What is so Bad About Payday Loans in India?

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Payday loans can seem like a quick and easy solution for those in need of cash, but they come with a number of downsides that can make them a costly and dangerous choice. Here are just a few reasons why payday loans are so bad:

1. High Interest Rates

Payday loans typically have extremely high interest rates, often reaching 400% or more. This means that if you borrow Rs. 5000, you could end up paying back Rs.20000 or more. This can make it extremely difficult to pay off the loan and can lead to a cycle of debt that is difficult to break free from.

2. Short Repayment Period

Payday loans usually have a very short repayment period, often just a few weeks. This can make it difficult to manage your finances and make timely payments. Additionally, if you are unable to pay off the loan in time, the lender may roll over the loan and charge you additional fees and interest.

3. High Debt-to-Income Ratio

Taking out a payday loan can increase your debt-to-income ratio, which is a key factor in determining your creditworthiness. A high debt-to-income ratio can indicate that you are overextended and may have difficulty making payments. This can make it harder to get approved for other types of loans and credit in the future.

4. Multiple Inquiries

Applying for multiple payday loans can result in multiple credit inquiries, which can also negatively impact your credit score. This can make it harder to get approved for other types of loans and credit in the future.

5. No Credit History

If you have no credit history, taking out a payday loan can be detrimental to your credit score as it is one of the way to build your credit. Without a credit history, it can be difficult to get approved for other types of loans and credit in the future.

6. No Positive Payment History

Payday loans may not report to credit bureaus, so you won’t have any positive payment history on your credit report if you pay the loan on time. This means that even if you make all of your payments on time, it won’t help to improve your credit score.

7. Defaulting on the Loan

Defaulting on a payday loan can have severe consequences, including wage garnishment, legal action, and damage to your credit score. This can make it difficult to get approved for other types of loans and credit in the future.

8. Predatory Lending

Payday lending is often considered a predatory practice, as lenders are known to target vulnerable populations such as low-income individuals and the elderly. These borrowers may not fully understand the terms of the loan or the high costs associated with it, which can make it difficult for them to repay the loan and can lead to a cycle of debt.

9. Trap in Debt Cycle

Payday loans often trap borrowers in a cycle of debt, as they are unable to pay off the loan and are forced to take out additional loans to cover the costs. This can lead to a spiral of debt that is difficult to break free from, and can have serious financial consequences for the borrower.

10. Legal Issues

Payday lending may not be done by RBI regulated NBFCs and Banks, RBI has strict regulations in place to protect consumers from predatory lending practices. However, some payday lenders operate online and may not be subject to  laws. This can make it difficult for borrowers to seek legal recourse if they are taken advantage of by a payday lender.

In conclusion, payday loans can seem like a quick and easy solution for those in need of cash, but they come with a number of downsides that can make them a costly and dangerous choice. 

Also refer to the more blogs related to Payday Loans are meant for the working class who has difficulty in making ends meet, and are often broke at the end of the month.

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