When does the bank offer loan settlement?

Summary

Loan settlement is an option offered by banks to those customers who are not able to pay EMIs for a long time and whose loan is declared as NPA (Non-Performing Asset). This process is applicable in cases where the bank feels that it will be difficult to recover the entire loan and proposes to close the loan account by taking partial payment from the customer.

Banks usually offer loan settlement only when— (1) the customer’s financial condition is very bad, (2) the loan is in default for more than 6 months continuously, (3) there is a need to avoid legal action, or (4) the bank sees little possibility of loan recovery.

Therefore, before going for a loan settlement, exploring other options such as loan restructuring, EMI rescheduling, or appealing to the bank for an extension of time may prove to be more beneficial. If a loan settlement is the only option, then it is mandatory to obtain a settlement letter and NOC (No Objection Certificate) in writing from the bank so that there is no legal or financial problem in the future.

Introduction

In today’s era, it has become easy to take a loan, but paying EMI on time is not possible for everyone. Many times, people are unable to pay their loan installments due to financial constraints, job loss, or any other reason. In such a situation, banks and financial institutions give their customers the option of “Loan Settlement”. But now the question is, when does the bank offer loan settlement? Is it available to every customer, or is it given only under certain circumstances?

Loan settlement is a process in which banks or financial institutions give the customer a chance to close the loan account by paying a part of the outstanding amount. This facility is given to those customers who are not able to pay EMI for a long time, and their loan comes under the category of NPA (Non-Performing Asset). However, this solution does not prove beneficial for everyone, as it affects your CIBIL score and may make it difficult to get a loan in the future.

However, loan settlement is seen as a last resort. This can harm your credit score and become a hindrance in taking new loans in the future. Therefore, one should try to pay off the loan in full if possible. It is very important to understand the process and make the right decision so that there is no negative impact on your financial situation.

In this article below, we will learn in detail what the process of bank loan settlement is, what its advantages and disadvantages are, and what options can be considered.

What is Loan Settlement?

It is a financial process in which the bank or financial institution allows the loan taker to settle the loan by paying a lesser amount instead of the entire outstanding loan amount. This facility is for those who are unable to repay their loans on time and are continuously defaulting.

Under a settlement, the bank can agree on a lump sum amount, which closes the loan. However, it is important to note that settling the loan can affect your CIBIL score, making it difficult for you to get a loan in the future. Therefore, it should be adopted only as a last option.

How does a Loan Settlement work?

When a person is unable to pay the EMI of his loan on time and the outstanding amount accumulates over a long period, the bank or financial institution offers the option of loan settlement. In this, the bank allows the customer to pay a discounted amount instead of the entire outstanding amount, thereby settling the loan matter.

The process of settlement comprises discussions between the bank and the customer, wherein the bank assures that the customer can’t pay the entire loan amount. Thereafter, the bank issues a single-payment offer, which is typically lower than the outstanding loan balance. On the payment of this settled amount by the customer, the bank marks the loan as “Settled”. Yet, this is not good for the CIBIL score since it is not treated as a “Complete Payment”.

Hence, loan settlement should be opted for as a matter of last resort, and if at all possible, loan repayment schemes, loan restructuring, or alternative financial solutions must be opted for so that the credit rating is not impacted.

How do I apply for a Loan Settlement online?

If you want to apply it online, then follow the easy steps given below:

Visit the bank’s website or app

• Open the official website or mobile app of your loan provider or bank.

• Sign up if you already have an account, then log in. Otherwise, create a new account.

Check the customer support section

• Go to the ‘Customer Support’ or ‘Contact Us’ section on the website or app.
• Here, you can find the option related to “Loan Settlement”, such as:
• Filing a loan-related complaint.
• Request form for loan settlement.

Fill out the request form for the settlement

• Select the “Loan Settlement Request” option.
• Fill in the required details, such as:
• Your name
• Loan account number
• Email ID and mobile number
• Reason (why you want to settle, such as financial problems or reduction in income).

Upload the required documents

• Upload documents that show your current financial situation, such as:
• Income certificate or salary slip
• Bank statement
• Any other proof that explains your problem.
• Upload all the documents by scanning them in the correct format (PDF or JPEG).

Submit and wait for the bank’s response

• Once you have submitted the form, the bank will verify your request.

• The bank will most likely contact you within 7-10 working days. They will notify you of the settlement through email, call, or message.

Read the bank’s offer

• The bank will make an offer to waive some portion of your pending amount. Carefully read it.

• If you accept the offer, go ahead. Otherwise, bargain further.

Make payment

• Pay the decided settlement amount from the bank in online payment mode.

• The bank will provide a payment confirmation and close your loan account.

What is the difference between a Loan Settlement and a Credit Card Loan Settlement?

Although both Loan Settlement and Credit Card Loan Settlement aim to provide relief to the borrower, there are some important differences between them.

Points of Difference	Loan Settlement	Credit Card Loan Settlement
Type	Settlement of any type of loan (personal, home, car, education, etc.)	Settlement of Credit Card dues only
Settlement Process	The bank fixes a lump sum amount, on payment of which the loan gets settled.	The credit card company settles the amount at a fixed amount.
Impact on CIBIL score	CIBIL score may drop by 50-100 points, and it may become difficult to get a loan in the future	There is a huge impact on the CIBIL score, and it may be difficult to get a new credit card.
Possibility of getting a loan in the future	You may face problems in getting a home loan, car loan, or any other loan	Credit card companies may refuse to issue the card.
Possibility of being blacklisted	Less	especially from credit card companies

What are the effects of a Loan Settlement on your CIBIL score?

• When a bank or NBFC reports to CIBIL that your loan is “settled”, your score drops immediately. The amount of drop depends on how good your score was earlier.

• Banks and financial institutions put customers who have settled their loans in the “high-risk” category. This means that in the future, if you try to take any type of loan (personal, home, car, education), your application may be rejected.

• If you have settled a loan, it may be difficult to get a credit card from any bank in the future. Banks look at your credit history, and if they see a “settled” status, they may refuse to give you a credit card.

• Even if a bank decides to give you a loan, you may get the loan at a very high interest rate. This is because banks consider you a risky customer and charge a higher interest rate to protect their money.

• Loan settlement information remains in your CIBIL report for at least 7 years. This means that even if you improve your financial behavior later, your settlement record will continue to be visible to banks and may affect your creditworthiness.

What are the ways to improve your CIBIL score after a loan settlement?

If you have settled the loan and now want to improve your CIBIL score, then you can take the steps given below:

• Pay all loan and credit card bills in full on time.

• If possible, try to change the “Settled” status to “Closed” by contacting the bank.

• Use credit cards limitedly and make full payments on time.

• Take a small loan and repay it regularly to build a new good credit history.

• Check the CIBIL report regularly and request that CIBIL rectify any mistakes.

When does the bank offer loan settlement?

As easy as it is to take a loan, repaying it can be equally difficult at times. Many times, people are unable to pay the loan EMI due to financial constraints, job loss, business losses, or other financial problems. When a customer is unable to pay EMI for several months in a row, the bank offers him a loan settlement. But this offer is not available to every customer, but is given only under certain circumstances.

Under what circumstances does the bank offer loan settlement?

• If a customer is not paying EMI for 6 months or more in a row, and the bank starts feeling that it will be difficult to recover the entire loan, then the bank can offer a loan settlement.

• If a person has become very weak financially, has lost his job, or is unable to work due to serious illness, then the bank can give the option of settlement.

• When a loan remains outstanding for more than 90 days, the bank declares it as NPA. In such cases, the bank can offer a settlement to reduce the losses.

• When there is a possibility of legal action by the bank against the customer and the case may drag on, the bank can offer a settlement to settle the matter quickly.

• If the bank feels that it will be difficult to recover the entire loan from the customer and that prolonging the case will cost more, then it can offer a settlement.

How do you choose the loan settlement service?

Here are some important points to consider that will help you choose the right Loan Settlement service:

Check the service provider’s credentials

Before hiring a settlement service, make sure that the service provider you are hiring is registered and certified with financial institutions and banks. Only a reliable service provider can provide you with the right guidance and support. Checking online reviews and customer feedback is a good way to do so.

Check the service charges and other expenses

Many service providers also charge a service fee, but make sure that the charges are not high and there are no hidden costs. Negotiate with the service provider beforehand about which services are free and for which you will have to pay extra.

Understand the settlement process

Carefully understand the settlement process offered by the service provider. Do they understand your entire situation and provide you with a better solution to negotiate with the bank? A good provider will give you complete information about the paperwork and the process so that you understand the entire process properly.

Make sure they are legally compete

You should also ensure that the service provider is legally recognized and aware of all the rights that are associated with the settlement of your loan. This will prevent you from facing any legal hassles in the future.

Consider other solutions as well

Before choosing the settlement process, make sure that the service provider also gives you information about alternative solutions like loan restructuring or new payment plans. These options can sometimes be better than a settlement and do not hurt your CIBIL score.

Customer support and communication

A good service provider will always stay in touch with the customer and resolve your problems properly. Make sure they answer your questions quickly and are ready to work with you in any difficult situation.

Join our service

If you are also trapped in the debt trap and are facing a financial crisis and want to adopt the path of Loan Settlement, then you can apply for our Loan Settlement service. We will help you in settling your loan. Along with this, we provide you relief from the burden of the loan within 6 – 8 months. If you want to get more information about our service, then you can contact us.

How long does it take for a Loan Settlement to be processed?

The time taken for the settlement process also depends on various factors, such as the policies of your bank or lender, the outstanding amount, and the communication between the two of you. Usually, this process can take from 1 to 3 months.

The first action in the process of settlement is to approach the bank, where you tell your problem and payment status to the bank. Then, the bank proposes a settlement offer according to your situation. In case you agree with that proposal, you need to pay the amount to the bank within the agreed time. The bank indicates the loan as settled, and this would take some time.

The longer this entire process continues, the more it can impact your CIBIL score, so it is preferable to resolve the issue sooner.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Loan Settlements?

It has the following advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages (Pros)

• Loan Settlement improves the financial condition of the borrower.

• By doing a Loan Settlement, you can manage your income and costs better and avoid a financial crisis in the future.

• The heavy burden of debt often causes mental stress. With Loan Settlement, the borrower gets relief from this stress, and he can find mental peace in his life.

• Through Loan Settlement, the borrower gets a chance to get part of his debt waived off.

• This helps to improve his financial condition and gives him relief from a heavy financial burden.

• Although a Loan Settlement can affect the borrower’s credit score, by following the agreement on time and properly, he can gradually improve his credit score.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• In the future, the borrower may have difficulty in getting loans from these institutions.

• Through Loan Settlement, the entire loan of the borrower is not waived off. He still has to pay some amount, which can affect his financial condition.

• During a Loan Settlement, the agreement between the bank and the borrower has many conditions. The borrower is required to follow these conditions, which can limit his freedom.

• After a Loan Settlement, the borrower’s credit score may be affected.

• Loan Settlements may create difficulties in taking new loans or obtaining credit cards in the future.

• Due to a Loan Settlement, the borrower’s relationship with the bank and other financial institutions may deteriorate.

Conclusion

Loan settlement is an option that the bank offers to customers in special circumstances. When a customer is unable to pay EMI for several months in a row and his financial condition becomes very bad, then the bank offers a loan settlement. This offer is usually given when it becomes almost impossible to repay the loan, and the bank starts feeling that it will not be able to recover the entire amount.

However, it is also important to note that loan settlement is not an ideal solution. It is just a way to reduce losses for both the bank and the customer. When a person settles the loan, it directly affects his CIBIL score, which may make it difficult to get a loan or credit card in the future. Therefore, before deciding on a settlement, it is important to understand its advantages and disadvantages thoroughly.

If you are facing difficulty in repaying the loan, then first talk to the bank and look for the option of EMI restructuring or loan extension. Many times, banks adopt such measures to provide relief to the customers. But if loan settlement is the only option left, do it wisely and try to improve your credit history for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)