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Guide to Loans From Legal Licensed Money Lenders in Singapore

Licensed money lenders in Singapore are legal private money lenders regulated by the Ministry of Law (MinLaw). As authorised money lenders, they offer a wide variety of legal loans to borrowers in Singapore, including quick short-term loans and personal loans at reasonable interest rates, while adhering to the Moneylenders Act.

Guide to Loans From Legal Licensed Money Lenders in Singapore
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How to check a money lender’s licence and verify the money lender’s legality?

If you have the intention to take out a loan from a licensed money lender, it is important to take steps to ensure you are engaging only legal money lenders in Singapore because there is an increasing number of loan and money lender scams here.

Step 1

Verify the private money lender’s details against the list of licensed money lenders in Singapore available on MinLaw’s website.

For starters, verify the private money lender’s details against the list of licensed money lenders in Singapore available on MinLaw’s website. The local money lender’s company name, contact number, and business address reflected in their documents and money lender licence displayed in the office premise must be the same as those from the regulator’s list.

When in doubt, ask the private money lender for its company registration licence to prove its legitimacy. This will protect you from falling prey to illegal money lenders in Singapore who employ fraudulent lending tactics, harassment and violent behaviours for debt collection.

Step 2

Avoid any lenders who attempt to market themselves through flyers, SMSes, emails, cold calling, WhatsApp messages, or Telegram messages.

Even if you need a quick loan from a money lender, avoid any lenders who attempt to market themselves through flyers, SMSes, emails, cold calling, WhatsApp messages, or Telegram messages. Licensed private money lenders in Singapore are only permitted to market their services via business or consumer directories in print or online media, their listed websites, and advertisements placed within their registered business premises. If you receive unsolicited promotional messages outside of these three legal channels, chances are they are sent by scammers or illegitimate fast money lenders.

One of the easiest methods to verify if you are dealing with reliable money lenders in Singapore is in the loan interest rates and fees that they impose.

Step 3

Verify the loan interest rates and fees that they impose.

As a rule of thumb, reliable authorised money lenders in Singapore can only charge a maximum personal loan interest rate of 4% per month.

Late interest and fees are capped at 4% and S$60 per month respectively, while processing fees are limited to up to 10% of the loan sum. The fee structure is regulated by MinLaw. Any lender that goes beyond these fee caps can be charged for unfair practices.

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Everything you need to know about getting a loan from licensed online money lenders in Singapore

Whether you are looking for a licensed online money lender in Singapore offering the cheapest personal loan or an instant money lender that can disburse a swift cash loan to you today, we have compiled everything you need to know about taking out a private loan from trusted money lenders in Singapore.

Differences between banks and authorised legal money lenders in Singapore

Benefits & disadvantages of borrowing from licensed money lenders in Singapore

Do registered instant money lenders offer urgent loans with no credit check in Singapore?

What are the personal loan interest rates trusted online money lenders in Singapore can charge?

Differences between banks and authorised legal money lenders in Singapore

Benefits & disadvantages of borrowing from licensed money lenders in Singapore

Do registered instant money lenders offer urgent loans with no credit check in Singapore?

How to calculate interest on a licensed money lender loan?

How much is the maximum personal loan I can get from licensed money lenders?

What happens if you’re unable to pay your trusted money lender in Singapore?

How to resolve disputes with licensed money lenders in Singapore?

What are the personal loan interest rates trusted online money lenders in Singapore can charge?

How to calculate interest on a licensed money lender loan?

How much is the maximum personal loan I can get from licensed money lenders?

What happens if you’re unable to pay your trusted money lender in Singapore?

How to resolve disputes with licensed money lenders in Singapore?

Do all licensed money lenders in Singapore provide monthly loans?

Do all licensed money lenders in Singapore provide monthly loans?

Are there debt consolidation plan money lenders in Singapore?

Need a quick loan?

Submit your online loan application here.

Are there debt consolidation plan money lenders in Singapore?

Need a quick loan?

Submit your online loan application here.

Are there debt consolidation plan money lenders in Singapore?

Need a quick loan?

Submit your online loan application here.

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Differences between banks and authorised legal money lenders in Singapore

Approaching a bank may be the first option that comes to mind when you need a loan. However, dealing with banking institutions requires lots of paperwork and lengthy processing time. If you make less than S$20,000 per annum, your chances of getting a loan from any bank in Singapore will be rather remote.

But what’s the difference between borrowing from banks and legal private money lenders in Singapore? Here’s a quick comparison including registered money lenders’ personal loan interest rates and banks’ interest rates in Singapore.

Bank

Licensed money Lender

Borrowing limit

From S$1,000 to ten times monthly income

Singaporean and Permanent Residents (PRs) – S$3,000 to six times monthly income

 Foreigners – S$500 to six times monthly income

Repayment period

12 to 84 months, though most offer tenures up to 60 months

Up to 12 months, though a few lenders might extend the tenure up to 24 months

Interest rates

From 3.38% per annum

Up to 4% per month

Fees

Around 1%

5% to 10%

Loan eligibility

  • At least 21 years old
  • Singaporeans and Permanent Residents with a minimum annual income of S$20,000 to S$30,000
  • Foreigners with a minimum annual income of S$40,000 to S$60,000
  • At least 18 years old
  • No minimum income

Documents required

  • CPF contribution history statement (latest six-nine months) or
  • Latest Income Tax Notice of Assessment or
  • Latest computerised payslip
  • CPF contribution history statement (latest three months) or
  • Latest Income Tax Notice of Assessment or
  • Latest three months’ bank statements with proof of income or
  • Latest computerised payslip

Borrowing limit

From S$1,000 to ten times monthly income

Singaporean and Permanent Residents (PRs) – S$3,000 to six times monthly income

 Foreigners – S$500 to six times monthly income

Repayment period

12 to 84 months, though most offer tenures up to 60 months

Up to 12 months, though a few lenders might extend the tenure up to 24 months

Interest rates

From 3.38% per annum

Up to 4% per month

Fees

Around 1%

5% to 10%

Loan eligibility

  • At least 21 years old
  • Singaporeans and Permanent Residents with a minimum annual income of S$20,000 to S$30,000
  • Foreigners with a minimum annual income of S$40,000 to S$60,000
  • At least 18 years old
  • No minimum income

Documents required

  • CPF contribution history statement (latest six-nine months) or
  • Latest Income Tax Notice of Assessment or
  • Latest computerised payslip
  • CPF contribution history statement (latest three months) or
  • Latest Income Tax Notice of Assessment or
  • Latest three months’ bank statements with proof of income or
  • Latest computerised payslip

Bank

Licensed money Lender

Bank

Licensed money Lender

Borrowing limit

From S$1,000 to ten times monthly income

Singaporean and Permanent Residents (PRs) – S$3,000 to six times monthly income

 Foreigners – S$500 to six times monthly income

Repayment period

12 to 84 months, though most offer tenures up to 60 months

Up to 12 months, though a few lenders might extend the tenure up to 24 months

Interest rates

From 3.38% per annum

Up to 4% per month

Fees

Around 1%

5% to 10%

Loan eligibility

  • At least 21 years old
  • Singaporeans and Permanent Residents with a minimum annual income of S$20,000 to S$30,000
  • Foreigners with a minimum annual income of S$40,000 to S$60,000
  • At least 18 years old
  • No minimum income

Documents required

  • CPF contribution history statement (latest six-nine months) or
  • Latest Income Tax Notice of Assessment or
  • Latest computerised payslip
  • CPF contribution history statement (latest three months) or
  • Latest Income Tax Notice of Assessment or
  • Latest three months’ bank statements with proof of income or
  • Latest computerised payslip

Borrowing limit

From S$1,000 to ten times monthly income

Singaporean and Permanent Residents (PRs) – S$3,000 to six times monthly income

 Foreigners – S$500 to six times monthly income

Repayment period

12 to 84 months, though most offer tenures up to 60 months

Up to 12 months, though a few lenders might extend the tenure up to 24 months

Interest rates

From 3.38% per annum

Up to 4% per month

Fees

Around 1%

5% to 10%

Loan eligibility

  • At least 21 years old
  • Singaporeans and Permanent Residents with a minimum annual income of S$20,000 to S$30,000
  • Foreigners with a minimum annual income of S$40,000 to S$60,000
  • At least 18 years old
  • No minimum income

Documents required

  • CPF contribution history statement (latest six-nine months) or
  • Latest Income Tax Notice of Assessment or
  • Latest computerised payslip
  • CPF contribution history statement (latest three months) or
  • Latest Income Tax Notice of Assessment or
  • Latest three months’ bank statements with proof of income or
  • Latest computerised payslip
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A businessman shaking hands with a loan officer after successfully borrowing from a licensed money lender
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Need a swift loan today?

111 Credit is a legalised money lender in Singapore that offers competitive rates and fast loan disbursement.

Are you a business owner who’s been wondering “What is the interest rate on a business loan?”. It is good to note that legitimate money lenders like 111 Credit offer a reducing interest rate starting from 4.28% per month. While bank rates are lower in comparison, not everyone is eligible for bank loans.

Just to put things into perspective, OCBC and UOB’s business loan interest rates hover around the 8.75% to 10.88% per annum mark. Yes, they’re much lower, but not everyone is able to obtain these loans.

Benefits & Disadvantages

of borrowing from licensed money lenders in Singapore

Benefits of borrowing from licensed money lenders

Borrowing from licensed money lenders has become commonplace in our society, and these are the key reasons:
  • With a streamlined application process and fast approval, borrowers can receive disbursement of funds from quick money lenders in under 30 minutes.
  • No requirement on the minimum credit scores and income, and more flexible repayment schedules enable borrowers to apply for loans.
  • Availability of a wide range of loans including personal loans, renovation loans, medical loans, vacation loans, study loans, and Grab/Gojek loans to cater to different needs.
  • Most registered money lenders offer urgent cash loans to foreigners in Singapore as long as they meet the eligibility requirements and can furnish the required documents.
  • Since many licensed money lenders in Singapore accept quick online cash loan applications, borrowers can submit their loan enquiries anytime, online round the clock 24/7 anywhere, hence making the borrowing process extremely efficient.
  • With extensive information and monthly loan repayment calculators available on money lenders’ websites, borrowers can make faster and more informed decisions even without meeting a loan consultant.
Disadvantages of borrowing from licensed money lenders

While taking out a loan from a money lender has its advantages, there are a few shortcomings that may affect your cash flow if it is mismanaged:
  • Loans from money lenders tend to have higher interest rates compared to those from banks. This means borrowers may need a lot more funds to pay up the entire loan.
  • Licensed money lenders in Singapore charge high late interest and fees when borrowers are unable to make monthly repayment on time. Even though the chargeable fees are regulated, they are still much higher than bank fees.
  • Unlike bank personal loans that can stretch repayment periods up to 84 months, private loans from money lenders offer shorter tenures that are up to 12 months, with some offering up to 24 months. Borrowers need to be very disciplined with the monthly repayment, if not they may end up incurring very high late fees.
  • The approved processing fee for authorised money lenders in Singapore is up to 10% of the principal loan amount. This is much higher than bank fees which usually range between zero dollars to 3% of the approved loan amount.
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A thrilled business owner with the urgent funds she needs by borrowing from a legal money lender in Singapore

Do registered instant money lenders offer urgent loans with no credit check in Singapore?

While it is true that legalised private money lenders in Singapore offer personal loans and fully private loans for bad credit, they will still conduct relevant credit checks to assess if they are confident of recovering the loan sum from the borrower.

By law, a face-to-face meeting has to be conducted to verify borrowers’ identities before the loan can be disbursed. This is a standard procedure that all legalised private money lenders in Singapore must adhere to.

Need a private loan for bad credit?

Discuss your loan needs with 111 Credit today.

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What are the personal loan interest rates trusted online money lenders in Singapore can charge?

Licensed online money lenders in Singapore can only charge a maximum interest rate of 4% per month — most usually offer an interest rate of 1-4% per month.

Keep in mind that while late interest is also capped at 4% per month for each month the loan is paid late, it can only be charged on the amount that’s overdue. The registered money lender is not allowed to levy late interest on amounts that are outstanding but not yet due to be repaid.

Example

If a borrower takes a loan of $5,000, and fails to pay the first instalment of $1,000, the money lender can charge the late interest on $1,000 but not on the remaining $4,000 as it is not due yet.

How to calculate interest on a licensed money lender loan? 

Legal money lender interest rates are calculated using the reducing balance method. This method derives interest payments based on the outstanding principal balance.

The upside of this method is that you tend to pay much less in interest because the principal amount is reduced after every repayment. Let’s assume you took a personal loan for S$3,000 that should be repaid over a 6-month tenure using an effective interest rate of 7% per annum. 

If the lender uses a flat rate method, your total interest payable will be strictly S$210. If the reducing balance method is applied, the total interest payable will be lesser:  

Month

Instalment amount

Principal payment

Outstanding principal

Interest payable

1

S$510.26

S$492.42

S$2,507.58

S$17.84

2

S$510.26

S$496.79

S$2,010.79

S$13.47

3

S$510.26

S$498.30

S$1,512.48

S$11.95

4

S$510.26

S$501.56

S$1,010.93

S$8.70

5

S$510.26

S$504.25

S$506.68

S$6.01

6

S$509.59

S$506.68

S$0

S$2.92

Total

S$3,000.00

S$60.88

Month
1
2
3
4
5
6
Total
Instalment amount Principal payment Outstanding principal Interest payable
S$510.26 S$492.42 S$2,507.58 S$17.84
S$510.26 S$496.79 S$2,010.79 S$13.47
S$510.26 S$498.30 S$1,512.48 S$11.95
S$510.26 S$501.56 S$1,010.93 S$8.70
S$510.26 S$504.25 S$506.68 S$6.01
S$509.59 S$506.68 S$0 S$2.92
S$3,000 S$60.88

When attempting to tabulate your loan interest, utilising a calculator can be very useful when it comes to determining your monthly loan repayment amount.

How much is the maximum personal loan I can get from licensed money lenders?

How much money you can borrow from a legalised money lender in Singapore is regulated by MinLaw. The maximum amount is 6 times your monthly income at any one point, across all licensed money lenders in Singapore.

Borrower’s Annual Income

Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents

Foreigners

Less than S$10,000

S$3,000

S$500

At least S$10,000 and less than S$20,000

S$3,000

S$3,000

S$20,000 and above

Six times of monthly income

Six times of monthly income

Bear in mind that late interest and fees are capped at 4% and S$60 per month respectively, while processing fees are limited to up to 10% of the loan sum. The fee structure is regulated by MinLaw. Authorised money lenders in Singapore who exceed these fee limits may face charges for engaging in unfair practices.

What happens if you’re unable to pay your trusted money lender in Singapore?

If you cannot afford to make a repayment, you should first attempt to negotiate a new repayment plan with your trusted money lender in Singapore. Asking for a payment extension is important because failing to fulfil your loan repayment can lead to several unfavourable outcomes:

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Compound interest and late interest, which is capped at 4% per month, will start accruing on your balances owed.

Late payment fees, which are capped at S$60 each month, will start accruing for every late repayment.

The money lender may post a Letter of Demand to request payment or visit your home or place of employment. Even though licensed money lender harassment or threats are not allowed, they are permitted by law to contact you and visit your residence or office.

The lender may take you to court and file for litigation against you. You would also be liable for legal costs ordered by the court.

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A borrower deliberating civil ways to resolve disputes with a licensed money lender in Singapore

How to resolve disputes with licensed money lenders in Singapore?

Most licensed money lenders in Singapore will want to settle disputes as amicably as you do. If you are caught in a dire situation and are unable to repay your loan, try to renegotiate for an extended payment schedule. Contact your local money lender immediately!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are social service agencies that may help you mitigate financial disputes. These agencies can assist you in recovering from debt problems by providing credit management information, credit counselling, and negotiation of debt repayment plans with your creditors.

You may also wish to lodge a complaint against your licensed money lender If you are experiencing licensed money lender harassment. Contact The Registry of Moneylenders at 1800-2255-529 or fill in their online form. The respective authority will take the errant moneylender to task.

In the worst-case scenario when you have exhausted all plausible debt-relief options, you may consider filing for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy carries significant repercussions, so it's important to treat the situation with the seriousness it deserves.

Do all licensed money lenders in Singapore provide monthly loans?

Yes, licensed, reliable money lenders in Singapore do provide monthly repayment loans (i.e. loans with monthly instalments). Most legal money lenders in Singapore offer loan tenures ranging from 3 to 12 months. You may find 24-month loans directly from some local lenders, too.

Learn more about 111 Credit’s monthly loans here.

Are there debt consolidation plan money lenders in Singapore?

A debt consolidation plan is a debt refinancing program to help borrowers consolidate all their unsecured credit facilities into one single loan. It is a service offered by participating banks and financial institutions.

Besides approaching banks and financial institutions, borrowers can also access money lenders’ debt consolidation plan to refinance their outstanding credit facilities into one single loan. Licensed fast money lenders like 111 Credit offer debt consolidation loans to help borrowers consolidate and streamline their multiple debts while possibly cutting down on the total interest incurred on their debts.

But how does it work? Think of it as a type of personal loan that can pay off all existing unsecured debts.

With a legitimate money lender’s debt consolidation plan, you no longer need to manage multiple credit facilities, remember various due dates, and be charged different interest rates. All you need to do is make timely repayments for the debt consolidation loan —according to the repayment schedule— to your licensed money lender online or in-person.

The key advantage to leveraging debt consolidation loans lies in the convenience of managing only one account which reduces the chances of late or missed payments happening. Utilising a debt consolidation loan might also help to accrue less interest across several local money lenders which enables borrowers to pay off the debt while saving on interest charges.

Speak to our friendly loan officers to learn more about our debt consolidation loans today.

How to borrow money from licensed money lenders online?

Need a loan from a licensed, reliable money lender in Singapore urgently? The first step is to get your documents ready for submission:

Documents required for Singaporeans / PRs

Documents required for foreigners

  • NRIC 
  • Proof of income for the preceding three months before loan application (for example, CPF contribution history statement, the latest Income Tax Notice of Assessment, the latest bank statements with proof of income, or the latest computerised payslips)
  • The latest IRAS Notice of Assessment (for self-employed individuals)
  • Passport
  • Work pass or permit 
  • Latest payslips for three months before loan application
  • Tenancy agreement/billing proof of address

 

Don’t be in a hurry to sign up for a loan, always compare money lenders online and scout around for the most reliable money lender in Singapore by making personal loan interest rate comparisons amongst different loan packages.

Do also consider the loan terms and monthly repayment amount before shortlisting the one that is most suitable for you.

When you are ready to commit

Fill out the online loan application form for in-principle approval.

After which, you will be invited to visit the legitimate money lender’s office for a face-to-face verification.

The loan officer will present the loan contract and repayment schedule for your confirmation. Be sure to clarify all loan terms before committing.

Once the loan contract is signed, your loan will be disbursed directly to your bank account or given to you in cash.

Fill out the online loan application form for in-principle approval.

After which, you will be invited to visit the legitimate money lender’s office for a face-to-face verification.

The loan officer will present the loan contract and repayment schedule for your confirmation. Be sure to clarify all loan terms before committing.

Once the loan contract is signed, your loan will be disbursed directly to your bank account or given to you in cash.

A legal money lender in Singapore running through the loan contract terms with a pair of businesswomen

Is a loan from a legal money lender in Singapore for you?

The cheapest personal loan in Singapore may not be within everyone’s reach. Personal loans from banks are typically easier on the wallet, but they are only offered to those with a good credit score.

If you need a loan urgently with considerably little to no credit check in Singapore and you don’t have a stellar credit score, approaching quick  money lenders may be your best bet. Even though instant money lenders’ interest rates are higher than banks’ interest rates in Singapore, it can still be a viable solution to tide you over the financially challenged phase.

That being said, you should compare quick money lenders before settling on the one that best caters to your needs. Not all fast money lenders are equal.

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If you are asking questions like “Where to borrow money quickly in Singapore?” and “Where can I find the best licensed money lender near me?”, it is time to reach out to 111 Credit, a fully-licensed, trusted money lender in Singapore with 13 years of experience.

As an online money lender in Singapore that prioritises borrowers’ needs, 111 Credit accepts swift personal loan online applications and promises an average loan processing time of just 25 minutes.

Reach out to 111 Credit to discuss your loan needs today.

As an online money lender in Singapore that prioritises borrowers’ needs, 111 Credit accepts quick personal loan online applications and promises an average loan processing time of just 25 minutes.

Reach out to 111 Credit to discuss your loan needs today.