Shopping has never been easier with the advent of online shopping and easy payment options like the EMI (Equated Monthly Installments) card. For consumers who want to make purchases but don’t want to pay upfront, the EMI card offers an opportunity to divide the cost over several months. But what exactly is an EMI card, and how does it work? This article will shed light on the ins and outs of EMI payments, the benefits of using an EMI card, and the things every shopper needs to know before opting for this payment method.
What Is An Emi Card?
An EMI card is a credit card that allows you to divide the cost of a purchase into smaller, more manageable payments. Unlike a standard credit card, which requires you to pay the full amount of your purchase each month, an EMI card allows you to choose a repayment period of between 1 and 60 months. Depending on the card you have, you may be able to purchase items on EMI from certain merchants or stores or use it to make any payment.
Emi Card Vs. Full Payment
The primary difference between an EMI card vs full payment is the flexibility in payment options and accessibility to high-cost items. Full payment for a purchase requires you to pay the entire amount upfront, which can be a significant burden for some consumers, especially when purchasing high-cost items like electronics, appliances or tickets. In contrast, an EMI card allows you to divide the total cost into several smaller payments. This way, you get the item you want and can pay it off over a more extended period, making it less of a financial burden.
EMI card provides better affordability as it allows you to make high-value purchases, which you may not be able to afford otherwise. Instead of paying for an item upfront, you can choose to pay for it over a more extended period. This payment flexibility gives you more control over your purchase, making it easier to budget and manage your finances.
Benefits Of An Emi Card
One significant advantage of an EMI card is that it can save you money on interest rates. When you choose to pay for a purchase on an EMI card, you agree to pay a fixed interest rate until the payment is complete. This is often lower than the interest rate you would pay on a standard credit card, which can sometimes be as high as 20% or more.
When it comes to shopping, an EMI card also provides you with more options. High-value purchases like a car or a refrigerator can be difficult to obtain without a large upfront payment. Still, with an EMI card, you can make use of affordable payment plans to get the item you want without having to save up the full cost.
With an EMI card, you don’t have to compromise on quality or purchase lower-priced alternatives. Instead, you can purchase the item you want, pay for it over time and enjoy it without the worry of overwhelming debt. Additionally, EMI payments enable you to maintain a positive credit score by ensuring timely repayments.
Things To Consider Before Using An Emi Card
As with any financial product, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of an EMI card before making a decision. Here are some things to consider.
1. Interest rates: While EMI payments can be cheaper than standard credit card payments, it’s crucial to compare the interest rates and fees associated with each card before making a decision.
2. Repayment period: It’s essential to choose an EMI card that provides you with a repayment period that suits your budget. Longer payment plans may have lower payment amounts, but they could result in higher interest fees.
3. Terms and conditions: You should read and understand the terms and conditions of the EMI card before applying for it. Ensure you are clear on the payment terms, interest rates, and any other applicable fees.
Shopping with an EMI card
When shopping with an EMI card, it’s essential to plan your purchase carefully to ensure that you can pay for it on time. Before making any purchase, it’s advisable to check the merchant’s EMI options, interest rates, and repayment terms to ensure that you are getting the best deal.
Most major e-commerce websites and offline stores offer the option to buy items on EMI, making it easy to make purchases without having the full amount available upfront. In some cases, merchants may offer zero percent or low-interest schemes on EMI, which can save you money on interest fees.
When shopping with an EMI card, always make sure to check the repayment dates and amounts to ensure that you can pay them off on time. Late payments can result in late fees, and if you default on payments, you could damage your credit score.
Conclusion
An EMI card provides a flexible and affordable approach to purchasing high-value items. With the ability to divide payments over time, you can enjoy the benefits of the item without compromising on quality or affordability. When choosing to use an EMI card, always ensure that you read and understand the terms and conditions of the card and make use of the payment options carefully.
Whether you are purchasing an appliance or taking a dream vacation, an EMI card provides you with the freedom to purchase what you want when you want it. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can make informed decisions when using an EMI card and enjoy the benefits that come with it.
