Author: Nisha Chawla
Nisha Chawla is a seasoned professional with 15 years of experience in banking, insurance, investment, and the debt sector. Holding a B.Com degree, she has been writing for the past five years, offering valuable insights on banking, loans, and financial schemes. Her passion for writing brings clarity to complex financial topics.
ICICI Bank, in collaboration with MakeMyTrip (MMT), has introduced a co-branded credit card targeting frequent travelers. As we approach the festive season with Dussehra, Diwali, and Christmas just around the corner, this card could be appealing to those planning family trips or vacations. The card is designed to offer benefits on travel bookings, hotel stays, and even movie tickets. What Makes This Credit Card Special? The ICICI Bank-MakeMyTrip credit card offers two variants—one on the MasterCard network and another on the RuPay network. What makes it unique is that both cards are issued together. The RuPay card can also be…
The festive season is the perfect time for many to buy a new car, thanks to discounts and special deals offered by car manufacturers and banks. If you’re planning to make a purchase, you’ll want to take advantage of the best car loan interest rates available. Several banks offer special festive deals, which include lower interest rates, reduced or waived processing fees, and attractive loan amounts covering up to 100% of the car’s value. To make sure you’re getting the best deal, it’s important to compare the car loan rates offered by different banks. This can help reduce your monthly…
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken strong action against CashBean, a loan app controlled by Chinese entities, by ordering the seizure of assets worth Rs. 252 crore. This move comes amid a Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) investigation into the app’s illegal loan operations in India. Along with the asset seizure, a massive fine of Rs. 21 billion (Rs. 21,46,48,26,480) has been imposed on the company. Norwegian-Owned Firm Under Chinese Control CashBean is operated by PC Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. (PCFS), a subsidiary of Norway’s Opera Group, which is reportedly controlled by Chinese owners. The app offers personal loans in…
The festive season has officially arrived, bringing with it endless shopping possibilities and exciting offers for shoppers across India. To make the most of this season’s buzz, top banks such as SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and Axis Bank have rolled out incredible credit card offers, offering substantial discounts, cashback deals, and various other benefits. Whether you’re shopping online or offline, these credit card deals ensure that your festive shopping is a win-win! Let’s dive into some of the most attractive credit card offers of the season from these leading banks, allowing you to shop to your heart’s content while making the…
Home loans are often seen as a big financial step, offering an easy way to own property. However, what most people don’t realize is that banks can add extra charges, quietly cutting into your savings. These hidden fees often come to light only after the loan is finalized, leaving borrowers with unexpected costs. If you’re thinking of refinancing your home loan or transferring it to another bank for lower interest rates, it’s crucial to understand the extra expenses that come with it. Processing Fees One of the first hidden costs of home loans is the processing fee. According to Atul…
In a surprising case of offline fraud, three people managed to deceive villagers in Chhattisgarh by setting up a fake State Bank of India (SBI) branch, offering jobs, and luring them into depositing money. The branch was set up in Chhapora village, about 250 kilometers from Raipur, and the scammers went to great lengths to create a believable bank-like environment. This fraud highlights the growing need for awareness about both online and offline scams. How the Fake SBI Branch Was Set Up The three accused, identified as Rekha Sahu, Mandir Das, and Pankaj, rented a house in the village and…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) held its bi-monthly monetary policy review on October 9, 2024, where it once again opted to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5%. This marks the tenth consecutive time the policy interest rate has remained steady, reflecting RBI’s commitment to balancing inflation control with economic growth. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das emphasized several key changes that directly impact the common man, including warnings about rising credit card dues and updates on UPI payment limits. Below are the key highlights from the policy review. 1. Repo Rate Unchanged at 6.5% In a decision aimed at maintaining…
No change in interest rates for the tenth time, loans remain costly as RBI maintains status quo on repo rate at 6.5% The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to keep the repo rate unchanged for the tenth consecutive time in its latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das announced that the central bank will hold the repo rate steady at 6.5%, meaning no immediate relief in loan installments for borrowers. The repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends to banks, which affects loan interest rates for home loans, car loans, and personal…
Taking a loan has become easier than ever, whether it’s for buying a house, a car, or funding education. Banks and NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies) offer a range of loans to suit your needs. But getting a loan is just one part of the story — managing it smartly is key to staying financially stable. Here are 5 common mistakes people make when taking loans and how you can avoid them to keep your financial future on track. 1. Understand the Difference Between Fixed, Floating Rates, and APR The first step before taking any loan is to know the type…
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is taking action to recall Rs. 200 notes from circulation, but there’s no need for concern or confusion. Unlike the recent withdrawal of Rs. 2000 notes from circulation, this move is not demonetization. Instead, the central bank has removed Rs. 200 notes worth around Rs. 137 crore because of their deteriorated condition. This action has been part of the RBI’s ongoing efforts to clean up the currency in circulation. Torn, dirty, and damaged notes are regularly pulled out of the system to maintain the quality of the money in people’s hands. Over the past…