How much can I borrow from a licensed moneylender in Singapore?

MoneySmart Team
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MoneySmart Team
| Updated June 26, 2026
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Part 35 of 52 from article series: Personal Loan General →
how much can i borrow from a licensed moneylender in singapore
Part of the SeriesPersonal Loan Guide

In Singapore, loan amounts offered by licensed moneylenders are strictly regulated and depend on your annual income and residency status. For unsecured personal loans, you can typically borrow from as little as S$500 up to 6 times your monthly income, based on how much you earn. Secured loans (backed by collateral) do not face any statutory cap, but the actual amount will depend on your assets and ability to repay. Below, find a full breakdown by income and residency.

Unsecured loan limits by income

Your maximum unsecured loan amount with a licensed moneylender depends on your income bracket, as shown in the table below.

Yearly Income

Singapore Citizens & Permanent Residents

Foreigners residing in Singapore

Less than S$10,000

S$3,000

S$500

S$10,000 to less than S$20,000

S$3,000

S$3,000

At least S$20,000

Up to 6 × your monthly income

Up to 6 × your monthly income

Reference: Registry of Moneylenders, MAS & Ministry of Law regulations, 2026

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Important factors and considerations

  • Secured loans: There is no legal limit on secured loans—amounts depend on your collateral’s value and your demonstrated ability to repay.

  • Total debt ceiling: Across all lenders (banks, moneylenders, etc.), your total unsecured borrowing cannot exceed 12× your monthly income under Singapore law.

  • Interest rates and fees: The maximum interest rate for licensed moneylender loans is capped by law at 4% per month. Origination and late payment fees are also strictly regulated.

  • Higher limits from banks: If your annual income is at least S$20,000, banks may offer larger loans (typically up to 10× your monthly income) and usually at lower interest rates compared to moneylenders.

  • Responsible borrowing: Only borrow what you can reasonably afford to repay. Moneylenders’ higher rates can cause fees and debt to snowball if you miss payments.

💡 MoneySmart Tip

Use trusted online comparison tools like MoneySmart's personal loan comparison to review personalised rates, eligibility, and requirements across major banks in Singapore—helping you make a more informed choice quickly.


Limit and licensing information draws on Ministry of Law regulations and MoneySmart’s 2026 compliance review. Always check the latest caps before you commit to a loan.

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Part of the SeriesPersonal Loan Guide

MoneySmart Team
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At MoneySmart, we help Singaporeans make smarter financial decisions by providing clear, independent advice, easy-to-use comparison tools, and practical tips to save, invest, and get the most from their money.