Quick Overview: What Each Option Offers
Personal Loan: Unsecured lump sum from banks/NBFCs. Repay in 1-5 years via EMIs.
Credit Card: Revolving credit line for purchases/payments. Pay minimum or full monthly.
BNPL: Short-term instalments for specific buys (e.g., Flipkart Pay Later). Often 0% interest for 3-6 months.
Current averages (2026): personal loans at 10-24% p.a., cards at 3-4% monthly (36-48% p.a.), BNPL 0-18% p.a.
Head-to-Head Comparison Table
| Feature | Personal Loan | Credit Card | BNPL |
| Interest Rate | 10.5-24% p.a. (fixed) | 36-48% p.a. (revolving) | 0% (promo) to 18% p.a. |
| Loan Amount | ₹50K-₹50L | Up to 5x income (₹20K-₹20L limit) | ₹500-₹2L per purchase |
| Tenure | 6-60 months | Flexible (monthly) | 3-12 months |
| Processing Fee | 1-4% | Nil (but annual fees ₹500-10K) | 0-2% |
| Eligibility | CIBIL 700+, steady income | CIBIL 750+, salary >₹25K | Minimal docs, app-based |
| Usage | Any purpose | Purchases, cash withdrawals | E-commerce only |
| Credit Impact | Hard inquiry, builds history | Utilization affects score | Soft inquiry, small impact |
Personal loans shine for big, planned needs; cards for flexibility; and BNPL for impulse buys.
Pros and Cons: Deep Dive
Personal Loan
Pros:
Fixed EMIs for budgeting.
No collateral, large amounts.
Lower rates for good credit.
Cons:
Strict eligibility (docs, CIBIL).
Prepayment penalties (2-4%).
Longer approval (2-7 days).
Best for: Weddings, home renos (e.g., ₹5L at 12% = ₹11K/month EMI).
Credit Card
Pros:
Instant use, rewards (2-5% cashback).
Grace period (20-50 days interest-free).
Balance transfer options.
Cons:
Best for: Travel and dining emergencies with quick payoffs.
BNPL (e.g., LazyPay, Simpl)
Pros:
Cons:
Limited to partner merchants.
Late fees (₹100-500 + GST).
Caps repeat usage on defaults.
Best for: Phones, appliances under ₹50K.
Real Scenarios: Which Wins?
₹30K Phone Now: BNPL at 0% over 6 months = ₹5K/month, no hassle.
₹2L Medical Emergency: Personal loan—low rate, flexible use.
₹10K Monthly Shopping: Credit card rewards, pay in full to avoid interest.
Ongoing Expenses: Avoid—build an emergency fund instead.
Pro Tip: Fincrif users save 2-5% by simulating options pre-apply.
Eligibility and Approval Speed
Easiest: BNPL (5 mins, Aadhaar + PAN).
Moderate: Credit cards (1-3 days, salary slips).
Strictest: Personal loans (CIBIL 700+, ITR/Form 16; 2-7 days).
Thin credit? Start with BNPL to build a score.
Costs Exposed: True Borrowing Expense
Assume ₹1L borrowed:
| Option | Full Repay (6 months) | Cost if Delayed |
| Personal Loan (12%) | ₹17.2K interest | Fixed EMI |
| Credit Card (40%) | ₹0 (if full monthly) | ₹20K+ interest |
| BNPL (0%) | ₹0 | ₹5K late fees |
Revolving debt kills—pay cards in full!
When to Choose What (Decision Tree)
Large sum (>₹1L), any use? → Personal Loan.
Rewards/flexibility, quick pay? → Credit Card.
Online buy, short-term? → BNPL.
Poor credit? → Build with a secured card first.
Fincrif's Smart Borrowing Tips
Check CIBIL for free via Fincrif.
Use EMI calculators—aim for DTI < 40%.
Avoid multiple apps; one rejection hurts.
Prepay loans for savings.
Fincrif matches you to the best rates across 50+ lenders. Personal loan at 10.99%? We've got it.
Compare Now on Fincrif – Free, Instant.