Why Gold Loans Are Popular Among Indian Borrowers?

Top Reasons Why Gold Loans Are Popular Among Indian Borrowers

Aakash Jain Posted on September 15, 2025

Overview

Gold loans have gained significant popularity in India due to their accessibility, quick processing, and competitive interest rates. It is therefore important to understand why gold loans are popular in India, the gold loan benefits, and the key gold loan features and benefits that make them a preferred choice among Indian borrowers.

What Is a Gold Loan

A gold loan in India is a secured loan where the borrower pledges their gold jewellery or ornaments as collateral to obtain a loan from a bank or financial institution. The loan amount is typically determined based on the weight and purity of the gold pledged, usually up to 75% of its market value.

Gold loans are particularly attractive because they are processed quickly, often within hours, with minimal paperwork. Unlike personal loans, which require a high credit score, loans on gold are accessible even to borrowers with poor or no credit history, making them an attractive financial option for many.

The main benefit of a gold loan is its simplicity. It requires minimal documentation, and since the loan is secured by the gold, the risk for the lender is lower, resulting in faster approval and disbursement. This makes it an excellent option for borrowers who need funds urgently.

Gold Loan Features and Benefits

Gold loans come with several gold loan features and benefits that make them a highly sought-after borrowing option.

Here are some of them:

Quick Approval and Disbursement

One of the most appealing gold loan benefits is the fast approval process. Once the gold is evaluated, the loan amount is often disbursed within hours, which is ideal for urgent financial needs.

Affordable Borrowing

Because loan on gold are secured by the gold pledged, they generally come with lower interest rates compared to unsecured loans like personal loans. This makes them a more cost-effective borrowing option for many people.

No Credit Score Requirements

Since the loan is secured by gold, lenders do not focus on the borrower’s credit score. This is a significant advantage for individuals with poor or no credit history, allowing them access to funds they might not qualify for with traditional loans.

Minimal Documentation

Applying for a gold loan is a straightforward process that involves minimal documentation. Typically, only identity proof and proof of ownership of the gold are required, making the application process fast and hassle-free.

Flexible Loan Amounts

The loan amount depends on the weight and purity of the gold. As a result, borrowers can access a loan based on the value of their gold, making it flexible for different financial needs.

Flexible Repayment Options

Lenders offer various repayment options, including monthly instalments or lump-sum payments at the end of the loan tenure. This flexibility ensures that borrowers can choose the repayment plan that works best for their financial situation.

These loan benefits make them an attractive financial product for individuals who need immediate access to cash, especially in emergency situations.

Reasons Why Gold Loans Are Popular in India

Gold loans are highly popular in India for several reasons. Here are the main factors contributing to their popularity:

Wide Accessibility

Gold is a widely owned asset in India, and many people possess gold jewellery or ornaments that can be pledged for a loan. This makes gold loan in India easily accessible to a large portion of the population, even in rural areas or for those without formal credit histories.

No High Credit Score Required

One of the primary reasons why gold loans are popular in India is that these loans do not depend on the borrower’s credit score. Since the loan is secured against gold, lenders focus more on the value of the collateral rather than the borrower’s creditworthiness. This allows individuals with poor or no credit history to still access funds.

Quick Loan Processing

Gold loan benefits include fast approval and disbursement. Once the gold is evaluated, the loan amount is typically disbursed within hours, making gold loans an excellent option for those needing immediate funds for emergencies.

Affordable Borrowing

Compared to unsecured loans like personal loans, gold loans offer lower interest rates due to the gold being pledged as collateral. This makes them a more cost-effective borrowing option for short-term financial needs.

Flexible Loan Amount

The loan amount is directly related to the value of the gold pledged. The more gold you have, the higher the loan amount you can avail of, making it a flexible borrowing solution.

Security for Borrowers

Since the loan is secured by gold, there’s reduced risk for both the borrower and lender. This ensures peace of mind for borrowers, knowing they won’t be turned down due to a lack of assets or credit.

How to Apply for a Gold Loan in India

Applying for a gold loan is a simple and quick process. Here’s how you can apply:

1. Choose a Lender

First, select a bank or financial institution that offers gold loans. Compare gold loan features and benefits, such as interest rates, loan-to-value ratios, and processing fees to find the best option for your needs.

2. Prepare Your Documents

The documentation required for a gold loan is minimal. Generally, you will need proof of identity (e.g., Aadhar card), proof of address, and the gold items you wish to pledge. Some lenders may ask for income proof or bank statements, but this is usually not mandatory.

3. Visit the Lender

You can visit the lender’s branch with your gold and documents, or in some cases, apply online for more convenience.

4. Gold Evaluation

The lender will assess the gold’s weight, purity, and market value to determine the loan amount. The loan amount is typically up to 75% of the market value of the gold.

5. Sign the Loan Agreement

Once the loan amount is decided, you will need to sign the loan agreement, which outlines the loan amount, interest rate, repayment terms, and other important details.

6. Receive the Loan

After signing the agreement, the loan amount will be disbursed. This can be done via cheque, cash, or directly into your bank account, depending on the lender’s policy.

Gold loans are also an ideal option for those who might have difficulty accessing traditional loans due to poor credit history or other financial constraints. The loan process is transparent, and since the loan is secured by gold, there’s minimal risk for both the lender and the borrower.