Personal Loans
· OrixaLume Editorial Team

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Debunking Myths About Personal Loans: What You Need to Know

Uncover the truth behind common personal loan myths, such as credit checks and interest rates, with real insights and advice.

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Quick Picks

Best overall: Stanbic Bank Personal Loan.
Lowest APR: I&M Bank Personal Loan.
Best for quick cash: Faulu Kenya Personal Loan.

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Myth 1: Personal Loans Have Sky-High Interest Rates

The myth that personal loans are always expensive is widespread. However, options like I&M Bank offer rates as low as 13.0% to 16.0%.

I&M Bank Personal Loan

I&M Bank's personal loan rates start at 13.0%, the lowest in our selection, making it a strong contender for cost-effective borrowing. This dispels the myth that all personal loans are costly.

Lowest APR

I&M Bank Personal Loan

13%
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Myth 2: All Personal Loans Require Excellent Credit

Contrary to popular belief, not all personal loans are out of reach for those with less-than-perfect credit. Let’s explore some options.

Equity Bank Personal Loan

Equity Bank offers personal loans with rates from 14.0% to 17.0%, accessible for those with credit challenges. The eligibility requirements are more relaxed, broadening access.

Most Flexible

Equity Bank Personal Loan

14%
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DTB Personal Loan

DTB provides another viable option with rates at 14.0% to 17.0%, demonstrating that personal loans can be accessible without stellar credit.

Editor's Pick

DTB Personal Loan

14%
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While these options cater to non-perfect credit profiles, the next group offers competitive terms for those with strong credit scores.

Myth 3: Approval Takes Forever

Believing personal loans have lengthy approval processes? Think again. Some banks offer rapid approvals.

Faulu Kenya Personal Loan

Faulu Kenya breaks the stereotype with emergency loans approved in just 24 hours, ideal for urgent financial needs.

Fastest Approval

Faulu Kenya Personal Loan

20%
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Stanbic Bank Unsecured Personal Loan

Stanbic Bank also offers quick decisions, especially for existing customers, which is crucial when time is of the essence.

Most Flexible

Stanbic Bank Unsecured Personal Loan

11%
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Speed isn't all that matters, however. If you're looking for longer terms, the next option might be more suitable.

Myth 4: You Can't Get Long Terms

It's a misconception that personal loans only offer short repayment periods. Let’s look at an exception.

Stanbic Bank Unsecured Personal Loan

Stanbic Bank stands out with terms up to 96 months, longer than most competitors, providing flexibility in repayments.

Stanbic Bank Unsecured Personal Loan

11%
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What actually matters is finding a loan that suits your financial situation. Consider the APR, term length, and eligibility criteria to ensure you choose the best option for your needs.

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13.0–16.0% APR

Amount

KSh50k–KSh5M

Term

12–72 mo

Type

personal

Approval

2-5 business days

Best for: This loan is best for existing I&M Bank customers looking for quick access to funds via a user-friendly app.

M-Shwari Loan

M-Shwari (Safaricom/CBA)
90.0% APR

Amount

KSh100–KSh50k

Term

1 mo

Type

personal

Approval

Instant

Best for: This service is best for individuals who have consistent M-PESA usage and savings, enabling them to access quick loans without lengthy approval processes.

11.0–14.0% APR

Amount

KSh50k–KSh5M

Term

12–72 mo

Type

personal

Approval

2-5 business days

Best for: This loan is ideal for individuals needing immediate funds without collateral, especially for personal emergencies or significant expenses.

14.0–18.0% APR

Amount

KSh50k–KSh3M

Term

12–60 mo

Type

personal

Approval

2-5 business days

Best for: This loan is best for individuals seeking unsecured financing with flexible repayment terms, especially those with stable salaries.

18.0–22.0% APR

Amount

KSh5k–KSh2M

Term

6–48 mo

Type

personal

Approval

1-3 business days

Best for: This loan is best for women entrepreneurs and salaried employees in need of financial support. KWFT's focus on women sets it apart in Kenya’s microfinance space.

88.0–107.0% APR

Amount

KSh50–KSh150k

Term

1–6 mo

Type

personal

Approval

Instant

Best for: Ideal for individuals needing quick cash with a flexible repayment plan based on their savings and payment history.

20.0–26.0% APR

Amount

KSh5k–KSh1M

Term

6–48 mo

Type

personal

Approval

1-3 business days

Best for: This loan is best suited for salaried individuals looking for quick access to funds without extensive documentation, especially those with limited access to traditional banking.

15.0–18.0% APR

Amount

KSh10k–KSh3M

Term

12–60 mo

Type

personal

Approval

2-5 business days

Best for: This loan is best suited for individuals and businesses in semi-urban and rural Kenya looking for reliable funding options.