Loans & EMI Guide #80: Difference Between Credit Card EMI vs Personal Loan — Which One’s Better?

 

Buying Phone, Laptop, or Paying Bills? Know Which EMI Option Saves You More

Credit card EMI and personal loans both help you afford big buys — but which is actually cheaper and safer in the long run?

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💳 Credit Card EMI – Quick Overview

• Instant conversion after purchase
• Interest: 12%–24%
• Tenure: 3 to 24 months
• Minimal paperwork

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🏦 Personal Loan – Quick Overview

• Needs full application
• Interest: 10%–18%
• Tenure: 12 to 60 months
• Funds credited to account

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📊 Comparison Table

Feature	Credit Card EMI	Personal Loan
Approval Speed	Instant	1–3 days
Interest Rate	Higher	Lower (in most cases)
Flexibility	Low	High
Prepayment Fee	High	Usually lower

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🧠 Pro Tip

If amount is <₹50,000 and repayment is <6 months → credit card EMI
If >₹50,000 or need longer repayment → personal loan is better

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✅ Conclusion

Both options work — but think beyond speed. Choose based on total interest paid + flexibility + your credit score.

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