Personal and gold loans continue to be the most widely used financial products among women.
Women Borrowers’ Credit Hits 76 Lakh Crore, Access Doubles Since 2017
According to a recent NITI Aayog report, women borrowers in India now hold a total credit portfolio of 76 lakh crore rupees, marking a nearly fivefold increase since 2017 and accounting for 26 percent of the country’s total systemic credit. Loan penetration among women has risen from 19 percent in 2017 to 36 percent in 2025.
The rise has been particularly strong in commercial loans. Between 2022 and 2025, credit to women business borrowers grew at an annual rate of 31 percent, significantly higher than the 17 percent growth in overall commercial lending. Analysts note that with approximately 45 crore women eligible for loans, the sector still has substantial room to expand.
Personal and gold loans continue to be the most widely used financial products among women, while housing loans are showing steady growth, reflecting increased property ownership. The trend is also visible geographically, with states in the north, such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, showing rising participation alongside southern and western regions.
Microfinance borrowers are increasingly turning to personal and commercial loans, with 19 percent of active microfinance institutions reporting clients holding such credit. The report indicates a broader shift in women’s financial behavior and growing economic empowerment across sectors.
