From the credit desk — a weekly series
Every week I take one decision a bank credit manager makes — a renewal, a CMA, a deviation, a sanction condition — and explain how it is actually read on the lender's side, and what you can do about it before your file reaches the desk.
Articles and guides (newest first)
How does a bank decide your loan? The 5 checks, in plain words
How a bank decides a business loan or loan against property: credit score, income and FOIR, DSCR, property value and LTV, and papers. With a worked example.
Read →cash creditCash credit vs overdraft: which one does your business need?
Cash credit vs overdraft explained simply: what each is secured by, how the limit is set, how interest works, and which one suits your business. With an example.
Read →DSCRWhat is DSCR? How banks check if your business can pay the instalments
DSCR meaning in simple words: the formula, a worked 3-year example, what number banks look for, and how to improve a low DSCR before you apply.
Read →CGTMSEWhat is CGTMSE? A business loan without putting up property
CGTMSE in simple words: who it covers, the ₹10 crore limit, how much of the loan is guaranteed, the yearly fee, and a worked fee example. With official links.
Read →business loanIndia business loan statistics 2026
Sourced RBI figures on MSME and bank credit in 2025–26, plus plain JR Loan Advisors facts a borrower can cite. Updated October 2026.
Read →loan against propertyLAP vs LRD in Chennai: which fits your commercial property?
Plain comparison of loan against property and lease rental discounting for ₹5 crore+ needs in Chennai and Tamil Nadu — repayment, sizing, papers, and when each fits.
Read →balance transferLoan Against Property balance transfer and top-up: what the new lender actually checks
Use this checklist to see if moving your loan to a new bank is a good idea.
Read →property valuationYour Property Is Worth One Number to You. The Bank Sees Three.
Learn how banks decide the value of your property when you apply for a loan.
Read →loan mis-sellingHow to spot loan mis-selling: 10 red flags before you hand over your property papers
Watch out for these 10 signs that someone is giving you bad loan advice.
Read →loan against propertyHow do banks assess a Loan Against Property? A view from inside the credit desk
Banks check four things before a Loan Against Property: repayment capacity, credit history, property value and legal title, and end-use — then lend on the lower of income or LTV.
Read →FOIRWhat is the income-share limit and how do banks calculate your loan eligibility?
Learn how banks calculate how much money you can borrow based on your income and current debts.
Read →loan rejectedWhy do LAP and business loans get rejected — and how do you fix it before applying?
Learn the common reasons why banks say no to loans and how you can fix them.
Read →CMDAWhich property papers does a bank ask for in Tamil Nadu?
The property papers a Tamil Nadu bank usually wants — land record (patta), planning approvals, and a paper listing past sales and loans (EC) — explained in plain words.
Read →working capitalHow do banks assess cash credit and overdraft (CC/OD) limits for businesses?
Learn how banks calculate the cash limit for your business.
Read →lease rental discountingLease Rental Discounting explained: how much can you raise against your rentals?
Learn how you can get a loan based on the rent from your commercial property.
Read →banking surrogateWhat is ABB in a loan? Banking surrogate and GST surrogate programmes, explained simply
ABB means average bank balance. Learn what banking surrogate and GST surrogate mean, and how banks use your bank balance or GST sales to decide your loan amount.
Read →
Written and reviewed by CA Jitendraa Rathi, Chartered Accountant (CA membership number 217936) · Ex-banker, 20 years of experience in credit and lending · LinkedInLast reviewed · Expert review: CA Jitendraa Rathi (ICAI 217936)
Frequently asked questions
Who writes these insights?
CA Jitendraa Rathi, a Chartered Accountant (CA membership number 217936) with 20 years of experience in credit and lending, writes every article from his experience in bank credit roles.
What is the From the credit desk series?
A weekly article series in which CA Jitendraa Rathi explains one part of a bank credit decision — such as how a working capital renewal or CMA is read — from his experience as a bank credit manager.
Is this financial advice?
The articles are general information to help you understand how lenders work. For decisions on your specific case, speak to us or your own advisor.
Official sources: bank rates and rules change, so check SBI loan interest rates, RBI (repo rate and lending rules).