New Delhi, Aug. 28 -- Applying for a big personal loan can feel daunting. Banks and fintech lenders are willing to disburse large sums today, but they don't hand them out easily. They want to see not just your income, but also how responsibly you handle money. The good news? With some planning, you can improve your chances of approval and even get better terms.

Lenders start with the basics: your credit score, income, and job stability. A score above 720 is usually the entry point; cross 750 and you're in the safe zone. Salaried applicants should ideally have at least a year of continuous employment, while self-employed borrowers are expected to show two to three years of stable business history.

Income matters too. In metros, banks oft...