guide to borroing money in singapore

Understanding the In-Person Requirement for Personal Loans

Quick Loan

Written by Yugene

Published on 11 October, 2024

Key Takeaways

The article highlights essential regulations and preparation steps for taking out a personal loan with a licensed moneylender in Singapore. It emphasizes that, by law, borrowers must apply in person at the lender’s approved place of business for identity verification, fully online applications are not permitted. It outlines the required documents for Singaporeans, PRs, and foreigners, and provides practical tips for a smooth in-person experience. The guide also explains the benefits of face-to-face applications, such as personalized service, better clarity on terms, and compliance with legal safeguards. Overall, it helps borrowers understand the importance of verifying lenders, preparing documentation, and asking questions to ensure a safe and transparent loan process.

Thinking about taking out a personal loan to add some extra cash for your next travel adventure or to fund that dream purchase? Before you rush to your go-to financial services provider or moneylender to sign up, let’s discuss some important things you need to know upfront so that you’ll be well-prepared.

Of course, you want to verify that the moneylender is licensed by the Registry of Moneylenders. But it’s equally important to know about the in-person requirement when applying for loans through licensed moneylenders.

Table of Contents

Regulations for In-Person Loan Application

It’s a regulation that licensed moneylenders must meet borrowers in person at their approved place of business to verify their identity before granting any loan. Loan transactions conducted entirely online or outside the approved business location are not allowed.

Therefore, before you visit a licensed moneylender’s website, it is highly recommended that you verify both their physical and website addresses using the list of Registry of Moneylenders-approved licensed moneylenders.

There have been cases where consumers are not aware of such regulations. Because they mistakenly think that the loan application process can be done entirely online, their loan applications have been rejected by moneylenders.

Required Documents for Personal Loan Application

What do you need to prepare before visiting a licensed moneylender’s approved place of business? The documents you will need to bring along depend on your residency status.

For Singaporeans or PRs:

  • NRIC
  • Singpass
  • If renting, provide both:
    – Tenancy agreement
    – Proof of address (e.g., phone bill or utility bill)
  • Payslips for the last 3 months (if available)
  • Bank token

For Foreigners

  • S Pass/Employment Pass with a minimum 6-month validity
  • Passport
  • Residence information in the form of both:
    – Phone bill or utility bill
    – Tenancy agreement
  • Payslips for the last three months, if available
  • Bank Token
  • Employment contract
  • Staff card

Remember, these are just the basic documents normally required for the application process. Some lenders may have more required documents. Thus, it’s best to check in advance for the exact documents required before you visit the moneylender’s place of business.

Benefits of In-Person Loan Applications

Loan applications processed entirely online may appeal to many consumers, particularly those who are digital-savvy. But it’s not necessarily the best option for everyone. In-person loan applications offer benefits for borrowers including:

Personalised, face-to-face loan experience

There’s no chatbot to talk to here. By visiting the store of a licensed moneylender’s approved place of business, you can interact directly with a loan officer or staff.

Best for borrowers who are not rushed for time

If you’re not rushed for time or in a hurry to get funds immediately, in-person loan applications may work better for you. Considering that borrowing money is a major financial decision, you will need the time to ask questions and fully understand the financial calculations for the loan.

By talking to a loan officer, you will also have more time to carefully consider the loan terms and conditions before you sign off the loan application.

Maintains relationship with lender

Borrowers who have already established a relationship with a bank or licensed moneylender may prefer an in-person application instead of an online application. A loan officer may be more familiar with the finances of those borrowers and give better advice on their financial needs.

Complies with regulatory requirements

As mentioned above, it’s a regulation by the Registry of Moneylenders that requires borrowers to meet licensed money lenders in person at their place of business to verify their identity before any loan is granted. Complying with this regulation also means that both the borrowers and lenders are protected by the law.

Tips for a Successful In-person Loan Application

Applying for a personal loan may be a daunting task for some people. But that shouldn’t be the case if you’re well-prepared. Here are some tips for a successful in-person loan application.

Gathering necessary documentation

It’s important to check upfront with the lenders on the required documents for the loan application process. Different lenders may have slight variations to the requirements, but normally the status of your residency will determine the exact documents that you need to bring along for the application process.

Preparing questions for the lender

This may appear obvious, but having some questions prepared will make the loan application process smoother. You may have questions about the interest rates charged or the duration of the loan term. These can be addressed swiftly on-site by the loan officer.

It’s way better to ask questions to the loan officer before signing off on the application instead of having some doubts later after you’ve signed off the application.

Conclusion

Taking out a personal loan is a big decision for many of us. Thus, borrowers need to take the time to fully understand the application process and regulations.

While in-person applications may appear to be slower compared to online applications, they can offer greater peace of mind for borrowers. Borrowers also need to understand that identity verification is a crucial part of the loan application process with a licensed moneylender. This requires them to visit the licensed moneylender’s approved place of business to complete the loan application.

Frequently Asked Questions

There’s no legal cap on how many personal loans you can take in Singapore, but lenders set their own limits. Banks, under regulations, may let you borrow up to 12 times your monthly income if you have strong credit. Licensed moneylenders can borrow you up to 6 times your monthly income. 

Yes! You can take another personal loan. However, it would be prudent to first make sure you have enough income left after repaying your first loan.

Having multiple personal loans doesn’t automatically hurt your credit score. In fact, making on-time repayments can help strengthen your credit over time. Just be sure to stay on top of your monthly payments to maintain a healthy credit profile.

If you’re having trouble repaying your loans, reach out to your bank or lender early. Staying in contact shows responsibility and may help you find a workable solution. Most lenders in Singapore will be able to provide you with a reduced repayment plan. 

Avoid going silent, as disappearing can lead to legal action. This includes debt collection, and even being blacklisted by lenders.

Yes! Consolidating your personal loans can help combine multiple debts. This will only lead to a single monthly payment that’s easy to manage.

You can do this through a debt consolidation plan. This is usually offered by banks or licensed moneylenders. This approach often comes with better repayment terms, and reduced overall interest cost.

There are a few ways to manage your monthly repayments for multiple loans:

  1. Set up automated payments to avoid missing due dates.
  2. Turn on payment reminders from your lender and mark key dates in your calendar.
  3. Use repayment strategies like the snowball or avalanche method.
  4. Lastly, be sure to keep a simple budget to track everything clearly.

Yes! Foreigners can apply for more than one personal loan in Singapore. They will first have to meet the eligibility criteria. This includes showing a valid work pass, stable income, and a good repayment history. Always check with the lender, as requirements may vary.

You can contact your bank or licensed moneylender directly to discuss. Most lenders in Singapore are open to helping borrowers work out a revised repayment plan. This includes flexible repayment options.

As required by the Registry of Moneylenders, licensed moneylenders must meet borrowers at their approved business locations to verify their identity before granting any loan. Fully online loan applications are not permitted to ensure security and prevent fraud.

Before visiting a licensed moneylender, you may verify their physical and website addresses using the official list of approved moneylenders on the Registry of Moneylender’s website to ensure that they operate legally.

No. Under regulations set by the Registry of Moneylenders, loan applications with a licensed moneylender cannot be processed entirely online. It is mandatory to visit the licensed moneylender’s place of business for identity verification before the loan can be granted.

QuickLoan Pte Ltd is a licensed money lender in Singapore, serving you since 2010. We reside in International Plaza Tanjong Pagar, giving you the best financial assistance. Our Services include personal loan, payday loan, business loan, renovation loan and foreigner loan and more with instant approval! With our simple application process, you can look forward to fast cash within 20 minutes. What’s more, you can enjoy greater peace of mind with our low interest rates and affordable repayment plans. We’re licensed by the Registry of Moneylenders, so you can rest assured that your dealings with us are fully regulated, legal and transparent.