Fly Now Pay Later Flights India 2026: EMI & BNPL Options
TL;DR: You no longer need to pay the full flight fare upfront. In 2026, several platforms let you book flights on EMI or pay later in India — with or without a credit card. Options include credit card EMI on leading travel platforms like HappyFaresBajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, Simpl Pay in 3, and airline-specific pay-later schemes from SpiceJet. This guide breaks down every option, eligibility, interest rates, and practical tips so you can fly now and pay later without stress.
Flight prices in India fluctuate fast. One day a Delhi-to-Goa fare is Rs 3,500, and the next week it jumps to Rs 7,000. If you spot a great deal but your salary is a few days away, the “fly now pay later” model is a genuine lifesaver.
The buy now pay later (BNPL) and EMI ecosystem for travel in India has matured significantly. While some older BNPL startups like ZestMoney shut down in late 2023, several reliable options remain fully active in 2026. Whether you have a credit card or not, there is likely an EMI route that works for your next trip.
Let us walk through every option worth considering.
What Does Fly Now Pay Later Actually Mean?
Fly now pay later is a broad term that covers two main models:
- BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later): You book the flight and pay the full amount within 15 to 30 days, or split the cost into 2-3 interest-free instalments. Providers like Simpl and LazyPay follow this model.
- EMI (Equated Monthly Instalments): You pay the flight fare in fixed monthly instalments over 3 to 12 months. This can be through credit card EMI, cardless EMI via Bajaj Finserv, or airline-specific EMI schemes.
Both models let you board the flight now and spread the cost over time. The key difference is the repayment window — BNPL is usually shorter (under 3 months), while EMI can stretch to 12 months or more.
Credit Card EMI on Flight Bookings
If you already have a credit card from a major Indian bank, this is the most straightforward route. Most large travel platforms in India now offer credit card EMI at checkout.
How It Works
When you book a flight on platforms like leading travel platforms like HappyFaresor HappyFares, you will see an “EMI” option at the payment step. Select your bank, pick a tenure (3, 6, 9, or 12 months), and the platform converts your transaction into monthly instalments.
No-Cost EMI: The Best Deal
No-cost EMI means you pay exactly the ticket price — no extra interest. The platform or bank absorbs the interest cost. This is available on select cards and tenures, typically 3 to 6 months.
leading travel platforms like HappyFaresregularly offers no-cost EMI on domestic flights for 3 to 6 months with banks like HDFC, ICICI, SBI, and Kotak. HappyFares runs similar offers with HDFC credit cards. The minimum transaction amount is usually Rs 3,000 for domestic and Rs 10,000 for international flights.
Pro tip: No-cost EMI offers change frequently. Always check the offers page on your booking platform before paying. Even a week’s delay can mean different terms.
Banks That Support Flight EMI
Most major banks support EMI conversion for travel bookings:
- HDFC Bank (3, 6, 9, 12 months)
- ICICI Bank (3, 6, 9, 12 months)
- SBI Card (3, 6, 9 months)
- Axis Bank (3, 6, 9, 12 months)
- Kotak Mahindra Bank (3, 6 months)
- Yes Bank (3, 6, 9 months)
Interest rates on standard EMI (not no-cost) typically range from 12% to 18% per annum, depending on the bank and your card variant.
If you are considering getting a credit card primarily for travel, our guide on credit cards that give free airport lounge access covers the best options for frequent flyers.
Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card: Fly on EMI Without a Credit Card
Do not have a credit card? The Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card is one of the most popular alternatives for booking flights on EMI in India.
Key Features
- Pre-approved limit: Up to Rs 3 lakh
- Tenure options: 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, or even 60 months
- No-cost EMI: Available on select partner platforms
- No credit card needed: This is a separate EMI card, not linked to any bank credit card
- Digital approval: Apply through the Bajaj Finserv app and get approved within minutes
Where to Book Flights
The Insta EMI Card works on partner travel platforms including leading travel platforms like HappyFares, HappyFares, HappyFares, and Thomas Cook. At checkout, select “Bajaj Finserv EMI” as your payment method, enter your card details, and choose your tenure.
Eligibility
- Age: 21 to 65 years
- Valid PAN card
- Basic KYC documents
- No minimum salary requirement (approval based on credit profile)
Costs to Watch
While no-cost EMI is available on many platforms, standard EMI may carry a processing fee of 1% to 2.5% plus interest. Always read the exact terms shown at checkout before confirming.
BNPL Providers for Flight Bookings in India 2026
The BNPL landscape in India has changed since 2023. ZestMoney, once a major player, shut down in December 2023 after regulatory changes hit its lending partnerships. However, several BNPL providers remain active and useful for travel bookings.
Simpl (Pay in 3)
Simpl is a Bengaluru-based BNPL provider that lets you split purchases into three equal, interest-free payments. It works with travel platforms like HappyFares and HappyFares.
- How it works: Book your flight, select Simpl at checkout, and pay in 3 instalments over 2 months
- Interest: Zero — no hidden fees
- Limit: Varies by user, typically Rs 10,000 to Rs 60,000 depending on your Simpl credit history
- Reward points: 1 point per Rs 200 spent, doubled if you transact with 3 or more merchants in a billing cycle
Simpl is best suited for short-haul domestic flights where the total fare is under Rs 15,000.
LazyPay
LazyPay, backed by PayU, continues to operate in India and serves over 6 million users. It offers a pay-later credit line that works across various merchant categories.
- Credit limit: Up to Rs 10,000 as a pay-later line (repay in 15 or 30 days, interest-free)
- EMI option: Convert larger purchases into 3 to 12 month EMIs through their XpressLoan feature
- Best for: Quick domestic flight bookings under Rs 10,000
Amazon Pay Later
If you book flights through Amazon Pay (powered by leading travel platforms like HappyFaresintegration), you can use Amazon Pay Later at checkout. It is backed by axio and IDFC FIRST Bank.
- How it works: Select Amazon Pay Later at checkout and pay next month or convert to 3-12 month EMI
- Interest: Zero for next-month payment; nominal rates for longer EMI
- Best for: Users already in the Amazon ecosystem who book through Amazon Travel
Paytm Postpaid
Paytm Postpaid provides a credit line with monthly billing. While direct flight EMI availability on Paytm’s own travel platform is limited, the Postpaid wallet works on several partner travel platforms.
- Approval: Based on Paytm usage and partner NBFC risk assessment
- No credit score check required
- Best for: Paytm-heavy users for smaller domestic bookings
Cardless EMI Options (No Credit Card Needed)
For travellers who want EMI but do not hold a credit card, here are dedicated cardless routes:
SpiceJet Book Now Pay Later (Powered by Axio)
SpiceJet offers a direct cardless EMI option on its website and app.
- Tenure: 3, 6, 9, or 12 months
- 3-month EMI: No-cost (0% interest)
- 6 to 12 months: Interest at approximately 24% per annum
- Requirements: Valid PAN, Aadhaar, and UPI ID
- Process: Advance EMI paid immediately via UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe), remaining in monthly instalments
This is useful when booking directly on SpiceJet and wanting to avoid third-party platforms.
SanKash Travel EMI
SanKash is India’s largest travel-focused lending platform. It partners with OTAs and travel agents to offer EMI on flights and holiday packages.
- Tenure: 3 to 12 months
- No-cost EMI: Available for 3-month tenure on eligible bookings
- Partners: Works with Musafir, Travools, and several smaller travel agents
- Age: 19 to 57 years, Indian resident with income proof
SanKash is particularly useful for larger bookings that combine flights with hotel packages.
HappyFares Credit
HappyFares, the popular fare comparison platform, offers its own instant credit line for travel.
- Credit limit: Up to Rs 1 lakh
- Repayment: Pay in the next billing cycle or convert to EMI
- Completely cardless: No credit card needed
- Best for: Users who already search and compare fares on HappyFares
Comparison Table: EMI and BNPL Options at a Glance
| Provider | Type | Tenure | Interest | Min Amount | Credit Card Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card EMI (HDFC, ICICI, SBI) | EMI | 3-12 months | 0% (no-cost) to 18% p.a. | Rs 3,000 | Yes |
| Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card | Cardless EMI | 3-60 months | 0% (no-cost) to 14% p.a. | Rs 3,000 | No |
| Simpl Pay in 3 | BNPL | 3 instalments over 2 months | 0% | Rs 500 | No |
| LazyPay | BNPL / EMI | 15-30 days or 3-12 months | 0% (pay later) / varies (EMI) | Rs 500 | No |
| Amazon Pay Later | BNPL / EMI | Next month or 3-12 months | 0% to nominal | Rs 1,000 | No |
| SpiceJet Cardless EMI | Cardless EMI | 3-12 months | 0% (3 months) / ~24% p.a. | Rs 2,000 | No |
| SanKash | Travel EMI | 3-12 months | 0% (3 months) / varies | Rs 5,000 | No |
| HappyFares Credit | Credit Line | Flexible | Varies | Rs 1,000 | No |
How to Choose the Right Option
With so many choices, here is a simple decision framework:
If you have a credit card: Use credit card EMI on leading travel platforms like HappyFaresor HappyFares. Look for no-cost EMI offers first — 3-month no-cost EMI is available almost year-round with HDFC and ICICI cards. This is the cheapest option when interest is zero.
If you do not have a credit card and want longer EMI: Apply for the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card. The approval process is quick, the limit is generous, and it works on all major travel platforms.
If you want a short pay-later window (under 3 months): Simpl Pay in 3 or LazyPay are ideal. Zero interest, minimal documentation, and instant approval if you have an established profile.
If you are booking directly on an airline website: Check if the airline offers its own cardless EMI (SpiceJet does). Some airlines partner with lending platforms that offer competitive rates.
If you are booking a larger trip (flights plus hotels): SanKash specialises in travel lending and may offer better terms for package bookings compared to generic BNPL apps.
For additional payment flexibility, you might also want to explore how to use UPI for flight bookings to combine UPI cashback offers with EMI on the remaining amount.
Tips to Get the Best Deal on Flight EMI
- Always check for no-cost EMI first. Platforms rotate these offers with different banks. A 3-month no-cost EMI effectively makes the flight free of any extra charge.
- Compare the total cost, not just the EMI amount. A Rs 200 per month EMI over 12 months sounds easy, but check if the total paid exceeds the original fare. Processing fees and interest add up.
- Book when fares are low, not when EMI offers are best. A cheap fare with standard EMI beats an expensive fare with no-cost EMI. Our guide on how to book the cheapest domestic flights in India covers timing strategies.
- Keep your BNPL repayments on time. Late payments on Simpl, LazyPay, or any BNPL service can hurt your credit score and reduce your future credit limit. Treat these like any other loan.
- Read the fine print on cancellation. If you cancel a flight booked on EMI, the refund goes back to the lending partner, not directly to your bank account. The EMI may continue until the refund is processed, which can take 7 to 14 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book flights on EMI without a credit card in India?
Yes. The Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, SpiceJet’s cardless EMI, SanKash, and HappyFares Credit all let you book flights on EMI without a credit card. You will need basic KYC documents like PAN and Aadhaar for verification.
Is no-cost EMI really free?
On genuine no-cost EMI offers, yes — you pay exactly the ticket price split across instalments. The interest is borne by the platform or bank. However, always verify the total payable amount at checkout. Some offers labelled “no-cost” may include a processing fee.
What happens if I cancel a flight booked on EMI?
If you cancel, the airline refund is processed back to the EMI provider or your credit card. For credit card EMI, the remaining instalments are adjusted or reversed by your bank. For cardless EMI, the lending partner handles the refund and adjusts your outstanding balance. The process typically takes 7 to 14 business days.
Does using BNPL or EMI for flights affect my credit score?
BNPL services like Simpl and LazyPay may report to credit bureaus. Timely repayment can build your score, while missed payments can lower it. Credit card EMI reflects on your credit card utilisation. If you are close to your credit limit, converting a large flight fare to EMI increases your utilisation ratio, which can temporarily affect your score.
Which platform offers the best EMI deals for flights in 2026?
leading travel platforms like HappyFaresand HappyFares consistently offer the widest range of no-cost EMI options across multiple banks. For cardless EMI, Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card provides the best combination of high limits and flexible tenure. If you prefer BNPL without any interest, Simpl Pay in 3 is the most straightforward option for domestic flights.
Flying should not wait for payday. Whether you pick credit card EMI, a BNPL app, or a cardless EMI card, the options in 2026 make it easier than ever to book your flight now and pay at your own pace. Just remember to compare the total cost, repay on time, and always grab a no-cost EMI deal when one is available.
