Banks everywhere have showcased their personal loans as their flagship product, but it must be said their interest ranges from 12% to a whopping 28%. While calls from the respective banks may show them as easy to apply and get, they do come with their own complication. When compared with gold loans personal loans may seem as a better alternative as there is no collateral to pledge, here are 5 reasons why the gold loan is still better than a personal loan.
Lower Rate of interest
Gold loan rate of interest is cheaper compared to an ‘unsecured’ personal loan. A loan against gold can be obtained for 13%–16%, whereas the rate of interest on a personal loan hovers between 12% and 24%. Added to processing costs and service charges a sizeable chunk of loan is spent on the loan provider itself. On the other hand, gold loans are pretty straightforward when it comes to processing.
Easy Documentation
When compared with a gold loan, a bank’s personal loans comes with a long list of required document as well documents which need to be safeguarded. Since Indel’s gold loans are of a secured nature loan, only minimal documentation is required. All someone needs to avail a gold loan is to produce a copy of a Govt mandated photo id and address proof.
Gold prices in India are likely to stay supported in the near term as long as global uncertainties around the US, Russia–Ukraine, Iran and China remain elevated, and investors continue to treat gold as a safe‑haven asset.
Yes, prices remain volatile. But as investors in the yellow metal, it is better to focus on discipline and asset allocation rather than let short-term headlines sway your ship.
With ongoing tensions in the Russia–Ukraine war, concerns around Iran, and renewed trade and geopolitical frictions involving the US and major economies, the global risk sentiment continues to be more or less fragile.
If we look at history, it is during such periods that international gold prices go up. In fact, internationally, gold hit fresh record highs of $4,700 per ounce recently. So if global investors have a great appetite for the strong safe-haven asset that is gold, why shouldn’t you?
As Indians, we know how our society is interlinked to gold. We, as a nation, are one of the world’s largest consumers of gold. And, domestic prices closely track global trends, adjusted for the rupee and taxes.
In January 2026, retail 24‑carat gold prices in India hover near all‑time highs, with quotes moving from around Rs 13,500 per gram at the start of the year to above Rs 15,000 per gram in the third week of the month. This is because the India demand remains firm, along with global support for the increasing gold prices.
Whether you need funds for a medical emergency, education, business expansion, or any unexpected expense, borrowing money is an important financial choice. Two of the most common options available in India are personal loan and gold loan in India. Each has its own advantages and potential drawbacks, and the right choice for you can make a big difference in your financial health.
At Indel Money, we believe informed decisions lead to better financial outcomes. This comparison will help you understand which option, gold loan or personal loan, is better suited for your needs.
A gold loan is a secured loan where you pledge your gold jewellery or coins as collateral with a lender in exchange for funds. The value of the loan depends on the purity and weight of the gold you offer.
Because the loan is backed by a tangible asset, lenders often provide higher loan amounts with comparatively lower interest rates. You retain ownership of your gold, and it is returned to you once the loan is repaid in full.
A personal loan is an unsecured loan, which means it does not require any collateral. The lender approves the loan based on your credit score, income stability, and repayment capacity.
Personal loans offer flexibility in usage. You can use them for virtually any purpose. However, since there is no asset securing the loan, interest rates tend to be higher than secured loans like gold loans.
One of the biggest differences between gold loans and personal loans lies in the interest rate.
Gold loans generally offer lower interest rates because they are secured by gold. This reduces the lender’s risk and allows them to provide more affordable borrowing options.
Personal loans come with higher interest rates since they are unsecured. Lenders price in the additional risk, which can increase the overall cost of borrowing.
Gold loans are sanctioned based on the value of the gold pledged, usually up to a certain percentage of the current market value. If you own gold, you may be eligible for a substantial loan with minimal documentation.
Personal loans depend heavily on your credit score, income level, and financial history. Even borrowers with strong credit profiles may face limits on the loan amount.
Gold loans are often processed faster, as the approval is primarily based on the valuation of gold. In many cases, funds can be disbursed on the same day.
Personal loans require income verification and credit checks, which can extend the approval process, especially if documentation needs review.
Both gold loans and personal loans offer flexibility in how the funds are used. However, personal loans are generally perceived as more flexible, as they do not involve collateral or restrictions related to pledged assets.
Timely repayment of both gold loans and personal loans can support a healthy credit score. On the other hand, missed payments or defaults on either type of loan can negatively affect your credit profile.
With a gold loan, failure to repay may result in the lender selling the pledged gold to recover the outstanding amount. This makes repayment discipline especially important.
Personal loans do not put physical assets at risk, but defaults can still lead to legal action and long-term damage to your credit score.
