In a recent notification, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has noted that

It is understood that some banks are furnishing a copy of the loan agreement only on request made by the borrowers. In this connection, we advise that not furnishing a copy of the loan agreement or enclosures quoted in the loan agreement is an unfair practice and this could lead to disputes between the bank and the borrower with regard to the terms and conditions on which the loan is granted.

The RBI has therefore directed all Scheduled Commercial Banks and Financial Institutions to

…invariably furnish a copy of the loan agreement along with a copy each of all enclosures quoted in the loan agreement to all the borrowers at the time of sanction / disbursement of loans.

While the RBI does a decent job of posting such notifications on its website, it’s certainly not the most effective way to reach the intended recipients – the people who take the loans. After all, how many among you take time off every week to read up on the RBI’s website?

Maybe it’s time the RBI started a consumer-education initiative; a weekly front-page column in a few leading newspapers should be a good start. What do you think?

Previous issues of Know Your Rights:

• From May 01, 2007 Your Bank Should Compulsorily Tell You Why Your Loan Application Was Rejected

• Your Bank Should Accept Cheques/Drafts Drawn In Fractions of a Rupee

Further reading:

1. Tip Tuesdays: When’s a Good Time to Pre-close a Personal Loan?

Public Service Announcement

From a recent RBI circular:

Guidelines on Fair Practices Code for Lenders

Earlier, Banks/FIs were advised that loan application forms in respect of priority sector advances up to Rs. 2.00 lakhs should be comprehensive and should include information about the fees/charges, if any, payable for processing, the amount of such fees refundable in the case of non-acceptance of application, pre-payment options and any other matter which affects the interest of the borrower, so that a meaningful comparison with that of other banks can be made and informed decision can be taken by the borrower.

The RBI now says:

With a view to achieving greater transparency and in the light of experience gained, it has been decided that the above instructions will be applicable to all loan applications in respect of all categories of loans irrespective of the amount of loan sought by the borrower.

Banks/FIs were so far advised that in the case of small borrowers seeking loans up to Rs. 2.00 lakhs the lenders should convey in writing, within stipulated time, the main reason/reasons which, in the opinion of the Bank/FI have led to rejection of the loan applications.

The RBI has amended that to:

On a review, it has been decided that in case of all categories of loans irrespective of any threshold limits, including credit card applications, Banks/FIs should convey in writing the main reason(s) which, in the opinion of the Bank/FI have led to rejection of the loan applications.

Necessary modifications in the Fair Practices Code based on the above instructions, with the approval of the Board, should be carried out by April 30, 2007. The modified Fair Practices Code should be placed on the Bank’s/FI’s website and also given wide publicity.

Further reading:

1. Tip Tuesdays: When’s a Good Time to Pre-close a Personal Loan?

What is the EMI I have to pay on a 20-year Rs. 20 lac housing loan at 9.5%? By how much does the EMI change if I opt for a 14-year housing loan at 9%? What is the toal interest amount I end up paying over the term of the loan? How is the EMI I pay split between the prinicpal and interest repayments?

If these are questions that have played tricks on your mind, the Indian Home Loan EMI Calculator is for you. It’s an Excel workbook I designed to test my understanding of finance (and Excel). The model works well and validates the figures given in popular finance magazines such as Outlook Money and Money Today.

Download the Indian Home Loan EMI Calculator.

Using this EMI calculator is quite simple. You will find 6-worksheets inside the workbook: one each for a loan term of 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 years. First select the appropriate worksheet. For example, for a 16-year loan tenure you should select the worksheet titled “16 Years.” On the top-left corner is a section titled Loan Parameters. You will have to key-in two figures:

1. Principal (or Loan Amount) – The amount of loan you wish to apply for
2. Rate of Interest – The interest figure quoted by the bank

Once you have entered these two values, you will instantly see the loan repayment schedule (with principal and interest components) alongwith summary figures such as Total Interest paid and Total Amount Paid Back.

At a beginner level, leave the other two parameters viz. Repayment Time and Compounding Factor at the default setting. By default, the workbook has repayment schedules worked out for a loan amount of Rs. 20 lac at 9% interest.

Let me know if you have any difficulties in using this workbook. Suggestions for improvements are most welcome.