Updated: 15 Jan 2026
1. Click “Apply Now” on UOB's website
2. Fill out the application and upload all necessary documents
3. Wait for an offer from UOB
Note: Get instant approval and cash disbursed into your UOB accounts for applications submitted between 8am and 9pm
The information displayed above is for reference only. The actual rates offered to you will be based on your credit score and is subject to the provider’s approval.
1. Download the Trust App and navigate to the Instant Loan section
2. Fill out an application and submit all required documents
3. Wait for approval of personal loan
1. NRIC (Front & Back)
2. Salaried employees: Latest month’s computerised payslip or latest 6 months’ CPF contribution history statement
3. Self-employed individuals: Last 2 years’ Income Tax Notice of Assessment
4. Commission-based earners: Latest 3 months payslip or latest 6 months' CPF contribution history statement
The information displayed above is for reference only. The actual rates offered to you will be based on your credit score and is subject to the provider's approval.Â
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1. Go to Standard Chartered's website and click "Apply Now” button under Personal Loans
2. Fill out an application and submit all required documents
3. Wait for approval of personal loan from Standard Chartered
No documents required for Singaporeans / PRs applying via SingPass.
For foreigners applying via SingPass, please prepare the following:
The information displayed above is for reference only. The actual rates offered to you will be based on your credit score and is subject to the provider’s approval.
1. Go to DBS site and click “Apply now” under Personal LoansÂ
2. Log in using your card or ibanking detailsÂ
3. Fill out and submit all required documentsÂ
4. An SMS will confirm if your loan has been approvedÂ
5. An approval letter will be mailed to you as well
Note: Applications can be done also via Singpass Myinfo on DBS' website
1. NRIC (Front & Back)
2. CPF contribution history statement (latest 12 months)
3. Latest 1 year Income Tax Notice of Assessment (NOA)
4. Latest computerised payslip or salary crediting into a DBS/POSB account
The information displayed above is for reference only. The actual rates offered to you will be based on your credit score and is subject to the provider’s approval.
1. Download the GXS app.
2. Click "Sign Up" for GXS FlexiLoan
3. Get your funds within minutes upon approval.
The information displayed above is for reference only. The actual rates offered to you will be based on your credit score and is subject to the provider's approval.
Existing MariBank Customers:
- Log in to the MariBank app.
- Tap Instant Loan on the home screen → Apply.
- Register via Singpass.
If eligible, Instant Loan access is granted immediately. Upon approval, a virtual Mari Credit Card (and Savings Account if not held) is issued
New Users:
- Download the MariBank app.
- Register with a valid Singapore mobile number.
- Select Instant Loan during onboarding.
Apply via Singpass, and receive a virtual credit card & Instant Loan access upon approval
- Singpass for digital identity verification (required in the app).
- Mari Savings Account and Mari Credit Card will automatically be opened/issued once Instant Loan is approved.
Personal loan rates in Singapore currently start from around 1.6% p.a. (flat), with effective interest rates (EIR) averaging 2.9–3.44% p.a. for borrowers with strong credit profiles. Loan tenures typically range from 1 to 7 years, and many banks now offer same-day approval and disbursement. These rates are influenced by factors such as credit score, income level, employment stability, debt-to-income ratio, loan tenure, and market competition.Â
Ultimately, rates are personalised to each applicant based on their risk profile, meaning borrowers with higher income and better credit scores enjoy lower interest offers.
Several key factors determine the interest rate you receive on a personal loan.Â
Credit score: Your credit score reflects your financial reliability and repayment history. A higher score signals lower risk to lenders, which can help you qualify for more competitive interest rates. Borrowers with excellent credit often access rates starting from 1.6% p.a., while those with lower scores may face higher rates.
Income level: Lenders assess your income to gauge repayment ability. Higher or stable income indicates stronger financial capacity, allowing banks to offer lower rates. Many lenders in Singapore require a minimum annual income of S$30,000 for the best rates.
Employment: Consistent employment, especially with reputable companies or long tenures, reduces perceived lending risk. Self-employed or freelance borrowers may face slightly higher rates due to income variability.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): This ratio measures how much of your income goes toward debt repayments. A lower DTI means you have more disposable income and are less likely to default, resulting in more favourable loan terms.
Loan amount and tenure: The size and duration of your loan influence the total interest charged. Shorter tenures and smaller amounts generally have lower rates because they pose less risk to the lender, while longer terms or larger loans attract higher rates.
Market conditions and competition: Broader economic factors, such as banks’ funding costs and monetary policy, impact loan pricing. When interbank rates are low or competition intensifies, lenders may reduce personal loan rates to attract new customers.
Before applying for a personal loan, it’s crucial to understand how interest is calculated and presented. Lenders in Singapore often advertise their loans using two different types of rates — the flat rate and the EIR. While both describe the cost of borrowing, they measure it in different ways. Knowing the distinction can help you make an informed decision and avoid paying more than expected.
Flat rate: This rate is calculated based on the original principal amount throughout the entire loan tenure. It doesn’t account for the fact that your outstanding balance decreases as you make repayments. As a result, the flat rate makes the loan appear cheaper than it truly is. For example, a 1.6% p.a. flat rate may sound low, but it doesn’t reflect the declining balance — meaning you’ll pay more interest overall than the rate suggests.
EIR: The EIR gives a more accurate picture of the true cost of borrowing because it includes compounding and considers that you gradually repay the loan. It factors in not only the nominal interest but also administrative and processing fees. For example, a loan with a 1.6% flat rate could have an EIR of around 3.2%–4% p.a., depending on tenure and fees.
In short, the EIR is the figure you should focus on when comparing personal loans — it reveals the actual percentage you’ll pay on your borrowed funds each year and allows for fair, apples-to-apples comparisons across lenders
A personal loan allows you to borrow a lump sum from a bank or financial institution and repay it through fixed monthly installments over a set period, typically 1 to 7 years. The loan is usually unsecured, meaning no collateral is required, and can be used for various purposes such as debt consolidation, home renovations, or emergency expenses. You’ll pay interest (either flat rate or effective interest rate) plus any processing fees, depending on the lender’s terms.
The approval process is faster than most other types of credit. Many banks in Singapore now offer instant approval for eligible applicants and can disburse funds within the same day or 1–3 working days, especially if you apply online and have all the required documents ready (e.g. NRIC, income statements, and payslips).
Yes, foreigners can apply for personal loans in Singapore, though eligibility criteria and rates may differ. Most banks require valid employment passes, a minimum annual income of S$40,000, and proof of residence. Some lenders also offer specialised expatriate loan options for long-term work pass holders.
While “easy approval” depends on your creditworthiness, banks like DBS, OCBC, UOB, and Standard Chartered are known for quick online applications and pre-approved offers for existing customers.
A personal loan can positively or negatively impact your credit score depending on how you manage it. Making on-time repayments helps build a strong repayment history and can improve your score. However, missing payments or taking on multiple loans at once can lower your score, as it signals higher credit risk.
No, checking or comparing rates online does not affect your credit score. These platforms use “soft” credit checks or estimated rate tools that don’t appear on your credit report. However, submitting a formal loan application with a bank involves a “hard” inquiry, which may cause a temporary, minor dip in your score.
The advertised rate (also called the flat rate) represents the basic interest charged on the original loan amount and doesn’t account for the declining balance or fees. The EIR, on the other hand, includes compounding and processing fees — giving a clearer picture of the true annual cost of the loan. For example, a 1.6% flat rate could translate to an EIR of 3–4% p.a., depending on the loan’s tenure and fees.
In the financial hub of Singapore, securing the best interest rate for a personal loan is crucial, especially with rates fluctuating based on one's credit profile. This guide offers insights into navigating these waters, helping you secure favourable terms amidst varying economic conditions.