An NBFC (non-banking financial company) lends money and offers financial products, and is regulated by the RBI. Unlike a bank, it can’t accept demand deposits like savings or current accounts, can’t issue cheques drawn on itself, and deposits with an NBFC don’t get DICGC deposit insurance. Many NBFCs approve loans faster or lend to people banks turn away, often at a higher rate.

Search the lender’s name in the list of registered NBFCs on the RBI website (rbi.org.in). Ask for the Key Fact Statement, which shows the full cost of the loan including fees. Walk away from any app that asks for an upfront “processing” payment before approval, or wants access to your contacts and photos.

EMI depends on three things: the loan amount, the interest rate and the tenure. In the early years most of each EMI goes towards interest; later, most of it repays the principal. A longer tenure lowers the EMI but raises the total interest you pay. Try it with your own numbers.

If it’s a floating-rate loan taken by an individual for a non-business purpose, RBI rules don’t allow banks or NBFCs to charge a prepayment or foreclosure penalty. Fixed-rate loans can carry a charge, so check your loan agreement. Even one extra EMI a year can cut years off a long home loan.

No. Checking your own score is a soft enquiry and has no effect. What can pull it down is applying for several loans or cards in a short time, because each application triggers a hard enquiry by the lender.

If you hold equity mutual fund units or listed shares for more than 12 months, the gain is long-term. For FY 2026-27, the first ₹1.25 lakh of such gains in a year is tax-free, and anything above that is taxed at 12.5%, plus cess. Gains on units held 12 months or less are taxed at 20%. See how to reduce it.

GMP (grey market premium) is the price at which IPO shares change hands unofficially before listing. It’s unregulated and can swing sharply in the last few days, so treat it as a rough mood signal, not a forecast. Our Metro Brands case study shows how far GMP and the actual listing can drift apart.

They’re very different. Stocks are regulated by SEBI and represent a share in a real business. Crypto is far more volatile, isn’t regulated the same way, and gains on it are taxed at a flat 30% in India. Most people start with stocks or mutual funds and keep any crypto to a small slice they can afford to lose. Read the full comparison.

No. Our guides explain how loans, tax and investments work so you can make your own informed choice. Rates and rules change, so always confirm the final terms with your lender, a SEBI-registered advisor or a chartered accountant before you decide.

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