Open a free Demat account & get ₹500 in stocks.Claim
Nifty 5022,687.650.88%H 22,784.55 · L 22,554.85as of 22 Oct, 3:31 PM IST|Sensex73,249.390.82%H 73,720.83 · L 73,005.11as of 22 Oct, 3:32 PM IST|Bank Nifty54,925.71.01%H 55,134.45 · L 54,459.35as of 22 Oct, 3:31 PM IST|USD / INR₹94.810.38%H ₹94.94 · L ₹94.31as of 22 Oct, 8:28 PM IST|Gold Intl (10g)₹1,23,559.632.32%H ₹1,26,933.93 · L ₹1,23,428.56as of 22 Oct, 10:35 PM IST|Silver Intl (1kg)₹1,67,282.244.9%H ₹1,77,112.51 · L ₹1,66,825.01as of 22 Oct, 10:35 PM IST|Crude WTI₹9,407.82.14%H ₹9,489.33 · L ₹9,264.64as of 22 Oct, 10:35 PM IST|Bitcoin₹76,86,1143.53%H ₹78,21,619.99 · L ₹75,50,608.01as of 22 Oct, 10:36 PM IST|Ethereum₹2,25,0584.81%H ₹2,30,472.36 · L ₹2,19,643.64as of 22 Oct, 10:36 PM IST|Nifty 5022,687.650.88%H 22,784.55 · L 22,554.85as of 22 Oct, 3:31 PM IST|Sensex73,249.390.82%H 73,720.83 · L 73,005.11as of 22 Oct, 3:32 PM IST|Bank Nifty54,925.71.01%H 55,134.45 · L 54,459.35as of 22 Oct, 3:31 PM IST|USD / INR₹94.810.38%H ₹94.94 · L ₹94.31as of 22 Oct, 8:28 PM IST|Gold Intl (10g)₹1,23,559.632.32%H ₹1,26,933.93 · L ₹1,23,428.56as of 22 Oct, 10:35 PM IST|Silver Intl (1kg)₹1,67,282.244.9%H ₹1,77,112.51 · L ₹1,66,825.01as of 22 Oct, 10:35 PM IST|Crude WTI₹9,407.82.14%H ₹9,489.33 · L ₹9,264.64as of 22 Oct, 10:35 PM IST|Bitcoin₹76,86,1143.53%H ₹78,21,619.99 · L ₹75,50,608.01as of 22 Oct, 10:36 PM IST|Ethereum₹2,25,0584.81%H ₹2,30,472.36 · L ₹2,19,643.64as of 22 Oct, 10:36 PM IST|
0%
NBFCsBreaking

First-Time Borrowers Drive Credit Growth: Uptake Jumps to 74% Among Eligible Indians

Arth Vani DeskPublished: 1 min read
First-Time Borrowers Drive Credit Growth: Uptake Jumps to 74% Among Eligible Indians

Source: GNews NBFC

Arth Insight · What this means for your wallet

Immediate action
Assess your credit needs and research formal loan options from banks or NBFCs.
  • You might find it easier to get a loan for personal needs, a home, or a business, even if you're new to credit.
  • Accessing formal credit can help you avoid high-interest informal lenders, potentially saving you money on borrowing costs.
  • Formal credit allows for structured repayment, aiding better financial planning and building a credit history for future opportunities.
Recommended for you
Compare lenders, NBFCs & loan rates
Explore Banking
Listen to this article
AI voice · Podcast mode
Get IPO & market alerts free on Telegram / WhatsApp
AI Summary

Credit uptake among eligible first-time borrowers in India has more than doubled, reaching 74%. This significant increase indicates a deepening of credit penetration across the country, driven by new entrants to the formal credit system.

Key Highlights
  • ▸Credit uptake among eligible first-time Indian borrowers has more than doubled.
  • ▸74% of eligible Indians are now availing credit, indicating deeper financial penetration.
  • ▸This trend is driven by factors like NBFC growth and digital lending, making credit more accessible.
  • ▸Increased access to formal credit can boost economic activity and reduce reliance on informal lenders.
Key Takeaways
  • ✓Credit uptake among eligible first-time Indian borrowers has more than doubled.
  • ✓74% of eligible Indians are now availing credit, indicating deeper financial penetration.
  • ✓This trend is driven by factors like NBFC growth and digital lending, making credit more accessible.
  • ✓Increased access to formal credit can boost economic activity and reduce reliance on informal lenders.

India is witnessing a remarkable surge in credit uptake, particularly among first-time borrowers. The percentage of eligible Indians availing credit has more than doubled, now standing at a robust 74%. This significant expansion highlights a growing financial inclusion and a broader reach of credit facilities across the nation.

The increase in first-time borrowers is a key indicator of the expanding formal credit market in India. It suggests that more individuals who were previously outside the formal credit system are now accessing loans and other credit products. This trend is crucial for economic growth, as it provides capital for consumption, small businesses, and personal development.

What Does This Mean for Indian Consumers?

  • Increased Access to Finance: More Indians, especially those new to credit, can now access loans for various needs, from personal expenses to starting small ventures.
  • Formalisation of Credit: The shift towards formal credit channels helps reduce reliance on informal, often high-interest, lending sources.
  • Economic Growth: Greater credit availability can stimulate demand and investment, contributing to overall economic expansion.

This growth is likely fueled by several factors, including the proliferation of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), digital lending platforms, and government initiatives aimed at financial inclusion. NBFCs, in particular, have played a pivotal role in reaching underserved segments of the population, often offering more flexible lending criteria compared to traditional banks.

For the average Indian retail reader, this trend signifies easier access to financial resources. Whether it's for purchasing a home, funding education, or starting a small business, the expanding credit market offers more opportunities. However, it also underscores the importance of responsible borrowing and understanding the terms and conditions of credit products.

The doubling of credit uptake among eligible first-time borrowers to 74% is a testament to the evolving financial landscape in India. It reflects a positive move towards a more inclusive and credit-enabled economy, benefiting a wider segment of the population.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

Recommended for you
Products related to this story — compare & act
Smart picks
Personal Loan
Flexible tenure · NBFC
Flexi
Tenure
Gold Loan
Quick, secured disbursal
Gold
Secured
Business / MSME Loan
Working-capital finance
MSME
Business
Loan Against Property
Unlock property value
LAP
Secured
Vehicle Finance
Two-wheeler & car loans
Auto
Vehicle
Consumer Durable EMI
Convert big buys to EMI
EMI
Financing

Loan interest rates, processing fees and eligibility are set by the lender and subject to credit approval — verify current terms before applying. Some listings may be sponsored. Not financial advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'first-time borrowers' mean?

First-time borrowers are individuals who are accessing formal credit for the very first time, meaning they haven't previously taken out a loan or used other credit products from banks or financial institutions.

Why is this increase in credit uptake important for the Indian economy?

It's important because it signifies greater financial inclusion, allowing more people to access funds for personal needs, education, or starting businesses. This can stimulate economic growth and reduce reliance on informal, often exploitative, lending sources.

Which types of institutions are driving this credit growth?

Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and digital lending platforms are playing a significant role in reaching new borrowers, often offering more flexible options than traditional banks.

Stay ahead of the market

Join the Arth Vani channels

Daily news summaries, IPO & market alerts on Telegram and WhatsApp.

Related Stories

Leading NBFCs See Gold Loans Approach 10% of Loan Books Amid Secured Credit Pivot
NBFCs

Leading NBFCs See Gold Loans Approach 10% of Loan Books Amid Secured Credit Pivot

Leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) are significantly increasing their focus on gold loans, which now comprise nearly 10% of their total loan portfolios. This strategic pivot reflects a broader industry trend towards secured lending, aimed at enhancing asset quality and reducing risk within their operations.

11h ago·2 min readListen
Bajaj Finance Doubles Gold Loan Portfolio, Discontinues Short-Term Schemes
NBFCs

Bajaj Finance Doubles Gold Loan Portfolio, Discontinues Short-Term Schemes

Bajaj Finance has significantly expanded its gold loan business, doubling its portfolio in the last financial year. Concurrently, the NBFC has stopped offering short-tenure gold loan schemes to customers.

1d ago·1 min readListen
Vaibhav Vyapaar IPO Listing Today: Grey Market Signals Positive Debut for SME Stock
IPOBreaking
NBFCs

Vaibhav Vyapaar IPO Listing Today: Grey Market Signals Positive Debut for SME Stock

Vaibhav Vyapaar is set to debut on the NSE SME platform today following a successful initial public offering. Investors are closely watching the Grey Market Premium (GMP) which indicates a potential listing gain for the infrastructure and trading firm.

1d ago·1 min readListen
Bajaj Finance to Launch New Term Loans Nov 1 Amid RBI's Revolving Credit Review
New LaunchBreaking
NBFCs

Bajaj Finance to Launch New Term Loans Nov 1 Amid RBI's Revolving Credit Review

Bajaj Finance is set to introduce new term-loan products starting November 1. This strategic move comes as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is reportedly considering stricter regulations or a potential ban on revolving credit facilities. The development could impact how Indian customers access various credit options from NBFCs like Bajaj Finance.

2d ago·2 min readListen