First Loan Apps: Best Promos for New Borrowers
Two SEC-registered apps offer genuinely free first loans: MoneyCat (0% interest, no processing fee, ₱500 to ₱20,000) and Finbro (0% APR available for new clients based on credit assessment). Both are verified on the January 26, 2026 platforms list. The free loan is real; the repeat loan is where pricing starts. Our MoneyCat review documents the promo terms and the 11.9% monthly repeat ceiling. Finbro's review covers the 0-36% APR band.
| App | First-loan offer | Repeat ceiling |
|---|---|---|
| MoneyCat | 0% interest, no fee | ≈11.9%/month |
| Finbro | 0% APR (assessment-based) | 36% APR |
Read the disclosure before accepting. Screenshot the zero: if your offer shows interest where you expected none, walk away. The requirements guide covers the age and ID gates.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MoneyCat first loan really free?
Yes: 0% interest and no processing fee on ₱500 to ₱20,000, verified September 16, 2026. It applies once, to first-time borrowers, assuming on-time repayment.
What happens on my second MoneyCat loan?
The promo ends. Repeat borrowing runs up to 11.9% per month. Plan for it before you borrow the first time.
How to choose between them
MoneyCat if you need up to ₱20,000 and want the simplest zero-cost loan. Finbro if you need up to ₱50,000 and your credit assessment qualifies you for the 0% band. Both are financing companies on the January 26, 2026 platforms list. Read the requirements guide for the age and ID gates, then apply through the official channel only. The red flags guide lists the warning signs to watch for.
The timing matters too. Both promos are tied to your first loan only, and the free-money window closes the moment you accept terms that include interest or fees. Check the disclosure screen before you sign anything: it should show ₱0 interest and no processing fee if the promo is active on your account.
Sources used for this review
-
moneycat.ph and finbro.ph disclosures (accessed August 28, 2026)
-
The requirements guide for age and ID gates across all apps
- The hidden fees checklist for where fees hide
What to do after the free loan ends
The free loan is the hook; the repeat loan is the business model. Before you borrow the first time, check the repeat ceiling: MoneyCat charges up to 11.9% monthly, Finbro caps at 36% APR. Both are disclosed. Compare them against the low-interest ranking so you know your options before the free period expires. If the repeat rate is too high, use the free loan, repay on time, and switch to a cheaper lender for round two.