By Pranjal Kimta
Updated On June 20, 2024

Managing finances can be challenging, especially when faced with large expenses. Whether it’s purchasing a new gadget, planning a vacation, or handling unexpected medical bills, such big-ticket items can strain your budget. Fortunately, SBI Credit Cards offer a convenient solution through their EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) facility.  SBI Credit Card EMI EMI conversion is a financial feature offered by credit card issuers that allows cardholders to split a large purchase into smaller, manageable monthly payments, known as Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs). Instead of paying the entire amount upfront, you can pay it off over a period with added interest. This makes buying expensive items more affordable, as it spreads the cost over time. Usually, it takes 5 working days for a transaction to be converted into EMI. For example, suppose you purchase a refrigerator on your credit card. In that case, you can convert this large payment into EMIs, making it easier to budget for without draining your savings all at once. It’s a convenient option to make big purchases without immediate financial strain. In this blog, we’ll explore how SBI Credit Card EMI works, its benefits, and the SBI Flexipay option.

Understanding SBI Credit Card EMI (Flexipay)

SBI Flexipay is a convenient feature offered by SBI for its credit card users, allowing them to convert businesses into easy monthly installments. To avail of this service, the transaction must be a minimum of ₹500, and the minimum booking amount for Flexipay is ₹2,500. Once you’ve purchased, you have a 30-day window to opt for Flexipay. This option is really handy for managing larger expenses without feeling the financial strain all at once. When you make a significant transaction, you can pay it off over 24 months instead of all at once. The tenure of the repayment period can vary from 3,6,9,12,18 and 24 months.

The SBI Credit Card offers a one-time processing fee of 1% up to ₹2,000 will be charged. People can even cancel their Flexipay plan with a 3% cancellation fee charged to the remaining amount. This is done through the SBI Card internet banking or by calling customer care within 30 days of the purchase. The EMI facility offers lower interest rates than regular credit card rates and may include a small processing fee. This makes handling large expenditures easier and more budget-friendly. However, it’s important to know that if your card is blocked or you’ve been marked as an irresponsible cardholder, you won’t be able to use this facility.

Key Features and Benefits of EMIs Opted With SBI Credit Card

Flexibility in Tenure: Customers can choose a repayment period that aligns with their financial comfort, enhancing their ability to manage cash flows better. A person can choose a repayment tenure ranging from 3 to 24 months while converting large expenses into EMIs.

Competitive Interest Rates: Competitive interest rates on EMIs mean you pay less over time for your purchases, making items like electronics or vacations more manageable financially. This affordability encourages smart spending and budgeting, ensuring you can enjoy your buys without the burden of high costs. It’s about saving while spending wisely.

Instant Processing: Instant processing means your transactions are completed right away without any delay. For SBI credit card users, converting purchases into EMIs is swift, ensuring immediate financial relief. This quick turnaround is highly beneficial, eliminating the long waits often associated with traditional loan approvals and providing faster access to manageable payment plans.

Zero Processing Fee: A zero processing fee means your payments or purchases are smoother and more cost-effective. You don’t have to worry about additional charges consuming your budget, making it an attractive feature for smart financial management. It simplifies shopping, investing, and managing finances, ensuring transparency and savings.

Reward Points: Cardholders continue to earn rewards on their purchases converted into EMIs, which can be redeemed against various attractive options. Reward points are a perk offered by credit card companies to encourage spending. These points gather with each purchase and can be redeemed for gifts, travel, or cashback, making shopping more rewarding.

No Documentation Required: The SBI Credit Card EMI service requires no additional documentation for existing cardholders, making the conversion process to monthly installments swift and hassle-free. This simplified experience means you can quickly transition large purchases into manageable payments without the burden of paperwork.

How to Avail of the SBI Card EMI Facility?

SBI makes it easy for customers to convert transactions into EMIs. Customers can do this through the SBI card internet banking or by calling customer service. The process is easy to understand and user-friendly, making it simple to switch from a regular transaction to an EMI.

Via Internet Banking

To avail yourself of the SBI Card EMI facility using Internet banking, first sign into your SBI Card online account. Locate the “EMI & More” section and choose the “Flexipay” option. Select any transaction above ₹500 that you wish to convert into an EMI. After selecting, you will be prompted to pick a suitable tenure and interest rate for your repayment. Once you’ve made these choices, just confirm the details. This process allows you to easily convert big purchases into manageable monthly payments, making it simpler to manage your finances.

Via Customer Care

When you want to convert your SBI Credit Card bill into manageable EMI payments, reach out to the SBI Credit Card customer care without hesitation. Simply give them a call and inquire about utilizing the Flexipay option. This service allows you to divide your bill into equal monthly installments, making repayment smoother and more flexible for your finances. Once you request this, a confirmation message will be promptly sent to your registered mobile number, ensuring you’re all set up. Using the contact numbers provided, including adding your local STD code before dialing, you can swiftly and efficiently manage your expenses without stress.

By calling 39-02-02-02 or 1860-180-1290, cardholders can easily book Flexipay.

Following the above-described methods, you can effortlessly convert your SBI credit card payments into EMIs and efficiently control your finances.

Are there any Charges for SBI Credit Card EMI?

Yes, opting for EMIs with an SBI Credit Card involves certain charges. While the interest rates are competitive, making the overall expense feasible, there’s usually a one-time processing fee of up to 1% on the transaction amount, capped at ₹2,000. If you decide to cancel the Flexipay plan, a cancellation fee of 3% on the remaining amount also applies. These fees ensure that converting big purchases into easy monthly installments is flexible and within reach without impacting your budget or savings.

Difference between Personal Loan and Credit Card EMI

Features Personal Loan Credit Card EMI
Interest Rates Lower interest rates Higher interest rates, but some offers may include lower rates or even zero interest for specific periods or purchases.
Processing Fee and Charges There might be a processing fee and other charges. Includes a processing fee or zero processing fee offers
Credit Limit Impact Does not affect your credit card limit as it is a separate loan. Reduces the available credit limit by the purchase amount converted into EMI.
Usage It can be used for a wide range of personal needs, not tied to specific purchases. This is only applicable to purchases made with a credit card.
Approval Requires an application and approval process, including credit checks. Instantly available for credit cardholders on eligible purchases. No additional approval is needed.

Bottom Line

SBI Credit Card EMI and Flexipay are excellent financial tools that provide flexibility and ease when managing large expenses. By converting significant purchases into smaller monthly installments, you can maintain better control over your finances and avoid the stress of hefty one-time payments. Whether for gadgets, travel, or emergencies, these facilities make it easier to balance your budget and enjoy what you need or want without financial strain.

With easy application processes, flexible tenures, competitive interest rates, and added benefits like earning reward points, SBI ensures that your big transactions become less daunting and more manageable. If you’re an SBI Credit Cardholder, consider leveraging these EMI options for your next big purchase and experience the convenience and financial peace of mind they offer.

While the EMI option on an SBI credit card offers many benefits, one notable drawback is the cancellation fee. If you decide to cancel your Flexipay plan, a 3% fee is charged on the remaining amount. This fee can make the decision to opt-out more costly and is an important factor to consider when thinking about converting a purchase into EMIs. So, next time you plan a major purchase, remember that SBI Credit Card EMI and Flexipay help you turn big expenses into small, manageable payments. Enjoy the flexibility, save on interest, and keep your finances in check with these smart financial solutions from SBI.

FAQs:

Flexipay is a specific feature by SBI that lets you convert your transactions into EMIs. It requires a minimum purchase of ₹500 and a booking amount of at least ₹2,500.
Absolutely. You have the flexibility to select a repayment period ranging from 3 to 24 months.
You can opt for EMI conversion through SBI Card internet banking or by contacting SBI customer care within 30 days of your purchase.