How to Plan for a Big-Ticket Purchase?

The keyword here is “plan”. We don’t focus on instances when your big purchases are forced, say your mobile phone or laptop conks off suddenly. Or your bike or car is suddenly showing problems and the cost of repair is too high and not justified. There is not much you can do about such instances.… Continue Reading

The Hidden Cost of Instant EMIs and EMI Conversion

EMIs make it easy and convenient to buy online. But even with EMIs, you have multiple options. You can opt for Instant EMIs (also called Merchant EMI) directly on the merchant website. Or you can pay the full amount upfront and later ask your bank to convert the purchase amount to EMIs. Which option is… Continue Reading

How Do Banks Make Money on Credit Cards?

You do not pay any interest during the interest-free period on the credit card. But the bank cannot afford to lend you money for free. The bank must be compensated — two major ways and a few minor ways. High Interest on Unpaid Amount First, when you do not pay your bill on time, the… Continue Reading

Evaluating Payment Options during Checkout

While checking out from your favorite shopping app, you could get one of the following payment options on your credit/debit card or Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL). Full payment (no cashbacks or discount) Interest-based EMI (without cashback or discount) No-cost EMI Upfront discount Cashback Upfront discount/cashback and interest-based EMI Upfront discount/cashback and no-cost EMI Over… Continue Reading

Game over for BNPL?

If you use BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) service or cards from Slice or Uni Pay, this development will interest you. BNPL has emerged as a competitor to credit cards. Easy onboarding. Seamless and convenient process. Easy repayment terms. Instant credit. Who needs a credit card? However, RBI, in its latest notification to non-bank PPI… Continue Reading

Make UPI Payment Using Your Credit Card Soon

In the monetary policy announcement on June 8, 2022, the Reserve Bank hiked the repo rate by 0.5%. Bad news for borrowers. The interest on floating rate home loans would soon go up. Either the EMI or the loan tenure will go unless you part prepay your loan. Apart from the rate hike, the Reserve… Continue Reading