How Gold Loan Works
A gold loan is a quick and convenient way to borrow money by pledging your gold jewellery as collateral. Many people choose gold loans during emergencies, business needs, or personal expenses because the process is simple and fast. But before you apply, it’s important to understand how gold loan works. This article will guide you through the full process, from application to repayment. Knowing how it works helps you make better financial decisions and avoid unnecessary mistakes. Let’s explore the step-by-step working of a gold loan in simple terms.
What Is a Gold Loan?
A gold loan is a secured loan where you keep your gold (mainly jewellery) with the lender in exchange for money. The loan amount depends on the value and purity of your gold. Once you repay the loan with interest, your gold is returned.
Who Can Apply for a Gold Loan?
Anyone who owns gold can apply, including:
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Salaried individuals
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Self-employed persons
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Business owners
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Farmers
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Housewives
There is no need for a credit score, income proof, or guarantor for small loan amounts.
Step-by-Step Process: How Gold Loan Works
1. Gold Evaluation
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Visit a bank or NBFC branch (or apply online in some cases).
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Your gold jewellery will be checked for purity and weight.
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Lenders usually accept 22-karat gold and above.
2. Loan Amount Sanction
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Based on the gold value, the lender offers up to 75% of the gold’s market value as a loan (Loan-to-Value ratio).
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For example, if your gold is worth ₹1,00,000, you may get up to ₹75,000 as a loan.
3. Documentation
You need to submit basic documents like:
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ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID)
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Address proof
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Passport-size photo
The process is quick, and in most cases, loan approval happens within 30 minutes.
4. Disbursement
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After approval, the loan amount is credited to your bank account or given as cash.
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You get a loan agreement mentioning all terms, tenure, and interest rate.
5. Storage of Gold
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The lender safely stores your gold in a secure locker until the loan is fully repaid.
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Insurance is often provided for your gold during the loan period.
6. Repayment
You can repay the gold loan through:
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EMI (Equated Monthly Installments)
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Bullet repayment (lump sum at the end)
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Partial payments
Choose a plan that suits your financial situation. After full repayment, your gold is returned.
Interest Rates on Gold Loan
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Interest rates usually range from 7% to 16% per annum.
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NBFCs may offer quicker disbursal, but banks often provide lower interest rates.
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Always compare rates and terms before applying.
Tenure of Gold Loan
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Loan tenure typically ranges from 3 months to 36 months.
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You can choose flexible terms depending on your needs.
What Happens If You Fail to Repay?
If you don’t repay the loan on time:
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The lender may auction your gold to recover the loan amount.
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You may also be charged late fees or penal interest.
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It can affect your future borrowing eligibility.
Advantages of Gold Loan
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Quick disbursal – often within the same day
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Minimal documentation
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No income proof or credit score needed
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Flexible repayment options
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Lower interest rates compared to personal loans
Conclusion
Understanding how gold loan works helps you use it wisely in times of need. From gold evaluation to repayment, the process is fast, easy, and secure. Make sure to borrow only what you need and repay on time to get your gold back safely. Compare interest rates, check eligibility, and read the loan terms carefully. With proper planning, a gold loan can be a helpful financial tool for emergencies or planned expenses.