A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is a critical document that serves as proof that a borrower has repaid a loan in full. Whether it’s a business loan, personal loan, or a home loan, obtaining an NOC from your lender ensures that your loan account is officially closed and that you are free from any financial obligations associated with that loan.
In this guide, we’ll explain the importance of an NOC, how it affects your credit score, and the steps to obtain one from your lender.
🔹 What is a No Objection Certificate (NOC)?
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is a legal document issued by a lender (bank, NBFC, or financial institution) to a borrower after they have repaid the loan in full, including any accrued interest and charges.
✅ Key Elements of an NOC:
- The borrower’s name and loan details
- Loan account number
- Date of loan closure
- Confirmation of full repayment
- Statement confirming that the lender has no objection to closing the loan account
Once the NOC is issued, the lender notifies credit bureaus such as CIBIL, Experian, and Equifax to update the borrower’s credit report and reflect the closed loan status.
🔹 Importance of NOC in Loan Closure
Obtaining an NOC is crucial for securing your financial standing and avoiding future complications related to your loan history.
✅ 1. Legal Proof of Loan Closure
An NOC serves as an official record that you have fulfilled your repayment obligations. In case of any future disputes, the NOC acts as legal proof.
✅ 2. Protects Credit Score
Without an NOC, your loan account may still appear as “Active” in your credit report, even if you’ve repaid it fully. This can negatively affect your CIBIL score and make it difficult to secure future loans.
✅ 3. Removes Lien on Collateral
If you’ve taken a secured loan (like a Loan Against Property or a Home Loan), the lender may have placed a lien on the asset. An NOC ensures that the lien is removed, and you regain full ownership of the asset.
✅ 4. Simplifies Future Loan Applications
With an NOC in place, your credit report will reflect a clean repayment history, improving your chances of getting future loans at better terms.
🔹 When Do You Need an NOC?
You need to obtain an NOC in the following situations:
- After repaying a home loan, business loan, or personal loan in full
- After settling any outstanding balance on a credit card
- After closing a loan against property or vehicle loan
- For removing a lien on a property after a secured loan closure
🔹 How to Apply for an NOC
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you apply for a No Objection Certificate from your lender:
✅ Step 1: Clear All Dues
Ensure that you’ve paid all outstanding amounts, including:
- Principal amount
- Interest
- Prepayment charges (if any)
- Late payment fees (if any)
✅ Step 2: Contact Your Lender
Reach out to your lender through the following channels:
- Online Portal – Most banks and NBFCs provide the option to request an NOC through their official website or mobile app.
- Branch Visit – You can visit the nearest branch and submit a formal request for an NOC.
- Customer Support – Contact customer care and inquire about the procedure for obtaining an NOC.
✅ Step 3: Submit Necessary Documents
The following documents may be required:
✔️ Loan account number
✔️ Identification proof (PAN Card, Aadhaar, Passport)
✔️ Repayment receipt or statement
✔️ Proof of final payment (if applicable)
✅ Step 4: Wait for Verification
The lender will verify your loan account status and ensure that all dues have been cleared. This process typically takes 7 to 15 working days.
✅ Step 5: Receive the NOC
Once the verification is complete, the lender will issue the NOC. You may receive it:
- By email (in PDF format)
- As a hard copy sent to your registered address
- Through the bank’s online portal
🔹 Sample Format of a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Here’s an example of what an NOC may look like:
[Bank Name]
[Bank Address]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
To,
[Borrower’s Name]
[Borrower’s Address]
Subject: No Objection Certificate for Loan Account No. [XXXXXXX]
Dear [Borrower’s Name],
We hereby confirm that you have fully repaid the loan (Loan Account Number: [XXXXXXX]) availed on [Date of Loan Disbursement] with all applicable charges. The loan account stands closed, and we have no further claim on the said loan.
This certificate is being issued upon your request for reference purposes.
Sincerely,
[Authorized Signatory]
[Bank Name]
🔹 What to Do After Receiving the NOC
Once you receive the NOC, take the following steps to ensure your financial records are updated:
✅ 1. Update Credit Report
Ensure that the lender has reported the loan closure to credit bureaus. You can check your CIBIL report within 30 days to confirm the updated status.
✅ 2. Remove Lien on Property (If Applicable)
If the loan was secured against a property, file the NOC with the relevant authorities (Registrar of Properties) to remove the lien.
✅ 3. Keep a Copy for Records
Maintain both a physical and digital copy of the NOC for future reference.
🔹 Common Issues with NOC and How to Solve Them
If you face any problems with obtaining or updating the NOC, here’s how to handle them:
🚫 1. NOC Not Issued After Loan Closure
- Contact the lender’s customer service and provide proof of full payment.
- Escalate the matter to the bank’s grievance cell if not resolved within the specified timeframe.
🚫 2. Incorrect Information in NOC
- If the loan account number, borrower’s name, or other details are incorrect, inform the lender immediately.
- Request a corrected version of the NOC.
🚫 3. NOC Not Reflected in Credit Report
- Contact the credit bureau (CIBIL, Experian, or Equifax) directly and raise a dispute.
- Provide a copy of the NOC to the credit bureau for verification.
🔹 Why You Must Obtain an NOC After Loan Closure
- Ensures there are no pending dues linked to the loan
- Improves credit score by reflecting the loan closure
- Protects you from future disputes related to the loan
- Makes future loan approvals easier
- Removes lien on property (for secured loans)
🔹 Final Thoughts
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is a crucial document that protects you from legal and financial complications after closing a loan. By ensuring that you receive an NOC from your lender, you can improve your credit profile, safeguard your assets, and maintain a strong financial standing.
Make sure to check your credit report regularly to confirm that the loan closure reflects accurately and that your credit score is not negatively impacted.
Reserve Bank of India (For official guidelines on loan closure and NOC issuance)
✅ Need Help with Loan Closure?
If you’re struggling to obtain an NOC or need assistance with loan closure, CreditCares can help you! We work with 50+ banks and NBFCs to resolve loan-related issues quickly and efficiently. Reach out today for expert guidance!