Personal Loan: What to do if your personal loan application gets rejected?
14 April, 2025 | 15:02 IST
Getting a personal loan rejected can feel like a big setback, especially when you need funds urgently. Lenders reject loan applications for various reasons, and most of them can be fixed. Whether it’s a CIBIL score issue (or any other credit score issue), high debt, or missing documents, there’s always an opportunity to improve your chances for getting approval for a personal loan next time.
There are several reasons why lenders may reject a personal loan application. Some of the most common factors include:
Low CIBIL score: A poor credit history or a low CIBIL score is one of the biggest reasons for a personal loan rejected CIBIL issue. Most lenders require a score of at least 750.
High debt-to-income ratio: If your existing debts are too high compared to your income, banks may hesitate to lend you more money.
Unstable employment or low income: If you have an irregular income or work in a high-risk industry, lenders might reject your loan.
Frequent loan applications: Applying for multiple loans within a short time can make you look credit-hungry, reducing your chances of approval.
Incomplete documentation: If you fail to provide essential documents like ID proof, salary slips, or bank statements, your application may get rejected.
Check your CIBIL score: If your personal loan is rejected due to a CIBIL score issue, check your score immediately. You can do this online for free using websites like Moneycontrol. If you notice errors in your credit report, get in touch with CIBIL and get them corrected. If your score is low, work on improving it before reapplying.
A low CIBIL score is one of the most common reasons for loan rejection. Here’s how you can improve it:
Pay your EMIs and credit card bills on time – Delayed payments lower your score significantly.
Reduce your credit utilisation ratio – Avoid using more than 30% of your total credit card limit.
Avoid multiple loan applications – Every loan application results in a hard inquiry, which lowers your credit score.
Clear existing debts – Paying off outstanding loans will boost your creditworthiness.
Understand the reason for rejection – When your personal loan rejected reason is unclear, contact the lender to understand why your application was turned down. Once you know the reason, you can work towards fixing it. For example, if your income is insufficient, you may need to apply for a smaller loan amount. If your employment history is unstable, waiting until you have a steady job can improve your chances.
Apply for a lower loan amount – If you requested a large loan amount, lenders might have rejected your application due to risk concerns. Consider applying for a lower amount that fits within your repayment capacity.
Add a co-applicant or guarantor – If your application was rejected due to low income or a poor CIBIL score, adding a co-applicant or guarantor with a strong credit profile can improve your chances of approval.
Explore other lenders – Traditional banks have strict eligibility criteria, but Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and fintech lenders offer more flexible options. They may approve your loan even if your CIBIL score is not perfect.
Go for a secured loan – If an unsecured personal loan is rejected, consider applying for a secured loan. By pledging assets like gold, fixed deposits, or property, you can get a loan with lower interest rates and easier approval.
Wait and reapply– If your personal loan rejected CIBIL score issue has been addressed, wait a few months before applying again. Continuously improving your financial habits will make you a more attractive borrower.
To conclude, getting a personal loan rejected can be frustrating, but it’s not the end of the road. By understanding the personal loan rejected reason, improving your CIBIL score and managing your finances better, you can boost your chances of approval next time.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free loan application process, you can explore Moneycontrol’s online lending platform, where you can access personal loan offers of up to Rs 50 lakhs from eight lenders. With interest rates starting at 10.5% per annum and a 100% digital application process, it’s a convenient way to secure the funds you need.
Loan rejection isn’t the end—it's a signal to reassess and bounce back stronger. Discover the most common reasons for rejection and ways in which you can improve your chances next time.
Disclaimer
This piece/article was written by an external partner and does not reflect the work of Moneycontrol's editorial team. It may include references to products and services offered by Moneycontrol.