Understanding the credit appraisal and gold verification process
Before approving a gold loan, lenders follow a structured process to verify your gold and confirm your loan amount. Here's how it typically works:
- KYC and application check — Your identity and application details are verified using a valid KYC document.
- Gold purity testing — Trained valuers assess the karat purity of your gold jewellery, ornaments, or coins.
- Net weight assessment — Stones, enamel, or attachments are deducted to determine actual gold weight.
- Valuation and sanction — The eligible loan amount is calculated using the applicable gold rate and LTV ratio.
How is the valuation of gold decided for a gold loan?
During the loan assessment, Bajaj Finance verifies the ownership and authenticity of the pledged gold. The loan amount is evaluated using the lower of the previous day's closing price or the 30-day average closing price published by IBJA or a SEBI-regulated commodity exchange. The process typically includes the following steps:
- Credit appraisal is conducted for borrowers applying for a new gold loan, loan top-up, or renewal.
- Internal verification systems are used to confirm the ownership of the pledged gold.
- Borrowers must submit a self-declaration confirming that the pledged gold belongs to them.
- The lender does not re-pledge customers' gold to obtain loans from another institution.
- Gold already pledged with the lender is not accepted as collateral for loans provided to other lenders, entities, or individuals.
These measures help ensure transparent lending practices and the proper handling of pledged gold.
Rules for use of pledged gold
- The lender does not take loans by re-pledging gold that customers have pledged with them.
- The lender does not provide loans to other lenders, entities, or individuals by accepting gold already pledged with them as collateral.
These policies help maintain transparency and ensure proper use of pledged gold.
What gold purity is accepted for a loan?
The purity of your gold jewellery, ornaments, or coins is one of the key factors considered during gold valuation for gold loan. Gold purity is measured in karats, where 24K represents the purest form of gold. Since most jewellery is made by mixing gold with other metals for added strength, its purity is lower than 24K. During the valuation process, trained experts assess the purity before calculating the eligible loan amount.
Bajaj Finance offers gold loans from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 2 crore against 18-22 karat gold jewellery and ornaments, while gold coins up to 24 karat purity are also accepted, subject to policy. For reference, 24K gold is approximately 99.9% pure, 22K is about 91.6% pure, 20K is around 83.3% pure, and 18K contains about 75% pure gold.
Discover your borrowing potential by checking your gold loan eligibility. It takes just a few clicks and no waiting.
How does the weight of your gold affect the loan amount?
The weight of your gold jewellery, ornaments, or coins is an important factor in determining its value for a gold loan. During the valuation process, trained valuers measure the gold in grams using advanced equipment to ensure accurate assessment. However, only the weight of the actual gold is considered. The weight of gemstones, pearls, or other non-gold materials attached to the jewellery is excluded. In general, a higher weight of pure gold can result in a higher eligible loan amount, subject to the applicable Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio and lender policies.
How does the current gold price affect loan valuation?
The applicable gold price is another key factor in gold valuation for gold loan. Gold rate in India change regularly due to factors such as global demand and supply, inflation, currency movements, geopolitical developments, and overall economic conditions.
For gold loan valuation, Bajaj Finance considers the lower of the previous day's closing price or the 30-day average closing price published by the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) or a SEBI-regulated commodity exchange. This helps determine the value of your pledged gold before the applicable Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio is applied.
Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio
The Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio determines the maximum percentage of your gold's assessed value that can be offered as a loan. After your gold is valued, the applicable LTV is used to calculate the eligible loan amount. The permissible LTV is governed by RBI guidelines and lender policies.
The maximum LTV for consumption loans depends on the loan amount:
- For loans up to Rs. 2.5 lakh = 85%
- For loans between more than Rs. 2.5 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh = LTV 80%
- For loans from more than Rs. 5 lakh up to Rs. 2 crore = LTV 75%
You can use the online gold loan calculator to estimate your eligible loan amount based on your gold weight or the amount you wish to borrow. The calculator provides an estimate of your loan liability and the interest rate for gold loan, while the final loan amount depends on the valuation of your gold and the applicable LTV ratio.
How to increase gold loan valuation
The valuation of gold today depends on several factors, including the purity, weight, and condition of the gold you pledge. While market prices also play a role, maintaining high-quality gold can help improve its assessed value during the valuation process.
You can improve your gold loan valuation by:
- Pledging higher-purity gold, as it contains a greater percentage of pure gold.
- Choosing jewellery in good condition, with minimal damage or excessive wear.
- Avoiding heavily studded jewellery, because only the intrinsic gold content is considered during valuation.
- Pledging heavier gold items, since the weight of pure gold directly affects the overall valuation.
- Monitoring the valuation of gold today, as changes in the applicable gold price can influence the assessed value of your pledged gold.
Quick tip: Get the value your gold deserves. Check your gold loan eligibility and see how much you can avail based on your gold's purity and weight.
Today's gold price valuation guide for investors
Keeping track of gold valuation today can help you make informed financial and investment decisions. Gold prices fluctuate regularly due to factors such as global demand, inflation, currency movements, and geopolitical events. During periods of economic uncertainty, investors often turn to gold as a relatively stable asset, which can influence its market value.
To estimate the value of your gold, lenders consider its purity and weight along with the lower of the previous day's closing price or the 30-day average closing price published by IBJA or a SEBI-regulated commodity exchange. If you plan to apply for a gold loan, staying updated on the valuation of gold today can help you better understand the factors that influence your eligible loan amount.
Transaction monitoring and AML checks
Gold loan transactions are monitored in accordance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) guidelines to ensure regulatory compliance and responsible lending practices.
Monitoring is carried out based on:
- The number of gold loans taken by the borrower.
- The customer's total loan exposure.
These checks help ensure that gold loan transactions comply with regulatory requirements and the lender's internal policies.
Gold assaying and valuation process
Gold assaying is the process of checking the purity and authenticity of the gold pledged for a loan. It helps lenders determine the valuation of gold today by assessing whether the pledged jewellery, ornaments, or coins meet the required standards. Depending on the type of gold item, trained valuers use either machine-based or traditional testing methods to complete the assessment.
1. Gold valuation using machines
Machine-based valuation is commonly used for plain gold items that do not contain gemstones or studded designs.
- A density meter is used to assess the purity of the gold.
- The machine works on Archimedes' principle of density.
- It helps identify spurious or mixed metals.
- It is generally used for plain rings, bangles, kadas, and gold coins.
2. Gold valuation using traditional or manual methods
When machine testing is not suitable, trained valuers use manual methods to verify the authenticity and purity of the gold. These methods are divided into:
- Preliminary tests
- Confirmation tests
Preliminary tests for gold jewellery
The following checks help valuers assess whether the jewellery is likely to be genuine gold:
- Sound test: Genuine gold produces a distinct sound when gently dropped on a glass surface.
- Weight test: Gold has a characteristic weight, while jewellery made from other metals may feel lighter.
- Pointed scratching test: A small portion of the jewellery is scratched to verify that the gold is consistent throughout the item.
- Flexibility test: Gold is naturally malleable and bends slightly without breaking.
- Colour test: Pure gold usually has a bright and uniform colour, while impure gold may appear dull or uneven.
- Smell test: Jewellery with a high copper content may produce a metallic smell.
- Usability test: Practical and well-crafted jewellery is generally easier to identify as genuine.
- Finishing test: Genuine gold jewellery usually has a smooth and consistent finish.
Confirmation tests for gold purity
After the preliminary inspection, valuers may perform additional tests to confirm the purity of the gold.
Acid test
- The gold item is rubbed on a testing stone before a drop of acid is applied.
- Dense fumes may indicate that the purity is doubtful.
- A greenish colour can suggest the presence of copper.
Salt water test
- The gold is first rubbed on a testing stone.
- A drop of salt water is then applied.
- A milky solution may indicate the presence of silver.
These structured testing methods help ensure accurate gold valuation today, allowing lenders to assess the pledged gold fairly and determine the eligible loan amount.
Pro tip: Put your gold to work instead of letting it remain idle. Check your gold loan eligibility and apply for a Bajaj Finance Gold Loan when you need funds.
Risk mitigation
At Bajaj Finance, multiple measures are followed to manage both operational and external risks associated with gold loans. During loan booking, pledged gold is verified through a standard assessment process and undergoes multiple levels of audits by the Risk, Branch, and RCU teams.
If eligible pledged gold is damaged during the loan tenure, the repair cost is borne by Bajaj Finance. To manage the impact of sudden gold price fluctuations, regular Loan-to-Value (LTV) monitoring is carried out, and branches are informed whenever corrective action is required. In addition, all pledged gold is stored securely under CCTV surveillance and is fully insured against theft, burglary, and fire while it remains with the lender.
Credit underwriting
Credit underwriting is carried out for all borrowers applying for a new gold loan, loan top-up, or loan renewal. During this process, various credit parameters are reviewed to ensure proper assessment of the loan application.
The underwriting process applies across all customer exposure levels, including loans below Rs. 2.5 lakh, between Rs. 2.5 lakh and Rs. 5 lakh, between Rs. 5 lakh and Rs. 20 lakh, and above Rs. 20 lakh. For loans exceeding Rs. 2.5 lakh, repayment capacity is assessed through a personal discussion at the branch or the customer's location.
How market conditions impact gold valuation
Market conditions play a significant role in the valuation of gold today. Gold prices change regularly due to various global and domestic factors, making it important to understand what influences the value of your gold.
Some of the key factors include:
- Global economic conditions: Economic uncertainty often increases demand for gold as a relatively safe investment.
- Inflation: Higher inflation may encourage more people to invest in gold, increasing its demand.
- Currency movements: Changes in the value of the Indian Rupee and the US Dollar can affect gold prices.
- Geopolitical events: International conflicts and political instability can influence global gold prices.
- Seasonal demand: Festivals and wedding seasons often lead to higher demand for gold, which may affect its market value.