Mobile service launched to help borrowers shift to better deals on loans

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A mobile-based loan comparison and replacement service, a key policy of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration for financial market competition, was launched on Wednesday, which enables consumers to easily switch their credit loans from commercial banks, savings banks, card companies, and capital firms to those with more favorable terms by using their smartphones.

Previously, borrowers had to personally visit multiple financial institutions and spend at least two days to switch existing loans to those from other institutions. However, with the new system in place, this entire process can be completed in just 15 minutes.

The service is accessible through 35 mobile apps from various financial institutions, including banks like KB Kookmin Bank and Shinhan Bank, as well as through seven loan comparison platform apps such as Toss, Naver Pay, and Kakao Pay.

The expected time required for the service use, from app installation to loan execution, is generally around 15 minutes, said Kim So-young, vice chairman of the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in a press briefing.

The loan replacement option for more advantageous conditions is available for credit loans under 1 billion won ($760,000). However, loans with legal disputes, such as delinquency or seizure, are not eligible for replacement.

While there are a total of 42 apps supporting the loan replacement, the system also includes loans from financial institutions that do not support these apps. As a result, this service is open to all consumers holding existing loans from 53 financial institutions across the country. Information about financial institutions participating in the system can be found on the websites of relevant agencies and associations, such as the Korea Financial Telecommunications and Clearings Institute and the Korea Federation of Banks.

For elderly individuals less familiar with smartphone usage, they can still apply for loan replacement by visiting bank branches. Additionally, eligible borrowers, including low-income individuals with low credit ratings, can also switch to policy loans such as the Sunshine Loan.