Finding it hard to pay? Let's take it step by step.
This happens to many people — job changes, illness, family emergencies. Acting before the due date leaves you more choices. No quiz, no sign-up, and we will never show you a loan offer here.
Gather the facts (30 minutes)
For each loan, card or BNPL: lender's legal name, amount due, due date, payments left, is it secured (gold, vehicle), anything already late. Use the debt map below.
Protect the basics first
Food, rent, electricity, medicines, travel to work come first. What's left is what you can honestly offer lenders. Don't count money you only hope to receive.
Contact the lender before the due date
Use the official number in your KFS or the lender's website — never a number from an unknown caller.
Compare any new plan by total cost
Ask: what's the new total I'll repay? Any fees? How will it show on my credit report? Get it in writing, and note the reference number.
If it isn't resolved — complain, for free
Write to the lender's grievance officer (named in your KFS). No reply in 30 days, or unhappy with it? File with the RBI Ombudsman at cms.rbi.org.in or call 14448 — generally within 90 days (RB-IOS 2026).
If this is your situation
Short guides with your rights and the next step. Free, no sign-up, no loan offers.
Debt map
| Who you owe | Balance | Rate % p.a. | Minimum / month | Due date | Secured? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Card rate shown includes 18% GST on 42% interest.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I can't pay my EMI this month?
Contact your lender before the due date, because acting early leaves you more choices. First list each loan and card with the amount due and the due date. Protect basics like food, rent and medicines, then offer what is left. Use only the official number from your KFS or the lender's website. Don't take a new instant-app loan to pay the old EMI. See Your next EMI doesn't fit.
Can recovery agents call me at night or call my family?
No. Under RBI rules as of October 2026, recovery agents can't call you before 8 am or after 7 pm. For microfinance loans the window is 9 am to 6 pm. They must not threaten or abuse you, or shame you in front of family and friends. The lender must name its agents, and they must carry ID. Stricter rules start on 1 January 2027.
A loan app is harassing me and messaging my contacts. Where do I complain?
Report threats and shaming messages on 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in. If you feel unsafe, go to your nearest police station. Take screenshots first: messages, call logs, numbers and the app's name. If the lender is regulated by RBI, complain to it too, and then to the RBI Ombudsman. Our guide on loan app harassment has a message you can send to your contacts.
Can a debt settlement agent clean my CIBIL score?
No. Nobody can legally remove accurate information from your credit report for a fee. Agents who ask for money upfront or promise to "clean your CIBIL" are a trap. A settled loan (where the lender accepted less than you owed) shows as a negative mark. If your report has a real mistake, the dispute route is free. Read settled, closed or written off.
My lender isn't solving my complaint. What can I do?
Write to the lender's grievance officer (the person who handles complaints). You will find the name in your KFS, the Key Facts Statement you got with the loan. No reply in 30 days, or unhappy with it? File with the RBI Ombudsman at cms.rbi.org.in or call 14448. It is free, and you generally have 90 days. The complaint dates tool works out your dates.
I'm stressed about my debts. Who can I talk to?
You are not alone, and asking for help is normal. Tele-MANAS on 14416 is free support for stress and worry. It works 24/7 and in many languages. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call 14416 now or go to the nearest hospital. When you feel ready, take one small step, such as listing your loans with their due dates.