9th, Jul, 2025

Home Loan from a Bank vs Housing Finance Company (HFC) – Which One is Better?

Planning to take a home loan? One common confusion many people face is:Should I take a home loan from a bank or a housing finance company (HFC)?

Both options help you buy your dream home. But understanding their difference is important before making a decision.

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions in life. To make this dream a reality, most people turn to home loans. But a common question arises:

Should you take a home loan from a bank or a housing finance company (HFC)?

Both options have their pros and cons. In this article, we will explain the difference between banks and HFCs, their interest rates, processing methods, and help you decide which one suits your needs better.

In this article, we will explain:

• What is a bank and HFC

• Interest rate differences

• Which one gives faster approval

• Which is better for salaried or self-employed people

• Pros and cons of both

What is a Bank and What is an Housing Finance Company (HFC)?

Interest Rate – Bank vs Housing Finance Company (HFC)

Banks:

• Interest rates are linked to RBI’s repo rate.

• These change faster based on RBI decisions.

• Usually, interest is slightly lower.

HFCs:

• Interest rates are based on their own PLR (Prime Lending Rate).

• They take time to adjust rates.

• May offer higher rates, but with more flexible terms.

Tip: If you have a good credit score (750+), banks may offer you better rates.

Loan Eligibility & Approval -  Bank vs Housing Finance Company (HFC)

Popular Banks Offering Home Loans

• State Bank of India (SBI)

• HDFC Bank

• ICICI Bank

• Axis Bank

• Bank of Baroda

Read More: Best Banks for Home Loan in India 

Leading Housing Finance Companies (HFCs)

• HDFC Ltd

• LIC Housing Finance

• PNB Housing Finance

• Tata Capital Housing Finance

• Indiabulls Housing Finance

Which One is Better Bank vs Housing Finance Company (HFC)

Choose Bank if:

• You have a good CIBIL score

• You want lower interest rates

• You are salaried and have all documents

• You don’t mind longer approval time

Choose HFC if:

• You are self-employed or have irregular income

• Your credit score is low

• You want quick loan approval

• You need flexibility in terms

Charges and Fees Bank vs Housing Finance Company (HFC)

Benefits of Taking Home Loan from a Bank

• Lower interest rates

• Faster rate cuts when RBI reduces repo rate

• Safe and trusted by public

Benefits of Taking Home Loan from HFC

• Quick approvals

• Easier process for self-employed people

• Less strict about credit score

 Expert Tips Before Applying for Any Home Loan

• Compare at least 3–5 lenders (banks and HFCs)

• Check your loan eligibility and CIBIL score

• Use online home loan EMI calculators

• Look beyond interest rate – check hidden charges

• Always read the fine print in the loan agreement

Final Decision – Bank or HFC?

Both banks and HFCs offer good home loans.
If you have a stable job and good credit score – go for a bank.
If you need flexible terms and faster processing – choose an HFC.

Always compare:

• Interest rate

• Processing fee

• Customer service

• Prepayment terms

Then apply!

Use HouseGyan's Free Home Loan EMI Calculator

Before you apply, calculate your EMI to plan your monthly expenses. Try this free tool by HouseGyan Home Loan EMI Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the main difference between bank and HFC home loans?

Banks offer lower interest rates but strict rules. HFCs offer easy approval but slightly higher interest.

Q2. Can I transfer loan from HFC to a bank later?

Yes, through home loan balance transfer.

Q3. Which is better for self-employed?

HFCs are usually better for self-employed individuals.

Q4. Does CIBIL score matter for home loans?

Yes, for banks it is important. HFCs may approve even with low scores.