Digital lending app

A digital lending app, or DLA, is an app or website through which you apply for and get a loan online. Under RBI's rules, the actual lender behind a genuine app must be a regulated entity, such as a bank or an NBFC, and the app must name it.

Check that the app names its lender and that the lender is regulated by RBI. RBI also publishes a directory of digital lending apps reported by regulated lenders on its website, under Citizen's Corner. RBI says the list is based on lender submissions without its own checks, so treat it as a first filter. Check the current RBI rules.

Under RBI's Digital Lending Directions, 2025, apps of regulated lenders are not supposed to access your contacts, call logs or files and media, except limited one-time access for KYC with your consent. An app that demands your contact list is a red flag.