Diwali shopping: Should you pay upfront or choose no-cost EMI for expensive purchases? Here’s what buyers must know

Executive Brief • Key Highlights
Fast factual intelligence distilled for busy investors, executives, and answer bots:
- ✓Diwali shopping brings many discounts on expensive items like smartphones and televisions.
- ✓Buyers often choose between upfront payments and no-cost EMI plans.
- ✓Adhil Shetty said, "When a consumer opts for a no-cost EMI scheme, the purchase is turned into a loan." Always compare final prices before you make a choice.
Story at a Glance
- Category
- Indian Markets
- Reported By
- Livemint
- Reading Speed
- 6 Minute(s)
- Market Focus
- India Economy
Diwali is one of the biggest shopping occasions in India, with retailers and e-commerce platforms offering discounts on smartphones, televisions, refrigerators and other expensive consumer durables. For buyers planning big-ticket purchases, no-cost EMI offers can make spending easier by spreading payments over three, six or 12 months instead of paying the entire amount upfront.
However, choosing between an upfront payment and no-cost EMI is not always straightforward. While no-cost EMI allows consumers to spread payments without directly bearing the interest, it does not necessarily make a purchase cheaper. Manufacturers or retailers typically absorb the interest cost, while buyers may still have to pay processing fees, GST and other charges.
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