Ever find yourself in need of some extra cash for an important expense, but payday seems ages away? Don’t worry, you’ve got options. Zenith Bank, one of the largest financial institutions in Nigeria, offers different types of loans that could be a perfect solution for your temporary money problems.
Getting a loan from Zenith Bank is actually pretty straightforward if you know the right steps to take. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get approved for a Zenith Bank loan so you can get your hands on the money you need as quickly and easily as possible.
History of Zenith Bank
Zenith Bank Plc was founded in May 1990 and began operations as a commercial bank in July of the same year. Following a highly successful Initial Public Offering (IPO), the bank became a public limited company on June 17, 2004, and was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on October 21, 2004.
Zenith Bank has grown into one of the biggest banks in Nigeria. With hundreds of branches across Nigeria and an easy-to-use website and mobile banking app, Zenith Bank is accessible no matter where you are. They strive to provide first-class customer service and financial solutions for individuals and businesses alike.
An Overview Zenith Bank Loans
Regardless of who or where you are, a Zenith loan offer might be useful, especially in an emergency. Getting a loan from Zenith Bank has recently gotten easier if you have an account with the bank.
Zenith Bank provides a comprehensive range of loan products, such as personal loans, business loans, and SME loans, with competitive rates and flexible terms to satisfy their customers’ financial needs.
Types of Zenith Bank Loans
Zenith Bank offers several loan options for individuals and businesses, including the following:
Education Loan
With this type of loan, parents can afford to pay their children’s tuition. This financing is for a limited time. The least facility amount is 100,000 Naira, while the highest facility amount is five million Naira.
The maximum period for the junior level is three months, and the maximum time for the tertiary level is nine months. After submitting a completed application form, the amount will be deposited straight into the child’s school account. Furthermore, the parent must have a Zenith Bank domiciled salary account.
Z-woman business package
The Z-woman business package is a sort of loan package that is only offered to female business owners, as the name implies. It is a low-interest loan designed to assist female-owned enterprises in expanding their business. This includes raw material purchases, capital requirements, raw material purchases, and infrastructure enhancements.
This loan is available to female-owned firms in a variety of industries, including confectioneries, beauty, agriculture, and others. Furthermore, you can borrow up to ten million Naira for a period of twelve to twenty-four months.
Mortgage Loans
Zenith Bank offers mortgage loans to its customers so that they can start and finish construction projects. These loans are also used to pay off mortgages.
Vehicle Financing
If you want to purchase a new or used vehicle, Zenith offers auto loans with flexible repayment terms of up to 5 years. These customers can be salaried individuals, corporations, or small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). This offer includes free shipping within Nigeria, three years of free servicing, free registration and insurance, and a five-year warranty.
A salary earner will be eligible for this loan provided they have the following requirements: a letter of referral from their company, employee status, confirmation, and six months of payslips.
SMEs and corporations must provide a Company Profile, updated audited accounts, bank statements, and a Personal Guarantee of a Director supported by a net income statement.
Retail Loans
This loan is in the form of a salary advance scheme. This is made feasible by offering a flexible lending solution that can meet your financial demands quickly.
Zenith Bank offers three retail loan options for individuals. These include:
- Mortgage Facility: For financing a new home purchase or renovation of an existing property.
- Personal Loans: This form of retail loan is designed expressly for a person’s financial needs. It’s also known as a consumer loan.
- Salary Advance: Short-term loans with repayment deducted directly from your salary. Provides quick access to funds for emergencies before your next paycheck. They offer up to 60% of the borrower’s earnings for less than 5% interest and a simple repayment plan. It is one of Zenith Bank’s quick cash loans that do not require collateral and provide financial assistance to people in need who are unable to secure traditional loans for a variety of reasons. Note that with the Zenith earnings Advance loan, you can borrow up to 60% of your monthly earnings.
The specific terms and eligibility criteria vary for each loan type based on your needs and Zenith Bank’s assessment of your ability to repay. Visit your nearest Zenith Bank branch to apply and get more details on the retail loan that suits your needs.
Receivable Discounting / Invoice Discounting
Zenith Bank will advance you a percentage of your accounts receivables, allowing you to unlock cash tied up in unpaid customer invoices. You can get up to 90% of invoice value within 24 hours.
Overdraft
Overdraft is a type of credit available to individuals who have a current account.
An overdraft allows you to withdraw more money from your account than your current balance. A maximum of twelve months is normally provided to pay this off. Furthermore, an overdraft can be divided into two types. The Timeless Pension Advance Plus and Timeless Pension Advance.
Creative Industry Financing Initiative (CIFI)
This type of loan is a collaboration between the Zenith Bank committee and the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide loans to businesses in the creative sectors like fashion, music, movies, technology, and other related enterprises. Depending on the project, you can borrow up to thirty million Naira for movie production, fifty million for movie distribution, and other enterprises. This loan has a term of ten years.
MSME Loan
Zenith Bank offers loans to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at affordable rates to help businesses expand. You may collect up to two million Naira for twelve months.
You must have a bank account with Zenith Bank that is at least six months old to qualify for this loan. Your company should be in one of these three industries: fitness, confectionary, or beauty. In addition, your company should be linked to one of Zenith’s bank electronic channels.
Lease
Zenith Bank provides customized credit to help with the acquisition of assets and other necessary equipment like vehicles, machinery, or office equipment. This loan falls into two categories: finance and leaseback financing.
LPO Finance
The LPO finance loan is another form of credit offered by Zenith Bank. This loan is designed primarily for customers who want to borrow money to support the delivery of materials or contract supplies to well-known companies. It Finances the procurement of equipment, raw materials, or inventory based on a Letter of Purchase Order (LPO) or proforma invoice.
Term Loan
A term loan is another type of credit available at Zenith Bank that can be used to finance a specific capital expansion or business. This credit can be repaid in three ways: balloon, bullet, or installment. Amounts and rates are negotiated based on your needs and risk profile.
Import Finance Facility
Zenith Bank offers an import finance facility, which is a sort of loan that allows for the importation of raw materials, finished goods, and equipment into the country.
Import finance could be made available in a variety of forms, including irrevocable LC, standby LC, deferred payment, unconfirmed LC, and confirmed LC.
Export Finance Facility
The export finance facility can be made available at either the pre-shipment or post-shipment stages of the transaction. This credit is intended for the exportation of commodities.
Bonds and Guarantees
Zenith issues bonds and guarantees to help businesses raise capital from investors or meet obligations. Bonds are bank loans, while a guarantee is a commitment tied to a bond. They help to increase your trustworthiness and ability to meet commitments, as well as generate reliant exposure for the bank.
How Can I Choose the Best Loan Offer For Me?
To choose the best Zenith bank loan offer for your needs, consider the following:
Interest rate
Compare the interest rates offered for different loan types like personal, business, mortgage, etc. Lower rates mean lower total repayment and interest charges.
Fees
Check for any additional fees like processing fees, prepayment penalties, or late payment charges. Less fees are better.
Loan amount
Make sure the amount offered meets your needs. Borrow only what you need to avoid paying unnecessary interest charges.
Repayment terms
Consider loan terms that fit your budget and ability to repay. Longer terms mean lower payments but higher interest paid. Shorter terms mean paying less interest but higher payments.
Additional benefits
See if the loan offers any useful benefits like a grace period, flexible payments, or loan discounts for existing customers. Extra benefits provide more value.
By evaluating these key factors for the different Zenith bank loans you’re interested in, you can determine which option is most affordable and suitable for your unique situation. Selecting a loan that you can repay comfortably will help you avoid delinquency and damage to your credit.
Zenith Bank Loan Eligibility
To qualify for a Zenith bank loan, there are a few basic requirements you’ll need to meet; these include:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have an active account with Zenith Bank
- Have a source of income (minimum of N10,000 monthly)
- Have a valid means of ID, including your National ID card, voter’s card, driver’s license, or international passport. Make sure the name and details on your ID match exactly with the information on your loan application.
- Have a good credit history
Once all these requirements are met, you can now apply for a Zenith Bank loan.
How to Apply for a Zenith Bank Loan
It is simple and quick to apply for a loan from Zenith Bank. You can apply via the USSD code, the Zenith Bank Mobile App, the Zenith Bank Website, or any of the Zenith Bank branches.
How to Borrow Money from Zenith Bank Using the USSD code
Let’s look at how to apply for a Zenith Bank instant loan using the USSD code.
Dial *966# to receive a loan from Zenith Bank via USSD code, then select the “Loan” option and follow the directions. Enter your personal information, then the type and the loan amount you want, then choose your preferred loan term.
You can also receive an instant loan from Zenith Bank by dialing *966*11#. Once you’ve completed all of this, confirm your loan request and your loan will be processed, and you will receive feedback within 24-48 hours.
How to Borrow Money from Zenith Bank Using the Zenith Bank Mobile App
Aside from the Zenith Bank USSD loan code, you can also get a loan through the Zenith mobile app.
Follow these steps to utilize the app to apply for Zenith Bank instant loan.
- Log in on the Zenith Bank app
- Click on the “More” option at the bottom of the home screen
- On the next page, click on “Product & Services”
- Now, Click on “Request Loan”
- Select your preferred loan type
- Enter the amount you want to borrow
- Select your preferred tenor
- Submit your loan application
- Once approved, it will be disbursed into your Zenith Bank account.
That is how easy it is to obtain a loan from Zenith Bank via the mobile app.
How to Borrow Money from Zenith Bank Branch
Aside from the Zenith Bank USSD loan code and the Zenith Bank loan app, you can also obtain quick loans from Zenith by visiting any of their bank branches. Here’s how you do it:
- Visit your nearest Zenith Bank branch with a valid form of identity and address verification.
- Ask the customer agent about their loan service, then get a loan application form.
- Complete and submit a loan application form together with supporting documents.
- Following loan approval, execute an offer letter outlining the loan terms and requirements.
- The loan will be disbursed into a salary account domiciled with the Bank.
Remember to obtain a copy of the loan agreement from the bank’s customer care representative before leaving the bank premises.
Zenith Bank Loan Application Duration
The loan application process typically takes between a few minutes to 6 weeks from the time applied or submitted the required documents to the final approval and disbursement of funds.
Application Duration
The exact time frame depends on a few factors:
- The type of loan you are applying for (personal, business, mortgage, etc.)
- How promptly you are able to submit all the required supporting documents
- The bank’s internal processing timelines
- Any unforeseen delays in the verification or approval stages
To ensure a smooth application process, submit your documents as early as possible. The bank will review your application and documents to verify the information. They will evaluate your eligibility and creditworthiness before approving or declining your loan request. It is in your best interest to provide accurate details and paperwork to avoid unnecessary delays.
Stay in regular contact with your loan officer to check on the progress. Be available to provide any additional details or paperwork should the need arise. Once approved, the funds are usually disbursed within 3-5 business days.
What Is The Maximum Or Minimum Amount I Can Borrow from Zenith Bank?
When applying for a loan from Zenith Bank, the minimum and maximum amounts you can borrow will depend on the type of loan.
There are no set minimum or maximum amounts. This is due to the fact that no two offers are alike. They differ in terms of requirements, specifications, and amounts. However, the highest amount you can borrow from Zenith Bank is fifty million Naira to five hundred million Naira, with a minimum amount ranging from ten thousand Naira to a hundred thousand Naira.
The specific loan amount you will be approved for depends on your repayment ability, which Zenith Bank will determine based on your income and other financial commitments. The higher the loan amount, the higher your income and the better your credit profile will need to be.
Zenith Bank Loan Repayment and Interest Rates
To repay your Zenith Bank loan, you’ll make fixed monthly payments that include principal and interest charges. The interest rate on your loan will depend on several factors, including:
- Your credit score and credit history
- The type of loan you take out (personal, auto, mortgage, etc.)
- The loan amount
- Current market interest rates
- Your relationship with Zenith Bank
In most cases, the interest rate will be fixed for the life of the loan, so your payments remain consistent. However, for long-term loans like mortgages, Zenith Bank may offer adjustable-rate loans where the interest rate could go up or down depending on overall market rates. Be sure to understand the terms before signing an adjustable-rate loan.
The loan repayment period, also known as the loan term, will also affect your interest charges. Shorter loan terms, like 2-5 years, will have higher payments, but you’ll pay less interest overall compared to longer 10-30 year terms. Choose a term that fits your budget and financial goals.
Note that late or missed payments will result in penalty fees and negatively impact your credit. If needed, contact Zenith Bank right away to discuss your options, such as a payment plan to get caught up and back on track.
Frequently asked questions
Have questions about getting a loan from Zenith Bank? Here are some of the most common FAQs:
What collateral do I need?
The collateral required depends on the loan amount and your ability to repay. It could be a personal guarantee, vehicle, property, savings, investments, or business assets.
How do I apply?
You can apply online, in person at a branch, or schedule a phone call with a loan officer. You’ll need documents like IDs, bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, property valuations, etc.
Can I pay off early?
Yes, you can repay your Zenith Bank loan early with no prepayment penalties. Paying off sooner will save on interest charges.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the key steps to getting a loan from Zenith Bank. Now that you know the requirements, documents, and process, you’re well on your way to securing funding for that new business idea, home renovation project, or whatever else you need capital for.
The application may seem tedious, but staying organized and submitting a complete application will increase your chances of getting approved and keep your interest rate low. If approved, be sure to use the funds responsibly and make repayments on time. With some discipline, that Zenith Bank loan could be just what you need to make your dreams a reality.