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Taking a gold loan? Key costs, repayment rules, and risks to check before pledging jewellery
Cheap, quick and no credit check needed, yet your jewellery could be at risk.
moreWant to repay your debt quickly? Debt Avalanche vs Debt Snowball - know which method can help you become debt-free faster
Are you drowning in debt? Explore two effective strategies for repayment: the debt avalanche and debt snowball methods. The debt avalanche prioritizes high-interest debts to minimize costs, while the debt snowball method focuses on paying off the smallest debts first to enhance motivation.
more“Gold loans are no longer just for rainy days”; Experian India's Manish Jain on why demand is rising
Manish Jain, Country Managing Director, Experian India, discusses the growing demand for gold loans, the lower risk of over-leveraging with enhanced regulation, and the future relevance of credit scores, in a conversation with Riju Mehta.
moreAre you maximising value from your credit card? Here's when rewards justify the fee
Don't be fooled by the flashy credit card rewards that might not deliver true value. Learn how to accurately assess your card's worth beyond its enticing rates. Discover the importance of examining annual fees, optimizing the perks you genuinely utilize, and avoiding extra expenses solely for rewards.
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Student or parent: Who should be the primary borrower for education loan? Check repayment and tax implications before deciding
Determining whether a parent or a student should take on an education loan is an important decision. Although the student is the main borrower, havi
moreGood news for HDFC Bank borrowers: Bank cuts lending rates across tenures by up to 10 bps; check latest list
HDFC Bank has reduced its MCLR rates on select tenures by up to ten basis points. These revised rates will become effective from September seventh, 2026. Borrowers with loans linked to this regime will experience some financial relief.
moreThinking of guaranteeing a loan? Think again; here’s how your credit score could suffer if the borrower defaults
Becoming a loan guarantor creates significant financial and credit obligations for individuals. The guaranteed loan appears on your credit report and affects borrowing capacity. Borrower defaults can negatively impact your credit score and future loan access. Lenders can pursue guarantors directly for the full loan amount. Carefully review all loan and guarantee documents before agreeing to become a guarantor.
moreShould you refinance your car loan? Here's when switching may save you money
Considering refinancing your car loan? It could result in lower monthly payments and more favorable interest rates. Yet, it's essential to meticulously review any associated costs involved in switching. Extending the loan term may largely increase your total interest expenses down the line. Before making a move, ensure that any financial benefits are significant. Remember to compare the complete interest obligations, not just the monthly installments.
moreHome loan interest rates start at 7%: Check banks offering lowest interest rates on Rs 30 lakh–Rs 75 lakh loans
Home loan interest rates vary based on credit score and other borrower factors. A good credit score is essential for securing a low home loan interest rate. Borrowers should compare banks to find the best home loan interest rates.
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Low-interest home loan with a fixed rate for years: Should you go for this new hybrid home loan?
Kotak Mahindra Bank introduced a hybrid home loan product for borrowers. This loan allows locking EMIs at current low rates for several years. Aft
morePledged gold jewellery stolen in bank robbery: Will bank repay full gold value, including making charges? Consumer commission answers
A man from Tumkur in Karnataka opened 2 gold loan accounts at a Canara Bank branch by pledging 2 items of gold each under both, in August 2017. The gold jewellery, kept in the custody of the Canara Bank branch, was robbed. On noticing the robbery of gold articles, the bank issued a letter dated July 26, 2018, to the borrower and offered to pay the gold value. Yet the borrower filed a complaint the District Commission. Know why.
moreRBI issues directions on fixed, floating rate loans: What changes for home, personal, MSME loans and existing borrowers
The Reserve Bank of India has proposed a new framework for loan interest rates. This framework aims to bring more uniformity and transparency to lending practices. Floating rate loans will see increased transparency and stricter reset periods. Personal and MSME loans from commercial banks must link to external benchmarks. These proposed changes are expected to take effect from April 1, 2027.
moreCanara Bank, Bank of Baroda increase lending rates: Why loan EMIs for these borrowers may rise after hikes
Bank of Baroda and Canara Bank have raised their lending rates. These banks increased their Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rates by up to ten basis points. The revised rates for both banks become effective from August 12, 2026. Borrowers with loans linked to MCLR may see their interest payments rise. This decision follows the Reserve Bank of India's recent repo rate maintenance.
moreInvoice discounting: Know how this fund-raising option works, its types, benefits and drawbacks
If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, here is a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 113th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains how this fund raising option works.
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<b>Good news for HDFC Bank borrowers: Lending rates reduced across multiple tenures; check latest list</b>
In a strategic move, HDFC Bank has reduced its MCLR rates across various tenures by as much as five basis points, effective from August 7, 2026. The
moreRBI changes loan recovery rules:: No harassment, recorded calls, strict recovery agent code & more
The Reserve Bank of India has announced new guidelines for loan recovery starting in January 2027. These regulations require that banks properly train recovery agents while ensuring they adhere to professional standards during the process. Borrowers will receive notifications regarding the recovery agents assigned to them, and all communications will need to be recorded.
moreDefaulted on your loan? Here's what banks can legally do and what they can't
Missing a single loan EMI doesn't lead to immediate bank intervention; instead, lenders often issue reminder calls and formal notices first. For secured loans, repossession of assets follows legal procedure, while unsecured loans depend on collection efforts. Recovery agents must uphold borrower dignity, refraining from harassment. Engaging proactively with lenders can facilitate loan restructuring and help preserve your credit score from significant damage.
moreCredit card rewards are changing: Here's how travellers and reward seekers can maximise points and miles
Banks increasingly reward engagement rather than ownership. Issuers want your premium card to become your preferred spending instrument, as it determines whether they earn interchange income, interest or merchant partnerships. That’s one reason why targeted offers, bonus reward campaigns and accelerated earning opportunities exist throughout the year.
moreBorrowers take note: HDFC Bank revises lending rates for different tenures; check updated list
HDFC Bank has adjusted its MCLR rates, with changes effective July seventh, 2026. The overnight MCLR decreased by five basis points, while longer tenors saw increases. One-year and three-year MCLRs rose by five basis points each.
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Is your home loan ruling your life? Know the hidden cost of a big EMI
Many Indians stretch finances for dream homes, but hefty home loans lead to years of uncomfortable choices. Borrowers face lifestyle compression, ca
moreCan a mutual fund SWP pay your home loan EMIs? 15 years of data says think again
Most investors struggle as they watch their portfolio shrink while EMI obligations remain fixed. The temptation to stop the SWP or redeem the corpus becomes overwhelming. This introduces discretionary risk into what is assumed to be a systematic plan. Acting on it at the wrong time permanently locks in the loss. An investor’s life situation also matters.
moreCan a bank seize your vehicle after EMI default? What borrowers need to know
Facing vehicle repossession in India? Understand your rights: lenders can't seize your vehicle after just one or two missed EMIs without due process. Recovery agents must not use force or intimidation. You're entitled to notices and can reclaim your vehicle before sale if you regularize your loan. Any surplus from a sale after clearing dues belongs to you. Know the rules to protect your asset.
moreCredit card points: How to use them for free flights, hotel stays, and better travel rewards
Travellers should also remember that loyalty program transfers are generally irreversible. Before moving points to an airline or a hotel program, it is advisable to confirm award availability and understand the redemption rules. Airline miles can also expire or lose value over time if loyalty programs change their award charts. Besides, there are taxes and fuel surcharges, which could be expensive.
moreNRI credit cards: Rewards and lounge access aren’t everything, what more NRIs should know before getting an Indian credit card
For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), an Indian credit card offers significant benefits beyond convenience, including building a crucial CIBIL score for future borrowing and simplifying rupee-denominated expenses. While unsecured cards are increasingly available, understanding forex charges, repayment mechanisms, and FEMA compliance is vital before applying.
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Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda increase lending rates: Why loan EMIs for these borrowers may rise
Bank of Baroda and Canara Bank have raised their lending rates. These changes are effective from June 12, 2026. Loans linked to these rates will b
moreHDFC Bank borrower alert: EMIs on these loans to cost more as bank raises lending rates by up to 10 bps
HDFC Bank has increased its Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rates (MCLR) by up to 10 basis points, effective June 8, 2026. The revised rates now range from 8.05% to 8.65% across various loan tenures. This adjustment follows the Reserve Bank of India's decision to maintain the repo rate at 5.25%.
moreRBI holds repo rate, but for how long will relief for home loan borrowers continue?
The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% has provided relief to home loan borrowers, but rising inflation could trigger future rate hikes and costlier EMIs. Borrowers can reduce interest burden through strategies such as home loan prepayments, paying an extra EMI annually, or refinancing at lower rates. These methods can save lakhs in interest and significantly shorten loan tenure.
moreHarassed by loan recovery agents? Know your legal rights and 6 steps to fight back
Borrowers struggling with debt often face harassment from recovery agents through abusive calls, threats, public shaming, and unauthorised visits, despite RBI rules prohibiting such practices. Experts say many borrowers are unaware of their rights and grievance mechanisms. RBI guidelines allow complaints against harassment and provide borrower protections, while debt restructuring and one-time settlements can help resolve repayment difficulties and reduce financial stress.
more10 lowest floating vs fixed home loan interest rates: PNB, ICICI Bank, Bank of Baroda and more
Home loan interest rates: Choosing a home loan involves comparing floating and fixed interest rates. Floating rates can decrease but also increase with RBI policy. Fixed rates offer stable EMIs, which can be beneficial as income grows. ET Wealth Online presents the 10 lowest fixed and floating home loan rates from banks as of May 25, 2026.
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Delinquency vs default: Know the difference and how they affect your credit score and borrowing ability
If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, here’s a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 104th part
moreCan banks block your mobile in case of loan default? RBI lays down rules for restricting services; Rs 250/hour compensation in this case
If the lender bank decides to deploy any technology-based mechanism for restricting or disabling the functionalities of a mobile device of a borrower, it shall ensure adopting a graduated approach rather than disabling the device, ab initio; it can’t disable essential services like internet access, incoming calls, emergency SOS, and receipt of emergency Government or public-safety notifications.
moreLoan EMIs set to increase: Canara Bank raises lending rates by 5 bps on these tenures; Bank of Baroda MCLRs remain unchanged
Canara Bank has revised its lending rates. The bank increased its Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate by 5 basis points for all loan tenors. These new rates are effective from May 12, 2026. Borrowers with MCLR-linked loans may see higher EMIs. Bank of Baroda has kept its MCLR rates unchanged.
moreLending money to friends or relatives? Why guaranteeing loans and personal lending can put your finances, credit score, and goals at risk
When a friend or a relative asks you for a personal loan, always seek time. There is no need to feel pressurised to respond immediately. Sometimes, just saying that you will think about it is enough for the other to back off. They may feel hesitant to follow up, or seek others.
moreCan NRIs use Indian mobile numbers abroad for banking? OTP delays, SIM deactivation and account access issues, know what to do
NRIs managing finances abroad often face OTP issues with their Indian mobile numbers. While banks are increasingly supporting international numbers and app-based authentication, maintaining an active Indian SIM remains crucial for many transactions. Read the article to know how NRIs can keep their Indian mobile number active, handle OTP issues overseas and avoid common banking access problems
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HDFC Bank reduces lending rates on select tenures: Who will benefit?
HDFC Bank has adjusted its lending rates. Effective May 7, 2026, some loan tenures will see a reduction of up to 5 basis points. However, one tenu
moreCan you get another loan if you’re already paying EMIs? Here’s the answer
Your salary is just the start for loan approval. Lenders scrutinize your income after deducting all current EMIs. This remaining amount, measured by the Fixed Obligation to Income Ratio, dictates your borrowing capacity. Keeping this ratio below 50% is key. Existing EMIs significantly reduce how much more you can borrow. Even small EMI reductions can boost your loan eligibility.
morePlanning to take home loan? 5 smart ways to maximise your benefits
The amount you borrow should depend on your personal financial situation, including monthly expenses, existing liabilities, lifestyle needs, and long-term financial goals such as children’s education, retirement planning, or emergency savings. Ideally, the EMI should not exceed 35–40% of your monthly take-home income.
moreCan you apply for credit card without income proof?
While income proof is often perceived as mandatory for credit cards in India, it's not always the case. Banks consider various factors beyond salary, including credit score and repayment history. Secured credit cards against fixed deposits offer an accessible route for those without traditional income proof, enabling them to build a credit profile.
morePersonal loan interest rates from 8.75% in 2026: Compare PSU vs private bank rates before you apply
Personal loan interest rates 2026: Personal loans offer flexible terms and minimal documentation, with interest rates varying by income. Understanding lender pricing, including public and private banks, is crucial for informed borrowing.
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Lowest home loan interest rates in 2026: PSU banks vs private banks; check lists
home loan interest rates: The RBI's decision to maintain the repo rate at 5.25% has left borrowers questioning the impact on home loan interest rate
moreWill dream run for home loan borrowers end soon despite RBI maintaining status quo on repo rate?
The Reserve Bank of India has kept the repo rate steady at 5.25%. Home loan borrowers may see temporary relief. However, rising inflation, driven by global events, suggests a potential repo rate increase in upcoming meetings. This could lead to higher home loan interest rates. Strategies like prepayment and refinancing can help manage future loan costs.
moreHDFC Bank trims lending rates: EMIs for these loans to fall as lender cuts MCLR on select tenures
HDFC Bank lending rates: HDFC Bank has reduced its Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rates (MCLR) on select tenures by up to 5 basis points, effective April 7, 2026. This adjustment benefits borrowers with loans linked to the MCLR regime, with overnight and one-month rates now at 8.10%.
more7 things you must know about reverse mortgage home loan: How senior citizens can generate regular income from self-occupied house
If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, here’s a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 97th part of this series, Riju Mehta explains what this loan product means.
moreStruggling with a big credit card bill? Converting to EMIs may help but read the fine print first
Converting large credit card bills to EMIs offers immediate relief by breaking down payments, but comes with significant costs beyond stated interest rates. While 'zero-cost' EMIs often involve hidden markups, understanding the true expense and necessity is crucial before opting in. Timely EMI payments can benefit credit scores, but missed payments have severe repercussions.
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Lowest home loan interest rates: SBI vs HDFC Bank vs ICICI Bank vs Canara Bank; which bank offers lowest EMI; top bank rates compared
Securing the lowest home loan interest rate is crucial for significant long-term savings, with rates influenced by credit score, LTV, and income. Pu
moreRepaid your car loan but unable to sell? Your vehicle may still be marked as hypothecated to the bank; you need to do this now
Paying your final car loan EMI doesn't automatically make the vehicle legally yours. Hypothecation, where the bank's name appears on your registration certificate, remains until you formally remove it. You must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and Form 35 from the lender and submit them to the RTO to transfer full ownership.
moreHigher EMIs ahead as Canara Bank increases MCLR on these tenors; also check Bank of Baroda, IDBI Bank lending rates
Lending rates: Borrowers may face higher loan EMIs as Canara Bank raises lending rates on longer tenors. Bank of Baroda maintains its current rates, offering stability. IDBI Bank has also updated its Marginal Cost of Funds-based Lending Rate (MCLR) across various periods.
moreFree flights and hotel stays with credit card reward points: Here’s how to maximise your rewards
Credit card usage has surged in recent times, especially among younger consumers, who are increasingly using cards not just for convenience but also for rewards. Social media is full of finfluencers claiming that smart use of credit cards can fetch free flights and hotel stays.
moreHDFC Bank cuts lending rates for select tenures; loan EMIs set to fall for these borrowers
HDFC Bank has lowered its lending rates. Borrowers will benefit from reduced interest costs. The new rates are effective from March 7, 2026. Overnight and one-month MCLRs see a 10 basis point cut. Other tenors are also reduced. This move impacts loans linked to the MCLR regime. Fixed deposit rates have also been revised.
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Own a property and need funds? Here’s how to unlock lakhs without selling it
Indians facing emergencies can leverage their property for substantial funds through a Loan Against Property. This secured loan offers larger amount
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