Credit card guides

Yes, you can get a credit card without a CIBIL score, most clearly against a fixed deposit. IDFC FIRST WOW asks for Rs 20,000 from age 18 with no credit history.

1. 01Can I get a credit card with no CIBIL score or credit history?Yes, some banks say in their own documents that they do not need a credit history, mostly on cards backed by a fixed deposit.Read the full answer
2. 02Which fixed deposit cards can I get with no credit history?IDFC FIRST WOW says it needs no credit history. HDFC's FD-backed Pixel needs no score but runs a bureau check, and Axis's FD cards, including My Zone Easy, need no minimum score.Read the full answer
3. 03Can I get an unsecured first card with no credit history?Sometimes, but few documents say so. Unity Bank's Roarbank is the clear one we read: Indian residents aged 21 to 60, salaried or self-employed, with PAN and Aadhaar, and "available for those without a credit score through starter limit".Read the full answer
4. 04Can a student or someone under 21 get a credit card?Yes, mainly against a fixed deposit. IDFC FIRST WOW and Utkarsh Wish both start at age 18, and Axis's FD card page also says 18 and above.Read the full answer
5. 05Can I start with an add-on card on a parent's account?Yes, if the main cardholder asks for it and the bank allows that relative. The RBI says add-on cards go only to people the principal cardholder identifies, and that the liability for dues rests solely with the principal cardholder.Read the full answer
6. 06What does a first card really cost in the first year?On the cards below it runs from Rs 0 to Rs 590 if you pay in full, and much more if you miss a payment.Read the full answer
7. 07What happens to my FD, and does the card build my credit score?Your FD usually stays locked while the card is live, and the bank can use it if you default.Read the full answer
8. 08What if my application is rejected?The bank must tell you why in writing. The RBI's card directions require the issuer to give the specific reason for rejection, so ask for it if you did not get it.Read the full answer
9. 09What does each bank publish as eligibility?Most banks publish age and income; some publish only a deposit requirement. The table shows the wording we hold for open cards, with source and date.Read the full answer

RBI directions make card issuers in India tell you in writing the specific reason they rejected an application.

1. 01Does the bank have to tell me why my application was rejected?Yes. The RBI's card directions, updated as on 1 October 2026, say a card issuer must convey in writing the specific reason or reasons for rejecting an application.Read the full answer
2. 02What will a bank not tell me?Banks do not publish how they score applicants, and we will not guess at it. HDFC's Millennia page answers the question of a minimum credit score by saying it is subject to HDFC Bank's internal policies.Read the full answer
3. 03What income, age and city do banks ask for?It varies by card as much as by bank. HDFC Millennia asks for net monthly income above Rs 35,000, while ICICI Coral lists Rs 20,000 a month.Read the full answer
4. 04What does each bank publish for its other cards?The table below shows the published eligibility line for open cards in this catalogue, bank by bank, with the source and date.Read the full answer
5. 05How do I compare my salary with a published line?Compare your income in the same unit the bank uses, monthly or yearly, and net where the page says net.Read the full answer
6. 06Why was I rejected despite a good score and salary?Only the bank's written reason can tell you that. A good score does not settle it, because Experian India's FAQ calls scores only one factor, alongside credit history, payment history, income and overall financial situation.Read the full answer
7. 07Does a rejected application show on my credit report?It should not appear, but the bank's check does. Paragraph 21(5) of the RBI's Credit Information Companies Directions, 2025, updated as on 1 July 2026, bars bureaus from reporting loans declined previously to customers, and SBI Card's credit bureau FAQ says rejected loan or card applications are not in the report, only the enquiries.Read the full answer
8. 08How do I check my credit report after a rejection?Get your free report first. RBI directions require each bureau to give you one free full credit report with your score, once in every calendar year from January to December, if it holds a score for you.Read the full answer
9. 09How long should I wait before applying again?We found no waiting period in the RBI's card directions or in the MITCs of HDFC, SBI Card, ICICI, Axis, Kotak or RBL, apart from HDFC's Pixel rule above.Read the full answer

Banks move an application through verification, approval, dispatch and delivery, but rarely publish how long each stage takes.

1. 01How do I check my credit card application status?Use your bank's own tracker, with the reference number sent after you applied. The table lists what seven banks ask for and the timelines we found in the documents read.Read the full answer
2. 02What does each application status mean?Labels differ by bank. ICICI and IDFC FIRST both run from application received, through checks and verification, to the card going out.Read the full answer
3. 03What happens on a VKYC call?VKYC is RBI's Video based Customer Identification Process, or V-CIP. A trained bank official identifies you on a live audio and video call, and RBI treats a compliant call as equal to a face-to-face check.Read the full answer
4. 04How long does approval take after VKYC, and can it still be rejected?No bank document read here says how long a decision takes after VKYC. It can still be rejected, because VKYC checks identity while the credit decision remains with the issuer.Read the full answer
5. 05What is CPV, and is physical verification normal after VKYC?CPV stands for contact point verification. No RBI text or bank document read here defines it for a card applicant, and no RBI text read here requires it after VKYC or forbids it.Read the full answer
6. 06How long does delivery take, and where can the card go?Published times run from 3 to 15 working days at Axis, 7 to 10 at ICICI and within 7 at Kotak, each counted from approval or for approved applications, and SBI Card counts 21 days for the whole process.Read the full answer
7. 07How long can a new card stay inactive?About 30 days. If a new card is not activated for more than 30 days from issue, RBI requires the issuer to seek OTP consent.Read the full answer
8. 08Can a bank charge a card fee before I activate?It depends on the bank. ICICI and Axis tie the first fee to activation and RBL to the first debit, while Kotak's general rule and the HDFC and SBI Card wording do not mention activation.Read the full answer
9. 09What can I do if my application is stuck for months?Complain to the bank first and keep proof that you did. If it does not reply within 30 days, or any longer time set by RBI, NPCI or card network rules, or you are unhappy with the reply, you can go to the Ombudsman within 90 days of that period ending or of the bank's last communication, whichever is later, under the Reserve Bank Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026, in force from 1 July 2026.Read the full answer

A credit card against an FD needs a minimum deposit of Rs 100 on Utkarsh SuperCard, Rs 10,000 at Kotak, Rs 15,000 at HDFC and Axis, and Rs 50,000 at ICICI.

1. 01How much FD do I need, and what limit will I get?The minimum FD in the table runs from Rs 100 on Utkarsh SuperCard to Rs 65,000 on Axis Privilege Easy.Read the full answer
2. 02Should I go for an FD-backed credit card?It fits if you have no credit history or income proof and can leave the money locked. The real cost is the card fee plus losing access to the deposit, because the FD itself keeps earning interest.Read the full answer
3. 03Can I get one with no credit score, no income or at 18?Usually yes on score and income, and many banks accept age 18. HDFC, Axis, Kotak and IDFC FIRST all say no credit score or income proof is needed.Read the full answer
4. 04Does an FD-backed card build a credit history?Banks say it can, if you pay on time. Axis says it can help improve a CIBIL score when you pay on time, keep usage low and hold the card longer.Read the full answer
5. 05Does the FD still earn interest, and can I withdraw it?It keeps earning interest, but on most cards you cannot withdraw it while the card is live.Read the full answer
6. 06What happens to my FD if I do not pay the bill?The bank can break the FD and take what you owe. Kotak, DCB, Utkarsh SuperCard, SBM, City Union Bank and IDBI set about 50 to 90 days of non-payment, with DCB, Utkarsh SuperCard and IDBI able to act sooner if the outstanding reaches their 95% to 100% trigger, while Axis, IndusInd and HDFC give no day count, so do not assume a cushion.Read the full answer
7. 07Is the interest rate lower because the card is secured?Sometimes, but not always. SBI Card's terms say 2.75% against 3.75%. HDFC says FD cards carry the same rate as the card variant, and Kotak Dream Different and Equitas secured variants are at 3.75%.Read the full answer
8. 08What happens to the FD when I close the card?You clear the dues and close the card, then the FD is either released or broken, depending on the bank.Read the full answer
9. 09Which banks are not in the table?We could not confirm a minimum FD and limit for SBI Card, Bank of India, ESAF, IndusInd, Equitas, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Suryoday or Federal, so none has a row.Read the full answer

Premium banking programmes publish a balance, relationship value or salary credit, then name a card or a wider range.

1. 01Which savings or salary account gives access to premium credit cards?Axis Burgundy, HDFC Preferred and Imperia, ICICI Select, Wealth Management and Private Banking, Kotak Privy League, SBI Wealth, HSBC Premier and Standard Chartered Priority all publish a balance, relationship value or salary route, and you need to meet any one.Read the full answer
2. 02Does meeting the balance guarantee a credit card?No. The documents that address it keep the credit decision separate from the programme, and none of the pages we read publishes an approval rate.Read the full answer
3. 03What are HDFC Preferred and Imperia's eligibility criteria now?HDFC Preferred now asks for Rs 4 lakh average monthly savings, Rs 6 lakh average quarterly current, Rs 20 lakh retail liability value, Rs 50 lakh total relationship value or a Rs 2 lakh net salary credit.Read the full answer
4. 04What counts towards relationship value at Axis, ICICI and HSBC?More than your savings balance. Axis, ICICI, HSBC, SBI, Kotak and Standard Chartered all count deposits, and most count investments held through the bank.Read the full answer
5. 05Can a salary account get me there without the balance?Yes, at every programme in the table. The net monthly salary credit runs from Rs 1 lakh at ICICI Select and Kotak Neon to Rs 8 lakh at ICICI Private Banking.Read the full answer
6. 06Is holding the balance worth it for the card?It depends on the money you give up plus the fee. A savings-only route costs you the gap between your savings rate and what the money could earn elsewhere, and that can exceed the card fee.Read the full answer
7. 07What happens if my balance falls below the criteria?You can lose the programme, the card's fee terms or both. The timing differs by bank: three months at HDFC, two quarters at HSBC and twelve months at ICICI.Read the full answer
8. 08Do family balances count?For the programme usually yes, for the card not always: Axis's Burgundy can be met at family level, but Magnus for Burgundy cannot.Read the full answer

An add on credit card goes to a family member you name and shares your credit limit. Under RBI rules, you owe the whole bill.

1. 01Who can get an add-on credit card?A family member you name, usually a spouse, parent, child or sibling. The RBI's card directions for commercial banks, updated as on 1 October 2026, say add-on cards go only to people the principal cardholder specifically identifies.Read the full answer
2. 02What is the minimum age for an add-on card?18 at HDFC, SBI Card, Axis and Kotak, and 12 at ICICI. ICICI's Plus card page says the applicant must be at least 12, and its FAQ says the age may depend on the card type and bank policy.Read the full answer
3. 03How much does an add-on card cost?Often nothing, but not always. HDFC's MITC, updated 29 October 2026, lists the add-on fee as lifetime free, and SBI Card's FAQ says there is no additional fee for up to three.Read the full answer
4. 04Does an add-on card get its own credit limit?No. It shares the primary card's limit, so every rupee spent on either card reduces what both can spend.Read the full answer
5. 05Who pays if the add-on holder does not?The primary cardholder. The RBI's directions for commercial banks say, at paragraph 18, that liability for dues rests solely with the principal cardholder and not with add-on cardholders.Read the full answer
6. 06Do add-on cards get lounge access and rewards?Rewards usually yes, and they go to the primary holder's account. Lounge access depends on the card.Read the full answer
7. 07Does the add-on holder get a statement and OTPs?OTPs yes, and a statement usually no. HDFC, Axis and ICICI send transaction OTPs to the add-on holder's mobile, while HDFC and Axis send the monthly statement to the primary holder only.Read the full answer
8. 08Does an add-on card affect credit history?It can, and the risk runs both ways. CIBIL's FAQ says a default in payments reflects in the credit report of both the primary and the add-on holder, even though the primary holder is responsible for the charges.Read the full answer
9. 09How do I apply, including for a parent?The primary cardholder applies, and the add-on applicant usually completes KYC. SBI Card takes its app or website, ICICI its app, net banking or website, Axis its app, internet banking, phone banking or a branch or RM, and HDFC its app, NetBanking or PhoneBanking, or a physical form if the add-on member has no HDFC Bank account.Read the full answer

The MITCs of HDFC, SBI, ICICI, Axis and Kotak publish no route to convert a paid card to lifetime free. They publish spend waivers instead, such as Rs 4 lakh a year on HDFC Regalia Gold and Rs 2 lakh on SBI CASHBACK.

1. 01Can I get my credit card made lifetime free?No bank document we read gives you a way to convert a paid card to lifetime free. What they do publish is a spend waiver on many cards, and at Axis, Kotak and IndusInd, a fee linked to a banking relationship.Read the full answer
2. 02How much do I have to spend to get the annual fee waived?It depends on the card: Axis's MITC alone runs from Rs 20,000 a year on Pride Platinum to Rs 35 lakh on Reserve.Read the full answer
3. 03When does the waiver apply, and how do I check my date?Usually the spend in one year waives the fee for the next year, so a first-year fee is still billed unless the card publishes a first-year window, as HDFC PIXEL Go does at Rs 10,000 in 90 days and Kotak Mojo at Rs 30,000 in 90 days.Read the full answer
4. 04Which spends do not count toward the fee waiver?ICICI leaves out rent, government and education payments. Axis leaves out far more on its premium cards, and added gift cards on 28 August 2026.Read the full answer
5. 05Is it worth paying the annual fee?A fee pays for itself once your extra rewards cover the fee plus GST. Divide the fee with GST by the extra return the paid card gives over a free one to get the yearly spend you need.Read the full answer
6. 06Is a lifetime free card free forever, and does it have hidden charges?Not guaranteed, and disclosed charges still apply, though the RBI bars hidden ones. ICICI's MITC, updated 9 October 2026, says cards issued with no fee can be charged one in future with notice, and the RBI requires at least one month's notice before a change in charges.Read the full answer
7. 07Can I rely on a verbal promise, or an upgrade offer?Get it in writing. RBL's MITC says its written documents, SMS and email prevail over verbal commitments from its agents.Read the full answer
8. 08What happens if I do not pay the annual fee?It stays on your account as a due. It can bring a late fee, a past due report to credit bureaus and a block on the card, and it holds up closure.Read the full answer
9. 09Can I close the card instead of paying the fee?You can ask at any time, but the bank has to close it only once all dues are paid, which includes a fee already billed.Read the full answer

The statement date closes your bill. Clear funds must reach the card by the due date, at least a fortnight later under RBI rules.

1. 01What is the difference between the statement date and the due date?The statement date closes your billing cycle and creates the bill. The due date, printed on that bill, is the last day for payment.Read the full answer
2. 02How many interest-free days does each bank give?Six of these 13 banks state 20 to 50 days, and RBL and Yes Bank up to 50. ICICI and IDBI state 18 to 48, Kotak 18 to 48 or 21 to 51, and IDFC First and American Express up to 48.Read the full answer
3. 03What does it cost if I do not pay the full bill?You lose the interest-free days. The RBI says interest may then run from each transaction date on the outstanding amount, adjusted for your payments, and not on the total bill.Read the full answer
4. 04If I pay before the due date but it posts late, does it count as late?It can. The date that counts is when clear funds reach the card account, not when you pressed pay.Read the full answer
5. 05How long does each payment method take to reach the card?It ranges from instant to five working days or more, and most banks publish only part of this.Read the full answer
6. 06Does paying through an app or Bharat Connect cost extra, and what if the money does not arrive?Paytm's bill payment page says paying is generally free for supported methods, but your bank or payment instrument may levy convenience charges, shown before you confirm.Read the full answer
7. 07Can I change my billing date?Yes, at least once. The RBI requires banks to let you change the billing cycle at least once, and says you can choose any date as its start or close.Read the full answer
8. 08Where does my payment go, and what if I pay more than the bill?Your payment clears taxes, fees and interest before it touches purchases, so a small payment may not reduce your spending balance.Read the full answer
9. 09Why is a purchase on a different statement, or why did no statement come?Billing follows when the merchant settles, not always when you paid. ICICI says only transactions settled before the statement date appear on the current bill, and a later settlement moves to the next one.Read the full answer

Paying the minimum due avoids the late fee, but you lose the interest-free period and interest runs from the purchase date.

1. 01What is the minimum amount due?It is the smallest part of your bill you must pay so the bill is not treated as overdue. That is the definition in the RBI's card directions, updated as on 1 October 2026.Read the full answer
2. 02What happens on the next bill if I pay only the minimum?You pay no late fee, but the next bill carries interest from the purchase date plus 18% GST on it.Read the full answer
3. 03How does each bank work out the minimum due?The seven banks we read use three main rules: 5% at HDFC, ICICI, RBL and Canara, 2% at SBI Card and Axis, and 1% at Kotak.Read the full answer
4. 04How long does repayment take if I keep paying the minimum?Years. On Rs 50,000 at 3.75% a month with no new spends, our arithmetic gives about 10 years and 10 months on SBI Card's 2% rule.Read the full answer
5. 05Is interest charged on the full bill or only the unpaid part?Only on what is still outstanding, adjusted for payments and refunds as they are credited.Read the full answer
6. 06What interest rate applies to the balance I carry?At most large banks the headline rate is 3.75% a month, before 18% GST on the interest. With GST that costs 4.425% of the balance a month.Read the full answer
7. 07What if I pay less than the minimum, or pay it late?You can be charged a late fee, and the unpaid part of the minimum rolls into the next one.Read the full answer
8. 08Does paying only the minimum hurt my credit score?Paying the minimum on time keeps the bill from being treated as overdue, so the account should not be reported as past due for that cycle.Read the full answer
9. 09How soon is a blocked card reopened after I pay the minimum?We found no number of days in any of the seven bank documents we read. Ask your bank.Read the full answer

Banks charge a late fee when you miss the minimum amount due, usually on a slab set by your unpaid balance. RBI rules allow it only after you are more than three days past due, and only on what is still unpaid.

1. 01How much is the late fee on my card?It depends on your bank and how much you owe. Most large banks use slabs, so the fee rises with your unpaid balance.Read the full answer
2. 02What would I pay on my balance?The same unpaid balance costs very different amounts by bank. On Rs 30,000, Canara Bank charges Rs 250 while RBL Bank charges Rs 1,300.Read the full answer
3. 03When does the late fee start?A bank can charge a late fee only once your account has been past due for more than three days, under the RBI's card directions.Read the full answer
4. 04Does paying part of the bill reduce the late fee?Yes. The RBI says the fee can be charged only on what is still outstanding after the due date, adjusted for payments and refunds, and not on the total amount due.Read the full answer
5. 05Is the late fee the only cost?No, and it is often not the largest. If you do not clear the full bill by the due date, you lose the interest-free period, and interest may be charged from the date of each purchase on the outstanding amount.Read the full answer
6. 06Will a late payment hurt my credit score?It can. Banks report an account as past due to credit bureaus once it is more than three days past due, the same line as the late fee.Read the full answer
7. 07Which cards have no late fee?A few premium cards do not charge one. Axis Bank's fee document lists the late fee as waived on Burgundy Private and Primus, and HDFC Bank's document excludes Infinia and Infinia Metal Edition from late payment charges.Read the full answer
8. 08Can a bank raise its late fee?Yes, with notice. The RBI requires at least one month's notice, and a change can only apply going forward.Read the full answer

A no cost EMI is an interest-bearing loan. The merchant takes the interest off the price. You pay 18% GST on it plus a processing fee.

1. 01Is a no cost EMI really free?No. The bank still charges interest, and the merchant gives a discount or cashback equal to that interest.Read the full answer
2. 02What does Rs 30,000 for 6 months at no cost actually cost?About Rs 311 to Rs 611 in this example on SBI Card, ICICI and Axis listed terms. A higher rate or fee costs more.Read the full answer
3. 03Why is my first EMI bill more than the EMI?Because GST and the processing fee sit on top of the EMI. At SBI Card and HDFC, first-month interest also runs from the booking date to the first payment due date, so a gap over 30 days raises it.Read the full answer
4. 04What processing and foreclosure fees does each bank charge?HDFC, SBI Card, ICICI, Axis and Kotak charge a fixed or capped processing fee and 2% to 3% of outstanding principal to close early.Read the full answer
5. 05Do I lose reward points on a no cost EMI?Usually yes. HDFC, SBI Card, ICICI, Axis and Kotak say purchases on EMI earn no reward points, RBL says they earn no base reward points, and some take back points already earned.Read the full answer
6. 06How do I foreclose a no cost EMI, and what does it cost?Ask the bank to close it, and expect a foreclosure fee, extra interest and often the loss of the discount.Read the full answer
7. 07Can I cancel a no cost EMI without a charge?Only in a short window or after a full refund, and the rules differ by bank. ICICI and SBI Card also want the refund in one transaction, not in parts.Read the full answer
8. 08Is converting a purchase to EMI later cheaper than a no cost offer?Not at Axis Bank. Axis's transaction EMI terms list no merchant discount, so expect to pay the interest yourself.Read the full answer
9. 09Is a no cost EMI worth taking?It depends on what your money earns and what you give up. In the example, the cost is about 3.6% a year on SBI Card's listed terms and about 7% at Axis Bank's top rate against cash paid today, and about 5% and about 9.9% against paying by card and clearing the statement a month later.Read the full answer

Most banks charge 2.5% with a Rs 500 minimum, plus about 3.75% a month in interest from the day you take the cash.

1. 01How much does it cost to withdraw cash from a credit card?Three charges apply: a fee on the amount, interest from the day you take the cash, and 18% GST on both.Read the full answer
2. 02What does Rs 20,000 for 30 days cost?About Rs 1,463 at 3.75% a month at HDFC, ICICI, Axis and Kotak, which is 7.3% of the cash for one month.Read the full answer
3. 03Is there an interest-free period on cash withdrawals?No, on most cards. Interest runs from the date of withdrawal until you repay in full, so clearing the whole bill by the due date does not cancel it, and SBI Card's schedule of charges lists the free credit period on cash advances as nil.Read the full answer
4. 04If I pay part of the bill, does the cash get cleared first?It depends on the bank. Axis and SBI Card apply a payment to purchases before cash advances, while HDFC and Kotak apply it to cash advances before purchases.Read the full answer
5. 05How much cash can I take out?Only up to your cash limit, which is part of your credit limit and appears on your monthly statement.Read the full answer
6. 06Can I transfer money from my credit card to my bank account?Some banks we read offer this as their own product: a funds transfer charged as a cash advance, or a loan on the card repaid in EMIs.Read the full answer
7. 07Is it safe to use an app or payment service to move card money to my bank?The bank documents we read treat it as a risk to your card. Axis and ICICI both say their periodic usage checks look for fund transfers to savings accounts, and both say the bank may cancel the card and withhold or cancel your points without notice.Read the full answer
8. 08Which cards charge less for cash?A short list of cards waive or cut the fee, and interest usually still applies. IDFC FIRST Bank goes further on FIRST Millennia and on FIRST WOW, a card against a fixed deposit: Rs 199 plus GST a withdrawal and 0% interest on ATM cash for up to 45 days, if you have no earlier dues and pay the total due by the due date.Read the full answer
9. 09Does a cash withdrawal earn reward points?On the cards we checked, no. ICICI's MITC says no reward points are given in the cash category, and IDFC FIRST Bank says rewards do not apply to cash withdrawals on FIRST WOW.Read the full answer

You redeem points through your bank's portal, for travel, products, vouchers, statement credit or partner miles.

1. 01How does redeeming credit card points work?You log in to your bank's rewards portal or app, pick an option, and the bank deducts points at the rate set for that option.Read the full answer
2. 02What are the redemption charges, minimums and expiry on each programme?Most programmes we read charge Rs 99 to Rs 100 per request, usually plus GST, with waivers on some premium cards.Read the full answer
3. 03What can I redeem points for, and how do transfers work?You can usually redeem for travel on the bank's portal, products, vouchers, statement credit or partner miles.Read the full answer
4. 04Which airlines and hotels can each card transfer to?It varies card by card, so find yours below. These partner lists come from the catalogue. Not every row was checked against the linked bank document, whether or not it is marked Not confirmed, so check your bank's transfer page before relying on one.Read the full answer
5. 05How much is one point worth?There is no single value, because banks set a separate rate for each use. On the HDFC Regalia Gold, one point is Rs 0.65 in the Exclusive Gold Catalogue, Rs 0.50 on SmartBuy flights and hotels, up to Rs 0.35 on products and vouchers, and Rs 0.15 against the statement balance.Read the full answer
6. 06What would 40,000 points come to after fees?On an HDFC Regalia Gold, 40,000 points come to Rs 5,941 as statement credit, or about Rs 19,883 off a SmartBuy flight, after fees and GST.Read the full answer
7. 07Are there limits on how many points I can redeem at once?Yes, several banks cap redemptions. HDFC Regalia Gold caps statement balance redemption, SmartBuy flights and hotels, and miles transfers at 50,000 points a month each, while SBI Card caps statement credit at 60,000 points a month from 1 April 2026, except on Air India SBI Signature and the PhonePe SBI cards.Read the full answer
8. 08What happens to my points if I close the card or stop using it?Assume you lose them unless your bank says otherwise, and redeem first. ICICI, Kotak, Yes Bank and HSBC all say unredeemed points lapse or are cancelled on closure, HDFC gives 30 days, and Axis's MITC gives two different timings.Read the full answer

A RuPay credit card on UPI pays merchants only: no person-to-person transfers, no cash. SBI Card and Kotak charge no UPI fee.

1. 01What can I pay with a RuPay credit card on UPI?Only merchants. SBI Card, ICICI, Axis, Kotak and RBL all limit the facility to person-to-merchant payments.Read the full answer
2. 02How much can I pay in a day, and why will my card not link?The limit is the lower of your available credit and the UPI limit, and banks state that limit differently.Read the full answer
3. 03Do I pay a fee for using a credit card on UPI?Usually not for the payment itself: SBI Card and Kotak both state no charge for linking or transacting, and NPCI's FAQ says UPI apps shall not charge a platform fee on UPI payments.Read the full answer
4. 04Do merchants pay a charge, and can they pass it to me?Merchants will pay a new NPCI charge on direct bank account UPI payments, but NPCI's FAQ of 15 September 2026 does not apply that charge to credit cards on UPI, which it says follow standard credit card guidelines.Read the full answer
5. 05Which cards still earn rewards on UPI through GPay or PhonePe?Most RuPay cards we read earn on UPI, but often at a lower rate or under a cap. SBI Card, ICICI and Kotak say UPI spends earn under the card's own rewards structure, without tying it to one app.Read the full answer
6. 06What would Rs 10,000 a month on UPI earn and cost?On Rs 10,000 at ordinary merchants outside any bonus category or exclusion, the stated rates earn Rs 25 on HDFC UPI RuPay's 1% tier, Rs 30 in rewards on Kotak UPI RuPay, and Rs 37.50 or about Rs 12.50 on IDFC FIRST depending on payment size.Read the full answer
7. 07Which spends earn nothing even on a card that rewards UPI?The card's normal exclusions still apply on UPI. Kotak's UPI RuPay earns nothing on rent, fuel, railway, wallet loads, EMI, education, balance transfer, insurance, government and online skill-based gaming.Read the full answer
8. 08Which is the best RuPay credit card for UPI?We do not rank cards, because the answer turns on your payment sizes, merchants and app. Take your own monthly UPI spend, apply the card's rate and cap, multiply by the bank's stated point value, and subtract the annual fee and any UPI activation fee.Read the full answer

Most banks charge 1% plus GST on credit card rent payments, so the fee on Rs 40,000 rent is Rs 472 a month, before any app fee.

1. 01What does each bank charge to pay rent by credit card?Most banks charge 1% of the rent plus 18% GST. SBI Card charges a flat Rs 199 plus GST, and three Kotak cards charge 2%.Read the full answer
2. 02Which credit cards earn rewards on rent?We read no bank document that promises rewards on rent. HDFC's MITC, updated 29 October 2026, says rent earns no Reward Points or CashPoints on all its cards, from 1 January 2023.Read the full answer
3. 03Does rent count toward annual fee waivers and milestones?Often not. ICICI excludes rent from the spend threshold for annual fee reversal and milestone benefits from 15 November 2024, and Axis excludes it from the annual fee threshold on Select, Reserve, Magnus and Magnus for Burgundy from 1 September 2023.Read the full answer
4. 04Is paying rent by credit card worth the fee?Only if what you get beats the fee, which is 1.18% of the rent at a 1% bank. On a card that pays no rewards on rent, the only return is the interest-free days.Read the full answer
5. 05What do rent payment apps charge on top?A NoBroker blog post, updated 5 February 2026, says its charges usually range between 1% and 2% for credit card transactions, plus GST, and that the fee is shown on the payment page.Read the full answer
6. 06Can I pay my landlord directly with a credit card on UPI?Not as a person-to-person payment at the banks we read. ICICI, Axis and RBL all limit a RuPay credit card on UPI to merchant payments and do not allow peer-to-peer transactions.Read the full answer
7. 07What does the RBI say about paying rent by credit card?We found no RBI line that names rent. The RBI's Master Direction on Payment Aggregators, dated 15 September 2025, and its card directions, updated as on 1 October 2026, do not mention rent or landlords, so we cannot tell you the RBI permits or bans it.Read the full answer
8. 08What are the risks of paying rent by credit card?The main risks are a review of your card, a fee you do not get back, and interest if you do not clear the bill.Read the full answer

Terms differ by card. Axis's revised terms give no rewards on gift cards, Utkarsh SuperCard pays no cashback on voucher purchases, and HDFC IRCTC excludes gift vouchers.

1. 01Do credit cards earn rewards on gift cards and vouchers?It depends on the card, so read your card's own terms. Some documents exclude gift cards by name, some bank-wide documents do not mention them, and a bank's voucher portal can pay a bonus even so.Read the full answer
2. 02What does HDFC SmartBuy pay on vouchers, and what are the caps?HDFC's SmartBuy rules, valid 1 December 2025 to 31 March 2027, list Instant Vouchers at 5X Reward Points on Infinia and on Regalia, Diners Privilege and BizPower, 3X on Diners Black, Diners Black Metal and BizBlack Metal, and 5% cashback on other credit cards.Read the full answer
3. 03Why does GyFTR show a monthly limit on Amazon Pay gift cards?GyFTR's HDFC SmartBuy page for Amazon lists a monthly limit of Rs 10,000 and does not say why.Read the full answer
4. 04What does a voucher discount actually save?Very little on a low-discount brand, and less than nothing if you carry the bill. On the Amazon limit above, the most the 1% discount can save in a month is Rs 100.Read the full answer
5. 05How long do vouchers last, and can I cancel or get a refund?Validity runs from 3 to 12 months depending on the brand, and you cannot cancel, under GyFTR's terms for SBI Card holders, the purchase terms we could read.Read the full answer
6. 06Can gift card money be moved to a bank account?Under RBI rules, not while a Gift PPI, the regulated prepaid gift instrument, is live. The RBI's Master Directions on Prepaid Payment Instruments, updated 30 September 2026, bar cash-out and funds transfer, except back to the source account with the holder's consent.Read the full answer
7. 07Can heavy voucher buying get a card restricted?It can. No bank we read names voucher purchases in its misuse clause or gives a rupee limit, but HDFC, Axis, ICICI and IDFC FIRST all reserve the right to review usage patterns and act on misuse of offers to build up rewards.Read the full answer
8. 08What are the rules for vouchers bought with points?They differ by bank, and ICICI and Kotak treat orders as final. ICICI's MITC says gift vouchers issued against points cannot be reversed or exchanged, and non-delivery complaints must be raised within a month of the order.Read the full answer

Often not in full. HDFC pays no points on government payments on personal cards and caps insurance at 2,000 points a month on most.

1. 01Do credit cards earn rewards on insurance, tax, education and utilities?Some do, usually with a cap or a ban. ICICI's MITC lists high volume of bill payments and excessive insurance payments as usage out of line with retail use, and says it may cancel the card and withhold points at its sole discretion.Read the full answer
2. 02What does our catalogue show, bank by bank?This table groups the reward exclusion wording we hold by bank, with a card count, source and date.Read the full answer
3. 03Do banks charge a fee on insurance, tax, education or utility payments?On utilities and on education paid through apps, usually yes, at 1% plus GST. We found no bank fee in these documents for insurance, and none named for tax, though ICICI and AU leave government payments unclear.Read the full answer
4. 04Is it worth paying income tax by credit card?Only if your rewards or the free credit are worth more than the charge, which is 0.72% to 1% plus 18% GST at the gateways on the tax portal.Read the full answer
5. 05Do insurance premiums earn rewards, and is there a fee?Many cards earn on insurance up to a cap, and some earn nothing. HDFC caps points at 2,000 a month on most cards, ICICI Coral earns on the first Rs 40,000 per cycle, and Axis Select and SBI CASHBACK pay nothing.Read the full answer
6. 06Does paying school or college fees by credit card earn rewards?It depends on how you pay. HDFC gives no points on education paid through third-party apps such as CRED, Cheq and MobiKwik since 1 September 2024, and reverses any that post.Read the full answer
7. 07What is the maximum reward on utility bills, and when does the fee start?HDFC caps utility points at 2,000 a calendar month on most cards, and ICICI Coral earns on the first Rs 40,000 per cycle, Sapphiro and Emeralde on the first Rs 80,000.Read the full answer
8. 08Do these payments count toward milestones and annual fee waivers?Often not, and the rule differs by bank and benefit. ICICI's spend threshold for annual fee reversal and milestones excludes government and education payments from 15 November 2024.Read the full answer
9. 09How does a bank decide a payment is tax, insurance or utility?By the merchant category code on the transaction, which the card network sets. YES BANK says the codes are set by Visa, Mastercard or RuPay, not by the bank, and SBI Card says it identifies them on a best effort basis.Read the full answer

The pump's bank adds a surcharge, usually 1%, plus 18% GST. Eligible cards refund the 1% within a band and a cap, and most banks keep the GST.

1. 01What is the fuel surcharge on a credit card?It is a charge added when you pay by card at a petrol pump, commonly 1% of the transaction plus GST.Read the full answer
2. 02How does the fuel surcharge waiver work?Your card refunds up to 1% of an eligible fill as a statement credit, and most banks' terms keep the GST out of it.Read the full answer
3. 03What do I actually pay on a Rs 5,000 fill?On a Rs 5,000 fill with a 1% surcharge you are charged Rs 5,059. If your card refunds the surcharge you get Rs 50 back and your real cost is Rs 9, the GST.Read the full answer
4. 04Does my card have a fuel surcharge waiver?Many cards do, but not all, and some premium cards have none. HDFC's MITC lists the waiver as not applicable on Regalia Gold, Diners Black Metal, Diners Privilege, Marriott Bonvoy, the Swiggy cards and its UPI RuPay cards, among others.Read the full answer
5. 05Why did my fuel surcharge waiver not come through?The usual causes are a fill outside the band, a cap already used, a card with no waiver, or a pump that does not qualify.Read the full answer
6. 06Do fuel purchases earn reward points?Often not. Axis says no reward points are earned on fuel on Select and Rewards. SBI Card says fuel earns no cashback on Cashback SBI Card.Read the full answer
7. 07Can a bank charge a separate fee on high fuel spend?Yes, and it is separate from the surcharge. Many banks now add their own 1% fee plus GST once a fill or a cycle's fuel spend crosses a line.Read the full answer
8. 08Does the fuel surcharge waiver work when I pay by UPI?It depends on the bank and card, so check before you scan. Axis, on selected RuPay cards, and ICICI say the waiver follows the card's terms, and Yes Bank gives none on the variants it lists.Read the full answer
9. 09Is a fuel credit card worth it for Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 a month?Run the numbers on the annual fee against what the card returns at the pumps you actually use.Read the full answer

The standard forex markup at HDFC, SBI Card, ICICI, Axis, Kotak and RBL is 3.5%. With 18% GST on it, that is 4.13% of what you spend.

1. 01What is a forex markup, and how much is it on my card?A forex markup is the bank's fee for a transaction in a foreign currency, charged as a percentage on top of the exchange rate.Read the full answer
2. 02What markup does each bank show across its open cards?Most banks run from a lower rate on premium cards up to 3.5% on the rest, so the table gives each bank's range across its open cards.Read the full answer
3. 03Which Indian credit cards charge zero forex markup?Every IDFC FIRST card listed in its current MITC does, and a letter effective 9 September 2026 says zero markup applies on all IDFC FIRST credit cards.Read the full answer
4. 04What does USD 1,000 cost at 3.5% versus 1%?At an assumed rate of Rs 90 to the dollar, USD 1,000 costs Rs 93,717 at 3.5% and Rs 91,062 at 1%, including 18% GST on the fee.Read the full answer
5. 05Why was I charged a markup on a payment made in rupees?Because banks also charge a fee on rupee payments made at an international location, or to a merchant in India that is registered overseas.Read the full answer
6. 06Should I pay in rupees or local currency at a foreign counter?ICICI tells its cardholders to pay in the local currency. Choosing rupees is called dynamic currency conversion, and it can add charges from the merchant's side as well as your bank's fee.Read the full answer
7. 07Do I get the markup back if the merchant refunds me?Not at SBI Card, which says its foreign currency and currency conversion fees are not reversed on refunds.Read the full answer
8. 08Does zero forex mean no other cost abroad?No. Rewards and cash withdrawals still carry their own terms. IDFC FIRST first said international transactions would stop earning reward points from 26 October 2026, then dropped that in a later letter: points continue as applicable for each card.Read the full answer
9. 09Is a forex card cheaper than a credit card?It can be, but the fee pages do not settle it, because neither page we read gives the margin in the rate you pay when you load.Read the full answer
10. 10Does spending abroad on a credit card attract TCS?The Finance Ministry's release of 28 June 2023 says international credit card transactions while overseas would not be counted under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, and so would not be subject to TCS.Read the full answer

Free airport lounge access on Indian credit cards often depends on your recent spend: Rs 50,000 at Axis, Rs 60,000 on HDFC Regalia Gold, Rs 75,000 at ICICI, Rs 1,00,000 on Kotak White.

1. 01Which of my cards give free airport lounge access?It depends on the exact card, because terms differ within one bank: Axis Rewards needs Rs 50,000 of spend for 2 visits a quarter, while Axis Horizon has no spend rule.Read the full answer
2. 02How much do I have to spend to unlock lounge visits?On the cards in the table below that name a figure, it runs from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000.Read the full answer
3. 03Which spends count towards the lounge target?HDFC Regalia Gold's terms count all retail debit transactions, and HDFC, ICICI and Axis each list spends that do not count.Read the full answer
4. 04What does it cost if I fall short of the spend target?You lose the free visit, and you pay the lounge's own price if you still want to go in. HDFC Regalia Gold's terms say the card swipe will be declined and the staff will tell you.Read the full answer
5. 05Do add-on cardholders and guests get free lounge access?Guests usually pay, though a few premium cards include some free guest visits: Axis's Magnus terms give 4 complimentary guest visits a calendar year on its domestic lounge programme.Read the full answer
6. 06Why is there a small charge when I enter a lounge?It is a check that the card is valid, usually Rs 2. Whether you get it back depends on the bank and the network.Read the full answer
7. 07Which cards give lounge access without a spend condition?A few. Axis waives its rule for Burgundy Private, Reserve, Olympus, Primus, Horizon and Atlas.Read the full answer
8. 08Do new cards get lounge access straight away?Sometimes. Axis waives the spend rule for the month of issue and the next 3 calendar months, though an upgrade does not count as a new card.Read the full answer
9. 09Why was I refused at the lounge when I qualify?The lounge may not be on your card's list, or it may be full. Your card works only at its listed lounges, and being on a bank's list does not guarantee a seat.Read the full answer

A reward portal is a bank's own store for flights, hotels and vouchers. Some pay extra points, as HDFC SmartBuy and ICICI iShop do, up to monthly caps.

1. 01What is a credit card reward portal?It is a website or app, under the bank's name, where you book travel, buy vouchers or products, and spend reward points.Read the full answer
2. 02Which portals pay extra points, and up to what cap?Only some portals add points on top of the card's normal earn. HDFC SmartBuy, ICICI iShop, Axis Travel EDGE and Grab Deals, Kotak Unbox, IDFC FIRST Rewards Gallery and HSBC Travel with Points do, on some cards.Read the full answer
3. 03What is a point worth on each portal?It depends on the card and on what you redeem for. Flights and hotels often get the best value, vouchers and statement credit less.Read the full answer
4. 04What does each portal charge, and what are the catches?Most bank portals charge a fee each time you redeem points, often Rs 99 plus GST, and some waive it on top cards.Read the full answer
5. 05Who runs these portals behind the bank's name?A few companies run most of them. The bank's or the operator's own pages name them: GyFTR (Vouchagram): GyFTR, GyFTR, HDFC SmartBuy, SBI Card Shop & Smile, SBI Card Shop & Smile; EasyRewardz: Kotak Rewards (Easy Rewards), Kotak Rewards (Easy Rewards), RBL Rewards, RBL Rewards; Carlton One: HSBC Rewards Marketplace and Travel with Points; Loylty Rewardz: PNB Rewardz, YES Rewardz, IndusMoments; Reward360: HDFC SmartBuy, ICICI iShop.Read the full answer
6. 06Do gift cards bought on a portal earn rewards?Some portals pay extra points on vouchers, as SmartBuy does, while some card terms exclude gift cards from rewards, as Axis does from 28 August 2026.Read the full answer
7. 07Where is the full guide for each portal?Each portal has its own guide, with every figure tied to the document it came from. Bank portals: Kotak Rewards (Easy Rewards), Amex Reward Multiplier (now ShopWise), Standard Chartered 360 Rewards, RBL Rewards, HSBC Rewards Marketplace and Travel with Points, PNB Rewardz, FIRST Rewards Gallery, AU Rewardz, YES Rewardz, IndusMoments, HDFC SmartBuy, ICICI iShop, Axis Bank Travel EDGE, Axis Bank Grab Deals, SBI Card Shop & Smile.Read the full answer

SmartBuy is HDFC Bank's offers portal, run by Reward360. Rules valid 1 December 2025 to 31 March 2027 pay 3X to 10X Reward Points on Infinia, Diners Black, Regalia and Diners Privilege, and 1% to 10% cashback on other cards, up to monthly caps.

1. 01What is HDFC SmartBuy and who runs it?SmartBuy is HDFC Bank's portal for HDFC card and account holders, at offers.smartbuy.hdfc.bank.in.Read the full answer
2. 02Which HDFC cards earn SmartBuy rewards?Every HDFC credit card gets something, but only some earn bonus Reward Points. HDFC's accelerated earn rules name Infinia, Diners Black, Regalia and Diners Privilege for the Reward Point offer, say Regalia First is not included, and list Diners Black Metal, BizBlack Metal and BizPower in the same columns.Read the full answer
3. 03How much does SmartBuy pay on each category?From 3X to 10X Reward Points, or 1% to 10% cashback, depending on the category and the card.Read the full answer
4. 04What are the SmartBuy monthly and daily caps?Infinia can earn at most 15,000 bonus Reward Points a calendar month, Diners Black Metal and BizBlack Metal 10,000, Diners Black 7,500, Regalia, Diners Privilege and BizPower 4,000, and other credit cards Rs 1,000 of cashback.Read the full answer
5. 05What is an HDFC point worth on SmartBuy?It depends on the card and on what you redeem for. On Infinia and Diners Black a point is worth Re 1 on SmartBuy flights and hotels.Read the full answer
6. 06How much of a SmartBuy booking can points pay?Up to 70% of a flight or hotel booking on most premium cards and 50% on the rest, with the balance paid on the same card.Read the full answer
7. 07What fees apply on SmartBuy?The flight convenience fee comes from the travel partner, and it is not refunded if you cancel.Read the full answer
8. 08What are the catches on SmartBuy?The bonus is slow and conditional. HDFC posts it within 90 working days from the end of the transaction month, if the account is active, so a November booking can take until the end of February.Read the full answer
9. 09How do you log in and redeem points on SmartBuy?Go to offers.smartbuy.hdfc.bank.in and sign in with your email ID or mobile number and an OTP.Read the full answer

iShop is ICICI Bank's travel and voucher portal at ishoprewards.com, managed by Reward360. Non co-brand ICICI cards earn 6X points on flights, buses and vouchers and 12X on hotels, capped at 15,000 points a month on most cards and 18,000 on Emeralde Private Metal.

1. 01What is ICICI iShop and who runs it?iShop is ICICI Bank's portal for flights, hotels, buses and shopping vouchers, at ishoprewards.com.Read the full answer
2. 02Who can use iShop and how do you log in?Any ICICI Bank customer paying with an ICICI credit card, debit card or Net Banking. Other banks' cards cannot be used.Read the full answer
3. 03How many reward points does iShop pay?6X reward points on flights, buses and shopping vouchers and 12X on hotels, on ICICI credit and debit cards.Read the full answer
4. 04What are the iShop monthly and daily caps?Emeralde Private Metal can earn up to 18,000 points a month and 10,000 a day on iShop. Times Black, Emeralde, Diamant World and other credit cards on the ICICI Bank Reward Program, such as Coral, Rubyx and Sapphiro, can earn 15,000 a month and 8,000 a day.Read the full answer
5. 05How do you redeem ICICI points on iShop, and what is a point worth?At checkout, as Points + Cash. ICICI's offer sheet lets points pay up to 100% of a flight, 90% of a hotel and 50% of a shopping voucher, with the rest paid by card.Read the full answer
6. 06What is iCash on ICICI iShop?iCash is the reward iShop pays when you book with ICICI Net Banking instead of a card. 1 iCash is Rs 1.Read the full answer
7. 07What fees and catches come with iShop?ICICI's FAQ says the bank adds no fee on iShop, but the travel partner can add a convenience fee, and the iShop terms say convenience and service fees are not refunded.Read the full answer
8. 08How is iShop different from the ICICI Bank Rewards catalogue?ICICI Bank Rewards is the separate product and voucher catalogue, reached in Net Banking under Cards and Loans or in iMobile under Cards and Forex.Read the full answer

Travel EDGE is Axis Bank's flight, hotel and experience portal, run for Axis by Vernost. Atlas earns 5 EDGE Miles per Rs 100 there up to Rs 2 lakh a month, Horizon 5, and Magnus 60 points per Rs 200 up to Rs 2 lakh.

1. 01What is Axis Bank Travel EDGE and who runs it?Travel EDGE is Axis Bank's portal at traveledge.axis.bank.in for booking flights, hotels and experiences with EDGE REWARD Points, EDGE Miles, an Axis card, or points plus card.Read the full answer
2. 02Which Axis cards can use Travel EDGE?Most Axis retail credit cards and many debit cards. Axis's Travel EDGE eligible card list names Atlas, Magnus, Burgundy Magnus, Burgundy Private, Horizon, Olympus, Select, Privilege, REWARDS, MY ZONE, NEO, Aura, the IndianOil cards and Freecharge, among others.Read the full answer
3. 03What does each Axis card earn on Travel EDGE bookings?Atlas and Horizon earn 5 EDGE Miles per Rs 100 on Travel EDGE against a base of 2, and Magnus earns 60 EDGE REWARD Points per Rs 200 against a base of 12.Read the full answer
4. 04What are EDGE Miles and EDGE REWARD Points worth on Travel EDGE?Axis sets 1 EDGE Mile at Rs 1 in its Atlas terms and on the Horizon page, and the REWARDS card page sets one EDGE REWARD Point at Rs 0.20.Read the full answer
5. 05What are the fees and minimums for redeeming on Travel EDGE?Axis charges Rs 99 per redemption of EDGE REWARD Points or EDGE Miles on the EDGE portal and Rs 199 per transfer to a partner programme, according to the Atlas fee table, with taxes on top.Read the full answer
6. 06How do transfers to airline and hotel partners work on Travel EDGE?You transfer from the Points/Miles Transfer tab after linking your own membership ID, which must match the name on your card account.Read the full answer
7. 07What happens if a Travel EDGE booking is cancelled or fails?Airline and hotel cancellation charges apply, and refunds take 15 to 20 working days. If points are deducted and the booking fails, one clause of the terms returns them in 5 to 7 working days and another in 1 working day, with cash in 7.Read the full answer
8. 08What are the catches with Travel EDGE?Only the primary holder can redeem, and Axis can suspend redemption if the card is overdue or in collection.Read the full answer
9. 09How do I log in to Travel EDGE and get help?Log in at traveledge.axis.bank.in with your Axis internet banking credentials, or tap Book Now in the EDGE Miles dashboard of the Axis mobile app.Read the full answer

Grab Deals is Axis Bank's shopping portal, run for Axis by Vernost. You pick a brand, shop in the same session and pay with the Axis card you entered.

1. 01What is Axis Bank Grab Deals and who runs it?Grab Deals is Axis Bank's shopping portal at grabdeals.axis.bank.in. It sends you to brands such as Flipkart, Myntra, AJIO and Amazon, and pays a cashback or bonus EDGE REWARD Points if you buy in that session with an Axis card.Read the full answer
2. 02Which Axis cards and accounts can use Grab Deals?Cashback is open to Axis savings account holders and Axis credit card holders, on primary credit cards only.Read the full answer
3. 03What does Grab Deals pay on each brand?Each brand sets its own rate, and on any order you get cashback or accelerated points, not both.Read the full answer
4. 04What are the monthly caps on Grab Deals?Cashback is capped at Rs 1,000 per account or credit card per calendar month, across all brands.Read the full answer
5. 05When is Grab Deals cashback or bonus paid?Cashback goes back to the card or account you paid with, within 90 to 120 days of the transaction under the terms.Read the full answer
6. 06What cancels the Grab Deals cashback or points?Paying with a different card from the one you entered, buying items already in your cart from an earlier session, closing the redirected window, or paying part of the order another way.Read the full answer
7. 07Does Grab Deals stack with other offers?The FAQ says cashback is calculated on top of any coupon or instant discount you apply at the brand.Read the full answer
8. 08How do I use Grab Deals?Open Grab Deals from the Axis mobile app home page or at grabdeals.axis.bank.in, enter your registered mobile number and the last four digits of the card you will pay with, pick a brand, and finish the purchase in the same session.Read the full answer

SBI Card's rewards catalogue is the Shop & Smile Program, on sbicard.com and the SBI Card app. Points go to products, e-vouchers or statement credit, at 4 points to Re 1 against the bill on ELITE.

1. 01What is the SBI Card rewards catalogue and who runs it?It is the Shop & Smile Program, run by SBI Cards and Payment Services Limited for its retail credit cards.Read the full answer
2. 02Which SBI cards can redeem in the Shop & Smile catalogue?SBI retail credit cards that earn Reward Points, and the terms name the BPCL, BPCL Octane and Air India Platinum, Signature and Advantage cobrand cards as eligible.Read the full answer
3. 03How much is an SBI Card reward point worth?Against your bill, SBI Card's ELITE page sets 4 Reward Points to Re 1, so Rs 0.25 a point.Read the full answer
4. 04What does it cost to redeem SBI Card points, and what are the limits?Rs 99 plus taxes a request on some types. SBI Card's MITC applies the fee to physical products, statement credit and vouchers sent by post, on all cards except AURUM.Read the full answer
5. 05How long do SBI Card points last, and when are they forfeited?24 months. Points lapse on the last day of the 24th month from the month they are earned, and AURUM points never expire, under the MITC.Read the full answer
6. 06How are SBI Card vouchers and products delivered, and can I cancel?E-vouchers go to your registered email and mobile within 5 working days under the terms, while the FAQ says 5 calendar days on a best-effort basis.Read the full answer
7. 07What is the SBI Card Instant Gift Vouchers platform on GyFTR?It is GyFTR's voucher store for SBI Card holders, reached from the SBI Card app or gyftr.com/sbicard.Read the full answer
8. 08How do I redeem SBI Card reward points?Log in at sbicard.com, open Rewards and then Redeeming Reward Points, pick an item and confirm.Read the full answer

Kotak Rewards is Kotak Mahindra Bank's points portal, at rewards.kotak.bank.in and kotakrewards.com, run in association with Easy Rewards.

1. 01What is the Kotak Rewards portal and who runs it?Kotak Rewards is Kotak Mahindra Bank's portal for redeeming card points on flights, hotels, recharges, vouchers, products and cashback.Read the full answer
2. 02Which Kotak cards can use Kotak Rewards?The portal's terms cover Kotak credit cards and debit cards, but cashback is only for points earned on credit cards.Read the full answer
3. 03What is Kotak Unbox, and what do Air and Solitaire cards earn there?Kotak Unbox is Kotak's newer rewards platform, opened from the Kotak Mobile App and hosted at unbox.reward360.in, a Reward360 address.Read the full answer
4. 04What is a Kotak credit card point worth on Kotak Rewards?Kotak's card terms say the rupee value of your points stays the same on the portal, where they show as Kotak Rewards (KRs) at 4 KRs to Rs 1.Read the full answer
5. 05Is there a minimum number of points to redeem?The documents disagree. Kotak's card terms say the catalogue needs no minimum, while Kotak's reward points redemption page says you can start once you have at least 300 points.Read the full answer
6. 06What fees does Kotak Rewards charge on flights?The portal's FAQ says a processing fee of Rs 250 per passenger per sector applies to flight bookings, so a return trip for one person costs Rs 500 in fees.Read the full answer
7. 07When do Kotak points expire, and what else can cost you points?Points expire 2 years after the date they are earned, and Kotak's card terms say the bank sends no reminder before expiry.Read the full answer
8. 08How do I log in to Kotak Rewards?Through Kotak net banking, the Kotak mobile app, or kotakrewards.com, where Kotak's page says you log in with your CRN and an OTP sent to your registered mobile number.Read the full answer

FIRST Rewards Gallery is IDFC FIRST Bank's rewards store inside its mobile app, powered by Customer Capital. Points pay up to 70% of a flight, hotel or product and all of a gift voucher.

1. 01What is IDFC FIRST Rewards Gallery and who runs it?FIRST Rewards Gallery is IDFC FIRST Bank's loyalty platform for earning and redeeming points on its credit and debit cards, with flights, hotels, merchandise and gift cards.Read the full answer
2. 02How do I log in to FIRST Rewards Gallery?Through the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app only. The bank's page says the Gallery is not available on desktop.Read the full answer
3. 03How many bonus points do I earn on flights and hotels booked there?It depends on the card. The bank's Rewards Gallery page lists bonus points per rupee spent, over and above the card's base points, from 10 points per Rs 200 on flights with FIRST Millennia to 50 points per Rs 150 on hotels with FIRST Private.Read the full answer
4. 04What is an IDFC FIRST reward point worth on Rewards Gallery?Rs 0.25 on most cards, and more on flights and hotels for four cards. The bank's page lists Rs 0.40 a point on Ashva, Rs 0.50 on FIRST WOW!Read the full answer
5. 05How much of a booking can I pay with points, and is there a limit?Up to 70% of a flight, hotel or merchandise order, and up to 100% of a gift voucher, according to the bank's Gallery page.Read the full answer
6. 06What does it cost to redeem points on Rewards Gallery?Rs 99 + GST on each redemption. The bank's Gallery page, its credit card rewards page and the FIRST Millennia page all state this fee.Read the full answer
7. 07What happens if I cancel a booking paid with points?The points and the card payment go back to where they came from within 7 business days of cancellation, under the travel terms for FIRST Millennia, FIRST Power and LIC Select.Read the full answer
8. 08What are the catches on IDFC FIRST Rewards Gallery?Bookings must be for you or your immediate family. The Millennia travel terms let the bank review bookings, claw back bonus points on bookings for anyone else, and put the burden of proof on you.Read the full answer

HSBC Rewards Marketplace is HSBC India's in-app catalogue for five cards. Travel with Points, run by Hopper, pays 4X to 12X on flights and hotels, capped at 18,000 bonus points a month, 30,000 on Privé.

1. 01What is HSBC Rewards Marketplace, and who runs it?It is the redemption catalogue inside the HSBC India Mobile Banking app. HSBC's terms say redemption is possible in the app alone, not on the website.Read the full answer
2. 02What does Travel with Points pay on each HSBC card?Between 2X and 12X, including base points, by card and booking type. Accelerated points are capped at 18,000 per cardholder per calendar month, and 30,000 a month on Privé.Read the full answer
3. 03What does the HSBC Unicorn Apple offer pay?6X on Privé and Premier, 5X on Visa Platinum and RuPay Platinum, on existing Apple products bought through the HSBC Unicorn portal.Read the full answer
4. 04What is an HSBC reward point worth?Rs 0.25 to Rs 1, according to HSBC's redemption page, depending on the card and the category.Read the full answer
5. 05Do HSBC reward points expire?Not on Privé and Premier. Points on TravelOne, Visa Platinum and RuPay Platinum last 3 years from the end of the calendar month you earned them.Read the full answer
6. 06Does HSBC charge to redeem points?HSBC's redemption page says there are no handling charges for redemptions, and there is no minimum number of points to redeem or transfer.Read the full answer
7. 07Can I cancel an HSBC Rewards Marketplace order?No. The terms say once an order ID is generated, no cancellation is considered and no points are refunded.Read the full answer
8. 08Which spends earn no HSBC reward points?On Privé, Taj, TravelOne, Visa Platinum and RuPay Platinum, the terms list no points on utilities, tax, rent, money transfers, jewellery, insurance, fuel, financial institutions, e-wallets, bail and bond payments, education and government, plus cash advances, fees and disputed transactions.Read the full answer

American Express India discontinued Reward Multiplier effective 30 September 2026. Purchases up to 29 September 2026, 11:59 PM still earn its bonus.

1. 01Is Amex Reward Multiplier still running?No. American Express says on its Reward Multiplier page that the programme was discontinued effective 30 September 2026, and that any Reward Multiplier links left on its website or logged-in pages after that date are no longer valid.Read the full answer
2. 02What did Reward Multiplier and ShopWise pay on each Amex card?Both sets of terms carry the same table: 10X on the Centurion Card, 5X on the Platinum Card, Platinum Corporate Card and Gold Card, 3X on the Platinum Reserve, Platinum Travel and Gold Corporate cards, and 2X on the Membership Rewards Credit Card, SmartEarn and Green Corporate Card.Read the full answer
3. 03When will my last Reward Multiplier bonus points arrive?Within 120 business days of the transaction, under the Reward Multiplier terms, once the merchant tells Amex the sale was valid.Read the full answer
4. 04What did Reward Multiplier leave out?Its exclusion table names gift cards, flight bookings, bill payments, utilities, insurance premiums and recharges, mobile phones, AirPods, smart watches, iPads, gold, silver, jewellery, laptops, televisions and large appliances, on both Flipkart and Tata Cliq.Read the full answer
5. 05What are the ShopWise limits and fees on Amazon vouchers?The ShopWise terms cap Amazon Pay Gift Cards and Amazon Shopping Vouchers at Rs 20,000 each per calendar month per Card Account, counting supplementary cards.Read the full answer
6. 06How fast does ShopWise credit the bonus, and can it be reversed?The ShopWise terms say within 24 to 48 hours of a valid transaction, and up to 30 days in exceptional cases.Read the full answer
7. 07Which Amex cards can use ShopWise?Cards issued in India by American Express Banking Corp.: Centurion, Platinum, Platinum Reserve, Platinum Travel, Gold, Membership Rewards Credit Card, SmartEarn, and the Platinum, Gold and Green Corporate Cards, plus other Amex cards except co-brand and network cards.Read the full answer
8. 08How are Membership Rewards points redeemed, and do they expire?The Membership Rewards terms list three options: eVouchers, transfers to airline and hotel programmes, and a credit to the card account against charges on the statement.Read the full answer

360 Rewards is Standard Chartered India's redemption catalogue for card points and cashback. It pays no bonus of its own.

1. 01What is Standard Chartered 360 Rewards?It is the website where Standard Chartered India cardholders spend reward points and cashback, at rewards.sc.bank.in.Read the full answer
2. 02Does 360 Rewards pay extra points on spending?No. The 360 Rewards terms cover earning and redeeming, but the site is a catalogue. The bank awards points on each card's own rates, and the terms say the bank may change the rate at which points are awarded and redeemed.Read the full answer
3. 03What is a 360 Rewards point worth?It depends on the card and what you redeem for. The programme terms say the value is dynamic, varies from item to item, and can change without notice, so check the catalogue at the time.Read the full answer
4. 04What does it cost to redeem on 360 Rewards?Rs 99 per order. The programme terms set a handling charge of Rs 99 at order level on merchandise and vouchers, charged to your credit card account.Read the full answer
5. 05When do 360 Rewards points expire?Credit card points expire 3 years from the date they are credited, under the programme terms.Read the full answer
6. 06Can I cancel a 360 Rewards order or return a voucher?No. The terms say a confirmed redemption is irrevocable, rewards cannot be exchanged or refunded for cash, and e-vouchers cannot be cancelled.Read the full answer
7. 07Can I combine or transfer 360 Rewards points?Points on one primary card can be combined with points on another primary card for a redemption, under the terms.Read the full answer

YES Rewardz is YES Bank's credit card points portal, run by Loylty Rewardz Mngt Pvt Ltd. Points pay up to 70% of a flight or hotel, up to 1,00,000 to 6,00,000 points a month by card.

1. 01What is YES Rewardz and who runs it?YES Rewardz is the rewards programme and redemption portal for YES Bank credit cards, at creditrewardz.yes.bank.in.Read the full answer
2. 02How do I log in to YES Rewardz?With your 10-digit registered mobile number, a captcha and a one-time password, on creditrewardz.yes.bank.in.Read the full answer
3. 03What can I redeem YES Rewardz points for, and how much is a point worth?Flights and hotels, statement credit, vouchers and merchandise, under YES Bank's MITC (version CMITC_V18, 5 October 2026).Read the full answer
4. 04How many points can I use in a month?On flights and hotels, points can pay up to 70% of the invoice, with the rest on the YES Bank card, up to a monthly limit set by card.Read the full answer
5. 05What does YES Bank charge to redeem points?Rs 100 + GST per redemption request, however many points you use, under YES Bank's MITC of 5 October 2026.Read the full answer
6. 06When do YES Rewardz points expire?After 3 years. YES Bank's MITC says points expire 3 years from the date they are earned. The portal's own terms say they are valid for 36 months from the month of accrual, so the two documents count from different starting points.Read the full answer
7. 07What are the catches on YES Rewardz?YES Bank can change point values, withdraw points or change the catalogue without notice, under its MITC.Read the full answer

IndusMoments is IndusInd Bank's points portal, run by Loylty Rewardz Mngt Pvt Ltd, for flights, hotels, products, vouchers, air miles and cash credit.

1. 01What is IndusMoments and who runs it?IndusMoments is IndusInd Bank's rewards and offers portal at www.indusmoments.com. IndusInd's rewards terms for each card say you redeem points by visiting the site and placing a request.Read the full answer
2. 02How do I log in to IndusMoments?You choose credit card or debit card, then enter the last four digits of your primary credit card and your registered mobile number, and confirm with a one-time password.Read the full answer
3. 03What is an IndusInd reward point worth as cash credit?It differs by card. IndusInd's Pioneer Private rewards page values 1 point at Re 1 of cash value, and its Crest page at Rs 0.75.Read the full answer
4. 04How many points can I redeem for cash credit in a month?Each card has its own cap, set from 1 September 2024 on most cards. Every card's terms we read require at least 500 points to redeem for cash credit or airline miles.Read the full answer
5. 05What does IndusInd charge to redeem points?Rs 149 for a cash redemption, from 1 April 2025, and Rs 100 for any other redemption, under IndusInd's credit card MITC.Read the full answer
6. 06Which redemption options has IndusInd withdrawn?Club Vistara and InterMiles. IndusInd's pages say redemption to Club Vistara miles on IndusMoments ended on 31 October 2024, and redemption to InterMiles ended on 21 January 2025.Read the full answer

RBL Rewards is RBL Bank's redemption site, managed by EasyRewardz. Redeeming costs Rs 99 plus GST once a day per card account, with waivers on some cards.

1. 01What is RBL Rewards and who runs it?RBL Rewards is RBL Bank's site for spending credit card reward points, at rblrewards.rbl.bank.in and in the RBL MyCard app.Read the full answer
2. 02What can I redeem on RBL Rewards, and what are the minimums?Flights, hotels, shopping, vouchers, recharges and bill payments, donations, cashback and airline or hotel point transfers on some cards.Read the full answer
3. 03What is an RBL reward point worth?It depends on the card and the category. The terms say points redeem at the value set in each card's proposition, and the points needed for an item can change with the card you pay with.Read the full answer
4. 04What fees does RBL Rewards charge?Rs 99 plus GST on redemptions, charged once per day per card account, under the portal terms.Read the full answer
5. 05When do RBL reward points expire?After 24 months, under the portal terms, except on the Insignia Preferred Banking card. The FAQ says 2 years from accrual, 3 years on Nova, and no expiry on select Insignia cards, Lumiere and World Xclusive.Read the full answer
6. 06Can I cancel or return an RBL Rewards order?Shopping orders can be cancelled while they show PROCESSING, and products can be returned within seven days of delivery in original, unused condition.Read the full answer
7. 07Can I pool points from more than one RBL card?From two cards, under the terms and FAQ: two RBL Bank cards, or two former Bajaj Finserv co-brand cards, but not one of each.Read the full answer
8. 08How does Pay with Rewards work?At a partner merchant's checkout you pick Pay with Rewards, choose RBL points, and pay the rest with your RBL card.Read the full answer

AU Rewardz is AU Small Finance Bank's portal for checking and redeeming credit card points, with login by registered mobile number.

1. 01What is AU Rewardz and how do I log in?AU Rewardz is AU Small Finance Bank's rewards portal. AU's welcome benefit terms for the Ananta, Tejas, Laksya, CA and CS cards say you check and redeem reward points on the AU Rewardz portal by logging in with your registered mobile number.Read the full answer
2. 02What does AU charge to redeem points?Rs 99 + GST on each successful redemption. AU's Card Member Agreement (clause 23.17), its MITC version 2.23 of 2 November 2026 and its Schedule of Charges all state this fee.Read the full answer
3. 03What is an AU reward point worth?Rs 0.20 when redeemed for gift cards, vouchers or e-vouchers, on every AU credit card, under AU's revision notice effective 5 July 2023.Read the full answer
4. 04How many points can I earn in a statement cycle?AU's Card Member Agreement caps reward points per statement cycle by card. Most cards, including Ananta, Laksya, Tejas, Prathama, Vetta, Zenith, Altura Plus, Xcite, AU CA and AU CS, are capped at 25,000 points a cycle.Read the full answer
5. 05How does the AU Ananta lounge access through AU Rewardz work?AU Ananta holders get complimentary domestic airport lounge access in a calendar quarter after spending at least Rs 5,000 on a flight booked through AU Rewardz, under AU's lounge terms dated 1 March 2026.Read the full answer
6. 06When do AU reward points expire or get forfeited?Points are valid for 2 years from the date they are earned, under clause 23.8 of AU's Card Member Agreement.Read the full answer
7. 07Can I cancel an AU Rewardz order?No. Clause 23.16 of AU's Card Member Agreement says redemption orders once given to the bank cannot be cancelled, withdrawn or changed.Read the full answer

PNB Rewardz is Punjab National Bank's loyalty programme, on a site run by Loylty Rewardz. The site and PNB's MITC value a credit card point at Rs 0.25, effective 1 September 2024, while PNB's card website still says Rs 0.50.

1. 01What is PNB Rewardz, and who runs it?PNB Rewardz is Punjab National Bank's loyalty programme for credit cards, debit cards, savings and current accounts, and the PNB One app.Read the full answer
2. 02How many points do PNB credit cards earn?Between 1 and 4 points per Rs 100, by card, under the PNB Rewardz overview. The FAQ says points are not earned on cash withdrawals, fuel or jewellery.Read the full answer
3. 03What is a PNB Rewardz point worth?Rs 0.25, under the PNB Rewardz overview, effective from 01 September 2024. The FAQ gives the same rate for cashback, 4 points to Rs 1, and PNB's MITC says the present value is 25 paise and the bank can change it.Read the full answer
4. 04Does PNB charge to redeem points?PNB's MITC lists a reward point redemption charge of Rs 99 per redemption request, with GST on top as on all its fees.Read the full answer
5. 05When do PNB Rewardz points expire?After 3 years. The site terms say points must be redeemed within 36 months excluding the month of transaction, and in another clause that they expire 36 months from the date of transaction.Read the full answer
6. 06What limits apply to PNB Rewardz redemptions?The FAQ allows 10 redemption transactions a day, up to a combined Rs 3,00,000 in 24 hours.Read the full answer
7. 07Can I cancel a PNB Rewardz order?No, once it is placed, under the FAQ. Merchandise orders cannot be cancelled, the delivery address cannot be changed, movie tickets cannot be changed or refunded, and a recharge to the wrong number cannot be reversed.Read the full answer

GyFTR is Vouchagram India's gift voucher platform, with bank stores for HDFC SmartBuy, SBI Card, Axis and Kotak.

1. 01What is GyFTR and who runs it?GyFTR is a gift voucher platform run by Vouchagram India Pvt. Ltd., based at B-11 Qutub Institutional Area, New Delhi.Read the full answer
2. 02Which bank stores does GyFTR run, and which cards can pay there?We found four live bank stores on GyFTR: HDFC SmartBuy Instant Vouchers, SBI Card, Axis Bank's Gift EDGE and Kotak Instant Vouchers.Read the full answer
3. 03What do HDFC cards earn on GyFTR vouchers, and what are the caps?HDFC's SmartBuy rules, valid till 31 March 2027, list Instant Vouchers at 5X Reward Points on Infinia and on Regalia, Diners Privilege and BizPower, 3X on Diners Black, Diners Black Metal and BizBlack Metal, and 5% cashback on other HDFC credit cards.Read the full answer
4. 04Can I take a discount instead of HDFC Reward Points on GyFTR?Yes, on eligible brands, through Insta Deals. GyFTR's HDFC store says you pick one per order, Accelerated Rewards or Insta Deals, and the two cannot be combined.Read the full answer
5. 05What are GV Coins and GyFTR Coins?They are GyFTR's own wallet credits, not bank reward points. SBI Card holders earn GV Coins up to 10% of the transaction on the SBI Card store, and Axis holders earn GyFTR Coins on Gift EDGE.Read the full answer
6. 06Does my card also earn its normal reward points on a GyFTR voucher?Not on Axis cards. Axis's revised credit card terms, effective 28 August 2026, say gift card purchases stay excluded from rewards, earn no rewards or cashback, and do not count towards spend-based fee waivers or milestones.Read the full answer
7. 07How long do GyFTR vouchers last, and can I cancel one?Validity runs 3 to 12 months depending on the brand, and no store lets you cancel. GyFTR's SBI Card terms say expired vouchers cannot be revalidated and vouchers once bought cannot be blocked, exchanged or cancelled.Read the full answer
8. 08What if the voucher does not arrive or the payment fails?GyFTR's HDFC and Axis FAQs say a paid order that has not gone through is usually processed within 24 hours, and if it is still not processed after 24 hours the payment is refunded to the source account within 3 to 5 business days.Read the full answer

A score can fall with no missed payment. Experian and CRIF name higher balances, closed cards, applications and model updates.

1. 01Why did my CIBIL score drop without any missed payment?Experian and CRIF name causes that have nothing to do with a late payment: a higher card balance, a closed card, a new credit application and an update to the score model.Read the full answer
2. 02Why does the score fall when my card use rises, even if I pay in full?The balance can reach the bureau before your payment does. CRIF says that even if you repay on time, a higher balance could be reported first and affect your score.Read the full answer
3. 03Why did my score change this month when nothing changed?Lenders now report more often, so your score can move several times a month. Since 1 July 2026, RBI's Credit Information Reporting Directions require commercial banks to report as on the 9th, 16th, 23rd and last day of each month.Read the full answer
4. 04Does a card application or checking my own score lower it?An application can, according to CRIF and Experian. Checking your own score does not, according to CRIF.Read the full answer
5. 05Who keeps checking my credit report?A credit institution or service provider, going by Experian's notice. RBI's Credit Information Companies Directions, updated as on 1 July 2026, require a bureau to alert you by SMS or email when your report is accessed, if it has your details.Read the full answer
6. 06Why do my credit scores differ between apps and bureaus?Each bureau may calculate its score differently, so different numbers are normal. Experian says so directly.Read the full answer
7. 07How do I increase my CIBIL score?No document we read promises a rise. You can only work on what Experian and CRIF say they look at: on time payments, balances, history length, credit mix and new applications.Read the full answer
8. 08How do I dispute an error in my credit report, and how long does it take?File with the bureau or with the lender that reported it, or with the bureau if more than one lender did.Read the full answer
9. 09Can a card I never activated or a disputed charge hurt my report?A card you never activated should not be reported at all, and RBI says a contested charge must be reported as disputed, not as settled.Read the full answer

Ask through your bank's app, net banking or customer care, with income proof if it asks. HDFC, SBI Card, ICICI, Axis and Kotak decide at their sole discretion.

1. 01How do I ask my bank for a higher credit limit?Log in to your bank's app or net banking and look for the limit option, or call customer care.Read the full answer
2. 02What income proof do banks ask for?Usually recent salary slips if you are salaried, and income tax returns if you are self employed.Read the full answer
3. 03When can I ask, and what do banks look at?Where a bank states a wait, it runs from 3 to 12 months, and some bank pages disagree with each other.Read the full answer
4. 04Can I complain to the RBI Ombudsman if my bank refuses?A plain refusal may not qualify. The RBI's Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, in force from 1 July 2026, excludes matters related to a bank's commercial judgment or decision, and banks describe limit increases as being at their sole discretion.Read the full answer
5. 05Can a bank raise or cut my limit on its own?It cannot raise it on its own, but it can cut it. The RBI's card directions, updated as on 1 October 2026, say at paragraph 34 that banks shall not unilaterally enhance credit limits.Read the full answer
6. 06Can I get a temporary limit increase?At SBI Card and ICICI, sometimes. They are the only two of the banks we read that describe how to get one.Read the full answer
7. 07What happens if I spend over my limit?Without your prior explicit consent, the bank cannot allow it or charge for it, under paragraph 12(5) of the RBI's commercial bank directions.Read the full answer
8. 08Can I spend more by paying extra in, using EMI or moving limit between cards?Mostly no. ICICI and Axis bar excess payments made to go above the sanctioned limit for high value transactions and tell you to ask for an increase instead.Read the full answer
9. 09Does a higher limit help or hurt my credit score?It lowers your utilisation if your balance stays the same, and bank pages say that can help.Read the full answer

Block the card and report to your bank the same day. Before 1 January 2027, you owe nothing for a third-party breach reported within three working days of the alert, and up to Rs 10,000 or Rs 25,000 at four to seven.

1. 01What should I do first if I see a fraud transaction on my card?Block the card, report the transaction to your bank as fraud and keep the complaint number, all the same day, because any loss after you report falls on the bank.Read the full answer
2. 02How much will I pay if I report the fraud late?If the fault lies in the wider system, not with you or the bank, you pay nothing when you report within three working days of the alert.Read the full answer
3. 03What changes for fraud from 1 January 2027?For transactions on or after 1 January 2027, a third-party breach is zero liability only if you report within five calendar days of the transaction itself.Read the full answer
4. 04What if I shared an OTP or was tricked by a scam call?Under today's rules that is usually treated as your negligence, so you bear the loss until you report it.Read the full answer
5. 05Is it fraud or a merchant dispute, and how do I raise a chargeback?It is fraud if you did not authorise the transaction, and the liability rules above cover only fraud.Read the full answer
6. 06How long do I have to dispute a charge at my bank?From 7 days at Canara Bank to 90 days at SBI Card, and the clock starts at different points.Read the full answer
7. 07Do I have to pay the disputed amount while the bank investigates?At some banks, yes, and the RBI does not say you can skip the bill. The RBI bars charges on a transaction disputed as fraud until the dispute is resolved.Read the full answer
8. 08When can I go to the RBI Ombudsman, and how much can it award?You must complain to your bank first and keep proof. You can then go to the RBI Ombudsman if the bank rejects you, you are unhappy with its reply, or it has not replied within 30 days or any longer time set by the RBI, NPCI or a card network.Read the full answer
9. 09What if a card I never applied for arrives or is misused?The RBI prohibits unsolicited cards. If one is activated without your consent and billed, the issuer must reverse the charges and pay you twice their value, and any loss from misuse of such a card is the issuer's.Read the full answer

Clear your dues and ask through your bank's app, helpline or email. RBI rules give the bank seven working days to close the card, or it owes you Rs 500 per calendar day of delay.

1. 01How do I close a credit card?Pay everything you owe, then send a closure request through one of your bank's listed channels.Read the full answer
2. 02How long can the bank take, and what if it is late?The bank must close the card within seven working days of your request, once all dues are paid.Read the full answer
3. 03Will I pay a fee to close my card or get my annual fee back?We found two early-closure charges, at Kotak and on HDFC Pixel cards, and a fee already charged often stays charged: SBI Card and Axis Bank give no pro rata refund of annual, joining or renewal fees, and Canara Bank refunds no fees on termination.Read the full answer
4. 04What happens to my reward points when I close the card?At most banks we read, you lose them, so redeem before you ask: ICICI, Kotak and Canara cancel points on closure.Read the full answer
5. 05Does closing a credit card affect my credit score?It can. CRIF, a credit bureau, says closing a card can lower your score by cutting your total limit and shortening your credit history.Read the full answer
6. 06Will an unused card close on its own, even a lifetime free one?Yes, if it goes unused for more than a year. The RBI says the bank must start closing it after telling you, and if you do not reply within 30 days, the account is closed once dues are paid.Read the full answer
7. 07What happens to extra money on a closed card?The bank must send it to your bank account. The RBI says any credit balance left after closure must be transferred to you, and the bank must ask for your account details if it does not have them.Read the full answer
8. 08Should I close a card with an annual fee, and how many cards should I keep?Compare the value you get in a year with the fee. The RBI directions set no number of cards, and CRIF names no right number.Read the full answer
9. 09Do I get better offers if I close a card and apply again?No document we read promises better offers or limits after a closure. Axis says the welcome benefit is available only once.Read the full answer