Sometimes life throws surprises at us, a sudden medical bill, an urgent repair or an unexpected expense that needs money right away.
For many, instant loan apps seem like a quick fix, offering cash within minutes, no long forms, no bank queues, no hassle. But as more people hit ‘install’, one question keeps popping up:
From college students short on fees to families facing emergency hospital bills, thousands turn to instant loan apps for quick cash. The big draw is the speed. Some apps promise money in your account in just 10 to 30 minutes. All it takes is a smartphone, a few documents and a photo.
But here’s where it gets tricky, not all apps are genuine. While many are linked to banks or RBI-approved lenders, there are plenty of shady ones hiding behind flashy ads and too-good-to-be-true offers.
Yashoraj Tyagi, CEO, CASHe, explains, “The biggest risk is falling for unregulated or fake apps. They often charge sky-high interest, hide extra fees and use aggressive recovery methods. Some even misuse your personal data and access your contacts to harass you if you miss a payment.”
Imagine borrowing a small amount, then Worse, some apps misuse your contacts and send messages to friends or family.
So, how do you know if an app is safe to use? Tyagi advises, “Always check if the app is connected to an RBI-registered NBFC or bank. This should be mentioned clearly in the app’s terms or you can cross-check on the RBI’s website.”
Stick to trusted app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store. Go through reviews, check the ratings and make sure the loan terms, interest rates and customer support details are clearly listed. Never allow unnecessary permissions, your contacts and gallery should remain private.
Why do so many people fall into a trap? Tyagi explains, “Many borrowers are lured by the promise of quick, no-questions-asked loans. But these often come with very high interest rates and short repayment cycles. When they can’t repay on time, they end up borrowing from another app to clear the first one, starting a spiral of repeated borrowing, mounting debt, and mental stress.”
That easy money can quickly snowball into a bigger mess if you’re not careful.
So, what’s a better option if you’re truly in need? Tyagi suggests, “Borrowers should consider approaching regulated platforms backed by RBI-registered NBFCs or banks, or explore credit lines from trusted fintechs, microfinance institutions, or even employer-backed advance salary options.”
Some cooperative banks and small finance banks also provide small emergency loans at fair interest rates.
This doesn’t mean all apps are bad. Used sensibly, they can help tide you over in an emergency. “When used wisely and from trusted sources, instant loan apps offer fast access to funds without paperwork, ideal for emergencies like medical bills or urgent travel,” Tyagi adds.
They can even help people build a credit history if managed properly. The key is to read the fine print, borrow only what you can repay and avoid multiple apps at the same time.
So, the next time an ad pops up claiming ‘Instant cash in minutes!’, take a moment, check and think twice. A little caution today could spare you a world of trouble tomorrow.
(Disclaimer: The views, opinions, recommendations, and suggestions expressed by experts/brokerages in this article are their own and do not reflect the views of the India Today Group. It is advisable to consult a qualified broker or financial advisor before making any actual investment or trading choices.)