Gold Loans continue to be one of the most accessible credit options in India. With their quick processing and security-backed nature, they’ve helped millions manage short-term financial needs. In 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced a revised set of Gold Loan guidelines to improve transparency, borrower protection, and uniformity in lending practices. These updates are particularly relevant for anyone considering a Gold Loan, whether for personal emergencies, minor business requirements, or planned expenses.
Understanding RBI’s Tiered LTV Policy
RBI now follows a tiered loan-to-value (LTV) ratio based on the total loan amount. The LTV ratio indicates the percentage of the gold’s value that can be sanctioned as a loan. As per the latest framework:
- Loans up to ₹2.5 Lakh: Maximum LTV capped at 85%
- Loans between ₹2.5–₹5 Lakh: Maximum LTV capped at 80%
- Loans above ₹5 Lakh: LTV restricted to 75%
This change encourages responsible lending and ensures that smaller borrowers can access slightly higher loan amounts relative to the value of gold pledged.
Assessment of Borrower Creditworthiness
While smaller loans up to ₹2.5 Lakh may be offered without detailed credit appraisals, any loan amount exceeding this threshold requires a thorough credit assessment of the borrower’s repayment capacity. This step protects financial institutions and borrowers alike by aligning loan disbursements with the borrower’s ability to repay. Loan renewals or top-up loans can only be sanctioned following such credit assessments and must remain within permissible LTV limits. Bullet repayment loans may only be renewed after accrued interest has been paid.
Valuation and Purity Checks
RBI mandates a standardised process for assaying the gold pledged as collateral. The valuation of the pledged metal must be based solely on its intrinsic value without including stones, gems, or other embellishments. The price used to assess the value of the collateral should reflect its actual purity (caratage). This value must be based on the lower of either the average closing price over the past 30 days or the closing price from the previous day. These prices should be sourced from either the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd. (IBJA) or a commodity exchange regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). If prices for a specific purity are unavailable, valuation should be adjusted proportionately based on the nearest available purity. The assaying procedure and valuation methodology must be consistent across all branches of a lender, and borrowers must be present during assaying. Deductions related to non-metallic components, such as stones or lac, should be explained and documented in a certificate issued to the borrower. The lender is required to issue this certificate in duplicate, one for its records and one for the borrower’s acknowledgement.
Ownership Documentation and Anti-Money Laundering Measures
Lenders are required to ascertain that the ownership of the pledged collateral is not doubtful. Where ownership documents such as purchase bills are unavailable, lenders should obtain a declaration from the borrower affirming rightful ownership. Further, multiple or frequent loans granted to a single borrower aggregating beyond a certain threshold must be closely monitored under anti-money laundering (AML) regulations to prevent misuse or fraud.
Restrictions on Collateral Use and Loan Tenure
The RBI prohibits lending against primary gold, such as financial assets backed by gold ETFs or mutual funds. Collateral that has been pledged to a lender must not be repledged or used to secure loans from other institutions. Additionally, the tenure of consumption loans structured as bullet repayments is capped at 12 months, though renewals are permissible by appropriate regulations.
Collateral Limits for Ornaments and Coins
To mitigate risks linked to collateral management, the maximum aggregate weight of gold ornaments pledged by a borrower should not exceed 1 kilogram. Similarly, limits apply to coins — 50 grams for gold coins.
Settlement, Auction Procedures, and Borrower Protection
Upon full repayment or settlement, lenders must release the pledged collateral within seven working days—immediate release on the same day is encouraged wherever possible. Before auctioning pledged items due to non-repayment, lenders are required to notify borrowers or legal heirs, allowing a reasonable time for settlement. Auctions must be conducted transparently with adequate public notice, including advertisements in a regional language newspaper and a national daily. The collateral’s reserve price at auction must not fall below 90% of its current value, except after two failed auctions, where it may be reduced to 85%.
In instances of collateral loss, damage, or discrepancies observed during audits or returns, lenders are mandated to compensate borrowers or their legal heirs promptly. Moreover, if collateral release is delayed due to the lender’s reasons, compensation at the rate of ₹5,000 per day of delay must be made.
Lender Obligations and Disclosure
Loan agreements must comprehensively describe collateral, auction procedures, borrower rights for settlement, timelines for releasing collateral, and applicable charges related to assaying or auctioning. Communication must be provided in the borrower’s regional or preferred language. Lenders must also maintain proper infrastructure and security protocols to store collateral safely and restrict handling to authorised personnel. Periodic internal audits, surprise verification of pledged items, and regular reporting to supervisory boards on unclaimed collateral are essential components of compliance.
Ensuring Borrowers Benefit from Competitive Gold Loan Rates
For borrowers, obtaining the lowest Gold Lhttps://www.iifl.com/gold-loans/interest-rates-and-chargesoan rate requires careful attention to lender policies, transparency in valuation, and adherence to prescribed limits. A practical approach includes using an interest calculator for a Gold Loan to estimate monthly repayments and total interest payable based on the loan amount, LTV ratio, and tenure. This tool helps borrowers compare offers across lenders and choose the most economical option while ensuring loan terms comply with RBI regulations.
Conclusion
The RBI’s updated gold loan guidelines for 2025 contribute to a regulated, transparent, and secure credit system for pledged gold collateral. By setting clear limits on LTV ratios, collateral valuation, borrower assessment, equitable auction processes, and borrower protection measures. The Reserve Bank promotes trust and stability in gold-backed lending. Borrowers are advised to understand these provisions fully and utilise tools such as the interest calculator for a Gold Loan to make prudent borrowing decisions. Adhering to the RBI’s framework will help borrowers secure the lowest Gold Loan rate while protecting their interests throughout the loan lifecycle.
