How the ClearLoan PH Risk Score Works

Every loan app on ClearLoan PH receives a risk score from 0 to 100. The score is calculated from 7 objective factors — not popularity, advertising spend, or affiliate relationships. This page explains exactly how each point is earned or lost, so you can understand why one app scores 81 and another scores 55.

Risk Score Ranges

80–100
Low Risk

Best in class. SEC registered, transparent APR, fair fees, no complaint history.

60–79
Moderate Risk

Generally safe but check specific fees or speed limitations carefully.

40–59
High Risk

Multiple risk flags. Proceed with extreme caution and compare alternatives.

0–39
WARNING

Do not apply. SEC violations, confirmed illegal practices, or blacklisted status.

The 7 Risk Factors

Each factor is weighted based on its impact on borrower safety. The total adds up to 100 points.

Factor 1: SEC Registration Status

Weight: 25%

Is the lender legally registered and currently in good standing with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission? Apps that are blacklisted, suspended, or unverifiable receive an automatic zero for this factor.

✓ HIGH SCORE:

Fully registered, no active advisory

✗ LOW SCORE:

Not found in SEC database or under active investigation

Factor 2: APR Transparency

Weight: 20%

Does the app clearly show the annual percentage rate (APR) before you apply? Many apps advertise "0.5% per day" to hide the real cost. We convert all rates to annualized APR and check whether the app discloses it upfront.

✓ HIGH SCORE:

APR clearly disclosed on app store listing or website before sign-up

✗ LOW SCORE:

Daily or weekly rates only, APR buried in fine print or not disclosed

Factor 3: Fee Structure & Hidden Charges

Weight: 20%

We check for processing fees, service charges, disbursement fees, rollover fees, and any other costs that inflate the real cost of borrowing. A single undisclosed fee can add 20–50% to the true cost.

✓ HIGH SCORE:

All fees listed clearly before signing

✗ LOW SCORE:

Hidden fees discovered only after approval or disbursement

Factor 4: Collection Practices

Weight: 15%

Under SEC Memorandum Circular No. 18 s. 2019, Philippine lending apps are prohibited from harassing borrowers or contacting anyone not listed as a reference. We track SEC advisories and consumer complaints to detect violation patterns.

✓ HIGH SCORE:

Zero harassment complaints, no SEC MC-18 violations

✗ LOW SCORE:

Active harassment reports, contact-spamming references, public shaming tactics

Factor 5: Penalty Fee Severity

Weight: 10%

Late payment penalties can snowball fast. We evaluate whether late fees are reasonable, whether the app provides a grace period, and whether rollovers are encouraged to trap borrowers in debt cycles.

✓ HIGH SCORE:

Flat penalty with grace period, no rollover incentives

✗ LOW SCORE:

Daily compound penalties, rollover fees that double the debt

Factor 6: Data Privacy & App Permissions

Weight: 5%

Illegal lending apps often demand access to your contacts, photos, and messages to use as leverage for collection. We check the app's required permissions against the National Privacy Commission guidelines and SEC rules.

✓ HIGH SCORE:

Minimal permissions — camera, ID scan only

✗ LOW SCORE:

Demands contacts access, media access, location tracking at all times

Factor 7: User Complaint Volume

Weight: 5%

We monitor Google Play reviews, App Store reviews, BSP consumer assistance reports, and social media complaint threads. High complaint volume combined with unresolved issues lowers the risk score.

✓ HIGH SCORE:

Low complaint rate, responsive customer support

✗ LOW SCORE:

Hundreds of unresolved complaints, no customer service contact

Current Risk Scores — March 2025

AppRisk ScoreLabelSEC StatusAPRReview
Tonik Bank81/100Low Risk✓ Registered26.4%View →
UnionBank Quick78/100Moderate Risk✓ Registered22%View →
CIMB REVI76/100Moderate Risk✓ Registered24%View →
Maya GLoan74/100Moderate Risk✓ Registered29.2%View →
BillEase72/100Moderate Risk✓ Registered36%View →
GCash GLoan68/100Moderate Risk✓ Registered32.8%View →
Cashalo65/100Moderate Risk✓ Registered43.2%View →
Tala Philippines71/100Moderate Risk✓ Registered15%View →
RFC (Radiowealth)75/100Moderate Risk✓ Registered28.8%View →
RCBC Personal Loan79/100Moderate Risk✓ Registered18.6%View →

Frequently Asked Questions

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