Loans and Banking

Overview

inZOI features a banking system with two banks operating across the main cities. Banks provide savings accounts and loan services that let Zois borrow Meow for large purchases like property, furniture, or starting a business. The loan system was expanded in v0.4.0 with overdue consequences and improved repayment options. Beyond official banks, loan sharks offer quick cash at much higher interest rates, creating a risk-reward dynamic for financial management.

Banks

Both banks offer identical products. The only difference is location. Visit the bank in your Zoi's home city, or access most banking features remotely through the banking app on the Smartphone or a home computer.

Savings Accounts

Savings accounts let Zois deposit Meow and earn interest over time. The system uses a tier structure where completing one tier unlocks the next, allowing larger deposits and higher returns.

• Tier 1: Start by making a Tier 1 deposit. After a few in-game days, you receive your deposit back plus interest earnings.

• Higher tiers: Each completed tier unlocks the next, letting you deposit progressively larger amounts with better returns.

• Deposits are locked for the tier duration. You cannot withdraw early.

• Savings accounts are a low-risk way to grow your Meow balance passively while focusing on other activities.

Personal Loans

Personal loans provide immediate cash for any purpose. Like savings, loans use a tier system where successfully repaying one loan unlocks the next tier with larger borrowing limits.

How to Apply

1. Open the Smartphone banking app, use a home computer, or visit the bank in person.

2. Select the loan tier or amount you want.

3. For bank loans, wait approximately three in-game hours for approval confirmation via text message.

4. Loan shark loans through the Loan app are approved instantly.

Bank loans have lower interest rates (around 1%) and structured repayment periods, making them the safer choice. Loan shark loans are instant but charge 5% interest and have much more aggressive collection tactics if payments are missed.

Property Loans

Property loans are a special loan type triggered when purchasing a home your Zoi cannot fully afford. When browsing properties, a checkbox labeled 'Receive a move-in assistance loan' appears if the price exceeds your available Meow.

• Automatic application: Checking the loan box during property purchase applies for a bank loan to cover the difference.

• Interest rate: Property loans use the standard bank rate of approximately 1%.

• Daily interest: Interest accrues daily based on the remaining balance and property price.

• Repayment: Payments are due on a regular schedule through the banking app, computer, or in-person bank visit.

Loan Sharks

For Zois who need cash immediately and cannot wait for bank approval, loan sharks offer an alternative through the Loan app on the Smartphone. Two amounts are available: 2,500 Meow and 5,000 Meow, both at a steep 5% interest rate.

Loan shark debt is much more dangerous than bank debt. While banks send polite reminders for late payments, loan sharks escalate quickly:

• Aggressive and threatening collection messages

• Visits from debt collectors at your home

• Forced seizure of household assets, making items in your home unusable until payments resume

• Loan shark debt can spiral quickly if not managed, as 5% interest compounds on the outstanding balance

Repayment

Loan repayments are due on a regular schedule. Multiple methods are available:

• Banking app on the Smartphone

• Computer at home

• Visiting Narae Bank or Southwest Bank in person

• Full immediate repayment is available at any time if your Zoi has sufficient funds

Overdue Consequences

The v0.4.0 update introduced meaningful consequences for missed loan payments. The severity depends on whether the debt is with a bank or loan shark.

Welfare System

When a household's total funds drop below 1,000 Meow, the game automatically provides a welfare payment of 2,000 Meow. This safety net prevents Zois from becoming completely destitute and ensures basic needs can still be met during financial hardship.

• Trigger: Household balance falls below 1,000 Meow

• Payment: 2,000 Meow deposited automatically

• Frequency: Can trigger multiple times; there is no confirmed limit on the number of welfare payments

• Current status: The welfare system is a temporary safety net. Bankruptcy mechanics are not yet implemented, so the welfare system prevents a dead-end scenario. The system may be adjusted in future updates.

Budget Tracking

The Budget app on the Smartphone shows your household's complete financial picture:

• Total household assets

• Income breakdown by source (career, business, sales)

• Expense tracking

• Outstanding loan balances and payment schedules

The v0.4.0 update improved the Budget app to display total assets more clearly. Use it regularly to plan loan repayments and avoid overdue penalties.

Tips

• Start with bank loans over loan sharks whenever possible. The 1% vs 5% interest difference adds up quickly.

• Build your loan tier by taking small loans and repaying them promptly. Higher tiers unlock larger borrowing limits for property purchases.

• Use savings tiers to grow passive income. Complete each tier to unlock the next level of deposits.

• Keep at least 1,000 Meow in reserve to avoid triggering welfare payments, which can mask real financial problems.

• If you take a loan shark loan, make repayment your top priority. Asset seizures from debt collectors can cripple a household.

• Consider insurance to protect against unexpected expenses like burglaries or natural disasters that could push you into debt.