The convenience comes at a cost depending on the instant loan app that you use. In addition, the terms and conditions including the interest rates vary across apps. You can increase your loan limit by repaying on time but the repayment period remains the same.
Most people turn to instant loan apps when faced with an emergency. While you may be pressed to get money fast, you need to understand the terms and conditions first. You do not want surprise penalties or reminders of pending repayments when you have no money to pay.
We have made it easy for you. This article reviews the top apps that you can download and access a quick loan in Kenya. Here is the list of the top instant loan apps.
Top Instant Loan Apps in Kenya
Mshwari
Mshwari is a Mobile banking service offered through M-Pesa in partnership with the Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA).
The minimum loan amount that can you can borrow is Ksh 100, and the maximum loan limit is unknown. To qualify for a higher loan limit; one is required to have repaid the first loaned amount on time, and also increase your saving amount in your account.
Mshwari loans usually have a repayment duration of 30 days and attract an interest rate of 7.5%. Loan disbursement is done through Mpesa and processed in less than five minutes.
It is important to note that this is one of the best mobile loan solutions that are easy to get with minimum requirements.
Loan application requirement on Mshwari
To qualify for a loan from Mshwari loan, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Safaricom subscriber and have Mpesa enabled for your line.
- A registered and active Mpesa line used for six (6) Months
- Active Mshwari account
- An updated Mpesa menu
Tala
Tala (formerly Mkopo Rahisi) is an Android App that serves customers in real-time. The owners of the Tala Company refer to themselves as data scientists, customer experience designers, and finance wizard. The engineers use alternative data to assess the credibility of billions of people who are financially underserved.
Tala is not only a leading instant loan app in Kenya but also in Tanzania, the Philippines, and Mexico. According to the data on the company’s official website, 85% of the customers get approval in less than 10 minutes. Customers do not require any collateral to get a loan. This feature attracts thousands of Kenyans who do not qualify for bank loans for lack of collateral.
One feature that makes the app stand out from other instant loan apps is that it has no rollovers or penalties. Once you apply for a loan, you are notified of the amount you will repay and the repayment period. No hidden charges or penalties are charged on the amount. Hence, you can always calculate the outstanding amount at any given time.
For the Kenyan clients, Tala sends the approved amount to their Mpesa account within seconds. You can build your credit limit up to 50,000 Ksh by repaying every loan on time. The repayment schedule is flexible to accommodate different needs and earning periods.
KCB M-Pesa
KCB Mpesa is a partnership between the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) with Mpesa through Safaricom. The loan platform started in 2015 as a saving account and has been active ever since. It is possible to borrow without saving, and the loan disbursed through KCB Mpesa Menu on your phone.
The minimum loan limit is Ksh 50 and a maximum of up to Ksh 1,000,000. Loan interest is at a rate of 1.16% per month, with a one-off negotiation fee of 2.5%. The cost of a months loan is 3.66% with excise duty applicable to payments.
Conditions for Loan eligibility on KCB Mpesa
Being an active registered Safaricom Mpesa customer for six months is enough to qualify for a loan. Dial *844# and follow user prompts to activate our KCB-Mpesa account.
How to increase your KCB Mpesa Loan Limit
KCB Mpesa assess your loan repayment behaviour, saving history and monitors your Mpesa transactions activity to determine the amount of loan limit for you.
NOTE: KCB M-Pesa and Mshwari are accessible through Mpesa Menu on your phone or the Safaricom App. KCB Mpesa is also available through the KCB App.
Branch
The app works the same way as Tala and other instant loan apps. Customers can apply and get loans within seconds. However, the application process is slightly different. Other apps require you to download the app, register for the service, and apply for a loan on the app. Branch requires you to log in through your Facebook account.
Kenyan clients get funds on Mpesa while those in Tanzania get it via Tigo Pesa and Vodacom Mpesa. Nigerian clients get cash through their bank accounts. The app does not charge late fees and rollover fees, which relief to many borrowers.
Customers can increase their limit through timely repayments. The current limit is 50,000 Ksh. It is easy to view your loan limit and calculate the interest rates charged on the app. The customer is always in control of the finances. You can spend the loaned amount on anything as long as you repay on time.
Saida
Mobile solution developers in Kenya give clients more than one option of getting quick credit. Saida uses an alternative such as your phone calls, SMS, mobile data, and Mpesa account to determine if you are eligible for a loan. When you download and install the app, you will be required to answer a couple of questions.
After submitting your answers, the app assesses your data and sends a message with the amount you can apply for immediately. The unique feature about Saida is that it gives you reasons why you did not qualify for a loan. The app also gives you a guide on what to do to qualify for a loan in the future.
If your application is successful, Saida sends the amount to your Mpesa immediately. It also explains the repayment terms. The downside of using this app is that it takes up to an hour to give feedback on whether you can qualify for a loan or not. Other instant loan apps take minutes to give feedback.
Some clients complain of waiting for days and sometimes weeks to get feedback on their application. Others complain of poor customer service because the app lacks a phone number and social media platforms. However, the majority of customer reviews shows that the app is useful.
Haraka
Haraka, as the name suggests, offers a quick way and convenient way to apply for a loan on the go. The app requires you to register with your Facebook account. You will immediately view your loan amount, apply, and get cash on your mobile wallet.
The app uses data on your phone including SMS transaction history. It also evaluates your public Facebook profile. The data helps the owners to verify your identify and determine your affordability and credit scoring. Hence, you may want to maintain a clean record on Facebook to qualify for a higher amount on the app.
Haraka is available in several countries including Kenya, Swaziland, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. While the app has spread its wings to other countries, some Kenyans are complaining of the high-interest rates. Other complaints include non-reflecting repayments that lead to penalties and annoying reminders. The customer care is also below average based on comments from customers who were dissatisfied with the app.
Utunzi
Utunzi is among the most downloaded apps in Kenya for quick loans. Like other instant loan apps, the owners promise a quick decision on your application. The app sends money to your Mpesa account when your application is approved. Quick repayments translate to a higher loan limit.
The loan amount ranges from hundreds to thousands of Kenyan shillings. Unfortunately, many clients have had a bad experience when using the app. In addition to the high-interest rates, the loan amount does not grow as expected. The loan limit has remained the same for some clients who repaid on time.
We have reviewed the most downloaded instant loan apps in Kenya. The review should help you make an informed decision when looking for a quick loan. Remember to check the repayment terms and interest rates before confirming your application. Most apps give you only four weeks to repay the full amount. If you want to make a difference in this field, mobile solution developers in Kenya can help you develop an alternative loan app.
Timiza by Barclays Bank
The new app is currently available on the Google Play Store. Interestingly, the app will be available to all Kenyans who will be able to borrow or save cash whether they are customers at Barclays Bank or not.
By setting a limit of up to Sh. 150,000 without the hustle of security, the new app enables Small and Medium Enterprises to grow their businesses faster through easy access to credit.
How to get a loan via Timiza App
- *848#
- Accept the terms and conditions
- Proceed to save or borrow depending on your needs.
Zidisha
Zidisha is an international lending community that offers responsible, achieving people a chance to raise loans directly from ordinary people across the globe.
It’s an online microlending community that directly connects lenders and entrepreneurs. It bypasses the expensive local banks and intermediaries that charge very high-interest rates and offer a person-to-person platform that enables lenders and entrepreneurs to communicate openly and instantly.
Why Use Zidisha?
It's open to everyone: Collateral assets, bank account, guarantors, or salaried job to raise a loan are not required.
The fee charges are very affordable, each loan attracts 5% service fee.
The repayment terms are flexible: one chooses their own weekly repayment schedule.
Loans are funded by other Zidisha members.
Utunzi App
Utunzi App enables you to access unsecured personal loans in Kenya through your mobile. This Kenya money App: Utunzi mobile loan app enables you to access finance at any time and anywhere in Kenya.
The app is fast and easy to use. You will get quick loan approval decision.
Chapeo Capital
Chapeo capital provides short-term credit solutions, payroll processing functionalities, employee advances, and bill payment options at the convenience of one’s workstation via mobile phones.
The interests of the borrowers who are using the app to get money are very minimal. At times you might need some quick money. The best places to turn to for a money loan are Kenya mobile loans App and Chapeo capital being one of Kenya loans Apps to get a loan in Kenya.
Kopa Chapaa
Kopa Chapaa was established at the time as and facilitated by Faulu Kenya. You need to be an actual airtel money for six months user to qualify for a loan.
The minimum loan limit is Ksh 500, and the maximum limit is Ksh 100,000. The loan has a short payment duration of 10 Days.
It’s always good to check if you had been wrongfully blacklisted by the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB).