RBI (Commercial Banks – Credit Cards and Debit Cards: Issuance and Conduct) Directions, 2025

Reference

RBI/DOR/2025-26/155, DOR.AUT.REC.No.74/24-01-041/2025-26

Issued

28 Nov 2025

Effective

In force · 28 Nov 2025 (text updated as on 1 Oct 2026)

Scope

Repeals the 2022 MD (para 93). Ch. I–VIII, paras 1–97. Paras 8, 12(2), 22, 36, 45, 50, 58, 67, 68, 83 substituted w.e.f. 1 Oct 2026 by R03.

Key clauses

• para 11(4)Unsolicited cards/upgrades prohibited; billed without consent → reverse + penalty 2× amount.
• para 11(6)OTP consent required to activate a card unused > 30 days from issuance.
• para 12(2)Limit set after independent assessment, considering the customer's other limits. Substituted w.e.f. 1 Oct 2026 by R03.
• para 12(5)Over-limit only with the cardholder's consent; customer can toggle the facility on or off.
• para 19Closure within 7 working days; ₹500 per day of delay payable to the cardholder.
• para 20Card unused > 1 year → notice, close after 30 days of silence.
• para 23(5)Late charges only on the amount overdue after the due date. Amended by R02 from 1 Apr 2027.
• para 23(5)–(6)Late charges only on the amount overdue after the due date.
• para 25Disputed bill explained within 30 days.
• para 29Billing cycle change allowed at least once.
• para 36Notify the customer before reporting default to a CIC. Substituted w.e.f. 1 Oct 2026.
• para 58Co-branding revenue-share disclosure. Substituted w.e.f. 1 Oct 2026.
• para 92(6)MITC minimum font Arial-12.
• para 93Repeals the Master Direction – Credit Card and Debit Card, 2022.