Borrow Smart, Celebrate Hard: 7 Must-Know Tips For Festive Personal Loans

The festive season in India is synonymous with joy, celebrations, and higher spending. Many families look at taking personal loans to manage expenses like shopping, gifts, travel, and home renovation during festivals such as Diwali, Navratri, and Dussehra. As demand for personal loans surges this time of year, borrowers must navigate choices carefully to avoid financial strain. Here are seven crucial points to remember while planning a personal loan this festive season.

 

Keep Key Highlights In Mind Before Borrowing

 

Evaluate Your Exact Loan Requirement

Calculate the total cost of your festive expenses like gifts, electronic appliances, decorative items, travel tickets, and even weddings if applicable. Borrow only the amount you need, avoiding excess loan taking, which increases EMI burden post-festivities.

 

Compare Interest Rates Across Lenders

Interest rates on personal loans currently range between about 9.9% and 16.5% per annum depending on the bank and borrower’s profile. Public and private sector banks offer the lowest rates around 9.9%–10.5%. Comparing these rates helps minimize interest cost.

 

Understand Loan Tenure and EMI Impact

Choosing the right repayment tenure is key. Shorter tenures mean higher EMIs but less interest outgo, while longer tenures reduce EMI but inflate total interest paid. Align tenure with income stability and monthly budget.

 

Check Eligibility Criteria and Documentation

Most lenders require applicants to be Indian residents aged 21-80 years with a consistent income source. Documents typically include KYC proofs, latest salary slips, bank statements, and employment verification. Ensuring all paperwork is ready can speed up loan approval.

 

Factor In Processing Fees and Other Charges

Besides interest, personal loans attract processing fees, usually around 1-3% of loan amount plus GST. Some banks waive fees during festive offers. Account for these costs in your loan calculations.

 

Maintain A Good Credit Score

A strong CIBIL score (usually above 685) improves chances of approval at attractive rates. Avoid applying with poor credit history to prevent rejections and higher interest rates.

 

Plan Timely Repayments To Avoid Financial Stress

Set up automatic EMI deductions and avoid missing payments to protect your credit health. Timely repayment also enables preclosure benefits in some cases, reducing overall interest.

 

Using a personal loan responsibly this festive season helps families celebrate without cash crunch or dipping into long-term savings. By comparing lenders, evaluating your actual needs, and planning repayments smartly, the joy of festivals can be accompanied by financial peace of mind.

 

Sources: DMI Finance, Moneycontrol, Airtel Finance Blog, BankBazaar, Axis Bank, Bajaj Finserv, ICICI Bank