Top 10 Loan Apps for Urgent Loans in Kenya

With the increasing demand for instant financial solutions, borrowing in Kenya has undergone a significant transformation. A myriad of urgent loan apps have emerged to meet the diverse needs of Kenya’s population. 

These apps have not only changed the borrowing experience but have also compelled traditional banks to adapt to the changing dynamics of the financial sector.

So whether you need a short-term loan for your business or personal use, you can now choose from many loan app options.

The good thing is that you can access these loans from wherever you are without having to visit the bank. However, navigating the best one can be challenging, as each loan app has different offerings and requirements. 

In this article, we delve into the world of urgent loan apps in Kenya, shedding light on the top ten contenders in this competitive arena.

These apps have gained prominence for their swift loan approval processes, minimal requirements, and hassle-free transactions. 

Gone are the days of lengthy paperwork and stringent collateral requirements. Let’s help you pick the right loan app. In no particular order, these are our top picks. 

Tala

When you talk about the best urgent loan apps in Kenya, there are a couple of reasons Tala Loan can be a top choice for people in Kenya.

To start with, Tala is easy to access and all you need is a smartphone and an internet connection to use the Tala app. 

You just download the app from the Google Play Store, sign up, and you’re good to go. No long queues or endless paperwork. The loan application process is also easy with Tala and is pretty straightforward. 

Plus, Tala offers low-cost loans with simple repayment plans. Loans range from Ksh 500 to a maximum of Ksh 50,000, depending on which tier you qualify for. 

Another thing that makes Tala stand out is the repayment option. Tala offers borrowers a 14-day extended repayment plan at an 8% fee with an offer of a loan limit increment if they make the payment on time. 

Timiza

Timiza is another urgent loan app in Kenya making waves. Unlike traditional loan applications that involve heaps of paperwork, getting a loan through Timiza is as simple as making a phone call!

Once approved, the loan amount is transferred to your Timiza account in a breeze. But Timiza is just about the loans alone. Timiza offers other services such as money transfers, insurance, bill payments, and savings accounts, which makes it your one-stop solution for financial services. 

The requirements for Timiza loans include a transaction history with Timiza, regular use of Safaricom services, and active membership with M-PESA for at least six months.

However, you might not be able to access a Timiza loan if you have been listed by Credit Reference Bureaus (CRBs) due to past defaults or having a low credit rating.

One of the significant benefits of using Timiza is its higher loan limits compared to other platforms. Additionally, the app offers reduced facility fees, rewards for prompt payments, and a range of financial services to meet diverse needs.

To increase your Timiza loan limit, consider engaging more with the app, utilizing M-PESA and Safaricom services, repaying your loans on time, and maintaining a positive standing with the Credit 

Branch

Launched in 2017, Branch has made a name for itself as a user-friendly loan app with a frictionless onboarding procedure. Branch loan app offers a plethora of loans, ranging from medical, business, travel, personal, and emergency loans. 

Customers can choose repayment durations of up to 336 days, with a minimum repayment period of 60 days for each loan amount. It is the best loan application for those seeking to fund big-ticket purchases or expenses like vehicle repair, home improvement, or medical bills. 

You can borrow as little as Ksh500 and go as much as Ksh300,000, depending on your needs. The monthly interest rate is 1.7%–17.6%, and it has a flexible loan term of 9 to 52 weeks, depending on the amount borrowed.

The major upsides of using the loan app include no collateral requirement, competitive interest rates, data security, flexible repayment schedules, and transparent loan terms.

The branch also guarantees a hassle-free and ethical borrowing experience with no aggressive debt collection practices.

To apply for a loan, users simply download the Branch app, sign up using their phone number, BVN, and bank account number, and grant access to device details, SMS records, contacts, and GPS data.

Branch uses this information to generate a credit score, which determines loan eligibility, repayment plans, and interest rates.

Zenka

Looking for a loan app that allows you to extend your loan repayment without extra charges?

Then Zenka might just be for you. Zenka Loan App lets you borrow from Ksh500 to Ksh80,000, after an upward review from Ksh30,000, at a competitive interest rate of 9–39% and a repayment term of up to 61 days.

As a first-time borrower, you can access their loan limits interest-free when you repay within five days. But the good thing is that you can pay their loan in two installments over a particular loan term without progressive interest charges. 

You can also choose to opt for an adjustable repayment period under the ZenkaFlexi option, in which the payback time frame is extensible to 12 months.

It doesn’t stop there. Zenka allows you to apply for additional loan amounts under the condition that the active loan is below the credit limit.

But what happens if you fail to pay your Zenka loan? A 1% penalty rate will be charged on your outstanding loan after the lapse of the loan term. 

Zash

While Zash excels at providing immediate cash for emergencies, it may not be suitable for larger or ongoing financial needs.

Nevertheless, for individuals seeking urgent loans and accessible financial assistance, Zash Loan offers a reliable solution to bridge temporary financial gaps. Zash is on this list for many reasons.

The app offers several advantages, including transparency in interest and fee schedules, and high loan limits of up to Ksh. 50,000, and a simple application process for individuals aged 18 to 60 with a stable income.

Moreover, Zash prioritizes user security, ensuring that personal information remains protected throughout the borrowing process.

The requirements are fairly simple and attainable: be a Kenyan resident with valid national identification numbers, have active M-Pesa accounts, and provide accurate employment and contact details.

Loan limits range from Ksh. 800 to Ksh. 50,000, with an annual percentage rate capped at 25%.

Repayment options are flexible, allowing borrowers to repay their loans through M-Pesa or bank transfers. However, late payments may incur penalties of up to 3% per day, emphasizing the importance of timely repayment.

LendPlus

Thinking of loan extensions? Then check out LendPlus. Borrowers can enjoy extended repayment durations and increase their loan limits by making early or on-time repayments.

LendPlus Loan App generally offers a reliable solution for Kenyans seeking quick access to funds.

LendPlus provides fast digital loans with loan limits of up to Ksh30,000 and a daily interest rate of 2%. You can repay the loan within 30 days, with the option to extend the repayment period if needed.

Qualifications for LendPlus loans are pretty straightforward: you must be a Kenyan citizens aged 21 or older, have a stable source of income, possess a valid national identification card, and have an active M-PESA mobile wallet. 

Other benefits of using LendPlus include flexible repayment options, high loan limits, multiple loan repayment extensions, quick approvals, minimal documentation requirements, and early repayment benefits. 

The application process for a LendPlus loan is simple and can be completed within minutes through the LendPlus app. Once approved, funds are disbursed directly into the borrower’s M-PESA account. Repayment can be made conveniently through the app or via the M-PESA Pay Bill service.

iPesa

With over 500,000 downloads and a commendable 3.9-star rating on the Play Store, iPesa Loan has swiftly become a preferred choice among borrowers in Kenya. 

iPesa offers loans from 500 to 50,000 Kenyan shillings, ensuring Kenyans have access to funds at anytime. A particular perk that makes iPesa sit on the list of Kenyan’s top loan apps is its quick loan application process and prompt fund transfer. 

With just a few clicks, approved loans can be disbursed directly to borrowers’ mobile money accounts within minutes. 

When you also consider iPesa’s competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you will notice a seamless process that allows borrowers to manage their loans conveniently. 

Additionally, iPesa’s eligibility criteria are straightforward. It also has multiple contact channels available for customer support for accessible assistance whenever needed. 

Hustler

If you run a small business, you will recognize the need for regular cash inputs. Whether it is to stock up on inventory or pay bills, getting urgent loans can be beneficial to keep your business afloat in times of emergency. 

This is why the Hustler Fund loan comes in on this list. Hustler loan services range from credit, savings, insurance, pensions, and investment opportunities while focusing on providing bottom-of-the-pyramid financial services to Kenyan citizens.

Launched on November 30, 2022, the Hustler Fund loan app aims to provide Kenyan residents with loans, with an initial finance pool of 50 billion shillings annually for at least five years. 

By January 2, 2023, 20 billion shillings had already been disbursed, offering various loan types, including microloans, personal loans, SME loans, and startup loans, with an annual flat interest rate of 8%.

Eligibility criteria are quite simple and recipients of the Hustler Fund loan include individuals managing SMEs, with access to both short-term savings plans and long-term pension programs.

Repayment of the loan is facilitated through the mobile money account, ensuring convenience for borrowers.

Moreover, the Hustler Fund extends its support to groups and cooperatives, offering low-interest loans to aid their growth and enterprise development.

Loan limits are determined based on group savings performance, promoting financial inclusion and empowerment within communities.

Mshwari

There are many reasons Mshwari is a good choice for Kenyans. Firstly, getting started with M-Shwari is seamless. All you need to do is to use M-PESA for at least 6 months, you’re good to go. 

Activate your M-Shwari account, and you’re all set. Once you’re all set up, you can start saving with as little as Kshs. 1 earn interest, up to 6.3% per year. 

Aside from this, Mshwari offers instant loans from as little as Kshs. 100 to Kshs. 50,000 on the spot with one month to pay back.

Repayment is equally easy and you can do it right from your M-Pesa or Mshwari account 

KCB

Kenya Commercial Bank has a long-standing reputation and extensive branch network across Kenya, establishing its trust for borrowers. The bank has a history of supporting the aspirations of Kenyans, whether it’s building homes, paying fees, or growing businesses.

An extension of its financial services is the KCB mobile app. This app provides easy self-service for Kenyans, like regular cash transactions and access to urgent loans. 

Note that the KCB mobile app is independent of the bank’s other mobile money service, that is the KCB M-pesa, which is affiliated with Safaricom.KCB (Kenya Commercial Bank).  

KCB caters to a wide spectrum of financial situations, from mortgage loans to KCB’s salary advance. These loans offer quick access to funds without the need for collateral, providing much-needed financial flexibility between paychecks.

FAQs

Conclusion

From zero-collateral to minimal requirements, loan apps offer the most discreet means of borrowing. You can conveniently borrow and repay with the extended repayment options available with these apps.

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