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Gadgets22 Sept 2026 · 3 min read

No-cost EMI vs paying in full: the real cost

No-cost EMI is rarely free. You usually lose the card discount, and GST on interest still applies.

When you pick no-cost EMI, the interest is often bundled as an upfront discount from the seller — but GST on that interest is charged to you, and you frequently give up the instant card discount.

Compare two numbers before you tap: the full price minus the card discount, versus the EMI total plus GST on interest. On a ₹60,000 phone the difference is often ₹1,500-2,500 in favour of paying in full with the right card.

Cards mentioned

HDFC Bank

HDFC Millennia Credit Card

5% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy & 7 more apps

₹1,000 + GST a yearCashbackOnline shopping
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SBI Card

CASHBACK SBI Card

5% cashback online, 1% offline, no merchant list

₹999 + taxes a yearCashbackOnline shopping
Read reviewApply link soon

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