Missing an Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI) on your loan can be a stressful experience. Whether the EMI is missed by one day or a longer period, it is important to take immediate steps to mitigate the impact on your credit score and financial planning. It can also lead to late fee charges and other related charges or penalties as per the rules and conditions of lending banks. Hence, it is important to know what possible options you have in situations where you miss a loan EMI.
This blog will provide a comprehensive guide on what to do if you have a personal loan EMI missed payment and how to manage the situation effectively. So, without further ado, let us first look at the unavoidable consequences that may arise when you fail to pay your EMI.
Also Read: Calculate Your Personal Loan EMI Using Excel
Understanding The Consequences of A Missed EMI
Before diving into the steps, it is essential to understand the potential consequences of a personal loan EMI missed payment:
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Late Payment Fees: Most lenders impose a late fee if an EMI is missed. This fee can vary depending on the lender’s policies.
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Interest on Overdue Amount: Interest may be charged on the overdue amount, increasing your overall loan cost.
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Impact on Credit Score: A missed EMI can negatively affect your credit score, making it harder to obtain credit in the future.
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Collection Calls: Repeated missed payments can result in collection calls from your lender.
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Legal Action: In extreme cases, prolonged non-payment can lead to legal action by the lender.
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Steps to Take When You Miss an EMI
1. Review Your Loan Agreement
The first step when you realise you have missed an EMI is to review your loan agreement. This document will outline the lender’s policy on missed payments, including any grace periods, late fees, and the interest rates applied to overdue amounts. At Airtel Finance, we offer personal loans at competitive and reasonable interest rates, ensuring you feel financially independent and not burdened. Browse our website to learn about interest rates, eligibility criteria, and other related information associated with Airtel Personal Loan application.
2. Contact Your Lender Immediately
If you have missed an EMI, it is crucial to contact your lender as soon as possible. Whether the EMI is missed by one day or longer, informing your lender shows that you are proactive about resolving the issue. At Airtel, we offer 24/7 customer service, ensuring all your problems and grievances are resolved as the soonest with the best available solutions.
3. Pay the Missed EMI as Soon as Possible
The quicker you pay the missed EMI, the better. If you can make the payment within a few days, the impact on your credit score might be minimal. Use your savings or any other available funds to clear the overdue amount immediately.
4. Check for Automatic Payments
If you have set up automatic payments, ensure that the payment system is functioning correctly. Sometimes, a missed EMI might be due to technical issues or insufficient funds in your account. Rectify these issues to prevent future missed payments.
Also Read: How to Choose the Best Personal Loan lender?
5. Review Your Financial Situation
A missed EMI often indicates underlying financial difficulties. Take this opportunity to review your financial situation:
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Create a Budget: Develop a budget to track your income and expenses. This can help you identify areas where you can cut back to ensure timely EMI payments.
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Emergency Fund: Consider building an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses that could otherwise cause you to miss an EMI.
6. Explore Refinancing Options
If you are struggling to meet your EMI payments regularly, refinancing your loan might be a viable option. Refinancing can help reduce your EMI by extending the loan tenure or lowering the interest rate. Discuss this option with your lender to see if it is feasible. At Airtel Finance, we pay utmost attention to customers’ convenience and repayment ability for their personal loan applications. We offer personal loan credit up to ₹9,00,000 with customisable EMI options. So, all you have to do is apply for the loan, choose Airtel Thanks Personal loan offer via website or using the Airtel Thanks App, and enjoy a financially stable lifestyle!
7. Monitor Your Credit Report
After resolving the missed EMI, it is advisable to monitor your credit report. Ensure that the missed payment is reported accurately and check for any discrepancies. Regular monitoring helps you maintain a good credit score and alerts you to any potential issues early on.
Also Read: Signature Loan: Meaning, Overview, and Examples
8. Be Proactive
Missing an EMI can be a daunting experience, but by taking prompt and proactive steps, you can minimise the impact on your financial health. Always review your loan agreement, contact your lender immediately, and strive to pay the personal loan EMI missed as soon as possible. Regularly reviewing your financial situation and exploring options like refinancing can also help you manage your loan repayments more effectively.
If you are in need of a personal loan with flexible features and quick disbursal, consider the Airtel Personal Loan. With a high credit limit, instant approval, and a fully digital process, Airtel makes managing your finances easier and more efficient. Remember, staying informed and proactive is key to maintaining a healthy financial profile.
FAQs
What happens if I miss a personal loan EMI?
Missing a personal loan EMI can lead to penalties, additional interest charges, and a negative impact on your credit score. Lenders may also send reminders or follow up with collection efforts.
How does missing an EMI affect my credit score?
A missed EMI is reported to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score. This could make it more difficult to get approved for future loans or credit cards.
Can I negotiate with the lender after missing an EMI?
Yes, many lenders may offer grace periods or allow you to restructure the loan. It’s important to contact your lender immediately to discuss potential solutions like extending the loan term or lowering EMI amounts.
Will legal action be taken if I continue missing EMIs?
If you miss multiple EMIs, the lender may take legal action to recover the outstanding amount. Some lenders may initiate legal proceedings or involve debt recovery agencies.
Is it possible to skip an EMI without penalty?
Some lenders may offer EMI moratoriums or allow deferment under special circumstances, such as financial hardship or job loss, but this usually requires prior approval and may come with additional costs.