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Are quick loans good for financial emergencies?

Facing unexpected financial needs can be daunting. Find out if instant cash loans are good solutions for financial emergencies.

What are quick loans?

A quick loan, or an urgent loan, refers to a type of loan offered by non-bank financial institutions within a short time as immediate financial assistance. Approval and cash withdrawal can be instant.

Generally speaking, any Hong Kong resident aged 18 or above can apply. You'll be able to access urgent cash loans by just providing your HKID card and bank account details. There's no need to provide income proof, address proof or guarantor contacts. These no-documentation lenders accept loan applications 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Once approved, you can withdraw cash on the same day, even within a few hours.

Are quick loans too good to be true?

When faced with unexpected financial needs, some may go for the quickest loan option available, which can lead to hefty interest payments.

Money lenders are regulated by the Money Lenders Ordinance, which is more lenient than the Banking Ordinance. These institutes have lower credit requirements for borrowers, so it's easier and quicker to apply for loans with them than with banks.

Borrowing from a money lender requires minimal documentation and cash withdrawal can be done in just a few hours, making it high risk for both parties. To shift the risk to the borrower, money lenders often charge a higher annualised percentage rate (APR). The total interest you'll pay for the same loan amount will be significantly higher if you borrow from them!

How can I get a personal loan fast?

Personal loans with a bank are secured and can get approved quickly. Many bank loans allow you to apply online 24/7 with an app and without visiting a branch. It can take just a few steps for eligible applicants. Simply provide your ID card, income proof or other documents as required. It's possible to get application results in just a minute and withdraw cash on the same day. Also, borrowing with a bank usually gives you a higher loan amount. With flexible repayment options and cash rebates, it's a more efficient option in the long run.

Quick loans vs personal loans with a bank
Features Instant cash loan from money lenders HSBC Personal Instalment Loan Cash Instalment Plan
Regulated by Money Lenders Ordinance Banking Ordinance Banking Ordinance
Eligibility
  • Hong Kong resident
  • 18 years old or above
  • Hong Kong resident
  • 18 years old or above
  • Monthly income of at least HKD5,000
  • Eligible credit card holder
Documents required
  • HKID card
  • Bank account details
  • HKID card
  • Income proof
  • Address proof (if applicable)
  • No document needed (for auto payroll customers)
  • Income proof (for non auto payroll customers)
24/7 online application Applicable Applicable Applicable
Time needed for approval and cash Immediate Possible to get approval and withdraw cash in just a minute, if requirements are met Possible to receive cash the same day the loan gets approved, if requirements are met
Maximum loan amount Mostly below HKD1 million HKD3 million or 23 times your monthly salary, whichever is lower Varies, refer to product page for details
Annualised percentage rate (APR) Usually higher, which adds to your interest burden

As low as 2.38%

(varies, refer to product page for details)

As low as 5.25%

(varies, refer to product page for details)

Cash rebate Applicable

Up to HKD6,300

(varies, refer to product page for details)

Varies, refer to product page for details
Repayment 3 to 84 months 6 to 60 months 6 to 60 months
Quick loans vs personal loans with a bank
Features Regulated by Regulated by
Instant cash loan from money lenders Money Lenders Ordinance Money Lenders Ordinance
HSBC Personal Instalment Loan Banking Ordinance Banking Ordinance
Cash Instalment Plan Banking Ordinance Banking Ordinance
Features Eligibility Eligibility
Instant cash loan from money lenders
  • Hong Kong resident
  • 18 years old or above
  • Hong Kong resident
  • 18 years old or above
HSBC Personal Instalment Loan
  • Hong Kong resident
  • 18 years old or above
  • Monthly income of at least HKD5,000
  • Hong Kong resident
  • 18 years old or above
  • Monthly income of at least HKD5,000
Cash Instalment Plan
  • Eligible credit card holder
  • Eligible credit card holder
Features Documents required Documents required
Instant cash loan from money lenders
  • HKID card
  • Bank account details
  • HKID card
  • Bank account details
HSBC Personal Instalment Loan
  • HKID card
  • Income proof
  • Address proof (if applicable)
  • HKID card
  • Income proof
  • Address proof (if applicable)
Cash Instalment Plan
  • No document needed (for auto payroll customers)
  • Income proof (for non auto payroll customers)
  • No document needed (for auto payroll customers)
  • Income proof (for non auto payroll customers)
Features 24/7 online application 24/7 online application
Instant cash loan from money lenders Applicable Applicable
HSBC Personal Instalment Loan Applicable Applicable
Cash Instalment Plan Applicable Applicable
Features Time needed for approval and cash Time needed for approval and cash
Instant cash loan from money lenders Immediate Immediate
HSBC Personal Instalment Loan Possible to get approval and withdraw cash in just a minute, if requirements are met Possible to get approval and withdraw cash in just a minute, if requirements are met
Cash Instalment Plan Possible to receive cash the same day the loan gets approved, if requirements are met Possible to receive cash the same day the loan gets approved, if requirements are met
Features Maximum loan amount Maximum loan amount
Instant cash loan from money lenders Mostly below HKD1 million Mostly below HKD1 million
HSBC Personal Instalment Loan HKD3 million or 23 times your monthly salary, whichever is lower HKD3 million or 23 times your monthly salary, whichever is lower
Cash Instalment Plan Varies, refer to product page for details Varies, refer to product page for details
Features Annualised percentage rate (APR) Annualised percentage rate (APR)
Instant cash loan from money lenders Usually higher, which adds to your interest burden Usually higher, which adds to your interest burden
HSBC Personal Instalment Loan

As low as 2.38%

(varies, refer to product page for details)

As low as 2.38%

(varies, refer to product page for details)

Cash Instalment Plan

As low as 5.25%

(varies, refer to product page for details)

As low as 5.25%

(varies, refer to product page for details)

Features Cash rebate Cash rebate
Instant cash loan from money lenders Applicable Applicable
HSBC Personal Instalment Loan

Up to HKD6,300

(varies, refer to product page for details)

Up to HKD6,300

(varies, refer to product page for details)

Cash Instalment Plan Varies, refer to product page for details Varies, refer to product page for details
Features Repayment Repayment
Instant cash loan from money lenders 3 to 84 months 3 to 84 months
HSBC Personal Instalment Loan 6 to 60 months 6 to 60 months
Cash Instalment Plan 6 to 60 months 6 to 60 months

Smart financial planning

Applying for a loan is a solution to unexpected situations. However, beware of money lenders that charge high rates of interest. Remember to shop around and read the small print before applying for any loan product. It's better to opt for personal bank loans regulated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority under the Banking Ordinance.

While quick loans can help you out of immediate financial difficulties, they may not be the best option for big-budget items. Also, you'll still have to repay your loans with interest, which can pile up quickly. Failing to catch up with repayments can lower your credit score. So, be careful not to overborrow. Developing good saving habits and managing your finances properly can improve your financial wellbeing, helping you achieve your financial goals in the long run.

To find out more about personal loans, feel free to call us on (852) 2748 8080, or apply online now.

To borrow or not to borrow? Borrow only if you can repay!

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