UNOBank Loan Evaluation: Is This Online Bank a Suitable Solution for Your Financial Requirements?

In an ever-changing financial landscape, it’s crucial to stay on top of your financial health. No matter how savvy you are with money, life has a way of throwing unexpected financial challenges our way. Whether it’s an unforeseen medical expense, a sudden car repair, or simply running low on funds during the dreaded “petsa de peligro,” we all encounter situations where we need quick access to cash. That’s where cash loan providers come into play, and one such provider in the Philippines that’s making waves is UNO Digital Bank, also known as UNOBank.

But how reliable is UNOBank when it comes to solving your financial problems? Before you decide to apply for a loan, it’s essential to conduct a thorough review to determine if this digital bank can truly meet your cash needs.

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Introduction: What is UNOBank?

Before delving into our comprehensive UNOBank loan review, let’s take a closer look at UNOBank itself. Established in 2016, UNOBank was founded by a team boasting more than a century of combined experience in the realms of banking and technology. The bank’s primary mission is to simplify and make banking more accessible, a vital goal in a nation like the Philippines, where over 30 million individuals were still unbanked as of 2022.

As one of the pioneers of neobanking in the Philippine market, UNOBank offers an extensive array of banking products and services that are exclusively digital. This means there’s no need to venture to a physical branch to open an account or apply for a cash loan. Every transaction you undertake can be seamlessly executed through the UNO Digital Bank mobile app. Furthermore, UNOBank goes the extra mile by allowing you to link your GCash account to your UNOBank account, enabling you to open a savings account that offers an attractive annual interest rate of up to 6.50%.

Legitimacy: Is UNOBank Legit?

A paramount concern when considering a digital bank is its legitimacy. UNOBank may be relatively new to the scene, but it holds the same level of legitimacy as traditional banks and other top online loan providers in the Philippines. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the central bank of the Philippines, has recently granted UNOBank a banking license, placing it on equal footing with well-established financial institutions.

Moreover, for added peace of mind, UNOBank deposits are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC). This insurance coverage ensures that each depositor is entitled to protection of up to ₱500,000, offering a safety net for your hard-earned money.

UNOBank Loan Features: Why Should You Apply for a Loan with UNOBank?

Are you eager to explore what UNO Digital Bank has to offer in the Philippines? Securing a loan through UNOBank is as simple as a few taps on your mobile phone screen. However, before you rush to download the app, let’s take a closer look at the key features that set UNOBank apart as a prominent player in the dynamic landscape of banking and fintech.

No Collateral Needed

One standout feature is that UNOBank does not require collateral or a co-maker when applying for a loan. This hassle-free approach makes it easier than ever to access the funds you need to address emergencies and financial challenges swiftly.

Multi-Purpose Loan

UNOBank’s flexibility shines through its multi-purpose loan offering. Whether you’re grappling with medical bills, tuition expenses, rent payments, or are looking to fund your dream wedding or vacation, UNOBank’s loan can cater to your diverse financial needs. You have the flexibility to borrow as little as ₱10,000 or as much as ₱200,000, depending on your requirements.

Simple Application Process

UNOBank stands out due to its digital-only approach. There’s no need to visit a physical branch or endure long queues at a bank. Simply download the app, complete the electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) process, and you’re well on your way to securing the loan you need. Notably, you don’t need an existing credit card or bank account to initiate your application.

Instant Loan Disbursement

UNOBank streamlines the loan disbursement process for maximum convenience. Once your loan application is approved, the funds are deposited into a dedicated UNOBank account created solely for your loan. What’s more, you can effortlessly manage your loan repayments through the same UNOBank Digital Banking app. Just deposit your payments into the designated account, and UNOBank will automatically deduct them every month, ensuring a hassle-free repayment experience.

Flexible Payment Terms and Schedule

UNOBank is committed to making loan repayments easy on your wallet. In addition to the convenient auto-debit feature, you can select from a range of affordable financing term options. You have the flexibility to repay your loan over 6, 12, 18, 24, or 36 months, all at competitive interest rates starting as low as 1.79% per month. Additionally, UNOBank offers options for partial payments and loan pre-termination, enhancing the flexibility of your repayment journey. Your monthly installment schedule is tailored to your salary frequency and salary credit date declared during the loan application process.

If your salary is credited once a month, your payment schedule will be based on the following:

• Salary credited on the 30th: Due date set on the 1st
• Salary credited on the 5th: Due date set on the 6th
• Salary credited on the 10th: Due date set on the 11th
• Salary credited on the 15th: Due date set on the 17th
• Salary credited on the 20th: Due date set on the 21st
• Salary credited on the 25th: Due date set on the 26th

If your salary is credited twice a month, your payment schedule will be based on the following:

• Salary credited on the 1st and 16th: Due date set on the 17th
• Salary credited on the 5th and 20th: Due date set on the 21st
• Salary credited on the 10th and 25th: Due date set on the 26th
• Salary credited on the 15th and 30th: Due date set on the 1st

Safe and Secure Platform

Beyond regulatory legitimacy, UNOBank prioritizes security. The UNOBank Digital Banking app incorporates robust security features to ensure that every transaction is as secure as possible. Users can opt to use a password or their device’s biometrics for added security. Furthermore, each transaction requires a one-time password (OTP) to provide an extra layer of protection, safeguarding your financial assets.

UNOBank Loan Review: What People Are Saying

While the features and promises of a financial institution are important, it’s equally vital to gauge real-world experiences. What do individuals who have previously borrowed from UNOBank have to say about their experiences? In this section of our UNOBank loan review, let’s explore the feedback and testimonials from past borrowers regarding UNOBank’s loan product.

Great Customer Service

One pivotal factor in evaluating any company is the quality of customer support it offers. UNOBank excels in this aspect. Early reviews indicate that UNOBank has been exceptionally responsive in addressing customer concerns related to its newly launched app. Customer support consistently engages with user comments on the App Store and Play Store, assuring customers that UNOBank is actively working to rectify any issues encountered by users.

Convenient Features

In a fiercely competitive market, UNOBank manages to stand out, primarily due to its feature-rich mobile app. Unlike some other banking apps that impose cash-in fees on customers, UNOBank ensures that most basic transactions, including cash-ins and real-time money transfers, remain free of charge. UNOBank has also expanded its service offerings, incorporating more billers for convenient in-app bill payments. Moreover, it has introduced additional features such as QR code payments and cross-platform compatibility with GCash, further enhancing the convenience of its services.

App Improvements

It’s common for new apps to encounter bugs and glitches in their early stages, and the UNOBank mobile app is no exception. Initial users reported encountering issues such as difficulties logging into their accounts or challenges with biometric login. Some users also raised concerns about the app’s integration with GCash. However, thanks to UNOBank’s dedicated customer service team, these bugs were swiftly addressed during the app’s initial months of release. The willingness to tackle and resolve these issues demonstrates UNOBank’s commitment to providing a seamless user experience.

UNOBank Pricing and Fees

When considering a loan, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the associated fees. Here are the fees you need to take into account when applying for a loan with UNOBank:

• Processing fee: This fee amounts to 3% of the loan amount or ₱500, whichever is higher. It serves as a one-time handling fee deducted from your loan to cover the cost of processing your loan application. Importantly, this fee applies exclusively to new loan customers.
• Documentary stamp tax: Another fee to be aware of is the documentary stamp tax, which amounts to ₱1.50 for every ₱200. This fee covers the tax on documents, instruments, and loan agreements that serve as proof of the acceptance of a loan obligation. Similar to the processing fee, the documentary stamp tax is deducted from your loan proceeds.
• Late payment fee: It’s essential to make timely repayments to avoid incurring additional costs. UNOBank imposes a late payment fee equivalent to 5% of the unpaid installment or ₱500, whichever is higher. If you miss your loan payment on the due date, expect your subsequent payment to include this additional late payment fee.
• Loan pre-termination fee: If you have the means and wish to settle your online loan in full before the designated payment term ends, you have that option. However, keep in mind that doing so will require you to cover a loan pre-termination fee. While it amounts to 3% of the unbilled loan amount or ₱500, whichever is higher, early repayment can be a strategic move to manage your finances effectively in the long run.
• Monthly add-on rate: UNOBank’s loan carries a monthly interest rate of 1.79%. This monthly rate translates to an annual percentage rate (APR) ranging from 35.78% to 37.54%, depending on the loan term. The APR for each loan term is as follows:

UNOBank Loan Calculator

For borrowers, having a clear understanding of the potential interest rate and monthly installment is essential. It enables you to assess whether you can comfortably manage your loan on a monthly basis. Here’s a simple guide on how to calculate your UNOBank loan’s interest rate and monthly installment before applying:

To begin, calculate the interest payable by multiplying the loan amount with the add-on rate and your chosen loan term. For example, if you plan to apply for a ₱100,000 UNOBank loan with a 12-month repayment period, the interest calculation would look like this:

• Interest = Principal Amount x Monthly Add-On Rate x Loan Term
• Interest = ₱100,000 x 1.79% x 12 months
• Interest = ₱21,480

Next, to compute your monthly payment for the 12-month loan duration, add the loan amount to the calculated interest and divide it by the loan term, which is 12 months in this instance. The formula is as follows:

• Monthly Payment = (Principal Loan Amount + Interest) / Loan Term
• Monthly Payment = (₱100,000 + ₱21,480) / 12 months
• Monthly Payment = ₱121,480 / 12 months
• Monthly Payment = ₱10,123.33

This calculation provides you with a clear estimate of your monthly installment for the UNOBank loan, helping you make an informed decision regarding your financial commitments.

UNOBank Loan Eligibility and Documentary Requirements

Before you embark on your loan application journey, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria and documentary requirements set forth by UNOBank. These criteria are relatively straightforward and accessible. Below, we outline the prerequisites to determine if you qualify for an UNOBank loan.

UNOBank Loan Eligibility

UNOBank offers its suite of products and services to both salaried and self-employed individuals. As long as you meet the following eligibility criteria, you are eligible to apply for an UNOnow loan with UNOBank:

• Age between 21 and 65 years old (with a maximum age of 65 upon loan maturity)
• Filipino nationality or citizenship, excluding U.S. citizens
• Reside and/or work within select areas, including Metro Manila, Rizal, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga, Cavite, Cebu, Batangas, and Iloilo
• Minimum annual gross income of ₱180,000 or ₱15,000 per month
• If employed, a minimum tenure of at least six months with your current employer
• If self-employed, your business should have been in operation for a minimum of two years

UNOBank Loan Documentary Requirements

Initiating your UNOnow loan application is a straightforward process, requiring only three essential onboarding requirements:

• Contact Details: To kickstart your application, you must provide an active mobile number and email address. These contact details are vital as they enable UNOBank to reach out to you throughout the application process.
• Selfie: As part of the eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) process, you’ll be asked to capture a selfie with liveness detection. This is a mandatory step for all applicants, ensuring maximum security for all accounts.
• Valid ID: To validate your identity, you need to scan a valid ID that includes key information such as your ID number, name, gender, and civil status. UNOBank accepts a range of valid IDs, including but not limited to:
  • Philippine Passport
  • Driver’s License
  • Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
  • Social Security System (SSS) ID
  • Philsys National ID
  • Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID

How to Apply for an UNOBank Loan

The application and approval process for an UNOBank loan mirrors the approach taken by other loan providers such as RFC Loan and Tonik Big Loan. It’s designed to be simple, quick, and straightforward. Below, we outline the step-by-step process to guide you through your application:

• Download and Install the UNOBank App: Begin by downloading and installing the UNOBank app from either the App Store or Google Play Store.
• Complete the Onboarding Journey: Launch the UNOBank app and initiate the onboarding process by providing all the necessary onboarding requirements. Additionally, select the specific loan product you wish to apply for.
• Initial Profile Assessment: Expect to wait up to 10 minutes as UNOBank conducts an initial profile assessment based on the information you’ve provided during onboarding.
• Provide Personal and Financial Information: To proceed with your application, you’ll need to complete your profile by supplying personal, employment, and financial information. You’ll also be required to answer the FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) and DOSRI (Directors, Officers, Stockholders, and Related Interests) questionnaires.
• Televerification and Residence Verification: Allow one to two days for UNOBank to carry out televerification and residence verification. These steps are crucial for the bank to validate your identity and ensure you meet the necessary criteria.
• Additional Documentation (If Required): If further documentation or checks are necessary, you will be notified via SMS. Additionally, you can monitor the status of your application directly through the UNOBank app.
• Review and Agreement: Upon approval of your application, you will be presented with the loan terms. Take the time to review these terms carefully and decide whether you agree to them. If you opt to proceed with the loan, you’ll be prompted to set a password and passcode for added security.
• Loan Proceeds: After approval, patiently await the credit of the loan proceeds to your UNOBank account. You can easily withdraw the loan amount through the Send Money feature within the UNO mobile application. Following loan approval, you will also receive several essential documents via your registered email address, including the Loan Agreement, Terms and Conditions, Promissory Note, Disclosure Statement, and Loan Amortization Schedule.

Conclusion: Empowering Your Financial Journey with UNOBank

When confronted with financial challenges and the need for quick access to cash, it’s reassuring to know that reliable options are available. Our comprehensive UNOBank loan review aimed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the value proposition offered by this innovative digital bank.

UNOBank, with its cutting-edge approach and commitment to providing a seamless banking experience, stands as a promising solution for individuals seeking financial support. Whether it’s the absence of collateral requirements, the flexibility to use the loan for various purposes, or the user-friendly digital application process, UNOBank presents itself as a strong contender in the dynamic landscape of banking and fintech.

Moreover, customer feedback indicates that UNOBank’s commitment to delivering excellent customer service, coupled with its array of convenient features, sets it apart from the competition. While initial app-related challenges were encountered, the bank’s proactive approach to addressing these issues highlights its dedication to providing a smooth user experience.

As you contemplate your financial options and evaluate whether UNOBank aligns with your cash needs, it’s crucial to factor in the associated pricing and fees. Understanding the costs associated with your loan ensures you make informed financial decisions.

In conclusion, UNOBank emerges as a digital bank poised to empower your financial journey, offering accessible loans, responsive customer service, and a secure and efficient digital platform. While each individual’s financial situation is unique, UNOBank has positioned itself as a valuable resource for those in need of financial support and quick access to cash in the Philippines. As you navigate your financial landscape, consider the strengths and offerings of UNOBank to determine if it can truly meet your cash needs and contribute positively to your financial well-being.