Getting quick loans in Nigeria can be tricky, especially for borrowers with bad or limited credit history. Many loan apps are either too strict, too aggressive with debt collection, or not even properly regulated. Among the top lending platforms, Branch Loan App stands out in 2025 as a trusted, user-friendly, and CBN-licensed option.
Unlike competitors that often reject borrowers with poor credit, Branch uses alternative data scoring and soft credit checks, which means more Nigerians can access funds without fear of automatic disqualification. In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into how Branch works, its benefits, drawbacks, eligibility requirements, and whether it’s truly the best choice for Nigerians with bad credit in 2025.
Branch Loan App Quick Facts
Loan Range: ₦2,000 – ₦500,000
Approval Speed: 10–15 minutes
CBN Licensed: Yes
Credit Bureau Use: Soft check (not strict; many still get approved)
Repayment Period: 61–180 days
Best For: Borrowers rebuilding their credit, repeat users, freelancers
Why Branch Loan App Stands Out in 2025
1. Higher Loan Limits
Branch offers up to ₦500,000 for eligible users, which is significantly higher compared to Palmcredit (₦100,000 cap). For borrowers who gradually build trust, this flexibility is a major advantage.
2. Soft Credit Checks for Bad Credit Borrowers
Traditional banks and some loan apps reject applicants with poor credit outright. Branch instead looks at:
Mobile activity
Transaction history
Repayment behavior on smaller loans
This alternative scoring makes it easier for Nigerians with bad credit or no credit history to qualify for a loan.
3. Excellent User Experience
The app interface is clean, simple, and transparent. Repayment schedules are displayed, and reminders are sent in a friendly manner, unlike some aggressive competitors.
4. Regulated and Safer Than Many Apps
Branch is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which makes it more reliable than unverified lending apps. Borrowers can feel safer knowing that Branch follows regulatory standards.
5. Credit-Building Opportunity
For Nigerians with damaged credit records, Branch provides a second chance. Timely repayments are reported positively, gradually improving credit scores and opening access to bigger loans in the future.
Drawbacks to Note
Approval isn’t instant—it usually takes 10–15 minutes, slower than FairMoney or Palmcredit.
Stricter loan increase policy—you may need to complete several successful repayments before qualifying for larger loans.
Interest rates vary—depending on your risk profile, you may face slightly higher interest rates than expected.
How to Apply for a Branch Loan
Applying for a branch is straightforward:
Download the Branch app from the Google Play Store.
Sign up with your phone number, BVN, and basic details.
Grant required permissions (device data helps with scoring).
Apply for a loan within your approved limit.
Funds are sent directly to your bank account upon approval.
👉 Ready to try it out?
✅ Apply Now at the Branch
Pro Tips for Borrowers
Borrow gradually—start with ₦5,000–₦20,000 and repay early. This helps Branch trust you with bigger loans.
Keep repayment discipline—Because the branch rewards consistent users, repaying on time will steadily grow your loan limit.
Track your cash flow—only borrow what you can comfortably repay within the timeline.
Final Thoughts
Branch may not be the fastest loan app in Nigeria, but it balances loan size, safety, and user experience better than many others. If you’ve struggled with bad credit but want to slowly rebuild your financial profile, Branch is a smart choice.
Compared to Palmcredit, Branch offers higher loan limits and softer collection practices. Compared to FairMoney, it’s slightly slower but offers a smoother repayment experience.
For borrowers who want flexibility and growth potential, Branch is a reliable option to consider.
“Looking for faster approvals? Read our FairMoney Loan Review. Or, if you need a backup when rejected elsewhere, see our Palmcredit Loan Review, or check out the full guide here: Loan Apps for Bad Credit in Nigeria.