Many of us invest in assets like gold and property for the value they provide. These are often the first consideration for availing of loans. They offer an excellent opportunity to get a loan against collateral. However, there is also a risk of losing them, which is not ideal as they are valuable possessions. 

For avoiding dealing with such uncertainties, banks offer Loan against Securities. These are ideal for making use of the shares you own. You get to use the borrowed amount for any purpose. Be it medical emergencies, education, vacation, or wedding. Despite being a convenient option, many are unaware of it. However, learning about it helps protect your possessions and put your investment instruments to use. 

Eligibility

Anyone aged above 18 years with shares in Demat form is eligible. The Demat holder gets the loan. If a joint holding, you are free to decide the borrower's name. It is typically offered as short-term credit, and the amount depends on the share's market price. The stocks you pledge should be bank-approved. It is best to check the lenders' websites for any additional requirements.  

Individuals trading in the Indian financial market are preferred. If you are self-employed, you must prove ownership of the business, sole proprietorship, or limited company. 

Terms

You get two options for taking a Loan against Shares. One is a fixed-term loan that comes with a typical tenure of six to 12 months. The other method is the overdraft facility which has a period of 12 to 24 months. In the latter, you pay interest on only the amount borrowed. It offers the flexibility to withdraw and use directly from the account. Make sure to check for the type a lender offers and choose the one suiting your needs. 

Collateral type

The more profitable the security, the better the loan. Hence, consider the transferability, marketability, and valuation of shares before pledging them. This is important for improving your chances of loan approval. It is also worth noting that the promised securities are not transferable until the loan gets repaid. 

Documentation

The loan application is straightforward. Hence, you require minimal paperwork to prove your eligibility. These include ID proofs, signature proofs, address proof, duly filed income tax returns, bank statements of at least three months, income proofs, etc. Besides, pledged security details are also required for verification. 

Process

You either apply offline or online, depending on your convenience. The procedure is almost similar. The only difference is the documentation and turnaround time. You start by filling in your basic details and submitting the supporting documents. Instant loans get disbursed within 24 hours. Most banks offer Loan against Securities as overdrafts, so disbursal gets completed quickly.