Qrates

Is Navi app safe and RBI registered? Licenses, permissions and complaints

The Navi app connects you to Navi Finserv Limited, an RBI registered NBFC for loans, and Navi AMC for mutual funds. We check its official licences, the October 2024 RBI action stopping new loans, the phone permissions it asks for, and what recent users complain about.

By Qrates research desk · 2026-10-27

The Navi app itself is not an RBI registered entity, but it connects you to companies that hold official licences. When you apply for a personal loan, you deal with Navi Finserv Limited, which holds an NBFC license number from the RBI. The app asks for access to your contacts and text messages, and our data shows the average rating has dropped to 3.70 out of 5 in the last 90 days.

Navi licences for loans, mutual funds and UPI

The Navi app is published by Navi Limited. We could not match a licence for the app itself on the registers we check (Qrates directory).

Navi Finserv for personal loans

When you take a personal loan through the app, you deal with Navi Finserv Limited. This company is the RBI registered NBFC that actually lends the money and charges the processing fee. If you miss a payment, Navi Finserv reports it, which will have a direct CIBIL score impact. You can compare other lenders in the loan and credit apps directory.

Navi AMC for mutual funds

When you invest your money, you deal with Navi AMC Limited. This company manages the Navi mutual fund schemes. It holds a SEBI registration and is regulated by the market watchdog.

Navi app for UPI

UPI apps run as third-party app providers approved by NPCI through partner banks. This is how Navi processes payments without needing a direct banking licence. You can find similar platforms in our payments and UPI apps section.

Regulator warnings and actions against Navi

The RBI issues circulars when an NBFC breaks digital lending guidelines or charges hidden charges. The regulator takes action to enforce compliance across all RBI registered loan apps.

In October 2024, the RBI ordered Navi Finserv to stop sanctioning and disbursing new loans. The RBI stated this was due to material supervisory concerns, including the pricing of loans.

This action applies specifically to new loans from Navi Finserv. Existing loans, the UPI platform, and the mutual fund arms continue to operate normally.

What the Navi app can read on your phone

Before you can use the app, it asks for access to your personal data. According to the Navi app page in the Qrates directory, it requests five key permissions on Google Play.

Permission requested What it means for you
Read your contacts The app can see every phone number saved in your address book.
Read your text messages The app scans your SMS inbox to check your financial habits.
See your location The app checks your GPS to verify you are currently in India.
Read phone identity The app links your account to your specific physical device.
Record audio The app can use your microphone for voice searches or support calls.

Loan apps use SMS data to check financial habits and location data to verify you are in India. The contact list permission is a common data privacy concern for borrowers worried about recovery calls.

What users complain about in Navi app reviews

The Navi app has a Google Play rating of 4.52 from 7202491 ratings, with 10 crore+ installs (Qrates directory). The app is maintained regularly, with just 1 day since the last app update.

However, recent feedback shows a drop in satisfaction. The average rating from recent reviews over the last 90 days is lower at 3.70. You can check the latest complaint figures directly on the Navi app page. If you face issues with a lender, learn how to complain to the RBI Ombudsman to seek resolution.

How to check Navi registrations yourself

You do not need to take any company at its word. You can verify the legal status of the Navi group companies using official regulator websites.

  1. Go to the official RBI website and search for the list of NBFCs to find Navi Finserv Limited.
  2. Visit the SEBI website and check the registered mutual funds list for Navi AMC.
  3. Open the NPCI website and look at the list of approved Third-Party App Providers for UPI.
  4. Check the RBI press releases section for any recent regulatory actions or penalties against Navi Finserv.

FAQs

Is Navi loan app fake or real?

Navi is a real app published by Navi Limited. It connects you to Navi Finserv Limited, which is an RBI registered NBFC. You can also check if a loan app is RBI registered step by step.

Does Navi call your contact list for recovery?

RBI digital lending guidelines strictly prohibit loan apps from calling your contact list for recovery. While the app asks for contact permissions, using that data to harass your family is against regulator rules.

Is it safe to invest in Navi mutual fund?

Navi mutual fund is managed by Navi AMC Limited. This company is registered with and regulated by SEBI.

Navi NBFC license number kya hai?

Navi Finserv Limited holds the NBFC licence for the lending business. You can verify its active status and registration details on the official RBI portal.

The short version

  • The Navi app itself is not an RBI registered entity, but it connects you to licensed companies.
  • Navi Finserv Limited is the RBI registered NBFC that handles personal loans.
  • Navi AMC holds a SEBI registration to manage mutual funds.
  • For UPI payments, the app acts as a Third-Party App Provider approved by NPCI.
  • The app asks to read your contacts and text messages.
  • Recent users complain about being pushed into things, though the company replies to 96 percent of negative reviews.

Sources

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. A licence or a clean record today does not guarantee how a company behaves later. To complain, use the regulator's own portal (RBI CMS, SEBI SCORES or IRDAI Bima Bharosa).

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