Overview
There are mixed opinions on the use of credit cards. Some may agree to your convenience
and others may not,
assuming you can accumulate more debt. Whatever the opinion, it is undeniable that the
credit card is one of the
best financial companions that help in various financial emergencies when funds cannot
be obtained from
anywhere.
Credit cards are issued by banks and NBFC approved by the Reserve Bank of India. There is
a variety of credit
cards that cater to different customer needs. One can choose the credit card that suits
his spending habits.
Having a credit card can help the cardholder save more daily expenses through reward
points, discounts,
discounts, offers, etc.
What is a Credit Card?
A credit card is a plastic card that comes loaded with a pre-approved amount that the
cardholder can use for
multiple purchases and pay for it later. The card issuer allows you to refund the full
amount without interest
for up to 50 days from the date of purchase. The cardholder can also pay the minimum
amount due over the entire
amount to avoid any fines. The minimum outstanding amount can range from 5% to 10%.
However, the balance will be
carried over to the next month, which must be paid with the interest specified by the
credit card company.
Credit cards are an essential component of financial transactions in advanced economies.
In many developing
economies, such as India, credit cards are becoming increasingly popular due to their
convenience and ease of
use. You can use a credit card to buy anything from jewelry to groceries. Having a
credit card means you don't
need cash to make purchases. It is a more convenient payment method.
How do credit cards work?
Credit card companies provide credit cards to people with stable incomes and credit
scores. Others can get a
secured credit card for a fixed deposit. Each credit card holder is assigned a credit
limit based on their
income. You can spend up to the credit limit and pay it off on or before the due date.
In most cases, the credit
limit will be 3 to 5 times your net monthly salary. However, this varies from different
banks.
Although popular banks provide a credit card, Visa, MasterCard, and RuPay provide the
payment gateway. However,
payment facilitators cannot place other terms and conditions on the card. Properties
like interest rate, minimum
amount to be paid, bonus points, etc. are set by credit card issuers.
A credit card doesn't mean you have more money, it just means that it gives you more time
to pay for your
purchases. Using a credit card means it changes the way you pay for your purchases.
Every time you make a
purchase with your credit card, you are actually borrowing that money from the credit
card issuer until you
repay it at the end of the month.
Types of Credit Cards
Credit cards designed by credit card companies do not have the same features on all
cards. Each one comes with its own distinct features and benefits. They are created with
consideration of people's needs and spending habits. For example, for someone who spends
more on leisure activities like movies, clubs, etc., a leisure credit card will be more
suitable than other categories. Generally speaking, according to different spending
habits, we can classify credit cards into the following categories.
Business Purchases:
Aimed at customers who spend more money on purchases like clothes, jewelry, grocery
stores, gadgets, etc. There are also special credit cards designed for online purchases
that offer special discounts on some e-commerce portals. This type of credit card is
best suited for housewives who have to manage all groceries and other retail purchases.
Travel Credit Card:
Frequent travelers may have to book airline tickets and hotel reservations and need cash
to cover international expenses. Travel credit cards allow cardholders to do all of this
and pay for them later. Free entry to airport lounges and a wide range of reward points
are among the benefits of getting a travel credit card.
Lifestyle Credit Card:
Lifestyle credit cards are generally premium credit cards best suited to the elite who
often indulge in dining out, leveraged purchases, etc. These credit cards come with more
discounts, higher reward points and free concierge services. Since the benefits are
higher, the annual fees are also higher compared to other credit cards.
Reward Points Credit Card:
Reward points are one of the attractive features offered by credit cards and have become
an additional reason to use a credit card for many people. By understanding customer
needs, most credit card companies have introduced credit cards that help you earn more
reward points that can be exchanged for various gifts.
Credit Card Refund:
Much like a credit card with rewards points, Cashback Cards help you save on all of your
purchases. You can get a certain percentage of reimbursement on various expenses such as
dinner, ticketing, hotel reservation, etc. Additionally, you can also use discount
points to reduce your monthly credit card bill payment.
Fuel credit card:
Traveling to the office from home is unavoidable, and you'll definitely have to pay an
amount to cover the fuel expenses. Due to its importance, most credit card companies
have created fuel credit cards that help you save more fuel costs.
You can get fuel surcharge waiver of up to 3% on that card. In addition to that, there
are other benefits available on this card as well.
Ladies credit card:
Working women in the country is increasing. Realizing the importance of providing
financial freedom for women, some credit card companies have created credit cards
exclusively for women. Women who love to shop can take advantage of this credit card for
offers and discounts.
Business credit card:
Every business entity will have to spend a large amount of money on the business process.
Doing all the business purchases, such as machines, inventory, etc., with a business
credit card can help you to earn big reward points which in turn can reduce expenses.
Plus, a business credit card helps you keep track of all of your spending.
Secured credit card:
A person must have good income and a good credit score in certain cases in order for a
credit card to be approved. For someone who doesn't have both, you can get easy approval
of a secure credit card if you have a steady deposit. The credit limit for this type of
credit card is provided up to 80% of the FD amount.
Student credit cards:
There are credit cards specifically designed for students in higher education. The
eligibility criteria for this card is determined based on the income of the parent or
guardian. Students can use this card to purchase laptops, stationery items, etc.
Features of Credit Cards
Following are some of the important features of credit cards that everyone must know
before applying for it.
Credit Card Type:
As we already know, every credit card can be classified into any of the previous
categories. The credit card you want to present must belong to one of them. Understand
your needs and spending habits to choose the right credit card for you. This can help
the cardholder earn more rewards points, rebates and discounts that can ultimately save
money.
Credit limit:
Each credit card comes with a credit limit, which is the maximum amount allocated to your
card. User can spend up to credit limit per month. When you think the credit limit is
insufficient, you can contact the credit card issuer to request a credit limit increase.
The approval of a credit limit increase is based on income and past payments. Maximizing
your credit card limit can affect your credit score. It is recommended to keep the
credit card utilization rate at 30% of the credit limit and below.
Interest-free period:
A grace period or interest-free period is one of the main advantages of using a credit
card. It allows you to make purchases with pre-approved funds and pay them later without
interest until a specified term. Generally, the maximum grace period is usually 50 days.
The interest free period begins on the day of purchase and not after the invoice is
created. Also read the exact terms and conditions of the grace period as there might be
some complicated terms and conditions.
Annual percentage rate (APR):
It is the interest rate applied to the credit card balance after the grace period. If you
have only paid the minimum amount owed over the amount owed, you will have a balance
that can attract the interest rate after the interest exemption period. The Annual
Percentage Rate (APR) varies between credit card companies. It generally ranges from 12%
to 24%.
Credit Card Fee:
Although there are free lifetime credit cards that don't charge you money for using them,
these are only a few and have fewer benefits. Most credit card companies charge a
registration fee and an annual fee on your credit cards. These fees may vary depending
on the type of credit card and its benefits.
In addition to the registration fee and annual fee, you will need to pay late payment
fees, processing fees in the event of a balance transfer, ATM cash withdrawal fees, etc.
Balance Transfer:
When you are in debt and cannot pay your credit card bill on time, you can choose the
balance transfer option, which allows you to transfer your outstanding balance to
another card at a lower or no interest rate for a period of time. Given time. This
allows you to pay off the debt with an additional grace period. Most credit card
companies offer this option to attract customers and increase their customer base.
Cash withdrawal:
Most credit card companies allow you to withdraw a certain percentage of cash from your
credit card limit from an ATM. However, this is not free. You must pay a fee of a
certain percentage of the withdrawn amount. This is usually up to 3% of the withdrawn
amount. The cash withdrawal is not included in the interest exemption period and is
applied from the day the amount is drawn.
Benefits of Credit Cards
Most people buy credit cards when they start their career or when they take on the
financial responsibility of a family. They find these cards stylish, especially when
they need cash to buy essentials for the family or for a medical emergency. It gives you
the ease of taking a personal loan at least 2-3 days to have instant cash. Here are some
of the most popular benefits of using a credit card.
Ease of rest:
With all business lines digitalizing, carrying cash is no longer a necessary part of our
daily life. Also, carrying a credit card is much safer than carrying cash. Since the
card is password protected, there is less chance of it being misused. You can simply
swipe your card to make all purchases. The credit card allows you to easily conduct all
kinds of transactions and pay them later without any interest subject to terms and
conditions.
Best companion during a financial emergency:
Emergency situations are inevitable and running out of cash in such situations is very
common and one needs a helping hand to get out of trouble. A credit card can be your
savior in these circumstances. You can use your card to make payments and pay later
Since all commercial places have POS machines, using a credit card should not be an
issue.
Welcome gift:
Most credit card companies, in an effort to attract more customers, offer several
benefits to credit card holders. Includes e-gift voucher, cool reward points, gift
voucher, etc.
Saving Money; Reward Points, Refunds, and Discounts:
Using credit cards for all of your transactions can save you some money. In order to
attract many customers, credit card companies have offered reward points, discounts,
discounts, and offers on various purchases.
Reward points are provided for every transaction that can be accumulated and redeemed for
various gifts. Some credit card issuers allow you to convert your credit card's reward
points into cash that can be used to reduce your monthly bill.
Cashback is the buzz word in the e-commerce industry. Credit card companies that
collaborate with some e-commerce companies offer refunds on multiple purchases. This can
only be obtained if you have a credit card. This can save a lot of money because you are
paying less than the regular rate.
Discounts on meals, shopping, hotels, movies, flights, etc. They can help you save a lot.
You need to define the channels through which you can receive these discounts.
Free entrance to the airport lounge:
This is one of the benefits of using a credit card. You get free entry to the VIP lounges
at the airport where you can relax and enjoy unlimited complimentary food and drinks.
However, this does not apply to all cards. You need to check if your credit card
provider offers this feature for your card. There may be a certain limit to free lounge
access. You can use all facilities in the lounge for free with your credit card. Some
credit card companies allow additional card holders to enjoy the same benefits.
To get free access, you must obtain Priority Pass membership from the credit card issuer.
You must apply online for Priority Pass membership by providing personal and card
details.
Free travel insurance:
Exclusively designed travel credit cards and other premium cards provide free travel
insurance that can provide coverage against air accidents, theft or lost baggage abroad,
hospitalization in case of emergencies abroad, etc. These benefits are not available on
all cards. So, check with your credit card company if they offer these benefits on your
card.
Reception and counseling services:
When you travel abroad or stay in a hotel, you can customize your own travel and leisure
activities. Flight bookings, hotel reservations, etc. can be easily made using the
concierge services offered by credit card companies. However, this service or assistance
can be charged with the monthly bill according to the rates.
Credit Score Creator:
Credit score is an important criterion when applying for a loan. This will help you get
better terms for obtaining a loan. Using a credit card helps build a good credit score
with a stable payment. The loan can have a predetermined period and you will only have a
credit history for that specified period. But when using a credit card, you have a long
credit history and increase your credit score with a positive payment record.
Golf program:
Most of the premium credit cards offer free golf tours of golf courses around the world.
You get a free training session, entrance fee, green fee, etc. The cardholder shall bear
the remaining fees.
No EMI Cost:
People who want to purchase accessories, gadgets, appliances, and other household items
can purchase them with a credit card and pay for them at EMI at no interest rate. For
many, this is a profitable option for shopping for favorites and staples online. No cost
EMI is provided only for credit cards linked to e-commerce website.
Supplementary cards:
The cardholder can obtain an additional card for his immediate family members. The
supplementary card member can use the credit limit of the primary cardholder and make
purchases.
Free lifetime credit cards:
Most credit card companies issue free credit cards for life that can be used at no cost,
and there are no annual fees on the card. It makes the user use the card without having
to pay anything for it.
Exemption from fuel surcharges:
When you top up your car with a credit card, you can enjoy discounts on the additional
fuel cost. There are also exclusive fuel purchases with credit cards that can save you a
lot of money if you work in trucking or use the car frequently. Typically, you can get
waiver of up to 3% on additional fuel surcharges on fuel credit cards.
Keep track of your expenses:
Once a month, your credit card invoice is generated, listing all the transactions you
have made. You can track your monthly expenses and plan your budget accordingly.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, the cardholder can obtain an exemption from
the annual fee upon spending a certain amount determined by the credit card company.
Some offer bonus points for spending a certain amount in a year.
Interest Rate on A Credit Card
If you pay your credit card bills on time and in full on a monthly basis, then you don't
need to pay any interest
on the money spent on your purchases. The credit card company allows you to use your
money for that month "for
free" if you pay it on time at the end of the monthly billing cycle. However, if you
only make a partial
payment, the issuer will charge interest on the remaining amount (or balance) that will
be carried over to the
next month's invoice.
For example, if you make purchases of Rs 20,000 and pay the full amount when you receive
your credit card bill at
the end of the month, you will not be charged for using the issuer's money on credit.
However, if you only pay,
to move 12,000 rupees, the remaining rupees. 8,000 will be added to the next month's
bill and interest will be
calculated. Some credit card companies may charge interest on a total of Rs. 20,000
since I paid the minimum
owed. You must read the exact details of the minimum payment due and the interest fee
carefully before getting
your credit card.
Late Payments on A Credit Card & Your Credit Score
Some people don't pay their bill monthly and pay off in full after a few months,
believing that it won't affect
their credit score. this is not true. Every late or partial payment affects your credit
score and makes it
difficult to qualify for new loans or credit cards. Suppose you have a medical emergency
in your family and you
have unexpected hospital expenses. Faced with a temporary shortage of funds, you might
think it's okay to make a
few months late payments until you can pay the full amount again. You can be sure your
good past record will
justify some late payments.
This is not a correct assumption. Making a partial or late payment is perhaps the worst
thing you can do for your
credit score. Your payment history makes up 30% of your credit score and is the most
important factor in
completing your score. Credit rating agencies record all late or partial payments on
your credit report, and any
such score has a significant negative impact on your score. Therefore, it is important
to make sure you try to
pay your monthly credit card bills in full and on time to avoid damaging your credit
health in the long run.
Minimum Due Amount on Credit Cards
The payment due date is the date the monthly payment is due. Any late payment after that
date could result in the company charging a late fee, reporting a late payment to the
credit bureau, or even being considered delayed. Therefore, it is important to ensure
that you make the payment before the payment due date. There are many tools online that
can send you reminders to make your payments on time. In the event that you are unable
to pay the full amount on time, you can pay the minimum amount due to avoid any late
payment penalties.
The minimum payment due is the lowest amount you can pay before payment is due while
adhering to the legal terms of your card contract. Making at least this minimum payment
is vital, or there is a chance that the credit card company may consider you an account
delinquent, which has dire consequences for your credit history. The credit card balance
will be carried over to the next month with interest. Generally, most credit card
companies maintain a minimum outstanding amount of 5% of your outstanding balance.
For example, you bought Rs. 10,000 per month and your credit card bill is generated. You
will now have a minimum payment of Rs. 500 paid to avoid any penalty.
Although the minimum amount owed can provide temporary relief, it is not recommended that
you pay the minimum amount due each month. The balance due each month is interest
bearing and becomes a debt burden over time. Therefore, it is imperative that you pay
your credit card bill in full.
Secured Credit Card for Bad Credit
A secured credit card works just like a credit card, except that you need a fixed deposit
to get it. The bank uses it as collateral in case of non-payment. People who do not
qualify for a regular unsecured credit card usually use a secured credit card, either
because they have bad credit or because they do not have sufficient credit history.
Since a secured card requires a guarantee in the form of a fixed deposit with the bank,
even people with or without bad credit can have a card, as the bank is protected against
default. It's a fast and simple way to improve your credit score and build your credit
record, as long as you make all of your payments on time.
People with bad credit can use a secured credit card to improve their credit score. By
fixing negative past issues, your credit score remains the same and is not downgraded.
However, to improve your credit score, you need an active credit limit. In such
circumstances, you can take advantage of a secured credit card and improve your credit
score.
Business Credit Cards for Entrepreneurs
Setting up and running a company successfully requires a steady flow of cash for both
long and short term use. A business credit card is an instant way to get financing very
fast. When applying for a commercial loan, there is an attached interest rate that would
be very burdensome. But with a business credit card, you can enjoy a 0% interest rate if
you can pay your bills on time.
You don't need a guarantee to get a business credit card. Plus, managing business
finances and tracking expenses is easier with a credit card, as you get a monthly
statement of account. Reward points, discounts, and cashback on purchases can help you
save more operating cost. Entrepreneurs planning to start a business may find a business
credit card and an ideal tool for managing the finances of the business.
Credit Card Protection Against Fraudulent Transactions
As per RBI guidelines, the customer will not bear any liability in the event of
fraudulent transactions or if there is negligence on the part of the bank, even if the
customer does not report the fraud. In the event of third party default, the customer
must report the unauthorized transaction within 3 working days to avoid any liability.
If the customer reports after 7 business days, the bank is free to determine the
customer's liability.
Card issuers now provide another layer of security with the addition of a PIN. If you
have a microchip in your credit card, you must also enter the PIN to approve the
transaction. Only you know your PIN. Therefore, if your card is stolen, it cannot be
used for fraudulent purchases as the payment without the PIN will not be approved.
All traditional cards are now being replaced by EMV chip cards. EMV is an acronym for
Europay Mastercard and Visa, which both developed this technology. On a regular card,
all user data is saved on it and remains forever. On an EMV card, new user data is
created every time the card is used in any transaction. This prevents fraudsters from
copying user data and creating a new card with the same details. EMV cards protect the
cardholder from phishing, theft and phishing.
Fees on A Credit Card
Although there are free lifetime credit cards, they only have some benefits. But having a
full-priced credit card makes you eligible for more features and benefits. Below are
some of the fees charged to a credit card.
Annual Fee:
When the card is approved, you will be charged an annual fee as the cost of owning the
card. These fees are automatically added to your bill annually. Some cards do not have
an annual fee.
Deferred fees:
If you do not pay the minimum payment due on time, you may be charged a late fee. Make
sure to mail the check before the due date or pay your bill online.
Other fees:
Credit card companies charge a variety of other fees which can include over-limit fees or
bounced checks.
How to Increase My Credit Card Limit
Your credit limit indicates the amount of credit available to you on your credit card.
However, to maintain a good credit score, it is wise to not spend more than 30% of your
credit limit. So for example, if your credit line is 60,000 rupees, make sure that you
are not spending more than 18,000 rupees every month. Consistently spending more than
30% of your limit means that you are under-credit or have no spending system.
As you advance in your career, your income may increase, and your eligibility for a
higher credit limit may also increase. If you are judicious in repayment and have not
defaulted, you can request an increase in the credit limit. After applying, the credit
card company looks at your past payment history and agrees to increase the credit limit
based on your income and eligibility.
Increasing your credit limit helps you spend more and keep your credit utilization ratio
at a good level. If you believe you qualify for a credit limit increase, please contact
the credit card issuer to approve your request.
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for A Credit Card
Many must have stumbled upon promotional emails, SMS messages, or advertisements on
websites urging you to apply for a credit card. You may have tried to apply for the card
through them and found you ineligible or you may not have shown interest in applying for
it.
If you are interested in applying for a credit card, you will need to first verify your
eligibility for the card before starting the application process. Knowing the
eligibility criteria, you can get guaranteed fast approval. Here are some of the most
important eligibility criteria you should know before applying for a credit card.
- Age: The applicant must be at least 18 years old. However, holders of supplementary
cards can be at least 12 years old.
- The applicant must be an Indian resident. NRIs are also eligible for certain credit
cards.
- The applicant should have steady income as required for the credit card. Both
employees and self-employed are entitled to a credit card. Generally speaking, the
minimum annual rent is Rs. 2 lakhs.
- You need to have a good credit score in order to be approved for specific credit
cards. People without a credit score can use a credit card with their current
income. People with lower credit scores can take advantage of a secured credit card
with their fixed deposit.
- Aside from the above eligibility criteria, banks have their own internal policies
and approval is subject to the sole discretion of the credit card issuer.
How many credit cards should a person have?
There is no ideal or average number of credit cards a person should have. It depends on
factors such as your income, your monthly expenses, how you manage your finances, and
your ability to plan and make timely payments on various cards. If you are new to credit
cards, it is best to use one for some time and get used to the payment method. Once you
feel comfortable and confident that you can get an additional refund, you can request
another card.
Credit bureaus that establish your credit score consider a low credit card utilization
rate as credit prudent behavior. Having more than one card can help you maintain a good
credit utilization rate and maintain a positive credit score. Also, multiple credit
cards can help you get a higher credit limit. You can split costs and manage your money
effectively.
With more than one credit card, you can earn more rewards points, discounts, discounts
and offers at many partner outlets and e-commerce portals. Because a credit card company
associated with one leading commodity may not be linked to another. So, getting another
card gives you the option to cover allied outlets to take advantage of discounts that
can save you more money.
Choosing the Right Credit Card
Many people ask what is the best credit card. There is no best credit card, but the right
one that fits your spending habits. Each person will have different needs in life based
on his lifestyle, likes and dislikes. With this understanding, many credit card
companies have designed individual credit cards in different denominations. User can
make a comparative analysis and choose the one that best suits his interests and
spending behavior.
If you are someone who loves to shop, you can choose a credit card that comes with great
reward points and discounts on aspects of purchases. If you travel frequently, you can
choose a travel credit card that includes discounts on booking flights and hotels.
Study your spending habits and compare the benefits of cards from different credit card
issuers. Choose what suits your needs. Use bonus points and discounts to save on your
monthly expenses.
Tips to Use Your Credit Card Smartly
If you are a new user of credit cards, it is important to ensure that you maintain a
proper credit record and use your card wisely to avoid any damage to your credit file.
Here are some tips to help ensure the safety of your balance:
- Always pay your bills in full and on time. Your credit card provider informs the
credit bureaus of every late, late, or incomplete payment. This will greatly affect
your credit score.
- Avoid continuously paying the minimum payment. The balance will be carried over to
the next month, which will involve paying an interest rate that can become a
burdensome at a later time.
- Don't buy things you can't afford, even if you have easy access to credit.
- Do not spend more than 30% of your credit limit. The less you spend, the better for
your credit score. If you are spending a lot on your credit card, you can request an
increase in your credit limit.
- Avoid using your credit card at an ATM to withdraw cash.
- Keep your credit card details and the phone number of your card issuer in a safe
place so you can immediately report any theft or misuse of your card.
- Keep receipts of your credit card sales so you can compare it to your monthly credit
card statement. Any discrepancies or errors should be reported promptly, as they can
be reversed.
- Please read all terms and conditions carefully when obtaining your credit card for
the first time so that you are aware of all interest charges, fees and other
provisions of the card agreement.
Paying Credit Card Bills
Paying your credit card bills is important and helps improve your credit score. You can
choose the following methods to pay your credit card bills.
Automatic payment
You can choose the automatic payment option when purchasing a credit card, allowing the
card issuer to automatically discover the invoice amount. This helps you pay your credit
card bills on time and keep your credit score safe. You can also choose not to
participate in the automatic payment option if you think you cannot pay the full amount.
Online Payment Options
All credit card issuers allow you to pay bills online. You can visit their online portal
and pay the bill by entering your card details and the amount to be paid.
NEFT / RTGS
If you have a bank account and are using net banking, you can pay your bill using the
NEFT function. You can simply add the beneficiary details and transfer the funds from
your account to the credit card company.
If your bill payment is huge, you can choose RTGS option that allows you to transfer more
amount. This is best for ensuring that you pay your credit card bill on the same day.
ECS Payment
An electronic settlement system is an ideal option if you pay specific bills regularly.
You can set up an ECS order where you can require your credit card company to submit an
ECS payment request to your bank.
Mobile apps
Banks and credit card companies have created their own mobile apps that allow you to pay
your monthly bill. Aside from that, there are some mobile apps that allow you to pay
your credit card bills and offer discounts at points of sale and partner companies. You
can simply download the app and pay your credit card bill using your bank account.
Pay by Check
This is another, easier way to pay your credit card bill. Simply put your card number and
payee name on the check and drop it into the bank mailbox. It usually takes 2-3 days to
process your check and make payment.
Cash out
This is the best option when you are either not aware of the above options or cannot. You
can enter the branch of the credit card issuer and pay cash by filling out a form that
includes the beneficiary data and the card number.
Frequently Asked Questions About Credit Cards
1. What is the best way to obtain a credit card?
You can submit your application online at the official website of the credit card issuer
or at third-party financial websites. You can also get speedy approval of credit cards
from the bank where you maintain a salary or savings account.
2. What is the minimum income required to obtain a credit card?
Each bank has a different income limit to offer a credit card. Generally speaking, most
of the firms have a minimum of Rs. 2 lakhs per year.
3. Can I get a credit card without a credit score?
If you could! There are a few credit cards specifically designed for the purpose of
earning scores. You may also qualify for a stable income source credit card.
4. What is the minimum amount due on a credit card?
The minimum amount due is a certain percentage of your outstanding balance. The lenders
allow you to pay the minimum amount owed so you can avoid late fees. The rest of the
balance will be transferred to the next month's account statement. However, the balance
will carry an interest rate as specified by the bank.
5. How many credit cards a person can own?
An individual can have access to the largest possible number of credit cards. There are
no restrictions. But you have to ensure that the payment is made on time and preferably
in full to avoid paying the interest rate.
6. What do I do if an unauthorized transaction is made using my credit card?
You can inform the credit card company that you did not perform the transaction. You will
not be responsible for the transaction and the payment will be revised based on your
claim. It must be reported within 3 days after the fraudulent transaction.
7. How is the credit limit determined for your card?
The bank checks a variety of factors to determine your credit card limit. Includes
income, credit score, debt, limits for other cards, etc. Usually up to 5 times your net
monthly salary. However, this can vary for different people based on your credit
profile.
8. Can I increase the credit limit on my credit card?
Yes, you can increase the credit limit by contacting your credit card issuer. Based on
your past income and payment history, your credit limit will be revised.
9. Can I use my credit card in foreign countries?
Yes, but it depends on the type of credit card you use. Some cards can be used worldwide
without restrictions. These cards may have higher annual fees, but they have higher
reward points and benefits.
10. What is the CVV number on the credit card?
CVV stands for Card Verification Value which is printed on the back of the credit card.
It should be kept confidential as it is used in many transactions over the Internet.
11. How many additional credit cards can I get for my family?
Most credit card companies allow up to 3 additional cards for your spouse and children.
The holder of the supplementary card must be one of his immediate relatives.
12. How do I redeem my reward points?
You can redeem your reward points by visiting the official website of the card issuer.
You can exchange points for gift items available on your card or convert them into cash
if the card issuer provides this possibility.
13. What are the bonus points value?
Reward points may vary from bank to bank. Generally 4 reward points equal Rs. 1. However,
some banks may consider two reward points equal to Rs. 1. It depends on the type of
credit card and the benefits attributed to it.
14. How do I convert my major credit card purchases to EMI?
At first, you can check whether the product you buy has EMI function. If so, you can take
advantage by selecting the EMI option. You can also contact the card issuer through the
customer support team, SMS, mobile banking, etc. and ask them to convert your large
purchases to EMI. Banks generally allow any purchases made over Rs. 2000 convertible to
EMI.
15. What are the cash withdrawal fees with my credit card?
Most banks charge up to 3% of the withdrawn amount. For example, if you have drawn Rs.
10,000 with your credit card, you may have to pay a fee of Rs. 300. Cash withdrawal by
credit card is not included in the interest exemption period.