Payday Loans in India (2023), Eligibility, Advantages & Disadvantages !

Payday Loans in India

In India, a payday loan is a short-term, high-interest financial product designed to provide rapid access to cash, with the intention of repaying it on the borrower’s upcoming payday. While these loans can serve as a financial lifeline for individuals confronted with unexpected expenses, they come with certain associated risks due to their high interest rates and short repayment periods.

Alternatives to Payday Loans in India

Before considering payday loans, there are several alternative financial options available in India that can be more financially prudent:

1. Borrowing from Friends or Family: Borrowing from acquaintances can be an attractive option, often involving no interest charges and flexible repayment terms mutually agreed upon.
2. Using a Credit Card: If you possess a credit card with a low-interest rate and can make timely payments, it could be a viable method for covering short-term expenses.
3. Taking out a Personal Loan: Personal loans can be a practical choice when you have a specific financial need and are confident in your ability to repay the loan on time. However, be cautious not to take out a personal loan prematurely, as paying interest on unused funds can be costly.
4. Line of Credit: A credit line stands out as a more cost-effective and flexible alternative to payday loans. It allows you to borrow up to a predetermined limit and incur interest only on the amount you use, making it a smarter choice for short-term financial requirements.

Advantages of a Credit Line Over Payday Loans

A credit line is often considered a wiser choice compared to payday loans for various reasons:

1. Lower Interest Rates: Credit lines generally offer lower interest rates compared to payday loans, resulting in long-term cost savings.
2. Minimal Documentation: Credit lines typically involve minimal documentation, while payday loans may come with hidden fees or charges.
3. Same-Day Approval and Online Withdrawal: Credit lines often allow online withdrawals at any time, providing quick access to funds. Payday loans may have slower approval processes.
4. Longer Repayment Periods: Credit lines offer more extended repayment periods, making it easier to manage and pay off your debt compared to the short repayment terms of payday loans.
5. Improved Credit Score: Responsible use of a credit line can positively impact your credit score, while payday loans can have a detrimental effect.
6. Borrow Only What You Need: With a credit line, you can borrow only the required amount, while payday loans necessitate borrowing the full sum upfront.
7. Flexible Repayments: Credit lines allow you to pay interest only on the amount you borrow, making repayment more manageable. Payday loans require repayment of the entire loan, including interest, in one lump sum.
8. Emergency Funds Source: A credit line serves as a reliable source of emergency funds, providing quick access to cash when you face unexpected expenses or financial crises.
9. Cash Flow Management: Credit lines are an excellent way to manage cash flow, as you pay interest only on the amount you utilize. With payday loans, the interest keeps increasing with the passing days.
10. Backup Source of Funds: A credit line can act as a backup source of funds when other credit options are unavailable. With payday loans, you must reapply for each new loan.

Disadvantages:

1. Very High-Interest Rates: Although daily interest rates may seem manageable, annualized rates can exceed 400% (APR), and for very short loans, this can even reach a staggering 9000%. By comparison, credit cards typically have an APR of 9-30%.
2. Debt Trap: Inability to repay the loan within a month can lead to penalties and additional costs, making it increasingly challenging to settle the debt and increasing the likelihood of falling into a debt trap.

Eligibility for a Credit Line – A Payday Loan Alternative

To be eligible for a credit line as a payday loan alternative:

• You must be an Indian citizen.
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must have a stable source of income, typically as a salaried individual.
• Your minimum monthly income should meet the lender’s specified criteria (e.g., a minimum of INR 8,000).

FAQs

Is a Payday Loan the Right Choice?

Payday loans cater to the working class, often facing month-end financial difficulties. The repayment period for these loans can vary from 7 to 60 days, contingent upon the lending institution. However, the brief repayment tenure and the urgent nature of these loans contribute to their high costs. Despite the associated expenses, many individuals opt for payday loans due to their convenience, especially in times of emergencies. In India, payday loans are commonly used to cover expenses related to life events such as weddings, medical emergencies, and school fees.

How Does a Payday Loan Operate?

To illustrate how payday loans work, consider this scenario: You find yourself in need of ₹40,000 for an emergency situation, but your payday is still a month away, and your bank balance is alarmingly low. In this predicament, you turn to one of the many online payday lenders, offering convenient payday loans. Anticipating your salary within seven days, you apply for a seven-day loan with a principal amount of ₹40,000 at a 9% monthly interest rate.

The breakdown looks like this: ₹40,000 (Amount borrowed) + ₹3,600 (Interest) = ₹43,600 to be repaid within 7 days. Essentially, a 30-day loan would result in an interest rate of 108%, while a 60-day loan incurs the same 108% interest. Any delay in repayment leads to daily penalties.