Should I use a personal loan or a credit card?
Use a credit card when you can repay the amount in full within its interest-free window (usually 20–50 days) — it then costs nothing. Use a personal loan when the expense is large, planned, and will take months to repay — its rate (~11–24% a year in India as of July 2026) is far lower than a credit card's ~30–45% a year once you carry a balance. Duration and size of the need decide it, not the product name. Fast comparison Factor Personal loan Credit card Money you get Fixed lump sum Revolving limit Interest rate (approx., July 2026) ~11–24% p.a. ~30–45% p.a. if carried Interest-free period None 20–50 days if paid in full Best use Large, one-time, planned spend Small, short-term, quickly cleared spend Repayment Fixed monthly EMIs Minimum due to full balance
- Loans & Credit
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