If you are a salary earner in Nigeria, you may have considered applying for a loan to help with expenses or to invest in a business. However, the process of applying for a loan can be confusing and overwhelming.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on available loans for salary earners in Nigeria, and how to qualify and apply for a loan as a salary earner in Nigeria.
What Is A Salary Earners Loan?
A salary earners loan also referred to as a salary-backed loan, is a type of personal loan that is specifically designed for individuals who receive a regular salary from their employer.
Salary earners loans are often used for a variety of purposes, such as home renovations, debt consolidation, travel expenses, medical bills, and more.
These loans are generally offered by banks, microfinance institutions and other financial institutions, and are typically based on the borrower’s creditworthiness and income.
To be approved for a loan, the borrower must provide proof of their employment and income, and the loan amount is usually limited to a certain percentage of the borrower’s salary.
Qualifications For A Salary Earners Loan
To apply for a loan as a salary earner in Nigeria, there are several qualifications you must meet. Firstly, you must have a steady source of income, typically in the form of a salary from an employer.
You will also need to provide proof of income, such as payslips or a letter from your employer. Additionally, you will need to have a valid government-issued ID, such as a National ID card or a driver’s license.
How To Be Eligible For Salary Earners Loans In Nigeria?
To be eligible for a salary earners loan in Nigeria, individuals must typically meet the following requirements:
- Regular income: Lenders will require proof of a regular income, such as payslips or a letter from an employer, to ensure that the borrower has the ability to repay the loan.
- Creditworthiness: A good credit score or credit history is usually required to qualify for a salary earners loan. This demonstrates that the borrower is a responsible borrower and less likely to default on the loan.
- Valid government-issued ID: A valid government-issued ID, such as a National ID card or a driver’s license, will be required to verify the borrower’s identity.
- Proof of Residence: Lenders may also require proof of residence, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, to verify the borrower’s address.
- Business registration or operating license: Some lenders may also require proof of business registration or operating license for those applying for business loans.
- Bank statement: Some lenders may also require a bank statement to verify the borrower’s account details and financial transactions.
- Age: most lenders require that the borrower is at least 21 years of age before they can qualify for a loan
Please note that different lenders may have slightly different requirements, so it’s important to check with the lender to find out exactly what is needed to qualify for a loan.
Some lenders may still be willing to work with borrowers who do not meet these requirements, but they may be required to pay a higher interest rate.
If you could meet all these requirements, let’s proceed to the available loan options that you can get as an employee in Nigeria.
Available Loans Option For Salary Earners In Nigeria
There are several loan options available for salary earners in Nigeria, including:
- Bank loans: Many banks in Nigeria offer salary earners loans, which are typically based on the borrower’s creditworthiness and income. These loans often have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms than other types of loans.
- Microfinance loans: Microfinance institutions in Nigeria also offer salary earners loans, which are usually targeted towards low-income earners. These loans are typically smaller in amount but may have higher interest rates and shorter repayment periods.
- Cooperative loans: Some employers in Nigeria also offer salary earners loans through their own cooperatives, which are typically interest-free or have low-interest rates, but require a specific form of savings or contributions to be made by the employee.
- Personal loans: Some online lenders like Renmoney Loan, Paylater and Branch are also offering personal loans to salary earners, these loans are usually processed faster and are unsecured but may attract higher interest rates.
- Payday loans: These are short-term loans that are intended to be repaid in full on the borrower’s next payday, they are also offered by some online lenders, but attract very high-interest rates.
What Is The Maximum Amount I Can Borrow As A Salary Earner?
The maximum amount that you can borrow as a salary earner will depend on the lender and the type of loan you are applying for.
Generally speaking, most lenders will cap the loan amount at a certain percentage of your salary, typically around 50 to 80%. This means that if you earn a salary of ₦100,000, you may be able to borrow between ₦50,000 and ₦80,000.
Some lenders may offer higher loan amounts to borrowers with a higher salary or a good credit history. Additionally, some lenders may also have a maximum loan amount that they will offer regardless of the borrower’s income.
Top 10 Loans For Salary Earners In Nigeria 2023
1. Fair Money
Fair Money is a digital bank in Nigeria that offers loans to salary earners. Founded in 2017, it has recently gained popularity for its quick and easy loan application process.
According to the information available on their website, eligible borrowers can apply for a loan of up to ₦1,000,000 and receive the loan in their bank account in minutes.
No collateral or guarantors are required to apply for a loan with Fair Money, only a valid BVN and other required details.
It’s important to note that FairMoney interest on loans is about 10% – 30% monthly, so it is crucial to consider the total cost of the loan before applying and ensure that you can comfortably make the loan repayments.
2. Kuda Bank
Kuda bank is a digital microfinance bank that serves both government and private salary earners in Nigeria. It is known as the “bank of the free” due to its low or almost no charges.
The bank has gained popularity among young customers but has also attracted older individuals and businesses due to its low charges and easy transfer and withdrawal options.
One of the main advantages of using Kuda bank is the fact that they offer loans to both salary earners and non-salary earners.
To be eligible for a loan, regular usage of the Kuda app for transfers and withdrawals is required. Collateral or a guarantor is not needed to apply for a loan with Kuda bank.
The loan amount is determined by the highest deposit in the account or the salary earned by the borrower. Kuda bank charges 0.3% interest daily on any borrowed amount until the loan is fully repaid.
The Kuda app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and the iOS Store.
3. Branch
The Branch is an international Fintech company that offers online loans to salary earners in Nigeria. With offices in major cities around the world such as San Francisco, Mumbai, Nairobi and Lagos, it has made it easy for individuals in Nigeria to access loans.
To apply for a loan with Branch, all that is required is a phone number, Bank Verification Number (BVN) and bank account number.
Upon successful application, borrowers can receive loans ranging from ₦2,000 to ₦500,000. The process is simple, download the Branch mobile app from either the Play Store or the iOS Store, input your details and apply for the loan.
Please note that the interest rate and terms of the loan may be different from other loan apps, and it is important to read and understand the terms and conditions of the loan before accepting it.
4. Okash
Okash is a Fintech company in Nigeria that offers online loans to salary earners. It is a mobile loan application that provides quick and easy access to loans for individuals in need of cash.
To apply for a loan with Okash, all that is required is a valid government ID, Bank Verification Number (BVN) and an active bank account.
Once you have downloaded the Okash app, you can apply for a loan and receive it within minutes if you are eligible. The loan amount offered by Okash varies and is determined by the borrower’s credit score and repayment history.
Okash also offers flexible repayment options and a user-friendly interface, making it easy for individuals to access and manage their loans.
5. Soko Loan
Soko Lending is a digital microfinance bank that provides loans to individuals in need of financial assistance, including salary earners. They offer loans at low-interest rates and have a simple and easy-to-use platform for loan application and management.
To apply for a loan with Soko Lending, all that is required is a valid government ID, Bank Verification Number (BVN) and an active bank account.
You can download the Soko Lending app and sign up with the necessary information. Once you have applied, you can expect to receive your loan within 24 hours if you are approved.
6. Kiakia Loan
Kiakia is a digital lending platform that offers loans to individuals and businesses in Nigeria. The company is a licensed lender that provides both secured and unsecured loans, making them accessible to a wide range of borrowers.
Kiakia is a word derived from Pidgin, a creole language spoken in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. In Pidgin, “Kiakia” means “fast” or “quick”.
The company has chosen this name to reflect its mission to provide fast and easy access to loans for individuals and businesses in Nigeria.
To be eligible for a loan from Kiakia, an individual must be at least 18 years old. The platform also offers investment opportunities, with returns ranging from 12% to 40% per annum.
Kiakia’s loan application process is simple and fast, and the platform offers flexible loan terms and interest rates.
7. RenMoney
RenMoney is a Nigerian microfinance bank that offers loans for salary earners in Nigeria and individuals who are gainfully employed.
They provide loans for personal and business use, with a maximum loan amount of ₦4 million. To qualify for a loan from RenMoney, you will need to provide proof of income, a valid ID, and a guarantor.
The interest rate for loans is based on the loan amount and the borrower’s creditworthiness. RenMoney also offers flexible repayment plans, with loan terms ranging from 3 to 12 months.
They have both online and offline service channels which makes it easier for individuals to apply for a loan.
Also Read: Renmoney Loan: How To Get Approved In Minutes And Access Your Funds Quickly
8. Aella Credit
Aella credit simplifies the process for Nigerians, offering a user-friendly and easy-to-use app. Not only can you obtain loans on their platform, but you can also invest your own money to earn interest.
The loans offered by Aella range from ₦2,000 to ₦1,000,000 and have a maximum duration of 3 months. The interest rates range between 6% and 20%, and there are no additional late or rollover fees.
9. Specta
Specta is a reliable online loan platform for salary earners in Nigeria. It offers quick and easy access to loans of up to ₦5,000,000 without the need for collateral.
All you need is a bank account linked to your BVN. Specta may not be as well-known as other online loan platforms, but it is steadily growing in popularity among customers.
The interest rate for Specta loans is 23% per annum or 1.92% monthly, and repayment terms range from 7 to 12 months.
10. Quickcheck
Quickcheck is a great option for salary earners in Nigeria who have a good credit score. The app uses machine learning to predict borrowers’ behaviour, making the loan application process quick and easy.
With Quickcheck, you can access loans anywhere in Nigeria as long as you have a smartphone. If it’s your first time applying, you can get a loan of up to ₦10,000 instantly.
The earlier you pay back your loan, the higher your chance of getting a bigger loan at a lower interest rate. Overall, Quickcheck is a great option for those looking for quick loans in Nigeria.
11. UBA Salary Advance
United Bank for Africa (UBA) offers a salary advance loan to employees of selected organizations. Borrowers can access up to 50% of their monthly salary at a low-interest rate, with a repayment period of up to 90 days.
Conclusion
In short, loans for salary earners in Nigeria are a good option for individuals who receive a regular salary or wage from their employer.
These loans are typically offered by banks and other financial institutions and have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms. To be eligible, individuals must typically have a regular income, a good credit score and meet other requirements.
There are various loan options available, including bank loans, microfinance loans, cooperative loans, personal loans, and payday loans.
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