The Credit Compass

Loan app safety check

Is this loan app real or fake?

A legitimate loan app is listed in the RBI's directory against a regulated bank or NBFC, names that lender, shows you a Key Fact Statement with the APR before you accept, never touches your contacts or photos, and never asks for money upfront. Answer the 10 questions below to check any app in about two minutes.

Your answers stay in your browser. Based on the RBI (Digital Lending) Directions, 2025.

  1. 1.Is the app listed in the RBI's directory of digital lending apps, against the same lender the app names?

    Search the RBI directory of digital lending apps ↗ for the app name, and check the lender listed next to it.

  2. 2.Does the app clearly name the bank or NBFC that is actually lending you the money?
  3. 3.Did you receive a Key Fact Statement (KFS) showing the APR and all fees before accepting the loan?
  4. 4.Does the app ask for access to your contacts, photos, files or call logs?
  5. 5.Has anyone asked you to pay a fee, deposit or "insurance" before the loan is disbursed — especially by UPI to a person?
  6. 6.Has the app or its agents threatened you, or contacted your family, friends or colleagues?
  7. 7.Will the money be paid directly into your own bank account?
  8. 8.Does the app show a grievance officer's name and contact details?
  9. 9.Is the app pushing you to decide fast, or raising your credit limit without asking?
  10. 10.Does the KFS mention a cooling-off (look-up) period to exit the loan?

Your result · 0 of 10 answered

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How to use the RBI directory

Open the directory of digital lending apps ↗ (also linked from the RBI website's home page as “DLA's deployed by Regulated Entities”). Search for the app's exact name.

Check the lender (“regulated entity”) listed next to it. It should match the bank or NBFC named inside the app and in your loan documents. A listed app paired with a different lender, or a look-alike app name, is a warning sign.

The directory shows that a regulated lender has reported the app. It is not an RBI endorsement, and it says nothing about price — compare the APR in the Key Fact Statement before you accept.

Common questions

How do I check if a loan app is real or fake?

Search the app's name in the RBI's directory of digital lending apps and check that it is listed against the lender the app names. Then check that it shows a Key Fact Statement with the APR before you accept, does not ask for your contacts or photos, and never asks for a fee before disbursal. The 10-question check on this page walks through each rule.

Are there RBI-approved loan apps?

The RBI does not approve individual apps. Since 1 July 2025 it publishes a directory of digital lending apps that regulated banks and NBFCs have reported as their own or their partners'. Being listed shows the app is linked to a regulated lender; it does not mean the loan is cheap or right for you.

What permissions can a loan app ask for?

Under the RBI's Digital Lending Directions, lending apps cannot access your contacts, files, media or call logs. They may use the camera, microphone or location once, with your consent, for onboarding or KYC.

A loan app is harassing me or my contacts. What should I do?

Do not pay anyone under pressure. Save screenshots and call recordings, call the National Cyber Crime Helpline on 1930 or file at cybercrime.gov.in, and report the app on the RBI Sachet portal. If the lender is regulated, also complain to its grievance officer and then the RBI Integrated Ombudsman.

Instant loan apps: risks and safer alternatives →Loan red flags to watch for →