What is a Bank Identification Number (BIN)? Complete Explainer

The bank number on a card is the first 4 to 6 digits mentioned on all payment cards. Also known as the Bank Identification Number or BIN for short, it is an essential component of your card number. It helps track stolen cards and reduces the chances of theft. You’ll find the Bank Identification Number …

CRR Meaning: What is Cash Reserve Ratio and How It Works

The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) is the percentage of a bank’s Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL) that it must maintain as cash reserves with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The RBI uses CRR as a monetary policy and liquidity-management tool. Banks do not earn interest on the balance they maintain with the RBI as CRR.  CRR can influence the …

CIBIL Score vs Equifax: Key Differences Explained

Be it an Equifax credit report or a CIBIL credit report, all lenders check your credit history and score while reviewing your application for any type of credit. These details give them insights about your financial standing and creditworthiness.  However, you don’t get the same score from all bureaus, nor do all lenders access your credit report …

Prepaid Expenses Explained: Definition, Examples & How They Work

Prepaid expenses include all the bills and financial obligations for products or services for which you pay in advance. Business owners often make recurring payments in advance to avoid any last-minute delays and hassles.  Doing this also allows businesses to relieve themselves of obligations in future accounting periods. Once paid, you can utilise the goods …

Car Loan Balance Transfer: All You Need To Know

A car loan balance transfer is a great way to reduce your borrowing costs as you can switch to another lender offering better terms. You benefit from higher financial flexibility while getting a number of other advantages. However, like every financial decision, a car loan balance transfer also requires adequate research. You must choose a …

What is a Letter of Credit (LC)? Meaning, Full Form & How It Works

In business, especially international trade, buyers and sellers may operate in different countries, follow different legal systems, or have no previous trading relationship. A letter of credit can reduce payment risk by giving the seller a bank-backed payment undertaking, provided the documents submitted meet the terms of the credit.  For the buyer, an LC can make it easier to trade without paying the …

What is Paper Money? Meaning, Definition & How It Works 

Paper money made everyday transactions easier by offering a lightweight and convenient alternative to carrying large quantities of coins. Even with the rapid growth of UPI, cards and digital payment apps, physical currency continues to be an important medium of exchange.  In India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has the sole right to issue banknotes under the RBI …

What is the Difference Between NEFT and RTGS?

Knowing the difference between NEFT and RTGS can help you choose the right transfer method based on the amount, urgency and your bank’s available channels. Both are RBI-operated electronic fund transfer systems used to move money between participating bank accounts in India, but they differ mainly in how transactions are settled and the minimum amount required for RTGS.  NEFT processes transfers in half-hourly …

CIBIL Dispute Process: How to Correct Your Credit Score Report

By raising a CIBIL dispute, you can rectify errors in your credit report. An error-free report is crucial because your credit report defines your credit score, which reflects your creditworthiness. So, any inaccuracies can harm your CIBIL score.  Some of the errors that you may see include spelling mistakes or incorrect personal information, incorrect loan …

Running an Experian or CIBIL score check? Know these Differences

By initiating Experian or CIBIL score checks, lenders assess your creditworthiness when you apply for loans. These scores reflect your credit behaviour and repayment history as recorded in your credit report collected by various credit information companies.  However, don’t be surprised if you are assigned a different score by each bureau. While Experian and Credit …