In today’s digital lending landscape, securing personal loans has become easier — but so has the risk of fraud. Cases of unauthorized loans taken using stolen credentials are on the rise. Your PAN card, widely used in financial transactions, is one of the most common documents misused in such frauds.
If you’re unsure whether a loan has been sanctioned in your name, don’t wait for it to reflect as a negative mark on your credit score. This guide explains how to check if a loan is active on your PAN card, what to do if you discover irregularities, and whether it’s possible to get a personal loan without one.
Why You Should Check Loans Against Your PAN
Your PAN (Permanent Account Number) is a unique identifier linked to your financial activities, including all loans and credit card usage. Any credit taken using your PAN reflects on your credit report — whether or not you’ve actually taken it.
Here’s why checking for active loans on your PAN is important:
- Prevents misuse of your identity
- Protects your credit score from fraudulent defaults
- Helps you stay loan-eligible when needed
- Detects errors or outdated entries in your credit history
How to Check if a Loan is Active on Your PAN Card
You can easily verify all loans associated with your PAN by checking your credit report through a credit bureau. This is the simplest method for how to check active loan on pan card.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit an official credit bureau website, such as:
- CIBIL
- Experian
- Equifax
- CRIF High Mark
- Register or sign in by entering your name, mobile number, email, PAN, and date of birth.
- Enter your PAN card number – this is the primary document used to fetch your credit history.
- Complete identity verification through OTP on your registered mobile/email.
- Download your credit report – It will list all active loans, credit card accounts, outstanding amounts, and repayment status.
- Review the report for any unknown entries, especially loans or accounts you don’t recognize.
Can You Get a Personal Loan Without a PAN Card?
While PAN is a standard requirement for loan approval in India, there are rare cases where lenders might allow a personal loan without PAN card, especially for small-ticket loans. However, this comes with certain limitations.
Alternate Documents That May Be Accepted:
- Aadhaar card for eKYC
- Form 60, if PAN is not available
- Salary slips, bank statements, and address proofs for income verification
Risks and Limitations:
- Higher interest rates
- Lower loan amounts
- Limited lender options
- Increased scrutiny and documentation
Having a PAN card is strongly recommended for faster approvals, better loan terms, and transparent tracking of credit history.
Found a Loan You Didn’t Take? Here’s What to Do
If you spot an unfamiliar or unauthorized loan on your credit report:
- Contact the lender immediately – Use the details from the credit report to connect with the bank/NBFC.
- Raise a dispute with the credit bureau – Each bureau has an online grievance redressal system.
- File an FIR with the nearest police station for identity theft or financial fraud.
- Inform your primary bank to flag your PAN for suspicious activity.
- Keep checking your credit report regularly until the issue is fully resolved.
Tips to Keep Your PAN Card and Financial Data Safe
- Avoid sharing PAN details casually online or over the phone
- Don’t upload PAN card scans on unsecured websites
- Use strong passwords for financial accounts
- Enable email/SMS alerts for credit activity
- Destroy old physical copies of financial documents securely
How Often Should You Check for Loans on PAN?
Experts suggest checking your credit report every 3 to 6 months. This not only helps catch fraud early but also allows you to monitor your financial behaviour and improve your credit score for future borrowing.
Final Thoughts
Your PAN card isn’t just a tax document — it’s central to your financial identity. Regularly checking for loans on your PAN card helps you stay protected from fraud and ensures your credit record is clean and up-to-date.
While getting a personal loan without PAN may be possible in limited cases, it’s far from ideal. Keeping your PAN card active, secure, and linked to a strong credit profile is the best way to ensure financial safety and access to funds when you need them.
Stay alert, check your credit report regularly, and protect your financial identity.
