Manya Ghosh

Life throws the best of us curveballs, something like a medical emergency, a last-minute wedding expense, or a dream gadget that just went on sale. Going to a bank when you need cash fast can seem primitive now. That’s why so many people are asking: “How to get an instant loan online?”

Priya is 31 and works at a tech firm in Bengaluru. She took a personal loan to renovate her house about three years ago. Since then, she has consistently made her payments on time, thereby maintaining a good credit record.

A decade ago, if someone said cash payments would have a serious rival, no one would’ve believed it. But today, that’s a reality.

Salary usually comes with a plan already attached. Rent gets paid first, groceries come next, and the remaining amount somehow stretches across the month. Trouble starts when an unplanned expense arises in the middle, and the bank balance does not cooperate.

UPI has become the go-to payment mode across the country today. It's fast and convenient, but at the same time, it's dependent on the internet and bank servers. 

UPI is now India’s go-to payment method, used for everything from daily purchases to large recurring payments, including paying with QR codes at stores. With new NPCI and RBI updates, one question keeps coming up: “Are there any UPI charges in 2026?”

While applying for a personal loan, Sunaina considered only the 12% interest rate offered by a financial institution. On the other hand, Arvind took APR into consideration - the total cost of borrowing.

You spotted an unknown transaction on your credit card, or a payment was deducted from your account, but the app shows payment failed. What should you do?

Digital payments have become part of day-to-day spending in India. From paying utility bills to buying groceries, people now prefer fast, secure payment methods over cash.