When a person has a low CIBIL score, availing a loan becomes much more difficult. Banks say no. Not all your friends and relatives will be able to assist you at all times. This is where a Loan App List can be beneficial. They are apps developed for those with a bad credit score but who still require quick cash — for a medical bill, a rent payment, wedding expenses, or just to make it till the next paycheck. The problem is, however, the following: Not all websites on the web offering the services of “instant loan on bad CIBIL” are secure. Some are real, RBI-related, and have correct rules. Others are bogus and may lead you into hidden charges or trick you into giving them your information. This is the reason why this Loan App List is written in extremely simple language so that you can choose the right app, avoid scams, and know what you are signing up for.
In this article, you’ll obtain a complete list of the Bad CIBIL loan applications with genuine details such as interest rates, loan amount, repayment tenure, and application links. You will also find out how to see whether the app is RBI-regulated or not, what the red flags are that you should look out for, and how to gradually maintain your CIBIL score so that you don’t need this Bad CIBIL Loan App List in the future.
What Counts as a ‘Bad’ CIBIL Score in India
CIBIL score is a 3-digit number between 300 and 900. It is a way to let lenders know how reliable you are at making your loans and credit card payments on time. The higher the number, the more trust will be gained by banks.
Simply put, this is the way it typically functions:
- 700 and above – This is a good to excellent score. Banks are pleased to give loans to you at a low rate of interest.
- 650 to 749 – This is an average score. There are loans available but perhaps not at the best rate.
- 550 to 649 – This is a low score, or “bad” score. You might not be able to get a loan from a regular bank, but you might be able to get a loan from an NBFC or fintech app.
- Between 550 – 574 – This is a very bad or poor score. Few lenders will consider lending to you, and those that will will charge you a high interest rate.
Your score can go bad for various reasons, such as not paying the EMI, exceeding the credit limit on your credit card, having no credit history, loan settlements, or even sending a loan application with your PAN card, which you had not taken. That’s the very reason why folks are looking for a Bad CIBIL Loan App List — for normal loans, they would get rejected, but not for life.
Also Read: Best Loan Apps for Students
How to Verify a Loan App Is RBI-Regulated Before Applying
Prior to trusting any name appearing in the Bad CIBIL Loan App List, always verify that it is really associated with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Let’s look at the steps you’ll have to take to do that in 5 easy steps.
- Go through the list of RBI’s Digital Lending Apps: RBI has come up with a list of apps with which banks and NBFC’s can work. You can check the RBI website for the name of the app or contact your bank to find out which apps have been made official. If it is not even close to a regulated name, it may be a red flag.
- Search for a named NBFC or bank inside the app: An authentic app will display the NBFC/bank which is lending the money and not simply their brand name. The name should be listed in your loan agreement, sanction letter and Key Fact Statement (KFS). The absence of any mention of a lender name is a major indicator of trouble.
- Check NBFC’s registration number on the RBI website: All NBFCs registered with the RBI must have a certificate of registration with a unique number. You can search this number on the official website of RBI to verify that it’s not cancelled and it’s also live.
- Take care to read the Key Fact Statement (KFS): RBI has mandated that all digital lender must provide you with a KFS before taking out the loan. All fees and the total cost of the loan in clear, plain language must be disclosed on this document, as well as the real annual interest rate (APR). Do not use an app that will not provide you with this document.
- Grievance Redressal Officer and physical registered address: All legitimate lenders are required to have a named grievance officer, an email address for complaints and a real registered office address. The ability to escalate a complaint to the RBI Ombudsman, if necessary, is a good indicator of good regulation of the app.
Also Read: Small Business Loan for Women
10 Bad CIBIL Loan Apps | RBI-Regulated Loan Apps That Consider Low CIBIL Scores
1. KreditBee
The reason why KreditBee is one of the most searched Bad CIBIL Loan App List is due to its approachability towards first-time borrowers and those who have a thin or weak credit file. It serves as a loan facilitator, i.e. the app facilitates loans from several NBFCs who are registered with the RBI, but no loan is provided from the app from its books. This allows KreditBee to make loans of a much smaller size, as well as large amounts of money if you have a steady income and a history of making payments. All the documents — PAN, Aadhaar and selfie — are uploaded in the app and eligible users can get the approval within minutes.
It has multiple NBFC partners so the actual interest rate you get will depend on the partner to whom you make your loan, and you should read the sanction letter carefully before accepting, as the advertised headline interest rate may very well differ from your final effective interest rate.
- RBI-Regulated NBFC Partner: Krazybee Services Pvt. Ltd. and other partner NBFCs such as Vivriti Capital, Tata Capital, and Piramal Finance
- Min CIBIL Considered: Very low/thin files considered (varies by partner)
- Loan Amount Range: ₹1,000 to ₹5 Lakhs (up to ₹10 Lakhs for select users)
- Interest Rate (APR): Around 17% to 29.95% p.a. (effective APR can run higher with fees)
- Tenure: 6 to 60 months
- App Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kreditbee.android&hl=en&gl=DE
- Website Link: https://www.kreditbee.in/
2. Fibe
Fibe, another common name, is also a frequent visitor to any Bad CIBIL Loan App List particularly for those with salaries who require a quick boost before payday. The implementation of Fibe is provided by Social Worth Technologies and the actual lending is undertaken by EarlySalary Services Pvt. Ltd., a registered NBFC with RBI. The app is designed to be fast: Most of the trip is paperless, and for salaried applicants who’ve shown a steady bank statement for some time, approval can be obtained close to instant.
Fibe is a popular company for many types of smaller, short-term loans such as travel loans or shopping loans, and they also provide a variety of standard personal loans with longer terms. Like most apps on this type of list, the starting rate will typically be for the best profiles, and borrowers with a weaker CIBIL score would be closer to the higher end of the range.
- RBI-Regulated NBFC Partner: EarlySalary Services Pvt. Ltd. (RBI Registration No. 13.02357)
- Min CIBIL Considered: Low/thin credit files considered
- Loan Amount Range: ₹5,000 to ₹10 Lakhs
- Interest Rate (APR): Around 16% to 30% p.a.
- Tenure: 3 to 36 months
- App Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earlysalary.android&hl=en_IN&gl=IN
- Website Link: https://fibe.in/
3. PhonePe (Personal Loan Section)
PhonePe is a popular UPI payments app and is also known as a marketplace for personal loans within the app, hence, its appearance in numerous versions of the Bad CIBIL Loan App List. PhonePe doesn’t have money to lend, but it acts as a facilitator between users and various partner financial institutions such as banks and NBFCs and will display loan offers directly inside the app, based on your profile and transaction history. PhonePe already has your UPI and spending data, so some users with a thin credit file (not necessarily a bad one) are easily considered as compared to a conventional bank.
As a marketplace, the lender, interest rate and loan amount you are offered will depend entirely on which partner takes your application; always verify with the lender listed in your loan agreement before taking anything for granted.
- RBI-Regulated NBFC Partner: Multiple partner NBFCs/banks (varies by offer shown)
- Min CIBIL Considered: Varies by partner; some accept thin/lower files
- Loan Amount Range: ₹5,000 to ₹5 Lakhs
- Interest Rate (APR): Around 13% to 20%+ p.a. (varies by partner)
- Tenure: Up to 60 months
- App Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.phonepe.app&hl=en_IN
- Website Link: https://www.phonepe.com/
4. CASHe
CASHe is a unique name in the list of Bad CIBIL loan Apps because it does not depend entirely on your CIBIL score. It measures your own credit status with its own scoring system, the Social Loan Quotient (SLQ), which takes into account your income stability, spending habits, social media presence, and browsing history, as well as your credit bureau information. This proves that CASHe is a real solution for salaried individuals with a strong income source and stable employment but a weak CIBIL score.
The app is quick and mostly applied to smaller loans for short-term rather than major loans for long-term. CASHe typically has shorter loan terms, and therefore the APR of the loan may appear high if you calculate it as an annual percentage, so it’s best for immediate needs and not long-term plans.
- RBI-Regulated NBFC Partner: Bhanix Finance and Investment Ltd. (CASHe’s NBFC arm) / partner NBFCs
- Min CIBIL Considered: Low CIBIL accepted; uses alternate SLQ scoring
- Loan Amount Range: ₹45,000 to ₹4 Lakhs (varies)
- Interest Rate (APR): Around 2.79% to 3% per month (roughly 33%+ p.a. effective)
- Tenure: 9 to 18 months
- App Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.tslc.cashe.android&hl=en_IN
- Website Link: https://www.cashe.co.in/
5. PaySense
PaySense, now integrated with LazyPay, is a Mumbai-based lending platform that has been around since 2015 and is backed by PayU. It has been on multiple versions of the Bad CIBIL Loan App List due to its services to both salaried and self-employed borrowers, which is uncommon among instant loan apps. Two individuals could apply for the same type of loan for the same amount and receive different interest rates, depending on their income, employment type, and credit history, all thanks to PaySense’s risk-based pricing approach.
This flexibility allows a borrower with a marginally poor CIBIL score to be considered, but with a higher rate of interest than someone who has a strong CIBIL score.
- RBI-Regulated NBFC Partner: PayU Finance India Pvt. Ltd. and partner NBFCs
- Min CIBIL Considered: Low scores considered with income proof
- Loan Amount Range: ₹5,000 to ₹5 Lakhs
- Interest Rate (APR): Around 14% to 36% p.a.
- Tenure: Up to 24 to 60 months
- App Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gopaysense.android.boost&hl=en_IN&gl=IN
- Website Link: https://www.gopaysense.com/
6. Freo
MoneyTap, which has rebranded to Freo, was one of India’s first app-based personal credit lines. It does not provide you with a single lump sum; instead, it provides you with a pre-approved credit limit, and you only pay interest on the amount you actually withdraw. This is why the right choice of it is a smart option for any individual looking for flexibility instead of a fixed EMI commitment in any Bad CIBIL Loan App List.
The limit and rate will be subject to your income level and obligations and will usually be supported by a partner Bank or NBFC. If you only borrow the amount you require and pay it back promptly, then you can actually save more money by using the limit than if you were to take out a regular loan.
- RBI-Regulated NBFC Partner: RBL Bank and partner NBFCs (credit line model)
- Min CIBIL Considered: Moderate-to-low scores considered
- Loan Amount Range: ₹3,000 to ₹5 Lakhs (credit line)
- Interest Rate (APR): Around 13% to 18%+ p.a.
- Tenure: 3 to 36 months
- App Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mycash.moneytap.app&hl=en_IN
- Website Link: https://www.freo.money/
7. mPokket
mPokket is targeted primarily at students and young, first-time earners with little or no credit history, who banks are generally turning down. Hence it is found in almost every young borrowers Bad CIBIL Loan App List. The monthly rate may seem steep, but the repayments are small and the tenor of the loan is short, keeping the total repayments manageable. While mPokket is in partnership with NBFCs for disbursement of the money, it is meant for small-ticket loans and not a personal loan disbursement.
- RBI-Regulated NBFC Partner: Partner NBFCs (varies by disbursing entity)
- Min CIBIL Considered: Thin file/first-time borrowers accepted
- Loan Amount Range: ₹500 to ₹50,000
- Interest Rate (APR): Around 0% to 4% per month (varies by tenure)
- Tenure: Up to 3 to 4 months
- App Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mpokket.app&hl=en_IN&gl=IN
- Website Link: https://www.mpokket.com/
8. Branch (Branch International)
Branch is a fully app-based lender that doesn’t request physical documents or rely on your phone data and banking habits to determine your risk. It is one of the most common on this Bad CIBIL Loan App List among individuals who require very quick loans in small amounts and require very little paperwork. With low CIBIL scores, borrowers who have good digital financial habits can still get a loan, as Branch relies more on alternative data than only your CIBIL score. In this case, they are likely to get a smaller loan at first, and increase the amount as they establish a positive track record with Branch.
- RBI-Regulated NBFC Partner: Partner NBFC (check current partner in-app before applying)
- Min CIBIL Considered: Low scores considered; alternate data-based scoring
- Loan Amount Range: ₹500 to ₹5 Lakhs
- Interest Rate (APR): Around 2% to 4% per month
- Tenure: 3 to 12 months
- App Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.branch_international.branch.branch_demo_android&referrer=home_page&gl=uk
- Website Link: https://branch.co/
9. Olyv
Olyv is a recent name which is listed in the updated version of the Bad CIBIL Loan App List and provides a fully digital application process and small personal loans. It is targeted at salaried employees who might want to borrow smaller amounts of money, but with no time lag, and might not be eligible for a personal loan from a bank because of a low CIBIL score. As with most fintech lenders, Olyv brings borrowers to a regulated NBFC to actually lend the funds, so check the lending partner’s name in your contract prior to signing.
- RBI-Regulated NBFC Partner: Partner NBFC (verify current partner in-app)
- Min CIBIL Considered: Low-to-moderate scores considered
- Loan Amount Range: ₹1,000 to ₹5 Lakhs
- Interest Rate (APR): Around 1.5% per month onwards
- Tenure: 2 to 24 months
- App Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.rebase.app&gl=IN
- Website Link: https://www.olyv.co.in/
10. TrueBalance
TrueBalance began as a recharge and utility app and then progressed to a lending option, which is why it’s a familiar face on many versions of the Bad CIBIL Loan App List. It targets small, short-term loans offered to consumers with urgent need of short-term cash rather than large loans. While TrueBalance is used as a short-term solution to borrowing, the small loan amount and short-term period makes it more of a stop-gap than a long-term borrowing solution. Please always check the named NBFC partner and read the KFS before taking up any offer as always.
- RBI-Regulated NBFC Partner: Partner NBFC (verify current partner in-app)
- Min CIBIL Considered: Low scores/thin files considered
- Loan Amount Range: ₹5,000 to ₹2 Lakhs
- Interest Rate (APR): Around 2.4% per month onwards
- Tenure: 6 to 12 months
- App Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.balancehero.truebalance&hl=en&gl=TW
- Website Link: https://truebalance.io/
Loan App Comparison Table
| App Name | RBI-Regulated NBFC Partner | Min CIBIL Considered | Loan Amount Range | Interest Rate (APR) | Tenure |
| KreditBee | Krazybee Services & partner NBFCs | Very low/thin files | ₹1,000 – ₹5 Lakhs | 17% – 29.95% p.a. | 6 – 60 months |
| Fibe | EarlySalary Services Pvt. Ltd. | Low/thin files | ₹5,000 – ₹10 Lakhs | 16% – 30% p.a. | 3 – 36 months |
| PhonePe | Multiple partner NBFCs/banks | Varies by partner | ₹5,000 – ₹5 Lakhs | 13% – 20%+ p.a. | Up to 60 months |
| CASHe | Bhanix Finance & partners | Low, alt. scoring (SLQ) | ₹45,000 – ₹4 Lakhs | ~2.79% – 3% p.m. | 9 – 18 months |
| PaySense | PayU Finance & partners | Low, with income proof | ₹5,000 – ₹5 Lakhs | 14% – 36% p.a. | Up to 60 months |
| MoneyTap (Freo) | RBL Bank & partners | Moderate-to-low | ₹3,000 – ₹5 Lakhs | 13% – 18%+ p.a. | 3 – 36 months |
| mPokket | Partner NBFCs | Thin file/students | ₹500 – ₹50,000 | 0% – 4% p.m. | Up to 3–4 months |
| Branch | Partner NBFC | Low, alt. data scoring | ₹500 – ₹5 Lakhs | 2% – 4% p.m. | 3 – 12 months |
| Olyv | Partner NBFC | Low-to-moderate | ₹1,000 – ₹5 Lakhs | 1.5% p.m. onwards | 2 – 24 months |
| TrueBalance | Partner NBFC | Low/thin files | ₹5,000 – ₹2 Lakhs | 2.4% p.m. onwards | 6 – 12 months |
Red Flags: Loan App Scams to Avoid
As you go through any of the Bad CIBIL Loan App List, watch out for these fraud warning signs.
- No name of the lender: It is a big warning when the app does not tell you what bank or NBFC is lending the money. True apps will indicate the name of their RBI regulated partner in a loan contract explicitly.
- Processing fees: A real lender takes processing fees from the amount of the loan after it is approved. Walk away if anyone asks you to pay money first (before the loan is disbursed) as this is a common scam tactic.
- Countdown timers and pressure tricks: These bogus applications use pressure tactics to get you to skip reading the terms, such as “offer expires in 2 minutes”. If a lender is pushing you to sign, he or she isn’t a genuine lender.
- Too many permissions on the phone: If a mobile application requests access to your contacts, photo gallery, call history or text messages, in addition to what is required for KYC, be careful. This information can be used after to harass or blackmail in recovery by some fake apps.
- A physical address and grievance contact: A lender with a physical address and grievance officer’s name and email ID. If there is no way you can escalate a complaint, then don’t go on with that app.
Alternatives to High-Interest Loan Apps for Bad Credit
It is advisable to consider a few alternatives before selecting a Bad CIBIL Loan App List that may result in lesser cost of borrowing.
- Gold loan – When you’re looking for a gold loan, if you have gold jewellery, it is generally a lower interest rate as it is secured against the gold and your CIBIL score is not as significant.
- Loan against fixed deposit – If you have an FD, most banks allow you to take a loan against the same without affecting your CIBIL score in any way.
- Existing bank – It is possible that the bank you already have an account at is more flexible when it comes to your CIBIL. This is a good option if you have a thin file on your CIBIL and not defaults.
- Credit union or cooperative society loans – The loans given by some of the local cooperative banks and credit society banks are also smaller and have simpler underwriting procedures than the big private banks.
- Family/peer to peer lending – If there is a genuine emergency, sometimes the best loan to take out is from family members, or from a regulated peer-to-peer lending service, which may have lower rates of interest than some instant loan apps.
How to Improve Your CIBIL Score So You Stop Needing This List
The ultimate aim is to not need a Bad CIBIL Loan App ever again. These are the steps to take in order to slowly earn more points.
- Pay All EMIs and credit card bills on time: Payment history is the most important component of CIBIL score. A few late payments will have a big impact on your score, so set up automatic payments or reminders.
- Limit how you use your credit card: Only use less than 30% of your available credit. Even if you pay off your card balance monthly, running up a high balance means that you are seen as a risk factor by lenders and it affects your credit score.
- Do not apply for multiple loans or cards all at once: Approving multiple requests for new loans or cards will have a temporary impact on your score. Try to only apply when necessary and space out applications.
- Regularly review your credit reports for inaccuracies: Your credit score may be poor due to an error (a loan that wasn’t actually yours, or a late payment that was misreported, for example). If there are any errors, you can dispute with CIBIL to correct them.
- A good credit mix and length: A mix of secured (such as a gold loan) and unsecured credit (such as credit card) that is used and maintained over time creates a more positive credit history than closing accounts often.
Conclusion
If you’re in a financial crisis and conventional banks have rejected your loan application, you can definitely use a Loan App List to your advantage. People with bad credit scores have a viable option to borrow using apps such as KreditBee, Fibe, CASHe, PaySense, MoneyTap, mPokket, Branch, Olyv, TrueBalance and PhonePe, provided they are connected to a registered NBFC with the RBI. However, these loans typically have higher mortgage interest rates – and should be considered carefully and only if absolutely necessary.
Always read the Key Fact Statement, never download or use apps that don’t specify their lending partner, and use this time to work on improving your CIBIL Score as well, so that next time you’ll be able to walk into a regular bank and not have to look up a Bad CIBIL Loan App List again.
FAQs
What is the ‘bad’ CIBIL score in India?
Any score below 650 is considered to be below average and anything below 550 is regarded to be very poor by most banks. But, each lender has its own criteria and some NBFCs and apps on the Bad CIBIL Loan App List may also be willing to consider your scores ranging from 550 to 650 or even lower based on your income level and repayment pattern.
How Can I Know Whether a Loan App is Approved by RBI?
Check the loan agreement or the app for details of the actual lending NBFC or bank, then check this name and registration number on the official website of the RBI. A Key Fact Statement, the contact for the grievance officer and a real registered address are other things to look at before trusting any app.
What is the loan criteria for a 500 CIBIL score?
It’s a challenge but not impossible. But a CIBIL score is just one of several factors these fintech apps in a Bad CIBIL Loan App List consider, as they are likely to employ other alternative scoring methods, such as income stability, digital spending habits, or employment details, so a small loan can likely be approved, albeit at a higher interest rate.
What are the red flags to be aware of when it comes to fraudulent loan applications?
Beware of apps that don’t mention the lender, require payment before they can loan you money, have countdown timers, or are asking for too many phone permissions, or don’t have an address or a person to whom you can complain. If you see any of these signs, you know you should stop and stay away from that app!
What can be done to raise CIBIL score so that they can get better loans?
Always pay all your EMIs and credit card bills on time, avoid taking several loans at the same time and reduce your credit card usage to under 30% of your credit limit, check your credit report for mistakes and have a long term mix of credit. If you do this routinely for a few months, you could boost your score significantly so that you don’t need a Bad CIBIL Loan App List.
