Best Personal Loan Tenure to Clear Credit Card Outstanding in India
12 vs 24 vs 36 months—how to pick tenure that kills revolving interest without breaking monthly cash flow.
Tenure is not 'as long as they'll give'
Choosing personal loan tenure for credit card payoff balances EMI comfort vs total interest. Longer is easier monthly; shorter is cheaper overall.
Rule of thumb by outstanding
| Outstanding | Consider tenure | |-------------|-----------------| | ₹50k–₹1L | 12–18 months | | ₹1L–₹2.5L | 18–36 months | | ₹2.5L+ | 36–48 months (if FOIR allows) |
Never pick tenure where EMI exceeds 40–45% of true monthly surplus after rent and essentials.
Compare total cost
Use reducing-balance EMI math. A ₹2L loan at 14%:
- 24 months: higher EMI, less total interest
- 48 months: lower EMI, more total interest
Prepayment option
If hike or bonus expected in year 2, choose moderate tenure with part prepayment allowed after 6–12 EMIs.
Card side
Regardless of tenure, stop revolving immediately after disbursal.
Next step on KreditScore
Compare EMI scenarios at /credit-card-bill-payment.
