What is the maximum and minimum tenure for personal loans?

Personal loans are often a quick fix for financial emergencies, but choosing the right one could be a tedious task due to a plethora of options. The loan tenure, or the length of time you intend to repay the loan, is one of the most crucial factors to take into account. Whether you want to pay off your debt more quickly or have lower monthly payments, selecting the right tenure can make all the difference.

Also, the loan repayment tenure could be a deciding factor for your total outgo to clear the debt. For instance, if you choose a longer tenure your total interest payment will increase compared to a shorter term.

Let’s take a look at how the minimum and maximum terms for personal loans can impact your financial planning.

What is a personal loan?

An unsecured loan taken out for personal use from a bank or non-banking financial institution (NBFC) is known as a personal loan. Instead of collateral, these loans are determined by factors including income and creditworthiness. Since they are usually fixed-rate loans, the interest rate doesn’t change during the course of the loan.

Moneycontrol provides access to instant loans up to Rs 15 lakhs in partnership with its lending partners. Based on the employment status, you can choose between a personal loan and business loan. It’s a 100% digital process, with interest rates starting at 12% per annum and there are no hidden charges.

Benefits of personal loans

• Minimal documentation: Personal Loans require basic documents like ID proof, address proof and income proof, reducing the hassles of paperwork.


• Fixed term: This provides predictability in financial planning, as monthly payments remain constant.


• Lower interest rates: Often lower than credit cards, personal loans can be a cost-effective way to fulfil any dream.


• Debt consolidation: They can be used to merge multiple debts into one, simplifying finances.


• Quick access to funds: The approval process for personal loans is usually faster than other loans.

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Maximum tenure of personal loans

When it comes to personal loans, the repayment period can make all the difference. While most lenders offer a typical term of up to 60 months (5 years), some may extend it to 7 years or more. Choosing a longer loan term can ease the pressure on your monthly budget. However, your total interest payment could be higher due to longer duration.

Minimum tenure of personal loans

Most lenders provide loans with a minimum tenure of one year, or 12 months. But, this can vary depending on the lender and your financial profile. Some lenders might provide options as short as three months. Shorter loan terms are ideal for borrowers with higher monthly incomes, allowing for quicker repayment with minimal interest. Some lenders impose a lock-in period of 3 to 6 months, during which borrowers can't pre-pay or close the loan early.

Factors to consider while choosing tenure of personal loans

When deciding on a personal loan tenure, it’s crucial to analyse your monthly budget, financial goals, and the purpose of the loan to ensure you make the right choice.

• Monthly budget: Assess how much you earn and spend each month. This will help determine if you can comfortably afford higher EMIs with a shorter loan term without stretching your finances too thin. Shorter loan terms mean higher monthly payments, so make sure it aligns with your budget.


• Financial goals: The purpose of your loan can influence your choice of tenure. If you aim to repay the loan quickly, a shorter term is ideal. However, if you have other financial commitments and need to keep monthly payments low, a longer term might be more suitable. Also, look for loans that allow prepayments without penalties in case you're able to pay off your loan earlier.


• Loan purpose: Consider the nature of the loan. For short-term needs, a quicker repayment period is better, but for larger investments like home renovations, a longer term might be more practical as it spreads out payments over time.

Navigating interest rates and tenure of personal loans

While exploring personal loans, it’s essential to balance the interest rate with the repayment period. While longer loan tenure might seem attractive due to lower monthly EMIs, it increases the total interest paid over time. Conversely, opting for a shorter tenure means higher EMIs, but it saves you on interest costs in the long run. Your choice should reflect your financial priorities — would you prefer lower monthly payments or paying less in total interest? Making this decision carefully is the key to effective financial planning.

The impact of early repayment of personal loan

Another key factor is the early repayment. If your financial situation improves, settling the loan ahead of schedule can save you on interest costs. However, some lenders impose a prepayment charge, so it’s essential to review these terms before finalising the loan. The flexibility to repay early without extra charges can play a major role in deciding the loan tenure that best fits your needs.

ALSO READ: Personal Loan Prepayment: Key points to consider before paying off your loan earlier

Advantages of long tenure of personal loan

If reducing your monthly expenses is a priority due to other financial commitments, choosing a longer tenure can be beneficial. Balancing between a longer and shorter repayment period is key to managing your finances effectively. Consider factors like your monthly budget, financial objectives, and the purpose of the loan to determine the tenure that best suits your needs.

In conclusion, understanding the tenure of your personal loan is vital, as it affects your overall financial well-being. Make this decision carefully, considering your current financial situation, future goals, and immediate needs. Sound financial planning requires finding a balance between the overall interest cost throughout the loan tenure and an affordable EMI.

Through the Moneycontrol app and website you can access multiple personal loan offers for various tenures. You can apply for loans up to Rs 15 lakhs in a completely digital process. The interest rates start at only 12% per annum.