How to check
Find the company behind the app
An app's name is often just a brand. The company name is in the app store listing, the app's About page or the loan agreement, and usually ends in "Lending" or "Financing", Inc.
Look for its SEC numbers in the app
Lending and financing companies must show their corporate name, SEC registration number and Certificate of Authority (CA) number in their app and ads. On Google Play, loan apps in the Philippines must also show both numbers in the app description. A business permit or DTI registration alone does not allow a company to lend.
Find the company on the SEC's list
Open the SEC lists of lending and financing companies and look for the company name and CA number. Both should match what the app shows.
The SEC site may show a security check first. If it stays stuck, wait a minute and reload, or try another browser or mobile data.
Check the app itself is recorded
Online lending apps must also be on the SEC list of recorded online lending platforms, under the company that runs them. An app missing from this list should not be lending, even if its company has a CA.
Search the SEC advisories
The SEC names apps and companies that are not allowed to lend in its advisories, and keeps a list of revoked and suspended lending companies. Search both for the app name and the company name.
Check the cost before you accept
Since 1 April 2026, small loans have legal limits. They apply to unsecured loans of ₱10,000 or less, for up to four months, from lending and financing companies.
| Charge | Most a lender can charge |
|---|---|
| Interest | 6% a month |
| Interest plus all fees (effective rate) | 12% a month |
| Late payment penalty | 5% a month on the amount overdue |
| Everything together | 100% of what you borrowed |
From SEC Memorandum Circular No. 14, s. 2025, as reported by Philstar and GMA News.
Warning signs
- It asks for a fee before releasing your loan.
- It won't show you the total cost, including fees, before you accept.
- It asks to read your contacts or photos. Google Play's rules don't allow personal loan apps to ask for these.
- It contacts people in your phone book. Under SEC rules, collectors may contact only you and any co-maker or guarantor you named.
- It threatens, shames or insults you, or posts your details online.
- It calls before 6am or after 10pm, unless your loan is more than 15 days overdue or you agreed to those hours.
Collection rules are in SEC Memorandum Circular No. 18, s. 2019 (summary by Grant Thornton).
Where to report a problem
| What happened | Where to report it |
|---|---|
| A licensed lender breaking SEC rules on fees or collection | SEC complaints about lending and financing companies |
| An app lending without SEC registration | SEC complaints desk and hotlines |
| Your contacts were told about your loan, or your details were posted | National Privacy Commission |
| Threats or blackmail | PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group |
Keep screenshots, call logs and your loan agreement. Each office will ask for them.
Sources
| Source | Type |
|---|---|
| SEC lists of lending and financing companies | Official |
| SEC list of recorded online lending platforms | Official |
| SEC advisories on lending and financing companies | Official |
| SEC list of revoked and suspended lending companies | Official |
| SEC complaints for lending and financing companies | Official |
| National Privacy Commission: file a complaint | Official |
| Google Play financial services policy | Official (Google) |
| SEC lowers interest rate cap for lending firms | News report (Philstar) |
| SEC lowers interest rate caps for loans up to ₱10,000 | News report (GMA News) |
| Prohibition on unfair debt collection practices | Summary by a firm (Grant Thornton), not official |
General information, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm with the regulator.