Get the Tata Capital App to apply for Loans & manage your account. Download Now

Blogs

SUPPORT

Menu  
 
Apply Now
Apply Now

Tata Capital > Blog > Personal Use Loan > Personal Loans for 18-Year-Olds: What You Should Know

Personal Use Loan

Personal Loans for 18-Year-Olds: What You Should Know

Personal Loans for 18-Year-Olds: What You Should Know

A personal loan for 18-year-olds in India is an unsecured loan product that individuals aged 18 can apply for, usually to meet urgent personal expenses like education, travel, or medical needs. While 18 is the legal age of adulthood, most lenders in India typically require applicants to be at least 21 years old to be eligible for a personal loan independently. This is because lenders look for a stable income, credit history, and repayment capacity.

However, some lenders may consider extending loans to 18-year-olds if they have a co-applicant with a stable income or if the applicant can demonstrate consistent earnings through salaried or self-employed work. Students may also explore loan options with parental guarantors. 

Tata Capital requires applicants to be at least 21 years old to apply for a personal loan. Therefore, 18-year-olds may need to wait or apply jointly with a financially eligible co-borrower.

Why is it Challenging for 18-Year-Olds to Get Personal Loans?

Getting a personal loan at 18 can be difficult because lenders look for steady income, a reliable credit history and consistent financial behaviour before approving an application. Many young applicants are still studying or starting their careers, which affects income stability and createschallenges getting personal loan at 18.

Limited credit footprints also explain why lenders hesitate giving loans to 18-year-olds, as it becomes harder to assess long term repayment capacity. Young borrowers are still building financial habits, so lenders often apply stricter eligibility checks to reduce potential risk.

Strategies to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Loan at 18

To improve your loan approval chances at 18, focus on strengthening your financial profile in the following ways:

  • Build an early credit history: Start with a beginner-friendly product such as a student credit card or a small consumer loan and make timely repayments to reflect responsible behaviour.
  • Maintain low credit utilisation: Use only a small portion of your available limit, preferably below 30 per cent, to show financial discipline.
  • Show stable income: Maintain steady earnings through part-time or freelance work to demonstrate repayment capacity.
  • Add a strong co-applicant: Including a parent or guardian with a strong profile can enhance lender confidence.
  • Keep expenses disciplined: Managing your spending responsibly helps you appear reliable and improves your overall approval chances.

These simple tips for a personal loan at 18 help you present a stronger profile and improve your chances of approval.

Eligibility Criteria for 18-Year-Old-Applicants

While Tata Capital does not extend personal loans for 18-year-olds, other lenders may have some of the following eligibility criteria for such loans:

  1. Indian Citizenship: The applicant must be an Indian citizen with valid identification proof, such as an Aadhaar Card or PAN Card.
  • Steady Income: Applicants must prove a steady source of income to ensure repayment ability.
  • KYC Documentation: Lenders require ID proofs like PAN and Aadhaar Card, along with verified mobile number and address proof. 

Documents Required for Personal Loan for 18-Year-Olds

These are the documents to be carried while applying for a personal loan for 18-year-olds in India:

  • Proof of Residence: Lenders require address proof such as an Aadhaar Card, passport, or a rental agreement.
  • Proof of Income: The borrower must prove sustained income through payslips, bank statements, etc.
  • Photographs: Submitting recent, coloured passport-sized photos is a part of the standard documentation.
  • Employment Proof: It is mandatory to submit proof of employment, like an offer letter, appointment letter, or employee ID.
  • Co-Applicant Details: If a co-applicant is involved, their KYC, income, address proof, and other details also need to be submitted.

How to Apply for a Personal Loan for 18-year-olds in India?

The application process for getting a personal loan involves:

  1. Check Eligibility: After choosing your loan provider, go through the eligibility criteria to ensure that they accept applications from 18-year-olds.
  • Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents listed by your lender, such as Aadhaar, PAN, income and address proofs, and so on.
  • Mention Co-Applicant: Apply with a co-applicant if you are missing credit history or a stable income source.
  • Fill the Application Form: You can apply for a personal loan online or offline. 
  • Submit Documents: Lastly, submit all required documents with the application and wait till your request is reviewed.

These steps give young applicants a clear idea of how to get a loan at 18 and apply confidently.

Factors to Consider Before Applying for a Loan at 18

Some factors that can impact your eligibility and application for a personal loan for 18-year-olds are:

  • Credit History: Since you’re 18 and just starting to build a CIBIL score, it might be harder to obtain a loan without a credit history.
  • Loan Amount and Usage: Only borrow an amount you need. Avoid overspending as it may lead to issues with repayment and this can hurt your credit score in the long run.
  • Loan Tenure: Choose a suitable tenure; while a longer tenure can reduce the EMI burden, it can lead to a higher total interest amount paid over time. 
  • Interest Rate and Fees: The final interest rate offered on your loan will be dictated by the lender’s policies and your borrowing profile. As a young borrower, you may face a higher interest rate due an absent or a limited credit history. Compare rates across lenders to secure a favourable offer. Additionally, understand associated charges such as the processing fees to determine the overall cost of the loan.

Keeping these points in mind can make it easier to understand how to get a loan at 18 and improve your approval chances.

Alternatives to Traditional Personal Loans for 18-Year-Olds

If you are exploring alternatives to a personal loan at 18, here are some practical options that offer easier access and support your early financial journey.

  • Education loans for students: These are popular loans for students in India because they come with simpler eligibility criteria and flexible repayment, making them suitable for academic needs.
  • Government-backed scholarships and schemes: They reduce your financial burden by covering tuition or living costs, helping you avoid borrowing at a young age.
  • Consumer durable loans from lenders: Some lenders provide small credit lines for gadgets or essentials, helping you build repayment discipline without taking on a large loan.
  • Beginner credit lines: Ideal for a student loan 18 year old applicant, these offer limited credit and help create an early credit profile through responsible usage.

Building Credit History as an 18-Year-Old

To access better financial opportunities later, learn how to build credit at 18 and build a strong base.

  • Start with basic financial products: Use simple options like a student credit card or a beginner credit line and manage them responsibly to build a positive track record, making it one of the essential credit building tips for young adults.
  • Pay every bill on time: Timely repayments for mobile plans, utility bills, or small credit limits strengthen your credit history over time.
  • Monitor your credit report: Review your credit report regularly to track progress and correct any inaccuracies early.
  • Keep utilisation controlled: Using only a small portion of your available limit supports long-term credit health and steady score growth.

Key Details About Tata Capital’s Personal Loan

Tata Capital, backed by the trusted Tata Group, is a leading name in India’s lending industry known for its transparent and customer-centric approach. Whether you’re pursuing higher education or managing early financial responsibilities, Tata Capital supports your goals with its flexible personal loan options. The entire process, from application to disbursal, is entirely digital and seamless, allowing young borrowers to apply from anywhere with ease.

Borrowers can choose flexible repayment tenures up to 6 years, with simple documentation and fast disbursal that helps you access funds exactly when needed. Tata Capital also provides clear eligibility guidelines and competitive interest rates, making the borrowing experience smoother for first-time applicants. Learn more about Tata Capital’s personal loans here.

Conclusion

Getting a personal loan for 18-year-olds in India while difficult, isn’t impossible. However, you must satisfy a set of conditions. Lenders usually prefer candidates over the age of 21 for personal loans, but with a steady source of income and repayment ability, you can get approved for a loan even at 18. Once you understand how to get a personal loan at 18, it becomes easier to prepare the proper documents, build credit, and meet the necessary conditions for approval. Most importantly, maintain a responsible credit score, whether you’re borrowing funds or repaying promptly.  

Get an Instant Personal Loan for all your needs !

Apply now
Popular Searches
Term Loan Personal Loan for Government Employee Personal Loan for Salaried What is Personal Loan Personal Loan Prepayment Personal Loan Application Process 3 Lakh Personal Loan 4 Lakh Personal Loan 6 Lakh Personal Loan 7 Lakh Personal Loan 8 Lakh Personal Loan 9 Lakh Personal Loan
More About Loans
Instant Personal Loan personal loan emi calculator personal loan interest rate personal loan eligibility Marriage Loan Document Required for Personal Loan Home Renovation Loan Medical Loan Personal Loan Balance Transfer 5 Lakh Personal Loan Small Personal Loan Travel Loan Personal Loan for Women 2 Lakh Personal Loan 10 Lakh Personal Loan

FAQs

What is the minimum age to apply for a personal loan in India?

Most banks and NBFCs prefer candidates who are over the age of 21 for a personal loan. However, 18-year-olds can also be considered responsible candidates for a personal loan, given they have a regular income or apply with a financially stable co-applicant.

Can I get a loan if I just turned 18?

Yes, you can apply for a loan when you have just turned 18. Make sure the lender you are considering allows 18-year-olds to apply for a loan. You can also apply with a co-applicant who meets the eligibility criteria.

Can students apply for a personal loan at 18?

Students don’t qualify for a personal loan unless they have a constant source of income or apply with an eligible co-applicant. Lenders assess the candidate’s repayment ability, so having part-time employment or a guardian’s support helps your chances when it comes to securing a personal loan.

Do 18-year-olds need a co-applicant to get a personal loan?

Yes, it is better for 18-year-olds to have a co-applicant when applying for a personal loan, as it strengthens their chances of getting approved. Having a co-applicant that meets the eligibility criteria boosts the application’s credibility and helps secure favourable loan terms.

How much loan amount can an 18-year-old get?

As an 18-year-old, the maximum loan amount you can get depends entirely on your income, repayment credibility, and whether a co-applicant is involved. At Tata Capital, we offer personal loans up to Rs. 35 lakhs. 

How can I build my credit score at the age of 18?

To start building a credit score at the age of 18, you can become an authorised user on a parent’s credit card. Another way to do this is by taking a small joint loan and repaying its instalments on time. This will help you in building credit score early on.

Disclaimer

Most Viewed Blogs

Trending Blogs

Calculator

Personal Loan EMI Calculator

Personal Loan EMI Calculator
Home Loan EMI Calculator

Home Loan EMI Calculator
Business Loan EMI Calculator

Business Loan EMI Calculator
Used Car Loan EMI Calculator

Used Car Loan EMI Calculator
Two Wheeler Loan EMI Calculator

Two Wheeler Loan EMI Calculator
Loan Against Securities Calculator

Loan Against Securities Calculator
Loan Against Property Calculator

Loan Against Property Calculator
More Tools
Our Subsidiaries
Our Private Equity Funds

Useful Links and Resources

Policies, Codes & Other Documents

Tata Capital Solutions & Services

Uh oh, something went wrong

Please try again later.

Most Important Terms & Conditions - Home Loans

Download in your preferred language

Download