Knowing how to convert credit card payments to EMIs is crucial to spread out the cost of your large purchases and make them more manageable. Opting for this can help ease the burden of repayment and keep you on track with your budget. To explore how to convert your credit card payments into EMIs, the benefits of opting for this facility and things to consider, read on.
How Do EMIs on Credit Cards Work?
To put it simply, an EMI on a credit card helps you convert the amount you owe into smaller and affordable monthly payments. Here is how this system works:
- This facility is appropriate for paying a small portion of what you owe and having the remaining amount carried to the following month, along with interest
- The interest charged on an EMI facility is generally lower than the regular credit card interest rates
- Some issuers even offer a no-cost EMI option as well
- Credit card companies usually allow you to use this conversion facility for your high-value transactions
- Remember that a late payment fee will be applicable if you miss or default on a repayment
Also Read: Credit Card Late Payment Charges
How to Convert Credit Card Payments into EMIs?
Credit card companies allow you to leverage different ways to opt for a monthly instalment facility. Here is how to pay EMI with a credit card:
Identify Transactions
- Since not all transactions will be eligible for the EMI facility, verify the minimum amount that you can convert into monthly instalments
- Transactions made at certain merchant outlets, such as your fuel expenses, may also not be eligible
Select the Bill or Transaction for Conversion
- Once you have checked the transaction’s eligibility, select the transaction you wish to convert into EMI
- It’s crucial to review the fees associated with this facility to determine if it falls within your budget
Choose Repayment Tenure
- The next step is to choose a repayment tenure that aligns with your budget
- Most credit card companies allow you to opt for a repayment duration ranging between 3 and 24 months
- Note that the longer the tenure, the lower will be the EMI amount payable
- However, you will end up paying higher interest charges in longer tenure as compared to a short-term duration
Confirm Conversion
- Once you have chosen the right tenure, confirm the EMI conversion to complete the process
- The issuer will credit back the amount of the transaction after completion of your EMI conversion process
Also Read: What is a credit card statement?
Ways to Convert Credit Card Bills into EMIs
Here are the common ways you can convert your credit card bill into EMIs:
- Net banking: Log in to your bank’s portal and choose the EMI conversion option for your credit card
- Mobile banking app: Use your bank’s app to select eligible transactions and convert them into EMIs
- Customer care: Call your credit card issuer and request EMI conversion for eligible transactions
- SMS or pre-approved offers: Some banks allow instant EMI conversion through offers shared via SMS or email
- Merchant checkout: While making a purchase, you may get an option to choose EMI directly
Things to Consider When Converting Credit Card Bills into EMIs
Before you opt for an EMI facility on your credit card, it’s important to understand how it impacts your total repayment and monthly budget.
- Interest Rate: The EMI amount depends on the interest rate charged by your credit card issuer. This rate can vary across banks and even across customers. So it’s important to check the exact rate before converting, as it directly affects how much extra you will pay
- Eligibility: Not all transactions or users are eligible for EMI conversion. Typically, only transactions above a certain amount qualify. And your credit card account should be in good standing with a consistent repayment history
- Reducing Balance Method: Most banks calculate interest on a reducing balance basis. This means interest is charged only on the outstanding amount each month, so as you repay your EMI, the interest component gradually reduces over time
- Processing Fee: Some credit card issuers may charge a one-time processing fee when you convert your transaction into EMIs. This fee is usually added to your total cost, so it’s worth checking beforehand to avoid surprises
- Repayment Tenure: You can choose a repayment tenure based on your comfort, usually ranging between 3 and 24 months. While a longer tenure reduces your monthly EMI, it increases the total interest paid, so it’s important to strike the right balance
- Credit Foreclosure: If you want to close your EMI early by paying the remaining amount, banks may allow it, but usually charge a foreclosure or prepayment fee. It’s best to check these charges before opting for EMI
[Source: Converting CC bills to EMI – RBI Guidelines, RBI Guidelines, Paytm]
Benefits of Converting Credit Card Payments into EMIs
Here are some of the pros of paying your credit card bills into affordable monthly instalments:
- Budget Management: Opting for this facility allows you to manage your budget more effectively and maintain the desired cash flow for your other expenses
- Easy Repayment: You can opt for automatic deduction of EMIs, which ensures that you never miss a due date
- Flexibility: Most credit card companies allow you to choose a repayment tenure that aligns with your budget and financial goals
Before you opt for the EMI conversion facility, it’s crucial to manage your finances responsibly and ensure that the monthly obligations fit your budget. However, if you’re unsure about your eligibility, you can always apply for Personal Loan of up to ₹10 lakhs. Download our Personal Loan App or log in to our website to get funds at competitive rates and with minimal paperwork.
FAQs on How to Convert Credit Card Payment to EMI
Does converting credit card bills to EMI affect credit score?
No, converting credit card bills into EMIs doesn’t impact your credit score. However, your credit score will be hurt if you don’t pay your monthly obligations on time.
How can I convert credit card payments to EMI?
Wondering how to convert credit card payments to EMI? You can opt for an EMI option through the credit card company’s net banking portal or the mobile app.
How do I know if my card is eligible for EMI?
You can check your credit card’s eligibility for converting bills into EMIs on the card issuer’s web portal or mobile application. You can also contact their customer support team to know about your card’s eligibility. If you are wondering, ‘How to pay EMI through a credit card,’ you can also talk to the customer care representative if you are unsure of the process.
Can all credit card transactions be converted into EMI?
No, only eligible transactions above a certain amount can be converted into EMI. Some categories, like fuel or wallet transactions, may not qualify.
What are the tenure options available for credit card EMI?
Most credit card issuers offer repayment tenures ranging from 3 to 24 months, depending on the transaction and your eligibility.