RBI's Term Loan EMI moratorium: FAQs..!

RBI's Term Loan EMI moratorium: FAQs..!

The RBI today (March 27, 2020) allowed banks to offer a moratorium on all term loans. The step was taken in light of the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent lockdown

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)   allowed all financial institutions to allow a  3 month moratorium for all term loans in light of the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent lockdown.

In effect, banks can allow all customers to not pay their monthly EMIs for a 3-month period, and the non-repayment will not hurt their credit score.

Here are all questions on this decision answered.

Question: My EMI is due soon. Will the payment not be deducted from my account?

Answer:  The RBI has said it has only allowed banks to allow a moratorium -- and further guidelines are awaited on whether banks will have to separately approve suspension of EMIs, either on an individual or at the bank level.

Question: How will the process work at the bank level?

Answer: All banks will have to discuss the moratorium and get a decision approved at their board level.

Question: Will non-payment result in impact on my credit score?

Answer:  No. It will not.

Question:  Which banks can offer this deferment to their customers?

Answer: All commercial banks (including regional rural banks, small finance banks and local area banks), co-operative banks, all-India Financial Institutions, and NBFCs (including housing finance companies and micro-finance institutions) included.

Question:  Is this a waiver of EMIs or a deferment of EMIs?

Answer: This is not a waiver, but a deferment. RBI has recommended that the repayment schedule and all subsequent due dates as also the tenor for such loans may be shifted across the board by 3 months.

Question:  Does the moratorium cover both principal and interest?

Answer: Yes. It does. You will be exempt from payment of your entire EMI, including payment and interest for three months. This will be applicable on all loans outstanding as on March 1, 2020.

Question:  What kind of loans does the moratorium cover?

Answer: The RBI policy statement explicitly mentions term loans, which includes home loans, personal loans, education loans, auto  and any loans which have a fixed tenure. The also include consumer durable loans, such as EMIs on mobiles, fridge, TV etc

Question:  Does the moratorium cover credit card payments?

Answer: Since credit cards are defined as revolving credit and not term loans, they are not covered under the moratorium.

Question:  I have taken a project loan for setting up a factory. Can I not pay my EMI?

Answer: The moratorium has been allowed on all loans classified as term loans. To get further clarity on this, you may contact your bank.

Question:  What has the RBI announced for businesses?

Answer: The RBI has allowed deferment for interest payments for all working capital loans taken by businesses. This will be applicable in respect of all working capital facilities outstanding as on March 1, 2020. The accumulated interest for the period will be paid after the expiry of the deferment period. 

Moratorium/deferment will not be treated as change in terms and conditions of loan agreements and will not result in asset classification downgrade.

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