How does a part-payment impact your monthly EMI?
Part payments reduce the principal balance of your loan, which in turn, affects the monthly EMI. When you make a part payment, your lender recalculates the EMI amount based on the new outstanding balance. The monthly EMI could either stay the same, which will reduce the loan tenure, or it could be reduced, which will extend the loan tenure. This depends on the options the lender provides. If the EMI is lowered, you may end up paying less each month, but the total cost of the loan could remain the same over time. On the other hand, reducing your EMI could ease your financial burden in the short term. This is particularly helpful for individuals looking for immediate relief in their monthly budget. However, it's essential to understand that the reduction in EMI will increase the total interest paid over the loan tenure, unless you also reduce the tenure.For more details on how partial payment works on loans, click here.
How does part-payment affect your loan tenure?
- Shortens the tenure: If you opt to keep the EMI constant after a part-payment, the reduction in the loan principal will lead to a decrease in the loan tenure. This means you will repay the loan in a shorter period, saving on interest costs over time.
- Increases financial flexibility: With a shorter tenure, you pay off the loan faster, which might appeal to those who want to be debt-free quickly. This gives you the freedom to reallocate funds to other investments once the loan is cleared.
- Fixed EMI, reduced tenure: Keeping the EMI the same while reducing the loan principal ensures that you continue to pay the same amount, but you finish repaying the loan faster, effectively saving on interest.
- Adjustment to monthly outflow: When your lender recalculates your loan based on the part payment, the EMI can stay the same or adjust. If it stays the same, the remaining tenure will shorten, and if the EMI is lowered, the tenure can remain unchanged.
What’s the difference between reducing EMI and reducing tenure?
Aspect | Reducing EMI | Reducing Tenure |
Definition | Reducing the monthly EMI payment amount. | Shortening the total loan repayment period. |
Effect on Loan Tenure | Loan tenure may increase if EMI is reduced. | Loan tenure is reduced. |
Effect on EMI | EMI is reduced, lowering your monthly outflow. | EMI remains the same or increases slightly. |
Impact on Interest | More interest is paid over a longer duration. | Less interest is paid as loan is repaid quicker. |
When is it Beneficial? | Ideal for reducing immediate financial burden. | Useful for those who wish to clear the loan sooner and save on interest. |
Lender’s Perspective | May lead to higher interest revenue due to the longer tenure. | May result in quicker repayment, thus reducing the total interest. |
How lenders recalculate loan EMI or tenure after part-payment?
- Loan balance adjustment: Upon receiving the part payment, lenders reduce the principal balance. This recalculation leads to an adjustment in either the EMI or the loan tenure, depending on the chosen option.
- EMI recalculation: If you choose to maintain the EMI, the lender will recalculate the loan repayment period, which will be shortened. This can result in quicker loan closure and reduced interest payments.
- Tenure recalculation: If you prefer to reduce your tenure, the lender will adjust the loan term to the new duration, without changing your EMI amount. This can allow you to clear your debt sooner while still maintaining your financial commitments.
- Agreement amendment: After the recalculation, the lender will typically issue a revised loan agreement to reflect the new EMI or tenure. This document outlines the updated repayment schedule.
- Processing fee: Some lenders may charge a processing fee for recalculating the EMI or loan tenure after a part payment, so it’s important to check with the lender regarding any such fees.