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Showing posts from November, 2025

Credit score vs credit card interest rates: What lenders don’t tell you

A strong credit score reduces credit card costs by securing lower interest rates, higher limits and better offers while poor scores increase borrowing risks, making responsible credit behaviour essential. from mint - money

A godsend for many, digital KYC remains a nightmare for people with disabilities

Many people with disabilities are unable to access financial services because their conditions prevent them from completing electronic know-your-customer procedures. There's plenty that needs to be done to resolve this, experts say. from mint - money

Can I pay off a loan with home sale proceeds and get capital gains tax exemption?

Long-term capital gains on the sale of residential property are exempt only if the gains are reinvested in another residential property or on investment in certain bonds, capped at ₹50 lakh. from mint - money

After this Sebi circular, mutual funds could raise their exposure to REITs in 2026. Check details

Capital markets regulator Sebi has announced that the investments made by mutual funds and specialised investment funds in real estate investment trusts (REITs) would be reclassified as equity related instruments. from mint - money

Should taxpayers still invest in small savings schemes such as PPF, SCSS and NSC over FDs?

Since New Tax Regime does not allow deduction under section 80C, investors have one less reason to opt for small savings schemes. Therefore, they are – at times – overlooked for fixed deposits (FDs) from mint - money

These 7 top banks offer interest up to 7.2% on fixed deposits for senior citizens

Almost all banks offer 50 basis points higher interest to those depositors who are above the age of 60.  from mint - money

Borrowers prefer digital lending to boost living standards; Gen Z most aspirational group, reveals report

There is a noticeable shift from survival to success with digital lending and smart credit as catalysts of aspiration, reveals a report titled 'How India Borrows' by Home Credit India. from mint - money

What is West Bengal’s student credit card scheme that crossed a milestone of one lakh cards?

The student credit card scheme is aimed at supporting higher education, allows students to avail themselves of loans up to ₹10 lakh at a nominal interest rate, and the entire interest subsidy is borne by the state government from mint - money

From 20s to retirement: How a strong credit score shapes your financial life

A strong credit score impacts financial opportunities at every stage of adult life enhancing loan approvals, lower interest rates, credit card benefits, and long-term financial stability from 25 to 60. from mint - money

These 5 credit cards allow travellers to earn maximum airmiles. Check list here

If you are a frequent traveller and a credit card user at the same time, you are recommended to use the cards that offer airmiles  from mint - money

Can I claim TDS refund despite late return filing?

An NRI living in Dubai missed the July deadline for filing an Income Tax Return but wants to claim a refund of excess TDS deducted on a stock buyback. from mint - money

Labour codes: Gratuity, leave encashment get a boost, maternity payout doesn’t

The four new labour codes notified on 21 November come with a mixed set of implications for employees. from mint - money

Going solo: The growing reality of retiring alone in India

More Indians are entering retirement without a partner—by choice or circumstance. From finances to social support, solo ageing demands tougher planning and a sharper focus on independence. from mint - money

New labour codes define ‘wages’ — How this impacts your basic salary, pension, gratuity and EPF benefits, explained

The government's new labour codes have provided a uniform definition for wages in India. We examine how this impacts your pay structure including basic salary, pension, gratuity calculation and EPF benefits. from mint - money

An NRI’s guide to winning India’s property game from overseas

For NRIs, buying property in India is a maze of legal paperwork, state rules and intensive due diligence. Here’s what they need to know. from mint - money

RBI issues draft guidelines for weekly credit score updates: How will this impact you?

RBI has released a draft with directions for the weekly update of credit information from the current fortnightly updates. The faster updates will help banks with more accurate credit underwriting and borrowers with better access to loans on better terms. from mint - money

How to report a fraudulent credit card transaction? Follow THESE simple steps

Swift action is vital when facing credit card fraud, from blocking your card to filing official complaints and safeguarding future transactions, ensuring stronger protection and financial security for cardholders. from mint - money

CGAS explained for property sellers: Latest changes and how they reduce your tax

You can now use electronic modes to deposit money in CGAS, open accounts with private banks from mint - money

Personal loan closure: What it really means for your credit score

If a personal loan closure alters an individual's credit mix and credit age, it can result in a slight temporary decline in credit score. If the personal loan is the only credit instrument, its closure will halt the progress of your credit score and history. from mint - money

Consultant vs employee: Which role actually leaves you better off?

Many employees think they would fare better financially as consultants due to tax benefits. How far is this correct? What are the risks of an employee being reclassified as a consultant? from mint - money

Will a new loan pull down your credit score? Here’s what the expert says

A new personal loan can briefly reduce your credit score due to hard checks, but responsible repayment, limited applications and disciplined borrowing habits help strengthen long-term credit health and financial stability. from mint - money

Planning to buy luxury items with the loan money? Make note of THESE key points

Although it is not a rational thing to buy a luxury item with loan money but there could be some exceptions to the rule. Here we list out few advantage as well as disadvantages of opting for it from mint - money

The end of indexation: How India’s real estate wealth play is shifting from patience to pace

For decades, property rewarded those who waited. The new tax laws will reward those who move. from mint - money

Brewing a century of heritage: Rudra Chatterjee on Luxmi Tea, OBT and the Indian entrepreneurial spirit

Rudra Chatterjee, Managing Director of Luxmi Tea Group, discusses the company's historical ties to India's freedom struggle, the evolution of tea culture, and the importance of resilience in business amidst global uncertainties. from mint - money

With Bitcoin prices down 30%, is this the right time to invest in cryptos? Explained

Bitcoin prices have been on a decline for past few weeks currently hovering around $86,000, 30% down from all time high on 6 October  from mint - money

Mint Explainer | How do new labour codes impact your gratuity and PF?

The new labour codes have overhauled how wages, gratuity, provident fund, pension and other social security benefits are calculated. Mint explains who benefits and if your take-home salary is affected. from mint - money

The bonus era returns: How families must rethink budgets as variable pay grows

With companies pushing performance-linked pay deeper into the workforce, household cashflows are becoming lumpier and harder to plan. Here’s how families can adapt. from mint - money

The AMC–brokerage paradox: Why similar valuations mask opposite outcomes

Mutual funds profit when investors do well; brokerages profit when investors trade. Yet the market values them similarly—revealing a truth about financial incentives every investor must understand. from mint - money

How much capital gains tax applies when you sell mutual funds across categories? Explained

How much capital gains tax is levied on the sale of mutual funds depends on two factors – holding period and category of mutual fund. We deconstruct the nuances here from mint - money

Early gratuity after 1 year - check beneficiaries, new labour code rules, when are they applicable

New labour code: Amid several path breaking changes that are announced in these labour reforms, one of the noticeable ones is the provision of early gratuity which employees will be entitled to after one year of service. from mint - money

Capital gains compliance gets a reset. Digital deposits, SEZ relief, mandatory e-closure explained

India’s CGAS overhaul modernises how taxpayers deposit and track capital gains, adds SEZ relocation coverage, widens bank access and mandates digital account closure for the first time. from mint - money

How to fill up a personal loan application form? Follow these 5 steps

A clear guide to completing a personal loan application, highlighting key documents, credit score checks, accurate form filling, loan planning and final review to ensure smooth personal loan approval. from mint - money

THESE 5 premium credit cards give tempting offers for card users

There are some premium cards which offer mind boggling offers but they come at a huge price i.e., high annual fee from mint - money

Credit scores and car: Impact on auto loans, insurance and leasing

Credit score impacts all forms of borrowing – from personal to car loans. Higher the score, better the chances of securing a loan on convenient terms and lower interest rates from mint - money

Income tax refund not credited? How to check status and understand delays

The income tax portal states that it normally takes anywhere between 4 to 5 weeks for the refund to be credited to the taxpayer's account. The refund of large amounts may take longer from mint - money

Buying an under-construction home shrinks your home loan tax advantage

The tax laws don’t allow interest deduction to be claimed while the property is under construction, and cap the total interest benefit that can be availed after taking possession  from mint - money

Ayurvedic hospitalization: Why insurers push back—and how to win claims

Ayurvedic treatment claims face closer scrutiny from insurers due to cost and necessity concerns. To increase approval chances, patients should provide detailed medical documentation, minimize hospital stays, and select accredited facilities.  from mint - money

From France to Russia, where else can students from India go for their higher education, amid loss of charm for US

Overseas students’ enrolment in the US falls 7%, there are several other countries including Russia, Poland and France which Indian students can explore aside from the US. from mint - money

Specialized investment funds: What should investors keep in mind?

SIFs are allowed to have short or sell positions in derivatives of stocks not in the portfolio. from mint - money

Effective ways to improve a credit score of 657 and achieve better loan approvals and financial stability

A credit score of 657 reflects moderate risk, but it can be improved with timely repayments, low credit utilisation, regular credit report checks, limited applications, and disciplined financial habits for long-term growth. from mint - money

Prepay the loan or start investing? Young professionals face a tough money choice

Young professionals often struggle between speeding up education loan repayment and starting investments. Here’s how to decide based on interest rates, tax breaks, cash flow and financial stability. from mint - money

Credit Card EMIs explained: What you need to know before converting your next purchase

Credit card EMI helps spread big purchases into fixed monthly instalments, outlining benefits, costs, tenure options and key considerations for managing repayments effectively with smart financial planning. from mint - money

Gold isn't an investment. It's insurance for your rupee.

Buying gold isn't about earning returns, it's about insuring yourself against global monetary instability that directly erodes the rupee’s purchasing power, giving you a hedge that transcends borders when currencies weaken worldwide. from mint - money

Dark side of personal loans: THIS is how you can avoid predatory lenders

Personal loans: Borrowers must avoid getting lured by instant loan providers which promise a loan in 20 minutes or so   from mint - money

THESE credit cards offer tempting deals for those who love to travel & eat out

Some banks offer co-branded credit cards which allow users to claim discounts at a few select hotels and airlines. from mint - money

Attention pensioners! As life certificate deadline nears check how to download digital copy, FAQs & more

As the life certificate submission for pensioners deadline nears, we bring you a step-by-step guide on how to download a digital copy of your Jeevan Pramaan Patra, deadline date, answer FAQs and other details. from mint - money

Why retail investors should tread IPO market with extra caution

Chasing quick gains in IPOs can backfire if investors don't do their due diligence to understand business risks and prospects from mint - money

How to pay tax on income if person died intestate?

When a person dies without a will, legal heirs are liable for tax on income like interest and dividends earned by the deceased's assets. from mint - money

Prashant Kishor’s ₹ 99 crore donation to Jan Suraaj Party - Does it qualify for tax relief? Experts explain

Under the old tax regime, donors can claim 100% deduction for donations made to political parties. These deductions are allowed for individuals as well as companies under section 80GGC and section 80GGB of Income Tax (I-T) Act, respectively. from mint - money

These NBFCs offer up to 7% interest on fixed deposits. See list

FD rates: Non-banking financial corporations typically offer higher interest rates on their fixed deposits than what most banks offer. from mint - money

Direct vs regular mutual funds: Which one should you choose and why?

Investing in a direct mutual fund is advantageous for investors because it typically carries a lower expense ratio. from mint - money

Personal loan offers: Top 5 factors to consider — from rates and fees to flexibility

Compare personal loan offers by evaluating interest rates, fees, eligibility, loan tenure, and prepayment options to make informed borrowing decisions and manage the total cost of credit responsibly. from mint - money

Credit cards: Are they boon or bane? 5 tips to dodge the debt trap

Credit cards can lead to debt traps when mismanaged, but disciplined use, full repayments, and tracking expenses help users build credit safely while avoiding high interest and financial stress. from mint - money

Credit scores are lowered by late payments more than by number of credit cards and loans

Confused about credit scores? Bhushan Padkil, SVP at TransUnion CIBIL, breaks down the key factors that affect your score and debunks common myths. Understand the importance of timely payments, balanced borrowing, and how to monitor your credit effectively.  from mint - money

No credit card? Here’s how you can still build a great credit score

Building a good credit score without a credit card is possible through timely loan repayments, responsible borrowing, and consistent financial discipline that strengthen long-term creditworthiness. from mint - money

Symmetry, at what cost? How India’s buyback tax tilts the scales

India’s new tax rule makes share buybacks fully taxable in shareholders’ hands. Experts warn it could deter payouts, distort capital flows, and hurt market confidence. from mint - money

Can your job tenure and work experience influence your personal loan eligibility?

Most banks require an overall work experience of at least 1-2 years, out of which at least 1 year must be with the current organisation. Job stability and other factors help a bank determine the applicant’s repayment capability. from mint - money

Youth vs seniors: Who maintains a better credit profile?

Although age does not have a direct bearing on the credit score, it is a reason for a number of constituent factors which contribute towards building the credit profile. We explain the nuances here from mint - money

The confidence trap: Why AI makes us worse investors

AI-powered tools promise smarter investing—but their fluency masks a deeper risk. When confidence sounds like competence, investors fall into the same traps they thought they’d escaped. from mint - money

For travel freaks, THESE 5 credit cards give discounts on flights & hotels. Check list

There are some credit card which enable you to claim discounts on your hotel stays and flight tickets  from mint - money

Shocked by a loan rejection despite a 700+ credit score? Here’s what’s going on

For personal loans, an applicant must fulfil various eligibility criteria, a decent credit score being just one of them. The other criteria include a low DTI ratio, a minimum income, employment stability, age, etc. from mint - money

Before you buy your dream home, check your credit health.

A solid credit profile can mean the difference between a loan rejection and your dream home. Here’s how to prepare your credit report and maximise your chances before applying. from mint - money

How can freelancer procure unsecured loans? A step-by-step guide

Here we give a step-by-step guide to explain the process of procuring unsecured loan  from mint - money

Stock investors don't need babysitting. If you find an IPO unattractive, don't invest

Sebi is there to ensure transparency. Whether the IPO is a good investment or a terrible one should not be the regulator's concern from mint - money

How Aishwarya Rai Bachchan won a ₹4 crore tax dispute against the I-T Department

In a significant win against the Income-Tax Department, Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has won a ₹4 crore dispute in the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Mumbai. from mint - money

FD interest rates: These 7 banks offer up to 7.1% interest on 3-year term deposits for senior citizens

FD interest rates: We list out the highest interest rates offered by top lenders such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI and Canara Bank on their 3-year fixed deposits for senior citizens from mint - money

Missed a personal loan EMI? Its impact on your credit score is more serious than you think —here's why

Missing a personal loan EMI can significantly reduce your credit score, attract penalties, and harm your future borrowing potential, making timely payments crucial for maintaining a strong credit profile. from mint - money

Half of EPF savers retire with just ₹20,000. EPF 3.0 could make it worse.

EPF 3.0 brings long-overdue simplification and flexibility. But in chasing convenience, we risk forgetting what the provident fund was built for—retirement security. from mint - money

Personal loans: Does it make sense to borrow money for travel? Pros and cons explained

Travel is a luxury and therefore, it is not recommended to take a personal loan for it unless the travel is urgent or you are taking loan for a very short period   from mint - money

How EVs stack up against petrol cars post-GST cuts? Here's the math

As GST cuts make petrol and diesel cars cheaper, buyers are redoing their math. EVs still save on running costs, but the payoff depends on how much you actually drive. from mint - money

What is a credit mix, and how can it strengthen your credit score

A strong credit mix of loans and credit cards enhances your credit score, showcasing responsible financial behaviour and improving your chances of securing favourable lending opportunities. from mint - money

Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Credit Card: Is the 10,000 bonus points offer a good deal?

HDFC Bank is offering up to 10,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points on spending up to Rs. 2.5 lakhs on the Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card between 1st October to 30th November 2025. from mint - money

Will nomination make me sole owner of the asset?

Being named a nominee for fixed deposits does not automatically make you the sole owner. Legal heirs or Will beneficiaries have claims, too. from mint - money

Why EPFO’s new withdrawal rules may hurt more than they help

EPFO’s move to extend full withdrawal timelines aims to secure retirement savings—but may create new hurdles for migrants, retirees, and those facing emergencies. from mint - money

Dynamic currency conversion: The reason you must decline rupee payments by card when making purchases overseas

While a customer may relate to a figure in one's home currency under DCC, the amount includes additional spreads and fees that almost always work out higher than what their own bank or card network would have charged. from mint - money

Autopay rules for debit and credit cards: What you need to know

Autopay on debit and credit cards simplifies recurring payments, following RBI guidelines. from mint - money

Pensioners' Life Certificate Services at doorstep now as India Post Payments Bank partners with EPFO

India Post Payments Bank has partnered with EPFO to provide doorstep Digital Life Certificate services for pensioners enrolled in the Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995. from mint - money

Why you need a Will—and how to get it right

A Will isn’t only for the wealthy. It’s a simple, powerful way to ensure your assets are passed on as you intend — without legal hurdles, disputes, or uncertainty. from mint - money

₹1,000 in cash hurts. ₹1,000 on screen doesn’t, and that’s exactly how they want it

Digital payment methods, such as UPI, have transformed how consumers perceive spending. The absence of physical cash reduces emotional connection, making transactions feel effortless.  from mint - money

UPI QR codes surge to 67.8 crore, doubling in just 18 months

UPI in India surpassed 67.8 crore QR codes, enabling ₹143.3 lakh crore in transactions in H1 2025, a 23% increase y-o-y.  from mint - money

THESE 5 premium credit cards can lift your lifestyle a great deal

Premium credit cards are high-end cards which target wealthy individuals who require concierge service and who have a higher income    from mint - money

What single malt whiskey can teach you about the spirit of active investing

Managing a portfolio of stocks that strives to beat its benchmark across market cycles isn’t too different from producing consistent, high-quality batches of whisky at a single malt distillery despite changes in the weather and raw materials. from mint - money

Depositing large cash amount in your bank account? It may trigger a tax notice — Here's how to avoid

Banks and cooperative banks are required to report to the Income Tax Department if someone deposits ₹10 Lakh or more during a single financial year. from mint - money

EPFO Employee Enrollment Scheme 2025 launched: What is it, how will it help workers in India? All you need to know

The EPFO Employee Enrollment Scheme 2025 has been made effective from November 1, and aims at encouraging employers to voluntarily declare and enroll eligible employees. from mint - money

Aadhaar card update: From name change to new fees — 3 things change from November 1 | All you need to know

The UIDAI's new Aadhaar rules from today, November 1, 2025, will help Aadhaar holders update their information with ease by not having to visit the enrolment centres. from mint - money

ELSS Vs PPF Vs FD: Where should you invest and why?

Three common investment options for retail investors are ELSS, PPF and fixed deposits. ELSS gives exposure to equity whereas PPF and fixed deposits (FDs) provide assured returns to retail investors. Here we give a comparative analysis of these three investment options from mint - money

What is call merging scam which can make you loss all your saving? Mint Explains

In this cyber fraud, a stranger pretending to be someone you know would request you to merge a call, thus orchestrating a fraud which can lead to the loss of your entire bank balance. Read this to know more about call merging scam from mint - money