In Malaysia, personal loans are a flexible financial option offered by banks and credit agencies without needing collateral. They cater to various needs like debt consolidation, home renovations, or emergency expenses, allowing borrowers to use funds without specifying a purpose. With terms from one to ten years and both fixed and variable interest rates available, these loans suit a wide range of financial situations. Available to both salaried and self-employed individuals, personal loans in Malaysia encourage careful comparison to find the best option for one’s financial needs.
Table of Contents
Compare the Best Personal Loan Providers in Malaysia (Low Interest Rates)
| Bank / Licensed Lender | Interest / Profit Rate | Minimum Monthly Income | Loan Amount | Borrowing Period | GLC Apply? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alliance Bank | 4.99% – 15.28% p.a | RM3,000 | RM5,000 – RM200,000 | 1-7 Years | Yes |
| RHB | 8.59% – 13.76% p.a | RM1,500 | RM2,000 – RM150,000 | 1-7 Years | No |
| Maybank | 6.50% – 8.00$ p.a | RM3,500 | RM5,000 – RM100,000 | 2-6 Years | Yes |
| CIMB | 6.88% -14.88% p.a | RM2,000 | RM2,000 – RM100,000 | 2-5 Years | No |
| Citibank | 5.33% – 9.80% p.a | RM4,000 | RM5,000 – RM150,000 | 2-5 Years | No |
| Al Rajhi Bank | 5.99% – 11.88% p.a | RM5,000 | RM10,000 – RM250,000 | 1-8 Years | Yes |
| Standard Chartered | 7.50% p.a | RM3,000 | RM3,000 – RM200,000 | 1-5 Years | No |
| Evo Credit | 12.00% – 18.00% p.a | RM3,500 | RM5,000 – RM400,000 | 2 Months – 5 Years | Yes |
| BSN | 6.00% – 8.5% p.a | RM3,000 | RM5,000 – RM400,000 | 2-10 Years | Yes |
| KFH | 8.88% p.a | RM3,000 | RM5,000 – RM150,000 | 2-8 Years | No |
| Hong Leong Islamic Bank | 9.00 – 12.50% p.a | RM2,000 | RM5,000 – RM150,000 | 2-5 Years | No |
| JCL | 18.00 – 20.00% p.a | RM1,000 | RM1,000 – RM50,000 | 6 Months – 5 Years | Yes |
| Bank Islam | 4.50% – 7.50% p.a | RM4,000 | RM10,000 – RM300,000 | 1-10 Years | No |
| MBSB | 6.29% 11.90% p.a | RM5,000 | RM50,000 – RM300,000 | 3-10 Years | Yes |
| AEON Credit Service | 7.92% – 18.00% p.a | RM1,500 | RM1,000 – RM100,000 | 6 Months – 7 Years | Yes |
| HSBC Amanah | 4.88% – 10.50% p.a | RM3,000 | RM6,000 – RM250,000 | 2-7 Years | No |
| AmBank | 8.00% – 11.99% p.a | RM3,000 | RM2,000 – RM150,000 | 1-5 Years | Yes |
| Bank Rakyat | 7.66% – 10.22% p.a | RM2,000 | RM5,000 – RM400,000 | 1-10 Years | No |
| UOB | 9.99% – 11.99% p.a | RM3,000 | RM5,000 – RM100,000 | 1-5 Years | Yes |
| instaDuit | 18.00% p.a | RM1,500 | RM1,000 – RM10,000 | 1-4 Years | Yes |
What is a Personal Loan in Malaysia?
In Malaysia, a personal loan is money lent to you by financial institutions like banks, without needing collateral. You agree to pay back the money in monthly payments over a set time, usually between one to 10 years.
Personal loans are popular in Malaysia because they are flexible. You can use the money for different purposes, such as paying off credit card debt, funding home renovations, covering unexpected medical costs, or even for a vacation. Unlike secured loans for specific purchases like homes or cars, you don’t need to provide collateral or have a guarantor for a personal loan.
These loans are unique because you don’t have to specify what you’ll use the money for. They are available to both people with jobs and those who are self-employed. The interest rates for personal loans in Malaysia can vary widely, from as low as 3.99% to as high as 14.5% annually, depending on factors like your credit history and the loan’s amount and term.
When looking for the best personal loan in Malaysia, it’s important to compare different options and choose one that suits your financial needs and situation. Websites like CompareHero, iMoney, and RinggitPlus can help you compare loans.
How Does a Personal Loan Work in Malaysia?
| Terms | Descriptions |
| Interest Rate |
The amount (often expressed as a percentage) the bank charges the borrowers for using its funds is known as the interest rate or profit rate. Like a deposit, when you place money in a savings or current account, the bank will reward you by paying you interest or a profit. The interest rate on a loan is indicative. Therefore, it’s crucial to remember that your credit history and/or financial situation may impact the loan conditions you receive. |
| Per Annum (p.a) |
The interest rate is calculated annually or annually. If a loan for RM10,000 has an interest rate of 5% per year, the interest cost is RM500 per year. For instance, if the payback period is extended to three years, the interest will rise to RM1,500 (RM500 annually multiplied by three years). |
| Principal |
It is the loan amount you requested. This sum will be the basis for computing the interest rate, which will then be applied on top. Using the aforementioned example as a guide, the computation is: Principal plus Interest = Total Amount Borrowed (RM10,000 + 5% p.a. = RM10,500) |
| Tenure |
This refers to the loan repayment period; choosing a suitable tenure is important for your finances. A shorter loan period comes with a higher monthly instalment amount, whereas a longer one comes with a higher interest rate. |
| Instalment |
You must repay your loan every month until the end of your tenure. The instalment amount is fixed, calculated on the total borrowing amount and then divided by the total number of months. |
| Penalty | The bank will charge this fee on your overdue amount for being late on your repayment. |
| Default |
This term describes an event of non-payment of a personal loan Malaysia for over 3 months. In this situation, the bank usually imposes a higher finance charge and/or takes legal action against you. Under this circumstance, you will face difficulty in securing any loans in the future as a result of your poor credit score. Your repayment history will stay in the CCRIS database for 12 months. |
In Malaysia, a personal loan is a flexible financial tool that does not require collateral. You can borrow money from a bank or financial institution and repay it over one to ten years in fixed monthly installments. Interest rates, which can be fixed or variable, differ between banks. For example, Al Rajhi Bank offers rates from 5.99% to 11.88%, while Alliance Bank ranges from 4.99% to 15.28%.
The loan amount can vary widely, from RM1,000 to RM400,000, depending on the bank and your eligibility. Personal loans can cover various expenses, from emergency needs to weddings. Before applying, it’s wise to use tools like a loan calculator to find the best option for you, considering your repayment ability and credit rating.
Overall, personal loans are a popular and versatile option in Malaysia, but it’s important to borrow wisely, keeping an eye on interest rates and repayment capacity.
What are The Different Type of Personal Loans in Malaysia?
| Types of Personal Loans | |
| Category | Description |
| Debt Consolidation Loans | With the help of these loans, you can combine several smaller loans into one larger loan with potentially reduced interest rates. This streamlines the repayment process and frequently makes it more efficient and manageable. |
| Fast Approval Loans | These loans have a speedy approval process, as the name implies. They are made for people who require quick access to money, generally for emergencies or unforeseen costs. Remember that these loans might have higher interest rates because of the quick approval process. |
| Islamic Financing Loans | These adhere to the rules of Islamic law and are also referred to as Syariah-compliant loans. These loans do not include interest, which is against Islamic law. Banks instead generate income through other methods like a markup on the loan’s principal or a management charge. |
| Business Loans | These are loans created primarily to support a company’s requirements. Business loans can be utilised for several things, including launching a new venture, growing an existing one, buying equipment, or preserving cash flow. |
| Housing Loans | Housing loans, sometimes known as mortgages, are used to buy real estate. These are often long-term loans, and the loan’s security is the actual property. |
| Wedding Loans | These loans are intended to pay for a wedding’s expenses. This might cover costs for the location, catering, dress, and other things. These loans provide a means to spread the expenditure over a longer period because weddings can be costly. |
| Car Loans | Vehicles are bought with the help of car loans. Typically, the automobile is used as collateral for secured loans. Over a predetermined period, repayment is made in monthly instalments. |
| Government Loans | These are loans that the government or a government agency has made available. Compared to conventional bank loans, they frequently have cheaper interest rates and better terms and can be used for various purposes. |
| Home Renovation Loans | These loans are designed to be used only to finance home improvement projects. This can range from minor adjustments to substantial additions and restorations. |
| Education Loans | These loans also referred to as student loans, are intended to pay for educational expenses like tuition, books, housing, and other related charges. Frequently, repayment conditions can be postponed until after graduation. |
What is the difference between secured and unsecured loans?
| Secured loan vs Unsecured loan | |
| Secured Loans | Unsecured Loans |
| Require security or collateral such as a fixed deposit, a piece of property, a unit trust, or other assets. | No collateral or security is required. |
| Depending on the eligibility, there must be a guarantor, whether or not they have assets. | No guarantor except when you don’t meet the eligibility requirements. |
| A car loan and mortgage are the most common types of secured loan. | The most common unsecured loans are credit cards, student loans, and personal loans. |
What is the difference between Islamic Financing and Conventional Financing?
| Conventional loan vs Islamic loan | |
| Based on the money lending tenet that the bank makes some money by lending borrowers money. | Follow the Shariah funding contract to avoid unfair profits like riba or usury. |
| Add a rate of interest to the entire loan amount. | Add a profit percentage to the overall borrowing amount. |
| It can be utilised for any objective that is legally permissible according to the law. | Able to be utilised for any shariah-compliant (halal) applications. |
| All loan-related risks are assumed by the borrower. | The bank takes on some risks to generate returns. |
| Compound interest for late payments. | It does not increase earnings if payment is past due. |
Do I require Takaful or Insurance coverage?
| With Takaful or Insurance vs Without Takaful or Insurance | |
| With Takaful or Insurance coverage | Without Takaful or Insurance coverage |
| Liability protection that aids in paying off all outstanding debts in the event of the borrower’s demise or totally and permanently disabling injury. | If the borrower or beneficiary passes away or becomes totally and permanently disabled, they must pay the outstanding debts. |
| A little more costly when the coverage is included in the total loan amount. | You are given the full amount borrowed. |
Benefits of a Personal Loan in Malaysia
The numerous benefits that best personal loans in Malaysia offer make them an enticing choice for many people. These are some of the main advantages of personal loans:
- Flexible Use: One of their most appealing features is the ability to use personal loans in various ways. The loan can be used for nearly any reason, including paying off debt, paying for a wedding, financing a vacation, paying for college bills, or even remodelling your home. In essence, you get to decide how to use the money.
- Fixed Interest Rates: Most personal loans have fixed interest rates, meaning the rate won’t change during the loan. As a result, you may more successfully manage your budget because you know that your payment amount will not change.
- Credit Building: Using personal loans responsibly can help raise your credit score. This is because lenders inform credit bureaus about your payment activity. Making timely payments regularly can improve your credit score.
- Quick Funding: Some lenders of personal loans promise quick money, possibly the same day you apply. This can be very helpful if you require money urgently for any reason, such as to make a large purchase or pay for unanticipated expenses.
- Debt Consolidation: A good instrument for consolidating debt is the best personal loan. This implies that you can consolidate your credit card debt or other loans into a single personal loan, frequently resulting in a reduced total interest rate. Consolidating several payments into a single monthly payment can simplify your finances.
- Competitive Interest Rates: Comparing personal loans to other financial products like credit cards, personal loans often offer lower interest rates. Therefore, if you use a personal loan to consolidate your debt, you may save interest over time.
- Unsecured Nature: Most personal loans are unsecured, so you don’t need to provide any security, such as a car or a house, to secure the loan2. This feature can appeal to borrowers who don’t want to risk their assets.
- Structured Repayment Plan: Personal loans provide a set payback schedule. You will be completely aware of the amount and duration of your monthly payments. This can help with budgeting and give a specific deadline for debt repayment.
Although the personal loan offers numerous advantages, it’s crucial to carefully assess your financial condition before applying for a loan. Any financial commitment, including personal loans, carries the danger of debt if improperly managed. Consider your capacity to repay a loan before taking one out.
The Factors Banks Consider When You Apply For Malaysia Personal Loan
Your eligibility for a personal loan in Malaysia will depend on a variety of criteria. In general, the younger you are, assuming everything else is equal, the more likely your loan application will be accepted. Here are a few of the crucial elements:
| Factors That Influence Your Personal Loan Approval Rate | |
| Factor | Description |
| Age | You must be over 21 but not over 60 to be eligible for a personal loan in Malaysia. Some loans have even stricter conditions, requiring applicants to be under 55 or 50. |
| Income | You must earn enough money to satisfy the bank’s assurance that you can repay the loan in full to qualify for a personal loan in Malaysia. Most personal loans in Malaysia need a minimum salary of RM 1,000, while RM 2,000 to RM 3,000 is more typical. Undoubtedly, the better, the larger your income. If your salary is unusually high, you might be eligible for a few low-interest personal loans only given to wealthy earners. |
| Residency Status | You must be a Malaysian citizen or have permanent resident (PR) status to be eligible for a personal loan in Malaysia. |
| Credit Score | A complete credit check is performed before the approval of your loan application to ensure that you can repay the loan. Higher interest rates or loan denial could result from a bad credit history. Always keep your credit history positive. |
| Debt Service Ratio | If you’ve ever applied for a vehicle, home, or personal loan, the bank’s loan officers are likely to have mentioned “debt service ratio” (DSR) while explaining how the loan functions. The debt service ratio is one of the main elements that the bank will assess as part of its due diligence throughout the loan approval process. If you’ve ever applied for a vehicle, home, or personal loan, the bank’s loan officers are likely to have mentioned “debt service ratio” (DSR) while explaining how the loan functions. The debt service ratio is one of the main elements that the bank will assess as part of its due diligence throughout the loan approval process. |
| Employment Status | Depending on your job situation, you could not be qualified or face additional criteria if you try to apply for a personal loan Malaysia. For instance, to qualify for a personal loan, recent grads must have a pay stub dating back at least six months; otherwise, some banks require a guarantor. |
Additional elements, such as your CCRIS and CTOS reports, aid banks in determining your creditworthiness and preventing the issuance of problematic loans. But in this post, we’ll concentrate on the debt service ratio and how it influences your ability to obtain credit.
Fees and Charges for Personal Loan Malaysia
In addition to interest rates, there are a number of other costs associated with qualifying for a personal loan Malaysia. Many times, people overlook these fees. Processing costs, stamping fees, early repayment and late payment penalties are some examples of typical personal loan fees and charges. Due to the fierce competition in the Malaysian market, some lenders totally waive certain expenses, like annual fees.
List of Commonly Required Personal Loan Malaysia Application Documents
You should have your identification card and income documentation ready to expedite the personal loan Malaysia application procedure.
Depending on your work type, each bank will have a different need for the document type. Therefore, it is essential to check with your preferred bank in advance.
The following table summarises the general requirements:
| Documents | General Loan Application | Loan Application for Salaried Individuals | Loan Application for Self-Employed | Loan Application for Senior Citizens/Pensioners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Form | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Valid Proof od IC/Passport | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Photo (Passport Size) | Nil | ✓ | Nil | ✓ |
| Resident Proof | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Income Proof | i) Latest 3 months’ salary slip ii) Latest BE/EA form with an official tax receipt iii) Latest EPF statement iv) Latest 6 months bank statement |
i) Latest 3 months’ salary slip ii) Latest BE/EA form with an official tax receipt iii) Latest EPF statement |
Latest 2 years’ income tax returns | Pension returns or bank statement |
| Others | Nil | i) Current working contract ii) Payment track record & sanction letter (for any existing loan) |
i) Copy of the Business Registration ii) 3 years salary statement/shop establishment iii) Documents to prove office address and ownership (i.e utility bill) |
Nil |
How much money can I borrow from personal loan?
Are you unsure whether a personal loan is the best option for you? It’s critical to consider your motivations for borrowing money. Is it to settle debts or relocate to a place with more work opportunities? Is it to get rid of debt from high-interest credit cards? Consider taking out a low-interest personal loan in any of these situations.
Your route to paying off high-interest credit card debt or handling large obligations may be personal loans. However, personal loans are not to be taken lightly, as with all debt. You can start looking for loans once you’ve determined how much you need to borrow and how much you can repay each month. Calculators for personal loans allow you to prepare.
The interest rate on the personal loan and the total cost of the payments over time affect true affordability. Even a personal loan with a modest interest rate may result in bigger monthly payments than you can handle. Some personal loans include adjustable interest rates that could rise over time. Compared to loans with fixed interest rates, these are riskier. If you are considering loans with variable interest rates, it is a good idea to ensure you can still afford them even if the interest rate rises to its maximum.
Tips to Compare and Apply for Personal Loan Online in Malaysia
Find the lowest-interest personal loans with an online comparison platform
Don’t limit your search to one place when you’re prepared to browse for a personal loan in Malaysia. Using an online comparison tool, compare the rates offered by conventional banks, credit unions, online-only lenders, and peer-to-peer lending platforms.
Maintain a healthy credit score
Don’t limit your search for a personal loan to one supplier once you’re ready. Utilise a website comparison tool to compare the interest rates offered by conventional banks, credit unions, online-only lenders, and peer-to-peer lending platforms.
Consider if you need the extras
Examine the other conditions of the loans being offered after you’ve selected the ones with the best interest rates. For instance, avoiding instalment loans that include expensive credit life and credit disability insurance plans is often a good choice. Although these guidelines should be optional, lending company representatives frequently present them as requirements for everyone seeking a loan. Some applicants may be advised that they can simply add the cost of the insurance policies to their personal loan, financing the add-ons using borrowed funds. Due to the loan’s effective interest rate increase, these already expensive loans become even more costly. Getting into long-term debt that you won’t be able to repay for a tiny short-term loan is not worth it.
Check the terms for penalty fees
Beware of charges and penalties that make it more difficult for borrowers to repay their personal loans. An illustration would be prepayment fees that apply when you pay off a loan early. Read the loan terms carefully and look for any text that specifies explicitly that there are no prepayment penalties on the loan.
Beware of exit fees
Avoid loans with exit fees, which some lenders impose after you repay your loan. You should not be required to pay an exit fee or deal with a lender who wants to punish you for repaying a personal loan.
Consider other zero or low-interest alternatives
Before taking on this type of debt, there are alternatives to commercial, personal loans worth considering. If possible, get a short-term loan with little or no interest from a friend or relative. Alternatively, you can transfer a credit card balance to pay off high-interest credit card debt.
Make use of personal loan calculators
You can use loan calculators to determine whether a personal loan is the best option for your circumstances. For instance, a calculator can assist you in determining whether a lower interest rate over a longer term or a higher interest rate over a shorter term is beneficial. Your monthly payments with various loan interest rates, amounts, and terms must be visible. Then, you can choose a monthly payment amount within your means.
How to Apply for a Personal Loan in Malaysia?
Verify the sort of loan package you require before beginning the lending process. Personal loans are often unsecured, meaning they don’t look at assets like your home or car as collateral but rather your credit. Consider alternate forms of financing if you require a bigger loan or an open source of credit.
Step 1 – Decide how much money you need
Your income and the expense you’re trying to cover should be the basis for how much money you borrow. To avoid overextending yourself, it is preferable to estimate how much you can spend each month and borrow no more than that amount. A loan that is too small may leave you with unmet financial demands, but a loan that is too large will force you to pay interest on a sum greater than necessary. This is why, before applying, you should carefully determine how much debt you can manage and the cost of your purchase.
Step 2 – Check your credit
The amount of credit you are eligible for will depend on your credit. Before they grant you an unsecured loan, most lenders demand strong credit ratings and a lengthy repayment history. However, there are personal loans available for borrowers with bad credit. Check your credit score before applying so you can determine the type of loan you are eligible for.
Step 3 – Find the right loan
Don’t be afraid to compare lenders and shop around. Before signing agreements, research the interest rates, costs, loan terms, and payment choices. To locate the best loan for you, look through our comparison tables.
Want more details? We hope our best personal loan Malaysia guide will assist you in making an informed choice. You could also wish to stop by your neighbourhood credit union or bank. Although the processing periods could be longer than online loans, you might get a prime interest rate instead.
Summary and Conclusion
In conclusion, personal loans are a valuable financial tool for Malaysians, allowing flexibility for various needs such as emergencies, home renovations, and business expansion. As with any financial commitment, it’s crucial to understand the implications and make a responsible decision. For those considering the best personal loan in Malaysia, ensure you can afford the repayments and choose a reputable lender to avoid pitfalls such as unreasonably high-interest rates or loan sharks.
There are options for different individuals and needs. For example, Alliance Bank’s CashFirst Personal Loan is recommended for business expansion, while Al Rajhi Bank’s Personal Financing-i is beneficial for housing renovations. However, remember that high-interest rates often accompany personal loans.
To ensure you’re making a sound decision, thoroughly research your options, understand the terms and conditions, and assess your ability to manage the repayments. It’s also worthwhile to explore other avenues of finance, like cooperative loans for civil servants, before opting for best personal loans. With mindful borrowing, personal loan can be an advantageous tool to fulfil your financial needs.
