5 Things to Evaluate When Choosing among Different Credit or Loan Products

When you're exploring ways to borrow, the number of options can be overwhelming. Some offer fast access to cash, others promise longer repayment terms, but each comes with its own conditions, and not all are built with your needs in mind. Choosing the right credit or loan product means looking beyond surface-level convenience and understanding how each option fits your financial goals.

As the leading digital bank in the Philippines, Maya believes borrowing for entrepreneurs should be simple, secure, and tailored to one’s needs. Whether you're planning ahead or responding to something urgent, our lending products, consisting of instant loan and virtual credit line offerings, are designed to give you more control over how and when you borrow.

So, before you commit, take a moment to weigh what really matters. These five factors will guide you toward a borrowing option that aligns with your needs and financial direction.

1. Speed and Accessibility of Funds

When you need money, timing can make all the difference. Emergencies like medical bills or urgent repairs rarely allow for delays, so it’s worth evaluating how quickly a lender can release funds.

Some providers still rely on paperwork and in-person steps, which can slow things down. Digital lenders like Maya, on the other hand, offer faster access with fewer barriers. With Maya Easy Credit, for example, you can skip the paperwork entirely. No queues and no office hours, just a few taps in the app to get approved any time of day or night (subject to credit evaluation). Approved users can borrow up to PHP 30,000 in funds for a small service fee of as low as 3.99%, payable up to 30 days. Users can either transfer the money to their Maya Wallet or use it directly to check out online or scan to pay with QR in participating merchants. Indeed, it’s a dependable option when time is tight.

For bigger needs, Maya Personal Loan offers up to PHP 250,000 in extra funds, payable up to 24 monthly installments. As with Maya Easy Credit, the application process is faster, fully online, and far more streamlined than if you were to apply with traditional banks. Once approved, the loan is disbursed straight to your Maya Wallet so you can use it right away.

Whether you’re seeking fast relief or an instant loan for big-ticket purchases, choosing a lender that matches your urgency ensures you can focus on the solution rather than waiting for the money.

2. Flexibility of Repayment Terms

Say your child’s school fees are due, but your freelance payments haven’t cleared yet. You could borrow, but will the repayment terms work with your cash flow next month?

Repayment flexibility isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s what makes borrowing sustainable and separates the best loans from the rest. It also determines whether borrowing helps you move forward or leaves you scrambling later.

For short-term needs, Maya Easy Credit offers a revolving credit line with a 30-day repayment cycle, which is ideal for expenses you plan to settle quickly. But when life calls for longer timelines, Maya Personal Loan lets you repay up to 24 months. That’s a game-changer for structured goals like tuition or debt consolidation.

When repayment terms match your financial rhythm, you’re not only borrowing but also building stability. Less stress today means fewer compromises tomorrow and a repayment plan that respects your reality.

3. Eligibility and Approval Requirements

Loan size and interest rates often steal the spotlight, but qualification standards determine what’s truly within reach. Imagine needing funds for a child’s out-of-town competition or a medical bill, only to discover you don’t meet the lender’s criteria. To avoid wasted time and frustration, it’s crucial to check eligibility early.

Traditional lenders often have rigid requirements. A typical bank loan may ask for collateral, income documents, and a credit history that many freelancers or first-time borrowers can’t provide. Maya takes a more inclusive route. Both Maya Easy Credit and Maya Personal Loan are available to verified app users, with approval steps handled entirely online. No paperwork. No branch visits.

This streamlined process means you can apply from your phone and get a fast decision. By knowing the requirements upfront, you can quickly identify which loan fits your profile and move forward with clarity instead of uncertainty.

4. Cost of Borrowing

When comparing loans, it’s tempting to focus on how much you’ll receive, but the real cost lies in what you’ll repay. Interest rates, service fees, and repayment terms all shape the financial impact over time. Understanding these details carefully helps you avoid surprises and choose a loan that truly suits your needs.

One of the benefits of Maya Easy Credit is its upfront pricing, unlike lenders that may include hidden charges. You’ll know the service fee before you borrow, making it easier to weigh your options. For larger loans, Maya Personal Loan offers fixed monthly payments, giving you more control over your budget.

Beyond simplifying comparisons, transparent terms give you room to plan, adjust, be proactive, and stay in control. When the fine print makes sense, the whole process becomes manageable.

5. Purpose and Lifestyle Fit

Credit isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for a weekend emergency might not suit a months-long project. That’s why it helps to start with your reality: your circumstances, your stress points, your priorities, and the kind of space you need to breathe.

Are you facing a sudden expense? Maya Easy Credit offers fast access to funds, so you won’t need to borrow money from friends or scramble for stopgap solutions. If you’re planning something more involved, like upgrading your home, taking your dream vacation, covering tuition, or investing in a new device, consider Maya Personal Loan, as it provides structured support that moves with your timeline.

In the end, evaluating the full picture of costs means you can apply for a loan or credit with greater confidence and avoid surprises that derail your financial plans.

Take Control of Your Borrowing Journey

Every decision to borrow is also a decision about your future. By weighing your options carefully, you’re choosing tools that can either hold you back or help you move forward with clarity and confidence. With Maya Easy Credit and Maya Personal Loan, you gain flexible, transparent options designed to put control back in your hands and keep your financial path moving in the right direction.

You might also like

These Stories on Maya Bank

It’s everything and a bank. What more could you need?

For existing PayMaya users, update your app to Maya

Maya App Light Mode Maya App Dark Mode