क्रेडिट कार्ड पर EMI लेना सही है या नहीं? पूरी जानकारी आसान भाषा में
“Sir, aap is payment ko EMI mein convert karna चाहेंगे?”
You’ve probably heard this after a big online purchase or in a mall showroom.
But credit card EMI लेना एक समझदारी है या financial trap?
Let’s break it down in simple Hindi-English:
EMI on credit card kya hota hai, kaise kaam karta hai, aur कब लेना चाहिए – कब नहीं।
📌 What Is EMI on a Credit Card?
EMI मतलब क्या?
When you make a large payment using your credit card, the bank gives you the option to convert it into EMIs (Equated Monthly Installments).
Instead of paying ₹30,000 in one go, you pay:
- ₹2,700/month for 12 months
- With/without interest, depending on the offer
Hindi Explanation:
एक बार में ₹30K का बोझ नहीं पड़ेगा – आप हर महीने छोटा amount देकर चीजें खरीद सकते हो।
🧠 How Does It Work?
- Purchase Something Expensive
– Phone, laptop, appliance, etc. - Get EMI Option from:
- Instantly during checkout (Amazon/Flipkart, etc.)
- SMS/email from bank after purchase
- Manually request from bank/app within 30 days
- Choose:
- Tenure: 3, 6, 9, 12, or 24 months
- Interest rate (if applicable)
- Processing fee (some banks charge)
- EMI Starts from Next Billing Cycle
– Your monthly bill shows EMI breakup + regular spends
📊 Example: EMI Calculation
| Purchase Amount | Tenure | Interest Rate | EMI Amount | Total Payable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ₹30,000 | 12 mo | 13% p.a. | ₹2,686 | ₹32,232 |
Hindi Tip:
हमेशा interest जोड़कर calculation करो – कई बार ₹0 EMI दिखता है लेकिन hidden charges होते हैं।
✅ When You Should Use EMI on Credit Card
🟩 1. 0% or No-Cost EMI Offers
When sellers or banks offer true no-cost EMI with zero interest & zero fee – worth it.
Example: iPhone @ ₹5,000/month for 6 months with ₹0 extra = win-win.
🟩 2. Emergency Big Purchase with Tight Budget
Medical expense, urgent laptop, or fridge breakdown – EMI can help spread the load without affecting savings.
Hindi:
अगर ज़रूरत है और lump sum देना possible नहीं है, तो EMI बचाव हो सकता है।
🟩 3. Building Credit History
Paying EMIs on time improves your credit score – shows you’re a responsible borrower.
Use for low-ticket purchases (₹5K–₹10K), pay on time, और score धीरे-धीरे बढ़ेगा।
❌ When You Should Avoid Credit Card EMI
🟥 1. High Interest Rate EMI (18–30%)
If the interest is high, it’s better to avoid EMI and save first.
Example: ₹50K purchase @ 24% = ₹6–7K extra in interest 😓
🟥 2. Spending on Wants, Not Needs
Buying luxury items (PS5, designer bags) on EMI is a fast track to debt.
Hindi Tip:
जरूरत पे EMI समझदारी है, चाहत पे EMI बेवकूफी।
🟥 3. Already Carrying Other EMIs/Debts
Too many ongoing EMIs can choke your monthly budget and create a credit trap.
Check your EMI-to-income ratio – ideally <40%.
📲 How to Convert a Transaction into EMI?
Most banks allow:
- SMS reply to EMI offer
- Mobile app > Transaction > Convert to EMI
- Call customer care
- Retail POS conversion at time of purchase
Tip: EMI conversion usually allowed within 30–60 days of purchase.
Hindi:
EMI लेने के लिए सिर्फ swipe करना काफी नहीं – conditions पढ़ना ज़रूरी है।
📌 Charges to Watch Out For
| Charge Type | Range |
|---|---|
| Interest Rate | 13% – 30% p.a. |
| Processing Fee | ₹99 – ₹500 (one-time) |
| Foreclosure Charges | 2–3% of remaining EMI |
| GST | On interest & fees |
✅ Some cards offer zero foreclosure charges – helpful if you want to prepay
🔐 Bonus Tips
💡 Use No-Cost EMI during big sales (Amazon, Flipkart, Croma)
💡 Check for partner brand EMI deals (Samsung, Apple, LG etc.)
💡 Use only one active EMI at a time
💡 Use apps like CRED, OneScore, or your bank app to track EMI cycle
🏁 Final Thoughts: EMI Is a Tool, Not a Trap
Credit card EMI, अगर सही समय पर सही reason से ली जाए, तो आपको help करती है।
लेकिन हर flashy offer पर EMI लेना आपके budget को भारी बना सकता है।
Hindi Wrap-Up:
EMI लो, लेकिन सिर्फ समझदारी से।
सस्ती चीज़ें EMI पे ना लो – वरना चीज़ सस्ती और interest महंगा हो जाएगा।
