Are EMI-free loans really free? Here’s what you need to know

EMI-free loans are deceptive, presenting fake financial advantages that lead to hidden fees and increased long-term costs. While they offer temporary relief, the reality is borrowers face undisclosed expenses and potential credit score issues.

Dakshita Ojha
Published18 Mar 2025, 04:25 PM IST
EMI-free loans exposed – The financial trap you need to avoid.
EMI-free loans exposed – The financial trap you need to avoid.

EMI-free loans seem unrealistically appealing because businesses widely advertise easy financing and hassle-free loan opportunities in today's market. Everyone would choose to borrow money under these circumstances since there are no monthly payment obligations. The appeal of this offering seems perfect but reality shows something else.

Also Read | 10-minute personal loans: Fast money or a fast track to debt?

The primary purpose of presenting free EMI loans to consumers is a deceptive advertising tactic which fools borrowers into debt obligations that often include undisclosed fees. The true nature of EMI-free loans will be explained in this piece through an analysis of undisclosed fees that nullify their advertised cost-free status.

What are EMI free loans?

The provision of EMI-free loans through EMI-postponement or skipping represents financial assistance that companies promote with regularity. Financial challenges combined with unexpected expenses make EMI-free loans seem like vital assistance to people facing hurdles.

The term "EMI-free" contains extraordinary deceptiveness. Although the lender maintains profits through delayed or shifted payments the borrower stays responsible for the full payments.

Myth of zero-cost EMI

1. Processing fees: The majority of free EMI deals contain hidden processing expenses which customers find out about later. Actual charges depend on the conditions established by the retailer along with banker and lender.

2. Exaggerated product costs: Company retailers sometimes increase the price of their products as part of zero-cost EMI plans. You unknowingly fund interest payments as retailers allocate the money you pay to buy the product toward typical lender interest.

3. Loan tenure: Most EMI-free loans restrict borrowers to choose from only fixed-length payment periods which not everyone can accept. Lenders establish repayment periods based on their own preferences because borrowers lack control over the conditions.

Also Read | Personal loans: How can you use EMI calculator to procure a good deal?

4. High down payments: Several free EMI plans demand substantial upfront payments so borrowers need to provide a large sum of funds initially. The starting payment amount exceeds what people might see from the reduced monthly instalments.

5. Credit score: Losing your existing loan or facing difficulties obtaining future credit becomes possible when you do not pay bills or default on free EMI loans as this negatively affects your credit score rating.

How to avoid over-paying on a zero-cost EMI loan?

  • Compare product prices: The cost of a product purchased on zero-cost EMI exceeds the actual store price which implies you are paying concealed interest.
  • Hidden charges: To accept a loan you must ask about all possible fees that include processing costs together with down payment expenses.
  • Terms and conditions: In order to understand the payment timeline together with all potential fee regulations.
  • Financial capacity: Setup your budget first then check your financial ability matches up with monthly instalments and down payment costs.

Also Read | Personal loans: Raising money for vacation needs THIS checklist

In conclusion, a closer examination of EMI-free loans reveals their deceptive nature because they turn out to be fake financial advantages instead of genuine benefits. Loan providers never operate by offering finances at no cost. EMI-free loans may give temporary financial comfort however they normally cause enhanced long-term expenses that outweigh their initial advantage.

(Note: Raising a loan comes with its own risks. So, due caution is advised)

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Business NewsMoneyPersonal FinanceAre EMI-free loans really free? Here’s what you need to know
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First Published:18 Mar 2025, 04:25 PM IST
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