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Credit Card EMI vs Personal Loan: Which Is Better for Festive Shopping?
October 13, 2025

Credit Card EMI vs Personal Loan: Find the Best Festive Season Deal

While shopping at the mall with his family, Sudhir and his wife saw a 55-inch television on display and couldn’t resist asking for the price and details. They really needed a new television for their home, and what better occasion than Diwali to make this much-desired purchase. What made it more attractive was a discounted price and a no-cost EMI offer. Sudhir was holding an ICICI Bank Rubyx credit card and could not resist making an instant purchase. He decided that there could be no better time than now to buy it and fulfil his family’s wishes.

The convenience of a credit card in India is unmatched for spending on personal and household items, as well as emergencies. A personal loan is also available as unsecured funding for personal use and Diwali expenses, which is a better choice than a credit card. Let us explore the functionalities and benefits.

What are the reasons why Credit Cards are beneficial for festive shopping?

Avail the limit of multiple cards: You can hold various credit cards issued by different lenders. Each card has a designated credit limit, and banks typically permit cash withdrawals of 20% to 30% of the approved limit. You can plan your spending according to the credit card limit and the offers available on each card. 

Easy to carry: Credit cards enable instant spending and are an excellent option to carrying cash. They can be used at most merchant outlets for shopping, dining, and purchasing movie tickets. Activate your credit card for online use and ensure it is used safely for your transactions. 

Reward points: Reward points from all-year-round credit card spending can be redeemed at this time for festive essentials. Banks have tie-ups with member outlets where customers can redeem credit card points for various goods, including household items, clothing, and electronics. Enjoy online shopping festival offers with the HDFC credit card smart EMI feature.

Discounts, Sales, and No Cost EMI Credit Card Offers: Vendors expecting peak sales during this time go all out to offer discounts on goods and partner with banks to provide easy repayment options, such as no-cost EMI credit card offers. Banks offer discounts and cash back on credit card usage.

Why is a personal loan a good option to fund your Diwali expenses?

As you prepare to celebrate the upcoming festivities, plan your budget and ensure you have the necessary funds to make the occasion truly memorable. The Diwali bonus is expected, and your savings should ideally cover your expenses; however, if you’re short, consider applying for a personal loan to cover any additional costs.

Secure the necessary funds: You can apply for the amount you need in advance to start painting and redoing the upholstery, giving your home a fresh look for the upcoming season. Loan amounts are approved based on personal loan eligibility criteria and transferred to your account, making them easily accessible for paying your expenses. 

Suitable terms: A personal loan is available at a reasonable interest rate. ICICI Bank personal loan offers starting from 9.99% onwards for loan amounts of ₹ 15 lakhs and above. If you have an existing HDFC Bank personal loan, you can avail a top-up on the existing loan within 72 hours with minimum documents.

Easy repayment options: Funds as a personal loan can be repaid easily via monthly EMI. Check for a suitable EMI using an EMI calculator to ensure the EMI is affordable; otherwise, request an extended tenure. Let not the worry for repayment affect your Diwali celebrations, as the EMI will be deducted after your next salary credit.

Credit Card vs Personal Loan: Which is the Better Option?

A Credit Card and a personal loan are both unsecured, issued without collateral, and provide funds available for short-term individual usage. Situations that can help decide the better option include the following:

  • Credit cards are handier for small buys and for impromptu expenses. 
  • They can be used for online shopping, especially during the festival season.
  • You can avail of the attractive discounts offered as pre-Diwali sales, such as the Great Indian festival sale.
  • Specific cards, such as the HDFC one card, the best credit card for online shopping, the ICICI Amazon credit card, and the ICICI Make My Trip card, have better privileges.

Personal Loans:

  • Personal Loans are beneficial for larger expenses with a planned Budget.
  • The rate of interest for a personal loan is much lower than that of a Credit Card.
  • Instant personal loans are available online when required.
  • A Personal Loan can be used to pay for Credit card expenses that attract a higher interest rate.
  • There are no restrictions on using a personal loan, and you can withdraw any amount of cash when needed.

Diwali is the time we’ve been waiting for all year to celebrate and give the gifts our family has been eagerly anticipating. It is an occasion to fulfil aspirations and shop to your heart’s content. Buying a new vehicle, the latest mobile phone, or jewellery for your spouse – all plans are postponed until Diwali, when promises are to be kept. 


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