Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we need a little extra cash. Perhaps your home requires some improvements or recent events have led you to need some extra cash quickly. In these kinds of situations, taking up a personal loan / financing-i could be the answer.

When you apply for a personal loan, the bank will typically look at your credit score rating to evaluate your application. However because a personal loan is a non-collateral type loan (meaning: the bank does not require you to pledge your property as security against default), the bank may also have their own internal criteria for evaluating the credibility of your application and your ability to repay the loan. Here’s a list of things the bank may look at when reviewing your personal loan / financing-i application.

1.       Your age

This one is simple and straight forward. To be eligible for a personal loan, you have to be between 21-60 years old.

2.       Your Current Employment

You have to have a job or a legal source of income to apply for a personal loan. Your scoring under this criteria improves if:

• You are gainfully employed
• You are able to provide proof of your latest 3 months salary crediting (for salary earners), or 6 months commissions crediting and latest income tax Form B/BE (for commission earners).
  
• You are a confirmed employee
• You are a self-employed individual whose business has been in operation for more than 2 years.

•  Generally, the higher your salary, the higher your chances of approval. However, your disposable income after taking into account all expenses (including paying off the loan you’re applying for) must be at least RM850/ month.

• A low debt-burden ratio (DBR) will give you a good score. It should range between 65% - 85% depending on your income bracket and address of residence. If you live in key urban areas or more affluent neighbourhoods such as KL, Petaling Jaya or Subang, the higher cost of living may reduce your DBR%. 

• To give you an idea of what the monthly repayment would be for your personal loan amount, use a personal loan calculator. It automatically calculates personal loan monthly instalments, given the personal loan interest rates.

6. Bank products ownership and credit score

You need to have a credit history and banks need to have access to it. This allows them to evaluate what kind of a paymaster you are and how well you are able to manage your finances.

• The easiest way to start building your credit history is by having various banking products. Applying for a credit card (go for one with zero annual fees!) is the fastest way to do this. Ensuring timely payments of your monthly credit card balances shows the bank that you are able to pay your dues on time. Also, be sure not to max out your credit cards as it shows that you are at the edge of your finances. This negates any positive effects on your personal loan approval chances and puts you in a higher risk bracket for the bank.

• Having a credit card and/or mortgage (applied under a single name) with any bank for over 1 year before you apply for a personal loan will improve your scoring as opposed to applying for a personal loan as your first banking product.

7. Payment History

Your payment history is one of the most important methods used by banks in determining the success of your personal loan application.

• Make it a habit to pay your bills on time. Good payment records with utility companies like Indah Water, telcos and electricity suppliers will give you a good score. So be sure to keep your payment records with these companies in order!

• If you have loans or credit cards under your name, don’t let or wait for the banks to chase you before making a payment. The idea is to show consistency and discipline.
  

Different banks have different methods in determining the success of your personal loan application, but knowing what to do and how much you can afford to borrow can certainly increase your chances of approval.