Peer to Peer (P2P) Lending – Features, Working, Benefits and How to Apply?

An individual may require small loans but they may fall short of credit or they may come from low-income groups. In such cases, it is a good option to consider P2P lending platforms as they offer low interest rates and quick access to funds.

Unlike traditional banks, the application is easy and paperless,  and the instant personal loan amount gets deposited directly into the borrower’s account.   

How Does Peer-to-Peer Lending Work for Borrowers?

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms in India have revolutionized the borrowing process by directly connecting borrowers with lenders. P2P are online platforms that give quick access to funds. For a borrower, the process works as follows: 

Registration: Register on the selected P2P lending platform with details like loan amount, and your preferred interest rate.

Listing: Once registration is approved, the borrower can start listing and state loan requirement reasons.

Approval: The lenders go through listings and connect with borrowers to invest. Once the borrower’s application is evaluated, the lender approves the loan. After approval, the loan amount gets deposited in the borrower’s account.

Repayment Terms: One of the advantages of P2P lending is the flexibility in repayment.  The borrower can repay the instalment as per agreed-upon terms with the lender, making the process smooth.

Key Features and Benefits of Peer-to-Peer Lending 

Features of Peer-to-Peer Lending:

P2P lending is a system that allows direct lending to individuals. P2P platforms allow lenders and borrowers to connect directly. Lenders are individuals who want to invest and earn returns on their investments.

P2P platforms are helpful for individuals or businesses that may not have access to traditional banks. When you are looking for funds or looking to grow your investments, P2P lending offers a flexible solution.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulates every peer-to-peer platform in India, which ensures a secure and trustworthy environment for both borrowers and lenders.

Benefits of Peer-to-Peer Lending:

• Getting a loan on a peer-to-peer platform is quick. The borrower needs to register on a platform and start listing their loan requirement. 
• The application is hassle-free and once the application gets approved, the loan directly gets deposited in the borrower’s account.
• In comparison to traditional banks, where one requires a lot of paperwork, peer-to-peer platforms offer a paperless and quick loan disbursal.

Risks Associated with P2P Lending

Default Risk: There is a risk of borrowers defaulting on their payments, as in the case of, any lending platform. Investors may therefore find it risky and may not receive a return on their investments.

Limited Regulation: Since P2P lending in India has limited regulatory framework

Limited Disclosure: Many P2P lending platforms lack transparency and are susceptible to fraudulent activities. Due to this, it becomes difficult for lenders to assess the risk factor of the borrower. Additionally, there can be cases of fake lenders or borrowers. Thus, it becomes crucial to exercise caution.

Also Read: Top 12 Signs of a Fake Loan App in India

Eligibility Criteria for P2P Lending

Eligibility criteria vary across lender platforms. Common eligibility criteria include:

While eligibility requirements can vary between lenders, some common criteria include:

Indian Citizenship: You must be a citizen of India to apply.

Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Employment Status: Both salaried individuals and self-employed professionals are eligible.

P2P lending is available to anyone who wants to take a loan. P2P lending is beneficial for individuals or businesses who have no other option for securing credit.  People with bad credit or those from low-income categories are typically drawn to it.  The final decision on loan approval lies with the lender. 

Documents Required for P2P Lending

The documents required vary as per the P2P lender platform. 

Photo ID Proof: Aadhar Card, PAN Card

Address Proof: Electricity Bill, Voter ID

Income Proof: 3 months salary slip or 6-month bank statement (salaries), 2-year ITR (self-employed)

Comparison: P2P Lending vs Traditional Lending

Pros and Cons of P2P Lending 

Successful P2P Lending Platforms in India

P2P lending platforms in India are regulated by the RBI. A few of the P2P lending platforms in India are as:

Lendbox: It was founded in 2015 and received its lending license in 2018 from RBI. Lendbox aims to modernise debt investments and make them accessible to small ticket sizes. They are investor-focused and enable their investors to earn high returns consistently.

Faircent: Faicent has one of the largest number of investors. It was also the first P2P lending platform to receive a Certificate of Registration from RBI. It aims to ease borrowing by keeping interest rates at a minimum and making it accessible to a wider demographic.

Finzy: It is another P2P lending platform in India that offers quick loans at competitive interest rates. It offers flexible repayment options with no penalty charges. It offers a safe and transparent experience. 

Also Read: How to Choose Best Personal Loan Lender – Top 8 Reasons

Steps to Apply for a Peer-to-Peer Loan

To get a peer-to-peer loan, follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Decide on the peer-to-peer loan lender platform available in your region. Go on their official website and register yourself. Or there may be an option to download the lender app and directly connect with the lender

Step 2: Fill in all the necessary personal details, credit history, employment proof etc. This information is helpful to get lower interest rates on loans. 

Step 3: Once the loan application is approved, the borrower may make a listing of the loan amount, the reason for the loan and the preferred interest rate. 

Step 4: Lenders can check all the listings and decide on the borrower, they want to lend the money to.

Step 5: The borrower receives the loan amount directly from the P2P platform once the loan gets funded.

Step 6: The borrower repays the loan through the P2P platform and these payments are directly disbursed to the lender account

Conclusion

Peer-to-peer lending is a great option for individuals seeking small loans. The lending platform directly connects lenders to borrowers, eliminating any intermediaries. P2P platforms provide a hassle-free experience and quick access to funds. They offer low interest rates and flexible loan repayment plans. While P2P platforms are regulated by RBI they are still limited in India. It is advisable to exercise caution before making any lending or borrowing decision.