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Top Long-Term Stocks to Buy In 2023

It’s already been a while since we’re in 2023. Does the stock market still continue to surprise us with its volatility? Yes, it certainly does. With inflation and interest rate hikes that act like significant contributors to the stock market movement, there could be fluctuations. However, long-term investors often neglect short-term stock market volatility as they eye long-term gains. And in the long run, stock markets have always recovered the severest of falls. Therefore, if you are a long-term investor, then all you have to do is invest and relax. What are some of the top long-term stocks to buy in 2023? Let’s find out! [B-01] Top long-term stocks for 2023 For long-term investment, investors usually prefer NIFTY’s top 50 companies. Here are some of the best long-term stocks you can include in your portfolio in 2023: Reliance Industries Limited: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is one of India’s best companies and has also been a reliable stock for a long time now. Lately, the Reliance Group has been expanding into different segments and this in itself is a strong indicator of growth. The Reliance Group operates in various sectors like chemicals, oil and gas, retail, telecom, financial and digital services, among many others. The stock has been performing well for a while and is expected to continue doing so. As of 08th May 2023, the 52-week high of Reliance was INR 2817.35 and the 52-week low was INR 2180.00. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS): Engaged in IT and digital services, Tata Consultancy Services or TCS is an Indian company that comes under the umbrella of the Tata Group. The company works in various segments including banking and insurance, financial services, etc. TCS operates in over 46 countries worldwide, therefore, making it one of the best long-term bets and a stable stock. A of 08th May 2023, the 52-week high of TCS was INR 3575.00 and the 52-week low was INR 2868.01. Infosys Limited: Known as one of the best companies in India, Infosys is an Indian multinational information technology company engaged in the business of consultancy, technology, outsourcing, and digital services. The company also has a foot in other segments like healthcare, life sciences, utilities, media, energy, and more. The company is headquartered in Bangalore and is a good bet for long-term investment. As of 08th May 2023, the 52-week high of Infosys was INR 1672.60. and 52-week low was INR 1185.30. HDFC Bank: HDFC Bank is a private-sector Indian bank, engaged in a range of financial products and banking services. It is one of India’s leading banks, therefore, making it worthy of a long-term investment. As of 08th May 2023, the 52-week high of HDFC Bank was INR 1734.45 and the 52-week low was INR 1271.60. Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL): If you’re wondering which stock to buy in 2023, you can bet on Hindustan Unilever Limited. Commonly known as HUL, it is an Indian consumer goods company, headquartered in Mumbai. It caters to the everyday needs of consumers through a range of products like beauty and oral care, food and beverage, scorers, detergents, water purifiers, salon services, exports of baby care products, etc. As of 08th May 2023, the 52-week high of Hindustan Unilever Limited was INR 2741.60 and the 52-week low was INR 2100.00 Points to keep in mind while making long-term investments If you are willing to invest for the long term in the stock market, then here are a few things that you should keep in mind: Track Your Portfolio: As you invest for the long term, there will be fewer buy and sell decisions. Investors often invest and then don’t consider selling their investments for about 4-5 years. However, it is important that while you do not transact, you watch your portfolio to know the performance of those stocks. Know Market Capitalization: It is essential to know whether the company is stable enough to bet for the long term. You can know the same by looking at their market capitalization. In the long term, investing in companies with a market capitalization of INR 10,000 crores or more would be wiser. These usually comprise mid and large-cap companies. Check the Company’s Profitability: Another essential indicator is profitability. Check the profits for the previous three years and their growth rate. If the company’s profits grew at a rate of 10% or higher, it’s a green signal for you. [B-02] Conclusion Long-term investing helps the investor stay calm during short-term volatility and reduces the efforts to make constant buy and sell decisions. If you want to invest for the long term, you need to conduct fundamental and technical analysis, invest, and have patience. Most of the above stocks are in the NIFTY top 50 companies list. Further, apart from stocks, you can also go for mutual funds for long-term investment. You can either invest in an existing mutual fund or New Fund Offer to invest. Either way, you should ensure that you meet your financial goals.If you need help with finances, you can always take the help of experts such as Piramal Finance to help you find the best solutions to finance your purchase, such as long-term investments, stocks, personal loans, or credit cards. Visit our website to know more.

08-11-2023
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Top Short-Term Stocks To Buy In 2023

If you are an investor who does not like to hold their investments for a long period, this article is for you. Your investment is short-term if you keep it for less than 12 months. After selling it, you make short-term capital gains. One can reinvest these gains in stocks from the NIFTY 100 companies list. Even though the stocks from the NSE 100 stock list or the NIFTY fifty stock list are considered to be risky forms of short-term investment, according to some financial experts, you may gain a good return. Since the stock market is volatile, tools like technical analysis can help you with short-term investments. A few stocks in the NIFTY 100 companies list may give you good short-term and long-term returns. You can detect these stocks with proper research and make your short-term returns stand out. [B-01] What Sectors to Consider for Short-Term Investment? A few sectors whose stocks from the NIFTY fifty stock list or NSE 100 stock list may prove to be an excellent short-term investment are: Pharmaceutical Sector: There are many factors supporting the growth of pharmaceutical sector companies from the NIFTY 100 companies list. The industry is trying to develop its system with unique features like early detection of illnesses, better diagnosis, etc. It all aims to create a healthy environment for the population of India. Banking Sector: The banking sector of our country has seen influential growth in the past few years. They have undergone a lot of changes and brought a lot of advancement. Many banks from the NIFTY 100 companies list make good revenue and are a choice of many investors. Historically, many banking stocks have performed well during bad economic conditions. This is one of the reasons why many investors think of opting for these stocks. For example, SBI stocks have an annual net profit margin of 11.49%, and HDFC Bank stocks have a net profit margin of 22.96%. Technology Sector: This sector has been growing with the rapid technological takeover. With the evolution of new technologies and inventions, these industries have been increasing their impact on our daily lives a lot more than we think. Few stocks from this sector’s NIFTY 100 companies list may also show up as good short-term investments. Tata Consultancy Services’ stocks have a net profit margin of 23.81%, and Wipro has a net profit margin of 32.75%. Top Stocks To Buy for Short-Term Investment The NSE 100 stock list and the NIFTY fifty stock list have many shares with great potential. However, not all of them are good for the short term. Here are certain stocks that you can invest in for the short term in 2023. Brightcom Group: The Brightcom Group comprises Ad-tech, IoT, and New Media-based businesses worldwide. Clients include some of the best blue-chip advertisers like Airtel, British Airways, Hyundai Motors, Coca-Cola, ITC, ICICI Bank, Maruti Suzuki, Qatar Airways, Samsung, Star India, Unilever, and Viacom among others. Some of their publishers include LinkedIn, Meta, Twitter, MSN, and Yahoo. As of 10th May 2023, Brightcom Group stock price has seen a 52-week high of INR 102.40 and a 52-week low of INR 12. Geojit Financial Services: Geojit Financial Services is one of India’s leading investment services companies that’s been in the market for over 30 years. With over 500 branches and 12.8 lakh customers, they hold a strong presence in India as well as the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The company mainly aims at innovating and making markets accessible to investors worldwide. As of 10th May 2023, Geojit Financial Services stock price has seen a 52-week high of INR 71.90 and a 52-week low of INR 39.15. ONGC: The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is India’s largest crude oil and natural gas company with its headquarters located in Dehradun. Crude oil is the raw material used by companies like BPCL, HPCL, IOC, and MRPL to produce petroleum products such as Petrol, Kerosene, Diesel, Cooking Gas, etc. As of 10th May 2023, the ONGC stock price has seen a 52-week high of INR 179.80 and a 52-week low of INR 119.85. How To Get Started With Short-Term Investments? You can follow these steps to get started with short-term investing in stocks from the NSE 100 stock list: Decide The Type of Trader You Want to Be: Based on the time horizon and your risk appetite, choose if you want to be a day trader, swing trader, or scalper. You will be a day trader if you extend your trade to a day, a swing trader if you invest for weeks or months, and a scalper if you choose to finish your investment in a few seconds or minutes. Do Proper Research: Carry out an adequate amount of research on the stocks of the NIFTY 100 companies list or other lists and decide which one is suitable for you. Your choice of stocks would depend on several factors, including the type of trader you choose to be. Open A Trading Account and Start Investing: After choosing the stocks you want to invest in, open a trading account and start your investment activities. You can always take the help of financial advisers in case you need help at any step. [B-02] Conclusion Short-term investments can be risky, but also profitable. Look at the transaction charges before choosing a broker to open your trading account. Do your technical analysis well and check the current economic conditions. Short-term investing depends on market volatility as the investments are not held for a very long time. If you need better assistance with short-term investments, visit Piramal Finance. This online platform is what you need to learn everything about relevant developments in the world of finance. For information on financial matters or about personal loans, credit cards, and financial management, check out the blogs on our website.

08-11-2023
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Watch Out for These Upcoming IPOs to Invest in 2023

Initial Public Offering (IPO) has existed as an investment option for many years in India. However, it has created more buzz among investors in the last couple of years. This is primarily due to the successful issue of IPOs of famous companies like Nykaa, Paytm, and Zomato. Millions of investors are now eager to invest in IPOs. You can also consider IPO investment to grow your wealth and get good returns in the long term. There is significant investor action as new IPOs continue to hit the market in 2023. But before you decide to invest in IPOs, check the following details about the company: Background of founders and investors Past financial performance Vision and mission Plans to use IPO money You can get this information from the company website and IPO prospectus. [B-01] Best Upcoming IPOs in India If you are looking for a list of upcoming IPOs in 2023, here are some options: 1. Bajaj Energy Bajaj Energy Limited is one of India’s largest power generation companies that has a successful track record of operating power plants. Incorporated in 2008, it has its headquarters in Mumbai and generates electricity through thermal power plants across many locations in Uttar Pradesh. Bajaj Energy plans to raise INR 5450 crores through its upcoming IPO this year. The company expects to use the IPO money to repay debts and for general corporate purposes. 2. Aadhar Housing Financing Began in the year 1990 in the Southern State of India – Karnataka. Aadhar Housing Finance Limited is known for its budget-friendly home loans and boasts of having one of the largest customer bases and the highest disbursal rates as of FY 2020 They have a wide product portfolio that includes home loans, home improvement loans, home extension loans, and loans for the purchase and construction of residential and commercial property. Its target market is home buyers who are low-income individuals. The company’s upcoming IPO will witness fundraising of INR 7300 crores, making it one of India’s largest IPOs. It will use the amount to expand its market in Tier-1 cities and repay debt. 3. MobiKwik Incorporated in 2009, MobiKwik is one of India’s leading fintech companies that provide mobile phone-based services such as online payments, digital wallets, loans, and life insurance. It enables customers to manage all financial needs under one roof. Several e-commerce merchants use Zaakpay— MobiKwik’s payment gateway service. One of the most anticipated upcoming IPOs, MobiKwik, plans to raise INR 1900 crores. The company will utilize the IPO money for debt repayment, growth initiatives, and other general purposes. 4. Ixigo Ixigo is an artificial intelligence-based online travel website and one of India’s fastest-growing travel websites. Its parent company Le Travenues Technology manages and runs the operations. The company has won multiple awards since it was founded. The company won The Economic Times Startup Awards 2021 in the ‘Comeback Kid’ category. The reason behind this award was that the company survived the COVID-19 pandemic. It has also performed well against major competitors like Yatra and MakeMyTrip. The new IPO debut of Ixigo is likely to see fundraising of INR 1600 crores. It will use the fresh funding for expansion and new acquisitions. 5. Go Air Began in the year 2005, GoAir Airlines is owned by the Wadia Group and has carried over 80 million passengers ever since. The airline flies to over 39 destinations, of which, 10 are international destinations. Daily, it operates over 300 flights, and currently, the company is all set to go public. The new IPO of GoAir Airlines is likely to see fundraising of INR 2500 crores. [B-02] Final Thoughts on New IPOs The upcoming IPOs in 2023 offer a good opportunity to invest in a new public company. You can look forward to earning returns from the growth of the company. However, IPOs come with risks and rewards. Hence, it is advisable to conduct research and analysis before you decide to invest in IPOs. Looking for more banking information? Visit Piramal Finance for more informational blogs. Check out our website for other financial services like housing or MSME loans, personal loans, etc.

08-11-2023
Mutual Funds

How to Invest in Best ETF Funds in India

Do you want to invest in the stock market but don’t want to make active decisions? Then you should consider ETF investing. ETF investments track the performance of an underlying index or asset. This can include NIFTY, SENSEX, gold etc. It distributes its funds based on that index or asset. Investors like Warren Buffett recommend ETF funds as the best option for people looking to build a good investment portfolio. Here, we will provide you with the best ETF funds in India, along with a complete guide on what ETF funds are and how to start with ETF Investing. [B-01] What are ETF Funds? ETFs, or exchange-traded funds, are a type of mutual fund that trades on the stock exchange just like a stock. In contrast to mutual funds, ETFs can be bought and sold on a stock exchange just like any other stock. ETF funds mirror a specific index, industry, commodity, or asset class performance. An ETF can be designed to follow the price of the underlying asset. Investors can purchase and sell shares of ETF funds at any time during the trading day. That might have both positive and negative effects on the share price. ETFs are popular for their low fees. If you want good returns that exceed those of fixed-income investments such as CDs and money market funds, you should consider investing in the best ETF funds. But you should do ETF Investing only if you want to invest with a time horizon of at least five years. History of ETFs In the past two decades, ETFs have gained popularity due to their low costs and high liquidity. In 1993, State Street Global Advisors introduced the Standard & Poor’s Depositary Receipts, the first U.S. exchange-traded fund (ETF). It has a whopping $255 billion in assets under management. This ETF remains the world’s largest and most traded. Why shall you put money into ETF Funds? ETFs are preferable The success of a mutual fund scheme is primarily determined by elements like the track record of the fund manager, the AMC, and the long-term performance of the scheme. Finding a fund with a probability of good performance in the future requires skills and analysis. ETFs track the indices. ETFs could help your portfolio track an index or the market. Performance is emphasised The market capitalisation-based structure of the index eliminates or reduces the impact of low-performing stocks in the index portfolio. As a result, ETFs also drop down or at least reduce their low-performance stock holdings. Risks Mutual fund investments face systemic and unsystematic risks. Stocks are volatile. Actively managed ETFs and mutual funds carry market risks. Unsystematic risk is a company or industry’s unique risk. Mutual funds spread their assets across sectors and market segments to reduce systemic risk. Actively managed funds may invest more in shares than the index. Index-tracking ETFs minimise unsystematic risk. Expense Ratio ETFs have lower expenses than mutual funds. ETFs can have expense ratios as low as 0.25%, compared to mutual funds’ 1.5% – 2.25%. Mutual funds may not outperform ETFs in the long term unless they perform exceptionally well. ETFs are simpler than actively managed funds. However, the fund’s historical performance, investment plan, market response, etc., are some of the concerns. Choose a cheap index ETF to track. How to select the best ETF funds? There are three things to take into account when doing ETF investing: – 1. Expense Ratio: As ETFs track a particular index or asset, their expense ratio is lower. 2. Tracking Error: A tracking error occurs when an ETF’s return differs from the index return. This is an important indicator of success since, as an investor, your money ultimately goes to the index. 3. Liquidity: ETFs must have adequate liquidity because they are traded on stock exchanges, unlike mutual funds. If an ETF fund is not very liquid, you can have problems selling your shares when you try to locate enough buyers. How to Buy the Best ETF Funds in India ETF Investing has become very simple as multiple trading platforms are available to investors. Following is how you can start investing in the best ETF funds. Decide the Medium: Most online brokerage platforms and investment applications offer access to ETFs. In addition, most of these platforms allow you to purchase and sell ETFs without paying commissions to the platform providers. However, just because an ETF can be bought and sold without incurring commissions does not mean that trading in the ETF is cost-free. You might find differences in services between those who charge and those that don’t. Learn about ETFs: Research is important for investing in the best ETF funds in India. In today’s markets, investors have multiple options. However, when doing your homework, remember that ETFs are not the same as stocks or bonds. Ask Questions: If you invest in an ETF fund, look at the bigger picture. Analyse the industry and trends. While conducting your study, ask yourself the following questions: What is your holding period? Do you intend to generate income from your assets or grow wealth? Do you have favourite industries or types of investments? Think about your Trading Plan: Expanding your investment fees over time is a helpful trading approach if you are a new investor in ETF funds. This is because it guarantees a disciplined (impulsive or volatile) attitude to invest and helps to average out returns over time. [B-02] Final Thoughts The above information provides a good understanding of ETF investing. Experts from Piramal Finance provide a detailed analysis of your Demat account. They can offer professional advice on investing and trading, so if you’re unsure, you should get in touch with them. Contact Piramal Finance for a collateral-free personal loan to start your business in ETF investing and funds trading.

08-11-2023
How To?

How to Make Credit Card Bill Payment Online With Ease?

Online payment modes have made paying bills an easy process. If you have a credit card, you must pay your monthly bills on time. If you do not do so, your bill can attract high-interest charges. Missing payments regularly can hurt your credit score as well. In addition, this can negatively affect the interest rate you may get on your future loans. You can make your credit card bill payments online to avoid such issues. Then, you can sit back at home and take care of all such bills. You can use the internet, mobile banking, or visit the credit card provider’s website to pay the bill. You can also use payment wallets for quick payments. Let us start by exploring methods of online payment in detail. [B-01] 6 Ways to Make Credit Card Payments Online Here are six online payment methods to ensure you pay your credit card bills on time every month: Net Banking BillDesk NEFT IMPS Auto Debit Mobile Wallets and Payment Apps Let us look at each of the payment methods in detail below: 1. Net Banking Net banking is one of the simplest ways to pay bills online. If you have a savings account with the same credit card issuer, paying becomes easier. If you do not have a savings account with the issuer, you can register for net banking and make payments. Follow these steps to make credit card payments using net banking: Login to your net banking account Navigate to the ‘Credit Card’ option You must click the ‘Register New Card’ option as a first-time user. You will have to fill in your credit card details. This step will link the credit card to your account Once registered, click on ‘Pay Bill’ You can review the bill and then ‘Confirm’ to pay 2. BillDesk You can pay your credit card bills online, even if you do not have an account with the issuer. This can be done through BillDesk. Follow these steps to make credit card bill payments using BillDesk: Visit the credit card issuer’s website Navigate to the bill payment section and enter your credit card details Select ‘BillDesk’ as the mode of payment Select the bank through which you want to make the payment from the drop-down menu Click on ‘Pay’. It will take you to the net banking page of the bank you have selected, from where you can complete the payment 3. NEFT NEFT is another method by which you can use your net banking account to pay credit card bills from other issuers. You first need to add the credit card as a beneficiary. Once added, you can use the ‘Fund Transfer’ option to complete the payment. Follow these steps to add a credit card as a beneficiary: Login to your net banking account Click on ‘Fund Transfer’ and then NEFT Click on ‘Add Beneficiary’. Here you will have to enter your credit card details Review details and ‘Confirm’ the card as a beneficiary Depending on your bank, activating the beneficiary can take 30 minutes to 24 hours. Once activated, follow the below steps to make the credit card payment: Login to your net banking account and click on ‘Fund Transfer’. Select the credit card beneficiary and enter the amount Review the details and click on ‘Confirm’ to pay 4. IMPS You can use the IMPS payment method through net or mobile banking. With IMPS, you can immediately pay your credit card bills. Follow these steps to make credit card payments using IMPS: Login to your account Click on ‘Bank Account’ Click on the separate link for ‘IMPS’ and then ‘Merchant Payment’ You must enter details like mobile merchant number, MMID, bill amount, and credit card number Review the details and click on ‘Confirm’ to pay 5. Auto Debit The auto-debit facility will be ideal if you have difficulty remembering your bill payment schedule. The bill amount will directly get deducted from your linked account. So, you are safe from high late-payment charges. You will need a net banking account for this facility. If you do not have one, please get in touch with the bank. Follow these steps to make credit card bill payments using the auto-debit feature: Login to your net banking account and go to the credit card section Under the ‘Manage Card’ section, find and click on ‘Register for Auto-debit’ Next, select if you want to pay the minimum or total amount due Click on ‘Confirm’. This will deduct the bill amount per your instructions on every monthly bill due date 6. Mobile Wallets and Payment Apps Mobile wallets and payment apps are slowly becoming the preferred mode of bill payments. They are highly convenient as you do not have to go through separate registration processes. Furthermore, as long as you have money in the mobile wallet, you can easily make multiple bill payments. Follow these steps to make credit card payments using mobile wallets: Download your preferred payment mobile app. Create an account and complete the registration process. This step is only for new users Ensure you have enough money in your mobile wallet. If not, you can recharge the wallet Under the Bills section, click on ‘Credit Card Payment’ Enter the credit card details and amount Click on ‘Pay’ to complete the transaction [B-02] Conclusion The online modes available for credit card bill payments can make your life easier. They offer advantages like convenience, comfort, safety, and time and effort saving. Payment methods like net banking, IMPS, BillDesk, auto-debit and mobile wallets are instant. For NEFTs, if you make the payment after working hours, the payment will be credited the next business day. So plan bill payments accordingly. You can visit Piramal Finance to learn more about personal loans, financial calculators and credit cards. You can also plan your financial journey better by applying for a free credit report.

08-11-2023
Cards

How to Choose the Best Credit Card in 2022

With our lifestyles improving, credit cards are quickly becoming the norm. However, with the abundance of options available, it might be confusing to boil it down to the right choices. To simplify the process, here are the top 10 credit cards to choose from among the most popular segments: Cashback, Travel, Rewards, Fuel, and Premium. [B-01] Best Credit Cards for Cashback Some of the best features of owning a credit card include the variety of cashback offers that come along with it. Here are two of the best credit cards in this segment. Axis Bank Ace Credit Card For those who want a high cashback value at a reasonable annual charge, the Axis Bank Ace Credit card is a good option. This is a good entry-level card, offering 5% cashback on bills, DTH recharges, and food deliveries through Swiggy, Ola, and Zomato. Here is a list of features of the card. Joining Fee – Rs. 499 Annual Fee – Rs. 499 (Waived off if the yearly spend is Rs. 2 lakh or more) Benefits: Cashback offers: 5% on DTH recharges, bill payments, and mobile recharges (those done via Google Pay) 4% on Swiggy, Ola, and Zomato 2% on all other spends Complimentary Lounge Access: 4 domestic lounge visits in 1 year Dining: 20% off at select restaurants 2. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card Similar to the above, this is another good card for beginners. As the name suggests, this is more oriented towards those inclined towards online shopping. It offers good cashback offers on Flipkart and partner brands such as Myntra and several other preferred partners. One of the best features of this card is that the cashback is credited straight to the card account. Joining Fee – Rs. 500 Annual Fee – Rs. 500 Benefits: Cashback offers: 5% cashback on Flipkart and Myntra 4% cashback on preferred partners (Tata Sky, Uber, Swiggy, PVR, Cleartrip, etc.) 1% fuel surcharge waiver Complimentary lounge access: 4 domestic lounge visits in 1 year Best Credit Cards for Travel Several credit cards offer services on complimentary lounge services. However, for those who frequently take flights to travel, some credit cards best suited for them are as follows. 3. American Express Platinum Travel Card For those who find themselves travelling quite often, the American Express Platinum Travel credit card serves as an ideal choice. Annual Fee – Rs. 3500 (+GST) for the first year Rs. 5000 (+GST) from the second year onwards Benefits: Welcome Bonuses: 10,000 reward points on joining (redeemable via Flipkart vouchers) The pay with points option can be redeemed in Amex travel online Travel vouchers: Vouchers worth Rs. 4500 if Rs. 1.9 lakhs is spent in a year Frequent discounts on MakeMyTrip One reward point for every INR 50 spent Complimentary lounge access. 4. Citi PremierMiles Credit Card One of the most popular credit card choices in the travel segment, especially for those who prefer to earn their air miles through domestic journeys. On top of everything else the card offers, the air miles earned never expire and can be redeemed flexibly across different platforms. Joining Fee – Rs. 3000 Annual Fee – Rs. 3000 Benefits: Miles earned: 10 miles for every Rs. 100 spent on PremierMiles 4 miles for every Rs. 100 spent on other spends Complimentary lounge access: 8 complimentary lounge access per quarter (Visa variant only) Net savings of Rs. 10,000 on the spending of Rs. 2 lakh in 1 year Best Credit Cards to Earn Rewards Many credit cards offer exquisite rewards and complimentary facilities upon subscription. Here are the top two credit cards to make the most of their rewards. 5. HDFC Regalia Credit Card One of the best things about owning a credit card is the number of rewards and benefits that come along with it. If rewards are a priority over all other things, the HDFC Regalia Card is ideal for those who prefer spending using their credit cards. By using this card, rewards can be received on education, utilities, insurance, as well as rent. Joining Fee – Rs. 2500 Annual Fee – Rs. 2500 Benefits: Reward points: 4 points per Rs. 150 spent on all retail Complimentary Membership for Dineout Passport Complimentary lounge access: 12 domestic lounge access in 1 year 6. Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards With a nominal joining and annual fee, the Standard Chartered credit card gives you more than what you spend. The reward points earned are ideal to be redeemed via vouchers and gift cards. It is best suited for rewards on Fuel and Dining. Benefits: Welcome deals: Cashback on restaurants up to Rs. 500 for the first 90 days Reward points: 5X reward points for every Rs. 150 spent on fuel 5X reward points for every Rs. 150 spent on fine-dining 1X reward point for every Rs. 150 spent on other retail Best Credit Cards for Deals on Fuel With prices of petrol and diesel ever-rising, a credit card offering attractive fuel deals could be helpful. Here are a couple of credit cards best suited for those who frequently travel by their vehicle. 7. BPCL SBI Card Octane With rising fuel prices, this credit card may be most suited to gain effective cash backs, rewards, and deals across fuel stations. This credit card offers a very high value back of 7.25% on fuel purchases at BPCL petrol pumps. Joining Fee – Rs. 1499 Annual Fee – Rs. 1499 Benefits: Welcome bonus: 6000 reward points (worth Rs. 1500) as a benefit 7.25% value back on fuel expenses 1% surcharge waiver across all BPCL petrol pumps Reward points: 25 points for every Rs. 100 spent on fuel, lubricants, and Bharat Gas (BPCL outlets only) 8. IndianOil Citi Platinum Credit Card This credit card offers a unique feature of Turbo points, which can be redeemed as free fuel at IndianOil stations. In this case, the value of 1 Turbo point is Re. 1. Joining Fee – Rs. 1000 Annual Fee – Rs. 1000 Benefits: Turbo Points: 4 Turbo Points per Rs. 150 spent at IndianOil outlets 2 Turbo Points per Rs. 150 spent on groceries 1% fuel surcharge waived at IndianOil stations Best Premium Credit Cards Finally, several top-of-the-line credit cards offer premium benefits found among no other categories. Here are a couple of the best premium credit cards to consider. 9. SBI Prime Credit Card The rewards extend across grocery, dining, and departmental stores, ideal for those who use their credit card for most of their expenses. Despite its premium pricing, it is a top choice, given the benefits offered across a wide range of services. Joining Fee – Rs. 2999 Annual Fee – Rs. 2999 Benefits: Reward points: 10 points per INR 100 spent on grocery, dining, and departmental stores Welcome bonus: Rs. 3000 in the form of e-vouchers Complimentary Memberships: Vistara and Trident Privilege Red Tier 10. HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card The most expensively priced membership on the list here, the HDFC diners club, offers the most exclusive privileges and rewards on travel and shopping. Here are some of the exquisite benefits of the same. Benefits: Complimentary Memberships: Zomato Gold, Amazon Prime, Club Marriott, etc Air mile earnings with every purchase and unlimited airport lounge access Saving values are higher than the annual fee Low forex markup fee [B-02] Final Thoughts Amidst all of the options, it is essential to choose a credit card wisely based on your requirements. A good starting point is to assess your expenditures, understand where you could benefit from a credit card, and proceed accordingly. If you need help with finances, you can always take the help of experts such as Piramal Finance to guide you through your personal finance woes.

08-11-2023
Cards

How Can I Track My Credit Card Application Status

Are you somebody who has recently applied for a credit card? If so, it might be natural for you to want to check the status of your application and see the progress. While processes vary from bank to bank, the general steps remain simple and easy to follow. If you wish to check your credit card application status, you may read further to know your options. [B-01] Pre-requisite information to keep handy before checking application status Before you begin reviewing your application status online, you may want to keep certain information handy to make the process easier: The mobile number through which you registered for your credit card (Registered Mobile Number) Reference number / Form number / Application number PAN card number Date of birth How to Check Credit Card Application Status Online? The best way to check your credit card application status online is through your bank’s website. It is convenient to check your card status this way since it can be accessed anywhere and anytime. Here are the enlisted steps for you to check the status online. Open your bank’s website on your browser, either on your phone or PC On the website, you should notice an option that says either ‘Track credit card application’ or ‘Check credit card application’ Click on the link You will be redirected to a page where certain information will be asked of you. This information corresponds to the prerequisites mentioned above that you should keep handy with you (Registered mobile number, application form number, PAN card number, and date of birth) Enter the details as required, and click on submit You should be able to see the current status of your credit card application now How to Check Credit Card Application Status Offline If you do not have access to the internet, you might prefer checking your status through more traditional means. Unlike the online option, you might be unable to avail some offline facilities 24/7. Here is how you can check the status of your credit card application offline: By calling the bank’s customer service centre This is a standard process you can use if you have access to an active mobile network. The customer service number for your bank can be found online or if you have a physical copy of your application form in the corner that mentions the bank information. Here are the steps you can follow to know your application status by calling: Dial the bank customer service number Follow the instructions as asked You might be asked for certain information such as the ones mentioned above (registered mobile number, application form number, date of birth, PAN) Provide the respective details, and the customer service executive will inform you of your application status Calling the bank can also be effective if you have further queries about your application that an executive can answer. 2. By enabling SMS alerts SMS alerts are a hassle-free process that can be requested when filling out your application form. SMS alerts can be enabled for your registered mobile number. To ensure this service works correctly, please ensure that your registered mobile number has an active SIM that has sufficient balance for sending and receiving messages. Alternatively, you can SMS your bank using your registered mobile number to know your credit card application status in real-time. This process varies from bank to bank, and these specific instructions can be found on their respective websites. Ensure the correct format is followed while sending a message to the bank. 3. By visiting your bank branch Since this is the only process out of the other mentioned ones that requires you to visit the bank physically, it has been kept as a last resort. You can choose this option if you do not prefer the online or other offline means. Visiting your bank’s nearest branch and speaking to your customer executive can help you enquire about your credit card status in real-time. Please keep the necessary information handy, as the customer executive might ask you to share your registered mobile and application numbers. This process can be helpful if you want certain doubts about the process to be addressed in person. Understanding your Credit Card Application Status Now that you have successfully understood your credit card status, here are the possible responses you might have received: In-process: This indicates that the bank has received your application and is still processing it. They check the information you have filled out in the form, and upon verification and background check, if approved, the application will move to dispatch. Dispatched: Your application has been verified, and your card is on its way. On-hold: This means that your application is currently on hold. You might be receiving this message due to any incorrect or incomplete details in your form. However, there is no need to worry as it can be rectified. The bank can reach out to you for any additional information that they would require to process your form and make changes to your application accordingly. Disapproved: This indicates that your credit card application has been declined. This could be due to incorrect information in your form or a failure to meet the eligibility criteria. No Records: This might come up if you provide incorrect information (your registered mobile number, application number, etc.). This can be fixed by reloading the page and providing the correct details. [B-02] Final Thoughts Whether online or offline, checking your credit card application is vital once you’ve submitted your details. It gives you an idea of where your application is positioned and informs you of the possibility of receiving your credit card. If you need help, you can always take the help of a financial expert like Piramal Finance. They will suggest what’s best for you and help take care of your personal loan requirements if any.

08-11-2023
Cards

Best Credit Card Bill Payment Options Without Any App

Credit cards are used widely to pay for online and offline purchases. While credit cards offer some benefits for your purchases, they must be used carefully. Even the best credit card requires financial discipline, especially in making timely repayments. While many customers use mobile apps to pay their credit card bills, several credit card holders want other payment options. So, how can you make credit card payments without an app? Is making credit card payments online better than offline payments? These are some questions that you might face while paying credit card bills without an app. Here are some important tips to help you pay your credit card bills before the due date. [B-01] Methods to Pay Credit Card Bills If you do not want to use any mobile app to pay credit card bills, many options are available. Credit card payment options can be mainly divided into two categories—online and offline. You can choose either of the available options to pay your credit card bills at your convenience. Online Credit Card Bill Payment If you want to make a credit card payment online without a mobile app, many options are still available. Try and make the online payment at least 3-4 days before the due date. Some of the most popular choices for paying bills with the best credit card are: 1. BillDesk BillDesk is a popular option for making credit card payments online. You do not need any mobile app to use BillDesk to pay the bill. Most credit card issuers accept payments through BillDesk. Using a computer or smartphone, you need to visit the BillDesk page for your bank/issuer. Enter the credit card details on the page, along with your email address and payment amount. You can pay the bill via debit card, internet banking, or other available options. Follow the instructions given on-screen to pay the bill. After making the payment, save the transaction number or payment screenshot for reference. 2. Auto Debit Auto debit is also a good option to pay credit card bills without any app. Every best credit card company offers this option for credit card holders. This option ensures credit card bill payment on time every month from your bank account. This option for credit card payment online needs you to have a bank account with internet banking enabled. To use this option, log on to your internet banking and enable the auto-debit option in the credit card section. Here you can choose to pay the minimum amount or the entire amount every month and then simply press the confirm button. The specified amount will be paid from your account monthly as per the credit card bill. 3. Internet Banking Many credit card holders use internet banking to make a credit card payment online. First of all, register the credit card using internet banking to use this option. Afterwards, log in to your internet banking account and select the credit card option in the menu. Then select the bill payment option, and you can choose to pay the minimum amount, the entire bill, or any other amount. Enter the payment amount and click on the submit button to pay the bill. Save the transaction details for reference. 4. Online Fund Transfer Every best credit card company accepts bill payments through online fund transfers. You can use NEFT/RTGS/IMPS for credit card payments online from a bank account with another bank. To use this option, you must first register your credit card as a beneficiary using internet banking. After you enter the credit card number, IFSC, name of the beneficiary bank, and other details, it will take around 30 min to 1 hour for the registration process. Then log on to your internet banking and select the option ‘fund transfer to another bank’. Then select the credit card as the beneficiary and enter the bill amount. Click on the confirm button to complete the payment. Save the transaction number for reference. Offline Credit Card Bill Payment If you do not want to make the credit card payment online, then you can also pay the bill offline. It’s best to pay the bill at least 3-4 days before the due date. Following are the different options to pay your credit card bill offline. 1. Over the Counter Every best credit card issuer accepts bill payments through its branch offices. If the credit card issuer has a physical office, you can pay your credit card bill via cash. Just visit the branch of the issuer, fill up the deposit slip correctly and present it at the payment counter. The counter officer will accept the payment and process it right away. The payment will reflect in the credit card account within one day. 2. Drop Box Another offline payment option that you can use is a drop box. Many credit card issuers have drop boxes inside the branch, ATMs, or other locations. You can use this payment option to pay your credit card bill through cheque or demand draft. Write the credit card details on the backside of the cheque or demand draft. Once the bank has processed the payment, you will receive a message on your registered number. 3. ATM If you do not prefer online credit card payment, you can use your debit card at an ATM to pay the bill. The ATM must belong to the bank that has issued the credit card. Insert the debit card into the slot and select the credit card bill payment option to pay the bill. After you have completed the payment using on-screen instructions, the payment will get credited immediately. [B-02] Most credit cards offer an interest-free period if the bill is paid on time every month. If you fail to pay the credit card bill on time, the bank can levy late payment charges and interest for the entire duration. So, always try to pay the credit card bill before the due date. Read more such informative blogs on Piramal Finance, a great personal loan or financing option for buyers.

08-11-2023
Dream Mobile

10 Best Indian Mobile Brands.

Smartphones have become popular gadgets for daily use. Among all the countries with massive populations, India has one of the fastest-growing smartphone markets. India's smartphone market experienced a 4% growth in 2024 - 2025, with total shipments reaching 151 million units. The top ten Indian mobile companies for the best smartphones will be discussed in this article. [B-01] 10 best Indian mobile brands for robust phones LYF – Reliance Retail: LYF is a part of Reliance Jio (parent company). It takes its culture forward by putting customers at the centre of its business. These Indian mobile phones come with 4G-enabled VoLTE features. It is the second-largest LTE smartphone supplier in India. LYF builds smartphones with great user experiences (UX). It is among the top five brands in India. It also features HD voice calling, Wi-Fi (VoWi-FI), and high-definition (HD) video calling. It became popular in the market because of its affordable price range. Micromax: Micromax Informatics is another well-known consumer electronics brand. It delivers high-quality Indian mobile phones with excellent features. It achieved a large-scale adoption of smartphones and advanced technologies in the Indian market. This largest phone manufacturing company produces budget-friendly smartphones for the Indian market. In 2010–2012, the company also introduced LED TVs and tablets into the market. This Indian mobile brand is popular among youths. Karbonn Mobile: It is another of the leading Indian mobile companies that got started in 2009. It has multiple awards under its name. It is a joint venture of Jaina Group (from New Delhi) and UTL Group (from Bengaluru), with headquarters in New Delhi. They aim to benefit a large number of people with their smartphones. Within a short period, its popularity crossed borders – in countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Middle East Asia. Xolo Phones: This is another Indian mobile phone brand that has launched its smartphones with Intel processors. It is also the first Indian smartphone company to launch a 4G-enabled smartphone. It partners with AMD. Xolo is also known for introducing the first dual-camera phone in India. Naturally, the brand became a game changer in the domestic market. It is known for its premium smartphones with unique designs and incorporates new technologies. Lava International Ltd.: As of February 2025, Lava International Ltd. stands as no.1 Indian phone brand. In 2024, Lava achieved a market share of 2.5%, positioning it as the top Indian brand in the domestic smartphone market.The Indian mobile brand has expanded its business across multiple countries. Since 2009, it has remained at the forefront with cutting-edge mobile handsets as a part of the Make-in-India initiative. It is also known for its hardware, software, industrial handset designs, etc. Lava has expanded its product lineup with the introduction of the Agni 5G series, aiming to capture a larger share of the Indian smartphone market. With the aim of “Design in India” initiative, it took complete control over manufacturing and designing phones in India. Intex technologies: It is a well-know . The company aims to enhance Indian lives with smooth access to the latest technologies and IT products. Its mobile handsets serve millions of customers from all socioeconomic backgrounds, age groups, and rural and urban India.It has also extended its business to LED TVs. YU Televentures: YU Televentures began manufacturing smartphones during December 2014. It is a joint venture between Micromax Informatics Limited and Cyanogen Inc. This company became a widespread Indian mobile brand and consumer-durable business. YU mobile as a brand has won the trust of millions of consumers with its quality and highly durable smartphones. It is one of the most trusted brands that delivers stylish smartphones with powerful features at an affordable cost. YU has the official Cyanogen OS rights in India. Recently, this brand has also started to manufacture smart TVs. i-ball: It is another home grown tech accessory brand that has become popular for its mobile handsets and PCs. Since it foundation in 2001, this Indian mobile company has touched over 100 million users, 1 lac active retailers, 5000 (approx.) trade partners, and more than 500 service centres. It has now captured the tech-savvy Indian buyer. Spice Telecom: Spice is a well-known Indian mobile manufacturing company. It disrupted the Indian mobile phone market over the past decade. Spice Telecom as a brand remains a trusted strategic partner despite the rapid technological shifts and massive disruptions in the smartphone industries.It provides excellent customer service. The business focuses on telecom-focused IT, fintech, and content solutions. Celkon Mobiles: It is a well-known Indian mobile phone manufacturer that aims to eliminate the digital divide. It brings affordable technology to the market. This company has its headquarters in Hyderabad. It has manufacturing units in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It left its mark in other countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Nepal. It also delivers its smartphones in Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, and other countries. FAQ 1. Which mobile brands are manufactured in India?Several Indian mobile phone brands manufacture and assemble their smartphones domestically under the Make in India initiative. Some of the most notable Indian-made phone brands include Lava, Micromax, Karbonn, Xolo, and Intex. Additionally, global brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Realme have manufacturing plants in India to cater to the local market.2. What are the top Indian mobile brands to consider?If you prefer Made in India mobile companies, the following brands are worth considering:• Lava International – Known for producing affordable and durable smartphones.• Micromax – A popular choice for budget-friendly smartphones.• Karbonn – Focuses on mid-range smartphones with a strong market presence.• Intex – Offers entry-level smartphones and tech accessories.• Xolo – Recognized for its stylish and innovative smartphone designs.3. Which mobile brands are non-Chinese?If you're looking for non-Chinese mobile phone brands, consider the following:• Apple (USA)• Samsung (South Korea)• Nokia (Finland)• Sony (Japan)• Lava, Micromax, Karbonn (India)4. Which is the No.1 mobile brand in India?As of 2025, Vivo holds the title of India’s No.1 mobile brand based on sales figures. The brand has surpassed competitors like Xiaomi, Samsung, and Realme in market share.5. Which is India’s No.1 mobile company?Among Indian mobile brands, Lava International Ltd. ranks as the No.1 Indian mobile company in 2025. It leads the Made in India smartphone market, offering both budget-friendly and premium devices.6. What is the highest-selling mobile brand in India?In recent years, Xiaomi has been the highest-selling mobile brand in India, attracting millions of users. However, Vivo, Samsung, and Realme have also secured a strong presence in the market.7. Which is the most widely used mobile phone in the world?Globally, Apple’s iPhone continues to be one of the most widely used smartphones. The iPhone 15 series is currently among the most popular models worldwide.8. Which was the first mobile phone introduced in India?India’s first-ever mobile phone call was made in 1995 when West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu called Union Telecom Minister Sukh Ram. The call was made using a Nokia handset on the Modi-Telstra network.9. Which mobile brands are manufactured by country?Here’s a breakdown of mobile phone brands by their country of origin: Brand Country of Origin Apple USA Samsung South Korea Nokia Finland Sony Japan Lava India Micromax India Xiaomi China Realme China OnePlus China 10. Which is the World’s No.1 Mobile Company?The World’s No.1 mobile company in terms of market share and sales is Samsung. The South Korean brand consistently dominates global smartphone sales, followed by Apple, Xiaomi, and Oppo.11. Which mobile company is best in India?The best mobile company in India depends on individual preferences and needs:• Best Flagship Phones: Apple, Samsung• Best Budget Phones: Xiaomi, Realme• Best Made-in-India Phones: Lava, Micromax• Best Mid-Range Phones: OnePlus, iQOO [B-02] Conclusion Smartphones have become an essential asset for our everyday tasks. We hope this article has given you a crisp idea of the top ten trusted Indian mobile phone brands. This article also highlighted some powerful business goals for these Indian mobile companies. Other well-known Indian mobile brands are Jivi Mobiles, Onida Mobiles, Loop Mobiles, etc. Piramal Finance is an excellent financing solution for shoppers looking for the best Indian mobile phones. Visit Piramal Finance’s website to learn more about their financial offerings and services, such as EMIs, personal loans, credit cards, etc.

08-11-2023