Best loan apps in Kenya
Accessing loans in Kenya has become easier thanks to the growing number of mobile loan apps that offer quick, unsecured loans. Many Kenyans are finding these apps helpful, especially for short-term financial needs. Some of these apps do not require a Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) check, making them accessible to individuals who may not have the best credit history. In this article, we explore some of the best loan apps in Kenya without CRB checks in 2024, including TruePesa Loan App, IZI Loan App, and several others.
Best Loan Apps in Kenya:
1. TruePesa Loan App
One of the most popular loan apps in Kenya is the TruePesa Loan App, which has gained massive traction due to its accessibility and user-friendly features. TruePesa offers instant loans with flexible repayment periods, and most importantly, no CRB checks are required.
The TruePesa Loan App is particularly attractive to Kenyans because of its high approval rates and fast disbursement. Once you apply for a loan, the money is sent to your mobile wallet, typically via M-Pesa, within minutes. The app caters to individuals who may have been listed by CRB or have no credit history, making it a go-to solution for many in financial need. TruePesa loans can range from KSh 500 to KSh 50,000, depending on the applicant’s eligibility.
2. IZI Loan App
Another popular app that offers loans without CRB checks is the IZI Loan App. Known for its simplicity, IZI Loan App provides users with a hassle-free borrowing experience. The app requires minimal information to get started, and within minutes, users can receive loan approvals and have funds deposited directly into their M-Pesa accounts.
IZI Loan App’s quick loan approval process has made it a popular choice among Kenyans. It allows borrowers to access loans of between KSh 500 and KSh 30,000 without the need for credit checks, making it a great alternative for those who have been negatively listed on CRB.
3. Branch
The Branch is another top loan app in Kenya that does not require CRB checks. It has been around for a while and is widely trusted by many. The app allows users to borrow money based on their mobile money transaction history. It is easy to use, and loans are typically approved within minutes.
With Branch, borrowers can access loans ranging from KSh 250 to KSh 70,000, depending on their creditworthiness. The loan app has flexible repayment terms, ranging from a few weeks to several months. While Branch does check your mobile money history, it does not rely on CRB data, making it a favorable option for those who may not have the best credit standing.
4. Tala
Fourth, Tala is one of Kenya’s pioneering mobile loan apps and continues to be a popular choice for borrowers who need quick cash without CRB checks. Tala uses alternative data, such as phone usage and social media connections, to evaluate a borrower’s creditworthiness.
You can borrow amounts ranging from KSh 500 to KSh 30,000, and the loan is disbursed within minutes of approval. Tala’s repayment period is flexible, with options ranging from 21 days to 30 days. For those concerned about CRB listings, Tala offers an accessible route to instant loans.
5. Okash
If you’re looking for a simple and fast loan application, Okash is a great option. The app is known for its easy-to-navigate interface and quick loan approval process. Okash provides loans between KSh 500 and KSh 50,000, and users can access their money without a CRB check.
Okash stands out for its short-term loan options and competitive interest rates. The app is particularly popular among young professionals and small business owners who need quick cash to handle unexpected expenses.
6. Zenka
Another, is Zenka, a mobile loan app that provides quick, unsecured loans to Kenyans without requiring a CRB check. It allows users to borrow money ranging from KSh 500 to KSh 30,000 with a repayment period of up to 61 days. Zenka’s loan approval process is fast, and the app is known for its transparency in loan terms and fees.
Zenka has been gaining popularity for its flexible terms and is a reliable option for individuals looking for loans without the hassle of a credit check.
7. Haraka
The Haraka is another mobile loan app that offers fast loans without the need for CRB checks. With Haraka, users can borrow amounts ranging from KSh 500 to KSh 15,000. The app evaluates your eligibility using mobile money transaction history, ensuring that you can access quick cash regardless of your credit history.
8. Mokash
Followed by Mokash, is known for offering quick loans to users who may not have access to traditional banking facilities. The app provides loans based on your mobile money history, and no CRB check is required for approval. Mokash is widely used for its simplicity and the speed at which loans are processed.
9. Timiza
The Timiza, powered by Absa Bank, is another mobile loan app that does not require CRB checks. Timiza allows users to access instant loans directly from their mobile phones. With Timiza, you can borrow amounts ranging from KSh 500 to KSh 100,000, depending on your mobile money history.
10. Saida
Finally, Saida is a unique loan app that offers loans to Kenyans without relying on CRB information. The app uses a different set of criteria to determine loan eligibility, such as your mobile phone usage patterns and M-Pesa transaction history. Saida’s loans range from KSh 500 to KSh 25,000, with flexible repayment terms.
Why are they considered best mobile loan apps in Kenya
These reasons revolve around their user-friendly features, accessibility, and the fact that they do not require a Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) check, which is a major barrier for many borrowers in Kenya.
1. No CRB Check Requirement
One of the primary reasons these apps are popular is because they do not require a CRB check. Many Kenyans may have been listed by the CRB due to past loan defaults or unpaid bills, which limits their ability to access loans from traditional banks and other formal lenders. By not requiring a CRB check, apps like TruePesa and IZI Loan App offer a lifeline to individuals who would otherwise struggle to get loans. This makes them highly accessible to a large portion of the population.
2. Quick Loan Approvals
The mobile loan apps are also considered the best because of their fast loan approval processes. Most of these apps, such as Branch, Tala, and Zenka, can approve loans within minutes of application. Unlike traditional banking methods that might take days or weeks to approve a loan, these apps use alternative data such as mobile money transaction history, phone usage patterns, and social media connections to evaluate an applicant’s creditworthiness quickly.
3. Ease of Use
These apps offer a smooth and intuitive user experience. From downloading the app to receiving funds, the process is simple and straightforward. Most of them have user-friendly interfaces that guide borrowers through the application process without the need for complex paperwork. With just a smartphone and a mobile money account (such as M-Pesa), users can easily apply for and receive loans.
4. Flexible Loan Amounts
Another key advantage is the flexibility in loan amounts. Apps like TruePesa and IZI Loan App offer loans ranging from as low as KSh 500 to KSh 50,000 or more. This makes them ideal for different kinds of borrowers, whether they need a small amount for an emergency or a larger sum for a business investment. The flexibility in loan amounts also makes these apps suitable for various financial needs, from daily expenses to unexpected emergencies.
5. Flexible Repayment Terms
Most of these loan apps, such as Branch and Tala, provide flexible repayment terms, allowing borrowers to choose repayment periods that work for them. Some apps offer repayment periods ranging from a few weeks to a few months, which is ideal for borrowers who may need some time to gather funds for repayment. This flexibility in repayment reduces the financial burden on borrowers and makes it easier for them to repay loans without stress.
6. Availability and Accessibility
These loan apps are widely available across Kenya and can be accessed from anywhere at any time, provided the borrower has an internet connection and a mobile device. Unlike traditional lenders that may require you to visit their physical branches, these apps allow borrowers to apply for loans from the comfort of their homes or workplaces, making them highly convenient.
7. Minimal Documentation
Most of these apps require little to no documentation to apply for a loan. Unlike traditional banks that may require payslips, bank statements, and other forms of identification, mobile loan apps like TruePesa and IZI Loan App usually just require basic information like your mobile number and National ID. This makes the application process quicker and easier, especially for those who do not have formal employment or a bank account.
8. Transparency in Fees and Interest Rates
The best mobile loan apps, such as Zenka and Okash, are transparent about their fees and interest rates. Borrowers are clearly informed about the total cost of the loan, including any applicable fees and interest, before they agree to the loan terms. This transparency helps borrowers make informed decisions about whether or not to take out a loan and reduces the chances of encountering hidden charges.
9. Reliability and Trust
Loan apps like Branch and Tala have built strong reputations in Kenya as reliable lenders. Over the years, they have gained the trust of borrowers through consistent service delivery and positive user reviews. Their long-standing presence in the market gives borrowers confidence that they are dealing with legitimate, trustworthy financial service providers.
10. Customized Loan Offers
Some apps, such as Tala and Timiza, offer personalized loan amounts based on the user’s mobile money transaction history and other behavioral data. This means that frequent users with a good repayment history can qualify for higher loan amounts over time, which encourages repeat usage and builds a loyal customer base.
Final Thoughts
The loan apps mentioned above provide a convenient solution for Kenyans who need quick access to cash without CRB checks. With options like TruePesa Loan App (+950% increase in searches), IZI Loan App (+800% increase), and others like Branch, Tala, and Zenka, borrowers have a wide array of choices to meet their financial needs.
