Updated: 27 January 2026
Not all banks are equally strict. Some approve more easily than others. If you've been rejected before, knowing which bank to try next can save you time and protect your credit record.
Why This Matters
Every loan application creates an inquiry on your CCRIS. Too many rejections hurt your credit. Apply strategically — start with banks most likely to approve you.
Easiest to Hardest: Bank Personal Loan Approval
| Rank | Bank | Approval Difficulty | Min Income | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bank Rakyat | Easiest | RM1,500 | Government servants |
| 2 | AEON Credit | Easy | RM1,500 | Existing members |
| 3 | RHB | Moderate | RM2,000 | Salaried employees |
| 4 | CIMB | Moderate | RM2,000 | Existing customers |
| 5 | Maybank | Moderate | RM2,500 | Good credit history |
| 6 | Public Bank | Strict | RM2,500 | Excellent credit |
| 7 | Hong Leong | Strict | RM3,000 | Premium customers |
| 8 | HSBC/Standard Chartered | Strictest | RM5,000+ | High income earners |
#1 Easiest: Bank Rakyat
Why it's easiest: Specializes in serving government servants and general public with more flexible requirements.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Min Income | RM1,500 |
| Max Loan | Up to RM200,000 |
| Tenure | Up to 10 years |
| Interest Rate | 5% - 9% p.a. |
| Best For | Government servants, GLC employees |
Approval tips:
- Government servants have highest approval rate
- Cooperative members get additional benefits
- Longer employment history helps
Government Servant?
Bank Rakyat is almost always your best first choice. They understand government pay structures and offer competitive rates specifically for civil servants.
#2 Easy: AEON Credit
Why it's easy: Not a traditional bank — more flexible credit assessment, focuses on relationship.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Min Income | RM1,500 |
| Max Loan | Up to RM150,000 |
| Tenure | Up to 7 years |
| Interest Rate | 8% - 15% p.a. |
| Best For | Existing AEON members, retail workers |
Approval tips:
- Build relationship first with AEON card
- Regular repayment history boosts approval
- More flexible with self-employed
#3 Moderate: RHB Bank
Why it ranks here: More balanced approach — not the strictest, reasonable requirements.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Min Income | RM2,000 |
| Max Loan | Up to RM150,000 |
| Tenure | Up to 7 years |
| Interest Rate | 6% - 10% p.a. |
| Best For | Salaried private sector employees |
Approval tips:
- Online application gets faster processing
- Existing RHB account holders have advantage
- Clean CCRIS for past 12 months important
#4 Moderate: CIMB Bank
Why it ranks here: Large bank with standardized process, but existing customers get easier approval.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Min Income | RM2,000 |
| Max Loan | Up to RM200,000 |
| Tenure | Up to 7 years |
| Interest Rate | 5% - 9% p.a. |
| Best For | Existing CIMB customers |
Approval tips:
- CIMB Cash Plus for existing customers is easier
- Salary crediting to CIMB helps significantly
- Apply via app for faster decision
#5 Moderate: Maybank
Why it ranks here: Largest bank, many applicants, competitive but selective.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Min Income | RM2,500 |
| Max Loan | Up to RM250,000 |
| Tenure | Up to 7 years |
| Interest Rate | 5% - 8% p.a. |
| Best For | Existing Maybank customers with good history |
Approval tips:
- Salary account with Maybank is huge advantage
- Use MAE app for faster processing
- Longer banking relationship = better chances
#6-8: Stricter Banks
Public Bank
- Very conservative lending
- Prefers customers with excellent credit
- Higher income requirements in practice
- Best rates if you qualify
Hong Leong Bank
- Selective approval process
- Focuses on premium segment
- Good for high income earners
- Competitive rates for qualified applicants
HSBC / Standard Chartered
- Strictest requirements
- Minimum RM5,000+ income (practical)
- Best for professionals and executives
- Lowest rates in market if you qualify
Approval Factors Banks Consider
Pros
- Clean CCRIS (no late payments)
- DSR below 60%
- Stable employment (2+ years)
- Salary credited to same bank
- Existing relationship with bank
- Complete documentation
Cons
- Any code '1' or above in CCRIS
- DSR above 70%
- Job hopping (multiple employers)
- Self-employed without proper docs
- Multiple recent loan applications
- Outstanding defaults
Strategy: Which Bank to Apply First
If You're a Government Servant
- Bank Rakyat (first choice)
- Bank Islam
- BSN
- Then mainstream banks
If You're Private Sector Employee
- Your salary bank (existing relationship)
- RHB or CIMB
- Maybank
- Others based on your profile
If You're Self-Employed
- AEON Credit (most flexible)
- CIMB (reasonable with business owners)
- Maybank (if you have good docs)
- Consider licensed money lenders
If You Have Imperfect Credit
- AEON Credit
- Bank Rakyat (if government)
- Licensed money lenders
- Improve credit first, then try banks
Interest Rate Comparison
| Bank | Rate Range | Effective Rate Example (RM50k, 5 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bank | 5.0% - 7.5% | ~RM6,500 total interest |
| Maybank | 5.0% - 8.0% | ~RM7,000 total interest |
| CIMB | 5.5% - 9.0% | ~RM8,000 total interest |
| RHB | 6.0% - 10.0% | ~RM9,000 total interest |
| Bank Rakyat | 5.0% - 9.0% | ~RM7,500 total interest |
| AEON Credit | 8.0% - 15.0% | ~RM12,000 total interest |
Trade-off: Easier approval usually means higher rates. Stricter banks offer better rates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying to strictest bank first — Start with banks likely to approve you
- Multiple applications at once — Each shows on CCRIS
- Not checking DSR first — Calculate before applying
- Incomplete documents — Causes delays and sometimes rejection
- Applying right after rejection — Wait 3-6 months
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which bank has highest approval rate for personal loan in Malaysia?
Bank Rakyat (especially for government servants) and AEON Credit have the highest approval rates due to more flexible requirements.
Can I get a personal loan with RM2,000 salary?
Yes. Bank Rakyat, AEON Credit, and RHB accept applicants with RM2,000 minimum income. Your DSR must still be acceptable.
Which bank is best for first-time borrowers?
AEON Credit or your existing salary bank. First-time borrowers benefit from building a relationship first.
Should I apply to multiple banks to increase chances?
No. Each application creates a CCRIS inquiry. Apply strategically to one bank at a time, starting with the most likely to approve.
How long should I wait after rejection before trying another bank?
Wait at least 1-3 months. Use that time to understand why you were rejected and fix the issue.
Last updated: 27 January 2026