Loan Approval with Low Income and High Debt: Tips That Work
- November 29, 2025
October 25, 2025
When it comes to taking a loan, most people look into eligibility, loan EMI, and tenure. Another important choice that many people overlook when taking a loan is selecting an appropriate type of interest rate. The type of interest rates used influences one’s loan EMI and total loan cost.
An understanding of the differences between fixed rate vs floating rate loans might assist anyone in making a more informed borrowing choice. This article explains the two types of interest rates, provides a comparison of the two, and will assist one in making a borrowing choice based on your financial needs.
A fixed rate of interest loan refers to the situation when the interest rate remains constant. In this situation, your EMIs remain constant from the very first month to the end of the repayment term, irrespective of market conditions or RBI rates.
For instance, if you have a personal loan at a fixed rate of interest of 13 percent, then in three years, the EMI will remain the same irrespective of the market rates going up or down.
Fixed Rate Loans are preferred by people who want a stabilised environment. The EMIs will never change, and planning for expenditures will be much easier. It will safeguard against a rise in the interest rate.
The drawback with fixed rates of interest is that it is higher than the floating rate of interest. Also, borrowers will not have the advantage of reduced market interest rates. There might also be higher fees for early payment or foreclosure.
A floating interest rate loan, also referred to as a variable interest rate loan, has a rate that varies over time. These changes are linked to external benchmarks such as the RBI repo rate or the lender’s internal reference rate.
When benchmark rates fall, your rate may come down, making your EMI lower or loan tenure shorter. In the case of rising rates, the repayment burden might go up.
Savings of interest when market rates fall is considered one of the major advantages of floating rate loans. In case of long tenures, this may bring down the total interest paid considerably. A floating rate loan is generally preferred in cases of falling or stable interest rates.
The biggest challenge is uncertainty. During a rising interest rate scenario, the EMIs can surge, which might be difficult to bear in case of a stringent monthly budget. A floating rate loan is not suited for a borrower who doesn’t have enough financial flexibility.
A difference between fixed and floating interest rates can help understand the contrast between the two more easily, as follows:
| Parameter | Fixed Interest Rate | Floating Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate | Remains constant | Changes with Market Rates |
| EMI Stability | Completely predictable | May Increase Or Decrease |
| Initial Rate | Generally higher | Generally lower |
| Risk Level | Low | Moderate to High |
| Best Suited For | Short-term or Conservative Borrowers | Long-term or flexible borrowers |
Through this comparison, it is important to recognize the different needs that different borrowers may have when considering various loan options
A fixed interest rate loan may be suitable where:
Loan seekers who value peace of mind and cash flow may consider fixed interest rate loans.
In a floating interest rate loan, the rate of interest can be more appropriate if:
Floating rate loans are suited to borrowers who don’t mind a degree of uncertainty, in return for the possible long-term gains that can be made through floating interest rates.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends solely on one’s financial situation and the terms of the loan.
If flexibility and budgeting are of utmost importance, a fixed rate of interest is preferred because control is greater. If managing costs of interest is less of an issue and flexibility is required, a floating rate of interest may be preferred.
Choosing between Floating Interest Rate vs Fixed Rate boils down to the aspects of certainty vs flexibility.
Selecting an appropriate interest rate system is an important aspect of effective borrowing. A fixed rate of interest loan has its own advantages, such as predictability, whereas a loan with a floating rate of interest has its own advantages, like versatility.
By being aware of how each of the options functions, making a comparison of the features of each, and selecting those that match one’s financial needs, it is easier to arrive at a more comfortable decision regarding taking a loan.
The most important point here is the fact that the most suitable loan is never the one offering the cheapest interest but the one that fits one’s financial comfort and long-term goals.
The floating interest rates do not change every month. The floating interest rates are modified only when the benchmark-linked interest rate changes, as per the lender’s reset period, which could be quarterly, semi-annually, or yearly.
Yes, many lenders permit conversion from fixed to floating rates. This is done by paying a conversion fee. Such fees vary from lender to lender.
The rate of interest that needs to be paid on a fixed rate loan is higher, as the potential rise in interest rate is considered.
Yes, there are loans that have an interest rate that is fixed for an initial term and thereafter changes to a fluctuating rate.
The fixed interest rates charged by banks take into account the risk arising from the possibility of variation in interest rates during the period of the loan.
Yes, depending on the market rates, your EMI payment could decrease or your loan period could decrease, at the discretion of the lender.
Your EMI will not change, and you won’t benefit from the rate cut unless your lender allows a rate conversion.
Yes, floating-rate loans may be a good idea for long-rate borrowers, as they may fix the overall interest expenses when the market rates are lowered in the future.
Borrowers with a fixed income, limited loan options, and preferring predictable EMIs may consider a fixed-rate loan.
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