Digital lending has the potential to grow significantly in the near future. However, there is always a risk of untrustworthy loan applications. A positive note is that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has now made available on its official website the list of authorised digital lending apps (DLAs).
This helps you pick trusted fintech apps backed by regulated lenders.
Why Should You Use RBI-Approved Fintech Apps?
- The apps are from regulated entities (like NBFCs), making them safer.
- RBI’s Digital Lending Directions 2025 will lead to more visibility and better consumer protection.
- You are able to confirm any application on the RBI’s public directory to see if it is genuine.
Top RBI-Approved Fintech Apps (2025)
Here is a list of some popular fintech loan apps that are on the RBI’s legal list, or are widely recognised in curated RBI-approved app lists.
Popular RBI-Listed Loan Apps
| App | Lending Partner / Notes | Typical Loan Range / Strengths |
| MoneyTap | Works with NBFCs | ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 5 lakh, flexible credit line |
| KreditBee | NBFC-based | ₹ 1,000 to ₹ 5 lakh, good for first-time borrowers |
| CASHe | NBFC (e.g. Bhanix Finance) | ₹ 5,000 to ~₹ 1 lakh, credit line model |
| Navi | Navi Finserv Ltd. | Up to ₹ 20 lakh, for bigger personal loans |
| PaySense | Credit Saison India NBFC | ₹ 5,000 to ₹ 5 lakh, EMI-based repayment |
More Trusted RBI-Compliant Apps to Take into Account
- NoBroker Instacash – Very open about its operations; often gets a lot of praise and is listed among the top apps.
- mPokket – Benefit for learners or those with little or no credit history.
- FlexSalary, Buddy Loan, and TrueBalance – These are also the ones that are often mentioned in the lists of RBI-approved apps.
What’s New in RBI’s 2025 Guidelines
RBI’s 2025 guidelines on digital lending (DLAs) bring in significant checks and balances,
- Regulated Entities (REs) are required to report all their apps to the RBI’s CIMS portal.
- A public directory of DLAs is now kept up and made visible and clear.
- In case they operate with several lenders, the lenders must reveal all loan offers (matched + unmatched).
- The all-in APR (effective rate) should cover the processing fees, operating costs, and other charges.
Key Features of RBI’s 2025 Lending Rules
| Feature | Why It Matters to Borrowers |
| CIMS Portal Reporting | Public verification of app + lender relationship |
| Public Directory of Apps | Helps you check whether an app is legitimately linked to a regulated entity |
| Full Disclosure of Offers | You can compare all loan options, not just those that benefit the app |
| True APR | Avoid hidden or surprise costs |
Things to be Careful About
- RBI does not “certify” apps, but it lists the Digital Lending Applications (DLAs) of regulated entities.
- An app being on the list does not mean it is totally safe; read its loan terms very carefully.
- Always find out which NBFC or bank supports the app.
- Be careful with apps that say they have “RBI-approval” in their advertisements; the actual rule is more about being listed, not “RBI certified.”
Tips to Choose the Right RBI-Approved Fintech Apps
- Check the app name in the RBI’s DLA directory (through its website).
- Interest rates, tenure, and loan offers should be compared across apps.
- User reviews need to be read, particularly the ones describing the repayment experience.
- Only borrow the amount that you can repay, and also wisely select the repayment periods.
- Use the apps that have good customer support and clear policies.
Conclusion
2025 is a safer time than ever to use RBI-approved fintech apps for lending, due to the stronger RBI rules. But having a legal listing does not mean you should be careless. Use the RBI directory, read all terms, and pick apps that suit your financial needs.
When you use fintech wisely, you can access easy, regulated credit without putting yourself at risk. Choose smart, borrow responsibly, and build a healthy financial future.
