not promise you a “guaranteed loan,” because such a thing does not exist.
If your CIBIL score is low, the financial world sees you as a “high-risk” borrower. This means:
- Most good banks (like SBI, HDFC) will reject your application.
- Any app that does give you a loan will charge a very, very high interest rate.
- The online world is full of FAKE loan apps that want to trap people in your exact situation.
Our goal today is not just to give you a list of 5 apps. Our goal is to protect you. We will first teach you how to be safe, what the real cost is, and what your other options are. Only then will we share a list of genuine, RBI-registered platforms that may consider your application.
A Very Important Note (Disclaimer): We at fiknow.com are here to give you knowledge. This article is for information and education only. It is NOT financial advice. Taking a loan on a low CIBIL score is a very big, and often very expensive, decision. Please think carefully and read all documents before you apply.
Are you ready to learn how to do this safely? Let’s begin.
Part 1: What is a “Low CIBIL Score” in India? (The Money Report Card)
Think of your CIBIL score (or credit score) as your “Money Report Card.”
It is a 3-digit number from 300 to 900. It tells every bank and lender how responsible you are with money. This “report card” is created by four companies in India: CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, and Crif High Mark.
Here is how lenders see your score:
- 750 – 900 (Excellent): You are a “topper.” Banks love you. You get loans easily at low interest.
- 700 – 749 (Good): You are a “good student.” You will get approved in most places.
- 650 – 699 (Average / Fair): You are “just passing.” Some lenders will be careful. They might give you a loan, but at a higher interest rate.
- 300 – 649 (Poor / Low): You are in the “red zone.” You have failed a few “money exams” (missed EMIs), and banks are very, very nervous about lending you money.
If your score is below 650, you are a “low CIBIL” applicant.
A low score doesn’t happen by magic. It happens for clear reasons:
- You missed your EMI payments.
- You paid your credit card bills late (or did not pay the full amount).
- You have used 100% of your credit card limit (this is called “high credit utilization”).
- You have taken too many loans already.
- You “settled” an old loan, which is better than not paying, but still hurts your score.
Understanding why your score is low is the first step to fixing it.
Part 2: The GIANT Red Flag: The “7-Day Loan” & Fake App Trap
This is the most important part of this article. You must read this.
When you have a low CIBIL score, you are the number one target for criminal and fake loan apps.
You will see ads on Facebook and SMS. You will get WhatsApp messages. They all say the same thing:
“No CIBIL check! 100% Guaranteed Loan! Get ₹50,000 in 2 minutes!”
These are 100% SCAMS. They are run by criminals.
Here is how they trap you:
- The App: You download their fake app. It asks for permissions. You are in a hurry, so you click “Allow” “Allow” “Allow.” You have just given them permission to read your Contacts, Photos, and Messages.
- The Loan: They give you a small loan, say ₹5,000. But they will only send ₹2,800 to your account. They will say the other ₹2,200 was “processing fees,” “GST,” and “upfront interest.”
- The Trap: They say the loan is for 30 days, but after only 7 days, they demand you pay back the full ₹5,000.
- The Harassment: When you can’t pay, they start the “blackmail.” They have your contact list. They will send messages to your mother, your father, your boss, and your friends, saying you are a “thief” and a “fraud.” They will even edit your photos and send them.
This is a real, criminal problem in India.
How to Spot a FAKE Loan App (Your Safety Checklist)
A real, RBI-approved app is very different. Here is how you can tell them apart.
- Check for an RBI Partner: A real loan app must be partnered with an RBI-registered NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Company) or a Bank. They will show this partner’s name proudly on their website and in the app. If you can’t find a partner name, delete the app immediately.
- Check for a KFS: By law, a real app must show you a Key Fact Statement (KFS) before you sign the loan. This is an RBI rule. The KFS is a simple, one-page summary that shows the real interest rate (APR), all fees, and the loan tenure. Fake apps never show this.
- Check Permissions: This is the easiest check! The RBI has clear rules. A real app can ONLY ask for:
- Camera (for your selfie)
- Microphone (for Video KYC)
- Location (to check if you are in India) A real app will NEVER ask for permission to see your Contacts, Photo Gallery, or SMS list. If an app asks for your contacts, it is a FAKE app.
- Check Play Store Reviews: Don’t read the 5-star reviews (they are fake). Read the 1-star reviews. You will see hundreds of people crying, “Harassment!,” “Blackmail!,” “7-day trap!”
- Check for Fees: A real app deducts the processing fee from your loan. A fake app will ask you to pay a “registration fee,” “file-opening fee,” or “insurance fee” before you get the loan. This is a scam.
Fiknow.com E-E-A-T Rule: It is 1000% better to be rejected by a real, safe, RBI-registered app than to be approved by a fake, criminal, 7-day loan app. Your safety, your family’s respect, and your mental peace are more important than any loan.
Part 3: The Real Cost: Why Low CIBIL Loans are So Expensive
Okay, so you will only use a real app. Good.
Now you must understand the cost.
A low CIBIL loan is a “subprime” loan. It is the most expensive loan you can take. Why? Because the bank is taking a big risk on you. To cover that risk, they charge you a very high interest rate.
Let’s do some simple math.
Scenario 1: You have a Good CIBIL Score (750+)
- Loan Amount: ₹1,00,000
- Interest Rate: 14% per year (a normal rate)
- Tenure: 12 months
- Your Monthly EMI: approx. ₹9,000
- Total Paid Back: ₹1,08,000
- Total Interest Paid: ₹8,000
Scenario 2: You have a Low CIBIL Score (600-650)
- Loan Amount: ₹1,00,000
- Interest Rate: 30% per year (This is very common for low CIBIL)
- Tenure: 12 months
- Your Monthly EMI: approx. ₹9,750
- Total Paid Back: ₹1,17,000
- Total Interest Paid: ₹17,000
In this example, you are paying more than double the interest. And 30% is just an example. Many apps will charge 36% or higher. This is why you must read the KFS.
The Question You Must Ask: Is my emergency so big that I am willing to pay more than double for this money? Sometimes the answer is yes. But you must know this cost before you apply.
Part 4: Better Alternatives to Try FIRST (Before Any App)
As your financial friends, we must tell you: a “low CIBIL” personal loan app should be your last option.
Please try these 4 options FIRST. They are safer and much, much cheaper.
- Loan Against Gold (The Best Option): If you have any gold jewellery at home, a gold loan is the best choice.
- Why? They do not check your CBIIL score. The bank is not taking a risk on you; they are taking a risk on your gold.
- Interest Rate: Much lower (10-15% per year).
- Speed: You can get the money in 1 hour.
- Ask Your Employer (Salary Advance): If you are a salaried employee, talk to your HR or manager. Many good companies in India offer an “advance on salary” for emergencies.
- Why? This is often interest-free.
- Repayment: They will just deduct the amount from your next 1-2 months’ salary. This is the best-case scenario.
- Loan from Family or Friends: We know it can be difficult to ask. It feels bad. But think about it.
- Why? Asking a trusted friend or family member for help is 100 times better than getting caught in a 36% interest loan or a fake app trap.
- How? Be professional. Write down the amount and the date you will pay it back. Sign it. This shows you are serious and responsible.
- Loan Against Your Assets (FD, PPF): If you have a Fixed Deposit (FD), you can get a loan against it.
- Why? The interest is very low (usually just 1% more than what your FD is earning).
- Speed: It is very fast and easy, and you don’t need to “break” your FD.
Only when you have tried all of these, and you still have an emergency, should you look at the apps below.
Part 5: The Real Long-Term Solution: How to Fix Your CIBIL Score
The best “loan app” is… fixing your CIBIL score.
A low score is not a life sentence. It is a temporary problem. You can fix it. If you start today, in 6-12 months, your score will be much better.
Here is your simple, 4-step plan:
- PAY EVERY SINGLE BILL ON TIME. This is the #1 rule. Pay your EMI, your credit card bill, your electricity bill. Set reminders on your phone. Even being 1 day late can drop your score. This is 35% of your total score.
- PAY DOWN YOUR CREDIT CARD BILL. This is the #2 rule. If your credit card limit is ₹1,00,000, do not use more than ₹30,000 (30%). This is called “Credit Utilization.” If you use ₹90,000 out of ₹1,00,000, you look desperate for money, and your score will drop. Pay it down.
- DO NOT APPLY EVERYWHERE. Every time you apply for a loan or credit card, it’s a “hard inquiry” that lowers your score by 5-10 points. If you apply at 10 apps, you just hurt your score. Stop applying.
- CHECK YOUR REPORT AND “SETTLE” OLD LOANS. Download your full credit report.
- Check for any mistakes.
- If you have an old “overdue” loan, call the bank and ask for a “settlement.” This means you pay a part of the amount, and they close the file. “Settled” is not as good as “Closed,” but it is much, much better than “Overdue.”
Fixing your score is the only way to get out of this trap.
Part 6: 5 Genuine App Platforms That May Consider Low CIBIL Scores
Okay, you have read all our warnings. You have an emergency. You have no other option.
Here is a list of 5 REAL, RBI-REGISTERED platforms.
Disclaimer (Please Read This!):
- We are not partners with these apps.
- We do not guarantee your loan will be approved.
- We are listing them because they have alternative credit models. This means they look at other things besides just your CIIBIL score (like your monthly salary).
- If your score is very low (e.g., 550), you will still be rejected. These apps are mostly for people in the “average” (650+) or “new to credit” (0 or -1 score) categories.
1. Moneyview
- Why it’s on this list: Moneyview is very popular and clearly states its requirements. They use their own “in-house credit model” to look at your entire profile.
- Minimum CIBIL Score: They are one of the few platforms to say it openly: your CIBIL score must be a minimum of 650.
- Who is it for: Best for salaried employees with a stable monthly income.
- Income Needed: Your salary must be credited to your bank account (min. ₹13,500/month).
- Fiknow Warning: If your score is 649 or less, your application will be rejected. But if you are at 650 and have a good salary, you have a chance.
2. PaySense
- Why it’s on this list: PaySense (which often works with IIFL) is excellent for people who are “new to credit” (NTC). If your CIBIL score is 0 or -1, they will consider you.
- Minimum CIBIL Score: They don’t require a high CIBIL score, but they focus heavily on your income.
- Who is it for: Both salaried and self-employed people.
- Income Needed: Minimum monthly income of ₹18,000 (for salaried) or ₹20,000 (for self-employed).
- Fiknow Warning: Their focus is on stable income. If you have a low CIBIL and a low salary, your chances are small. But if your salary is good, they may overlook an “average” score.
3. Fibe (formerly EarlySalary)
- Why it’s on this list: Fibe was one of the first apps in India to use an “alternative credit model.” They look at more than just your CIBIL score.
- Minimum CIBIL Score: They look for a minimum CIBIL of 650.
- Who is it for: Only for salaried professionals.
- Income Needed: Minimum salary of ₹15,000 per month.
- Fiknow Warning: Fibe is very fast, but their interest rates can be high if your score is on the lower end. Read the KFS very, very carefully.
4. NAVI
- Why it’s on this list: NAVI is known for its 100% paperless and instant process. Their credit model is built for speed and can be flexible.
- Minimum CIBIL Score: NAVI also states a minimum CIBIL score of 650 for its personal loans.
- Who is it for: Salaried and self-employed.
- Process: The process is very simple. You just need your PAN and Aadhaar. The app will check your CIBIL and give you a final “yes” or “no” in minutes.
- Fiknow Warning: Because it’s so fast, it’s easy to accept without thinking. “Instant” does not mean “guaranteed.” If your score is below 650, you will be rejected.
5. CASHe
- Why it’s on this list: CASHe is unique. They created their own credit rating system called the “Social Loan Quotient” (SLQ).
- Minimum CIBIL Score: They don’t just look at CIBIL. Their AI-based “SLQ” model looks at your bank statements, your salary, and other data points. This is a true “alternative” model.
- Who is it for: Salaried employees only.
- Income Needed: Minimum salary of ₹15,000 per month.
- Fiknow Warning: Just because they use a fancy “SLQ” score, it doesn’t mean CIBIL is ignored. A good salary and a stable job are still the most important things for them.
Part 7: Step-by-Step: How to Apply SAFELY
If you have decided to apply, follow these 5 steps.
- Check Your CIBIL First: Go to a free credit score website (like CIBIL, Experian, or Paytm) and check your real score. Don’t guess. If your score is 580, do not apply. You will be rejected, and the “hard inquiry” will drop your score even more.
- Pick ONE App: Do not apply to all 5 apps! This is “Application-Spamming.” It will generate 5 hard inquiries and lower your CIBIL score. Pick the one that fits you best (e.g., if you are salaried with ₹20,000 income and a 660 CIBIL, Moneyview or Fibe is your best bet).
- NEVER Give Fake Info: Do not lie about your salary. Do not use a Photoshopped salary slip. This is fraud. It is a crime. You will be blacklisted for life.
- READ THE KEY FACT STATEMENT (KFS): This is the third time we are saying this. It is that important. When the app approves your loan, it must show you a KFS. This is your “price tag.” Look at:
- The total interest (APR).
- The processing fee.
- The pre-payment charges.
- The late payment fees.
- Accept Only If You Can Afford It: If they offer you ₹50,000 at 32% interest, look at the EMI. If the EMI is ₹4,900, ask yourself: “Do I have ₹4,900 extra every month to pay this?” If the answer is no, REJECT the offer.
Conclusion: A Loan is a Tool, Not a Trap
Having a low CIBIL score is a difficult situation, but it is not the end of the world. It is a temporary problem that you can fix.
A “low CIBIL” loan app is a very expensive, high-risk, short-term fix. It should be your absolute last resort. The real solution is to avoid fake apps, try better alternatives (like a gold loan), and start working on the 4 steps to fix your CIBIL score today.
Your financial health tomorrow depends on the smart, safe decisions you make today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q1: What is the minimum CIBIL score I need for a personal loan? A: There is no “magic number.” For good banks (like HDFC, SBI), you need 750+. For the apps on this list, you may be considered if your score is 650 or higher, but only if your salary is good and stable.
Q2: Can I get a 100% guaranteed loan with a 550 CIBIL score? A: No. A 100% guarantee does not exist. Any app that promises this is a scam. A 550 score is very low, and 99% of real lenders will reject it. Your only safe option with a 550 score is a “secured loan,” like a Gold Loan.
Q3: Are there any “No CIBIL Check” loan apps? A: 99% of apps that advertise “No CIBIL Check” are the 7-day harassment traps. The only real “No CIBIL Check” loan is a secured loan (like a Gold Loan or a Loan against FD) because the bank is not taking a risk—they have your gold or your FD.
Q4: How long does it take to fix my CIBIL score? A: If you start paying all your bills on time today and lower your credit card use, you will see a good improvement in 6 to 12 months. It takes patience.
Q5: Is it safe to give my bank statement PDF to a loan app? A: If it is a real, RBI-registered app (like the ones on our list), yes. This is a normal part of the process. They use a secure, “read-only” system to check your income. If it is a fake, unknown app, no. It is very dangerous. Always check for the RBI partner first!
External Links for Your Safety and Knowledge
This is the official RBI website to check if a lender is registered. You can also report harassment from fake apps here.
https://sachet.rbi.org.in/
TransUnion CIBIL:
The official CIBIL website. You can buy your credit report here to see your score.
https://www.cibil.com/
Experian India:
Another official credit bureau where you can check your score.
https://www.experian.in/
RBI Press Release on Digital Lending:
This official document from the RBI explains the new rules (like the KFS) that all real apps must follow.
https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=54187