KreditBee vs Branch: Loan app fees, permissions and complaints compared
When choosing between KreditBee and Branch for an instant personal loan, the main differences are the phone permissions they request and what goes wrong for users. Branch does not ask to read your contacts, while KreditBee requests access. See how their complaints and RBI licence status compare.
By Qrates research desk · 2026-10-27
Quick answer: KreditBee vs Branch
Branch does not ask for permission to read your contacts on Google Play. KreditBee requests access to your contact list. We could not match a direct RBI licence for either app on the registers we check (Qrates directory). KreditBee users mostly complain about recovery agent behaviour, while Branch users report that nobody answers customer service. To understand how to protect yourself, read our guide on RBI digital lending rules.
At a glance: KreditBee and Branch side-by-side
Here is how the two apps compare based on data from the Qrates directory. You can also compare money apps side by side to see how they stack up against other financial tools.
| Feature | KreditBee | Branch Instant Personal Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Licence matched | None on the registers we check | None on the registers we check |
| Phone permissions requested | Text messages, contacts, audio, phone identity, location | Text messages, location, calendar |
| Installs | 10 crore+ | 5 crore+ |
| Google Play rating | 4.61 (19,15,839 ratings) | 4.61 (36,61,187 ratings) |
| Recent 90-day average | 3.85 | 3.21 |
| Top complaint | Credit report problems (10 of 400 reviews) | Nobody answers (19 of 400 reviews) |
| Most praised | Easy to use (22 of 400 reviews) | Easy to use (15 of 400 reviews) |
| Reply rate to bad reviews | 99 percent | 97 percent |
| Days since last update | 33 | 3 |
Phone permissions and your data
When you install a loan app, it asks to see parts of your phone data. KreditBee asks for permission to read your contacts, record audio, and read your phone identity (Qrates directory). Branch does not ask for contact list access, audio recording, or phone identity.
Both apps ask to read your text messages and see your location to assess your loan application. The Reserve Bank of India rules prohibit digital lending apps from accessing your contact lists and call logs.
What users complain about most
We read 400 recent Google Play reviews for each app to see what goes wrong. For KreditBee, 8 users raised problems with recovery agent behaviour and 10 reported credit report problems (Qrates directory). The app also had 5 users say they were pushed into things. If you encounter serious issues, you can learn how to complain to the RBI Ombudsman to seek resolution.
For Branch, 19 out of 400 users complained that nobody answers when they need help. Another 10 Branch users reported credit report problems, and 8 felt pushed into things.
Both companies are active in the app store when users complain. KreditBee replies to 99 percent of one and two-star reviews, and Branch replies to 97 percent (Qrates directory). When looking at what works well, 22 users praised KreditBee for being easy to use, while 15 users said the same for Branch.
Licences and NBFC partners
We check the RBI, SEBI, and IRDAI registers for every app in the Qrates directory. We could not match a direct banking or NBFC licence on the registers we check for KreditBee or Branch Instant Personal Loan.
KreditBee functions as a loan service provider, meaning the actual money comes from its registered NBFC partners. When you take a loan this way, you sign a loan agreement with the partner NBFC, not just the app developer.
Who each one suits, by need
If keeping your phone contacts private matters to you, note that Branch does not ask for contact permissions. KreditBee requests access to your contacts on Google Play.
If recent app stability is important to you, KreditBee has a higher recent 90-day review average at 3.85. Branch has a recent average of 3.21. Branch was last updated 3 days ago, while KreditBee was updated 33 days ago (Qrates directory).
If you want to reach customer support easily, note the complaints for each app. The most raised problem for Branch is that nobody answers, while KreditBee users report issues with recovery agents.
FAQs
Is Branch loan app RBI registered?
We could not match a direct RBI licence for Branch on the registers we check.
Kya KreditBee fake hai ya real?
KreditBee is a real loan app with over 10 crore installs on Google Play. It operates by connecting borrowers with partner NBFCs that provide the actual loans.
Can I get a loan from both KreditBee and Branch?
You can apply for both, but taking two loans increases your debt burden. Applying for multiple loan apps in a short time places hard inquiries on your credit profile, which affects your CIBIL score.
The short version
- Both KreditBee and Branch offer instant personal loans.
- We could not match a direct licence for either app on the registers we check.
- KreditBee requires contact permissions on Google Play and has complaints about recovery agents.
- Branch avoids contact permissions but has complaints about unreachable customer service.
Sources
- Every money app in India | Qrates
- Qrates: check any money product in India before you sign up
- details (play.google.com)
- details (play.google.com)
- Notifications | Official Website of Reserve Bank of India
- KreditBee- Digital Lending Partners
- KreditBee review: charges, licences and safety | Qrates
- Branch Instant Personal Loan review: charges, licences and safety | Qrates
Disclaimer
Qrates is an information directory. It takes no commission from any company listed and does not recommend products. Figures are taken from the sources named and dated, and they change; check the company's own page before you decide. This is not investment, credit, insurance or tax advice for your situation.