DBS Personal Loan Review (2025): Interest Rates, Benefits & Eligibility

Updated: 22 May 2025

SingSaver Team

Written bySingSaver Team

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DBS Personal Loan Review (2025): Interest Rates, Benefits & Eligibility
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The DBS Personal Loan in Singapore offers competitive interest rates starting from 1.99% p.a. (EIR 4.17% p.a., which includes processing fees and other costs) and attractive promotions like cashback. This article explores the loan’s features, eligibility, and application process. 

If you are wondering what EIR means, it stands for Effective Interest Rate, which reflects the true cost of borrowing, factoring in fees and the reducing balance over the loan tenure.

DBS Personal loan overview

DBS personal loan product summary

  • Loan amount: Up to 4x monthly salary (income < $120,000) or 10x (income ≥ $120,000), capped at 95% of Cashline/credit card limit.

  • Loan tenure: 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, or 60 months for Singaporeans/PRs (loans ≥ $3,000); 6, 12, or 24 months for foreigners or loans < $3,000.

  • Interest rate: From 1.99% p.a. (EIR 4.17% p.a.) for select customers; higher rates (e.g., 11% p.a., EIR 20.01% p.a.) for lower incomes.

  • Processing fee: 1% of approved loan amount.

  • Approval time: Instant for existing DBS/POSB Cashline/credit card customers; 1 – 2 days for others.

Best for: Singaporeans, PRs, or foreigners needing quick cash with flexible repayment options.

>> MORE: What is EIR (Effective Interest Rate)

Pros and cons of the DBS personal loan

A line of credit can be a lifeline in emergency situations

A line of credit can be a lifeline in emergency situations

DBS Cashline gives you access to cash up to four times your income which you can withdraw from an ATM.

Benefits of DBS personal loan

Instant approval and cash disbursement for existing bank customers

DBS offers quick processing, with instant approval and cash disbursement for existing Cashline or credit card customers. Funds are credited to your designated DBS/POSB account within minutes, making it ideal for urgent financial needs. An approval letter follows within 3-7 working days.

Flexible loan amounts and tenures

The DBS Personal Loan caters to diverse needs with loan amounts up to 4x or 10x monthly salary, depending on income, and tenures from 6 to 60 months. This flexibility makes the DBS Personal Loan in Singapore a suitable option for a wide range of financial needs.

Criteria

Details

Loan Amount

4x monthly salary (income < $120,000); 10x (income ≥ $120,000)

Tenure (Singaporeans/PRs)

6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 months (loans ≥ $3,000); 6, 12, 24 months (loans < $3,000)

Tenure (Foreigners)

6, 12, 24 months regardless of loan amount

Cap

95% of Cashline/credit card limit

Competitive interest rates and eligibility criteria

DBS provides some of the lowest interest rates, starting at 1.99% p.a. (EIR 4.17% p.a.) for select customers with tenures of 36 months or more. Eligibility is lenient, requiring a minimum annual income of $20,000 and age between 21 – 70 years. Rates vary based on credit score and income, with higher rates for lower earners.

 

DBS personal loan eligibility criteria

Age and income requirements

Applicants must be 21 – 70 years old with a minimum annual income of $20,000. Lower-income borrowers may face higher interest rates (e.g., 11% p.a., EIR 20.01% p.a.). MyInfo simplifies income submission for Singaporeans via SingPass.

Criteria

Requirement

Age

21 – 70 years old

Minimum Annual Income

$20,000 (Singaporeans/PRs); $40,000 – $60,000 (foreigners)

Income Documentation

CPF history (9 months), Notice of Assessment, payslip, or Myinfo

Employment and Residency Status

Both salaried and self-employed individuals can apply, though self-employed or commission-based earners need additional documentation (e.g., 2 years’ Notice of Assessment). Applicants must have a valid DBS or POSB bank account to enjoy instant disbursement. Eligible residency types include Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and Employment Pass holders (with at least 6 months’ validity).

DBS Personal loan interest rates, fees, and how to apply

This section details the latest interest rates, promotional offers, associated fees, and the straightforward application process for the DBS Personal Loan.

Current interest rates and promotions

DBS offers promotional rates from 1.99% p.a. (EIR 4.17% p.a.) for tenures of 36 months or more, available to select customers. Standard rates, like 2.68% p.a. (EIR 6.72% p.a.) for a $5,000 loan over 12 months, apply otherwise. The EIR, higher than the flat rate, accounts for fees and declining principal. Rates depend on income, credit history, and tenure. Use the DBS Loan Calculator for estimates.

>> MORE: DBS Personal Loan Promotions

Fees and charges

Fee Type

Details

Processing Fee

1% of approved loan amount

Late Payment Fee

$100 per late instalment

Early Repayment Fee

2.5% of outstanding balance or $150, whichever is higher

Overlimit Fee

$40 if credit limit exceeded

>> MORE: Dos and Don’ts When Getting A Personal Loan

How to apply for a DBS personal loan

If you’re interested in applying for the DBS Personal Loan, here are the steps to follow:

  • Click on the “Apply Now” button

  • Follow the on-screen prompts to complete and submit your loan application

Apply Now

Post-application process

Disbursement flow:

  • Existing customers:

    • Receive SMS confirming approval.

    • Funds disbursed instantly to DBS/POSB account.

    • Approval letter sent within 3 – 7 working days.

  • New customers:

    • Open a DBS/POSB deposit account.

    • Submit loan application with required documents.

    • Receive SMS upon approval; funds disbursed within 1 – 2 days.

 

Think you know all about personal loans?

Think you know all about personal loans?

These mythbusters will change your ideas of personal loans.

Frequently asked questions about personal loans

    What is the maximum loan amount I can borrow?

    Can I apply for a DBS Personal Loan if I'm self-employed?

    Are there any penalties for early repayment?

    What is the minimum income required to apply for a DBS Personal Loan?

    Can foreigners apply for a DBS Personal Loan?

    How long does it take for DBS to approve and disburse a personal loan?

    Is a credit check required when applying for a DBS Personal Loan?

About the author

SingSaver Team

SingSaver Team

At SingSaver, we make personal finance accessible with easy to understand personal finance reads, tools and money hacks that simplify all of life’s financial decisions for you.