<img src="https://m2p-website-file.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/marketing-cms/m2p-blog/2026/01/2-7.webp" alt="Cobranded Credit Cards, Cobadge Credit Cards, Credit Card Ecosystem" title="" id="7r54hrswr" width="100%" height="253"><a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/why-switch-to-a-new-age-credit-card-system/" target="">Credit cards</a> continue to be a cornerstone of digital payments. In 2025, credit card applications reached their highest levels with millions of customers especially younger demographics, actively seeking new credit options. The global credit card market is projected to surpass USD 115 billion by 2026 and continue growing steadily to nearly USD 153 billion by 2035.In this rapidly evolving market, fintechs and issuers are prioritizing differentiation to capture consumer loyalty. Co-brand and co-badge credit cards are emerging as powerful strategies to unlock unique value propositions, engage new customer segments, and drive competitive advantage. As issuers and brands leverage advanced technologies like AI-driven security and open infrastructure to deliver these specialized products, understanding the nuances between offerings like&nbsp;co-brand&nbsp;and&nbsp;co-badge&nbsp;credit cards becomes essential for both businesses and consumers alike.Let’s break it down.<h2 class="heading-node" id="558zqauvv">What is a Co-brand Credit Card?</h2>A <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/why-co-branded-credit-cards-are-the-next-frontier-for-banks/" target="">co-brand credit card</a> is a strategic partnership between a licensed card issuer (usually a bank) and another entity such as a consumer brand, fintech, or even another bank. The licensed issuer is mandatory because it ensures compliance with regulatory and network requirements. The card carries the branding of both the issuer and the partner brand (e.g., an airline, retailer, or hotel chain).The main objective is to leverage the partner brand's existing customer base and loyalty, driving engagement, and repeat business for both entities. For the customer, it offers exclusive rewards, discounts, or perks that enhance their experience with that specific brand.<h3 class="heading-node" id="ybv0vmfy8">Example - Federal Bank x Scapia Credit Card</h3>Federal Bank partners with Scapia to create a card designed for travelers with zero forex markup, airport lounge access and reward coins for travel booking. Powered by Visa for global acceptance, the card ensures seamless, secure transactions worldwide, making it the perfect companion for frequent travelers.<h2 class="heading-node" id="06bq72kct">What is a Co-badge Credit Card?</h2>A co-badge credit card is a single card that operates on two payment networks simultaneously. For instance, in India, a credit card issued on the domestic payment network is often co-badged with an international network. This means that when you use the card in India, transactions are processed via the domestic payment network, but when you use the same card internationally, the transactions are processed through the global network.Such an arrangement allows seamless acceptance of the card both domestically and globally, ensuring convenience for the cardholder while leveraging the local network for domestic use and the global network for international usage. In essence, a co-badge card provides the flexibility of using one card worldwide, with transactions routed through the most appropriate network depending on the location.<h3 class="heading-node" id="1m06y04b8">Example</h3>Several credit card implementations leverage a dual-network architecture. Domestic transactions are routed through local payment rails to optimize cost and processing efficiency, while international transactions are automatically switched to a global network layer that supports acceptance across multiple international markets through its extended acceptance ecosystem.<h2 class="heading-node" id="pmiqm3ea9">Technical &amp; Operational Consideration of Co-badge Credit Cards</h2>Issuers opting for co-badge credit cards must manage the technical and operational requirements suited for the dual network support (e.g., a domestic network alongside an international one). This dual network setup translates directly into:<ul class="list-node" id="6i6p1iv4r"><li>Incremental Certification Efforts:&nbsp;Ensuring full compliance and certification with the technical standards and regulations prescribed for a dual network support.</li><li>Dual operations management:&nbsp;Operational teams manage dual settlement processes, dispute resolution protocols, and chargeback management flows, demanding a more sophisticated operational infrastructure. Automated reconciliation platforms such as Recon 360 from M2P can handle this with little to no incremental resourcing.</li></ul>But beyond operational complexity, the real battleground for differentiation lies in how the co-brand and co-badge credit card shape the customer experience. Understanding the fundamental differences between co-brand and co-badge credit cards is crucial, so let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart in the next section.<h2 class="heading-node" id="y0eyn5f8k">Decoding the Core Differences</h2><img src="https://m2p-website-file.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/marketing-cms/m2p-blog/2026/01/4-5.webp" alt="Cobranded Credit Cards, Cobadge Credit Cards, Credit Card Ecosystem" title="" id="sgs2z9g7b" width="100%" height="443">Understanding these differences is critical, but the real differentiator lies in how issuers leverage each model to drive acquisition, loyalty, and profitability aligning with their unique business objectives.&nbsp;<h2 class="heading-node" id="e56r8s4a9">Issuer Advantages</h2><h3 class="heading-node" id="balkdpgqd">Co-brand Credit Cards</h3><ul class="list-node" id="8yz2pjb4a"><li>Low Customer Acquisition Cost:&nbsp;FIs can leverage the partner brand's existing, loyal customer base to acquire new cardholders at a significantly lower cost than traditional marketing efforts.</li><li>Enhanced Customer Loyalty:&nbsp;Co-brand credit cards typically have lower attrition rates because customers are loyal to both the bank's financial product and the partner's rewards program.</li><li>Increased Share of Wallet:&nbsp;These cards incentivize customers to consolidate their spending with the partner brand and, by extension, the issuing bank, increasing the overall transaction volume.</li><li>Access to Valuable Data Insights:&nbsp;Partnership agreements often allow for valuable data sharing, providing the bank with deeper insights into specific consumer spending behaviors (e.g., travel patterns, retail preferences).</li><li>Enhanced Brand Visibility and Trust:&nbsp;By associating with reputable and popular brands, FIs can boost their own brand visibility and build trust with new customer segments.</li></ul><h3 class="heading-node" id="dd50sd9oy">Co-badge Credit Cards</h3><ul class="list-node" id="29tmldtyp"><li>Optimized Interchange Fees:&nbsp;Ability to route domestic transactions through a local network which typically has lower interchange fees, directly improving the FI's margins.</li><li>Universal Acceptance Assurance:&nbsp;Combining a local network with strategic international networks guarantee the card works universally across all merchant infrastructures, reducing customer frustration from declined transactions.</li><li>Reduced Scheme Fees:&nbsp;Financial institutions may benefit from reduced overall network scheme fees or favorable terms when they commit a certain volume of domestic transactions to the local network partner.</li></ul><h2 class="heading-node" id="igf6bhziy">Elevating Customer Experience with Co-brand &amp; Co-badge Credit Cards</h2><h3 class="heading-node" id="0r3ljjo9h">Co-brand Credit Cards</h3><ul class="list-node" id="f2yhuc53o"><li>Accelerated Rewards:&nbsp;Earn significantly higher points or cashback when spending it with the specific partner brand (e.g., airline, hotel, retailer).</li><li>Exclusive Perks:&nbsp;Receive tangible, brand-specific benefits like free checked luggage, complimentary hotel nights, annual free movie tickets, or loyalty status upgrades.</li><li>Instant Redemption:&nbsp;Easily use points for immediate discounts at the partner brand's stores or websites.</li></ul><h3 class="heading-node" id="5bj5cqx8d">Co-badge Credit Cards</h3><ul class="list-node" id="9c530zser"><li>Universal Acceptance:&nbsp;Guaranteed payment success using either a local network or a major international network on a single card.</li><li>Payment Flexibility:&nbsp;The ability (often automated) to choose which network processes the transaction, optimizing acceptance or cost.</li><li>Potential Cost Savings:&nbsp;Access to lower transaction fees for domestic purchases if routed through a local network, sometimes translating to better discounts or lower fees for the user.</li><li>Seamless International Travel:&nbsp;Ensures the card works smoothly both domestically and while traveling abroad, without needing a separate card.While seamless international usage elevates the customer experience, the real challenge for issuers lies in navigating the strategic implications for co-badged credit cards.</li></ul><h2 class="heading-node" id="bzc952ga3">Strategic Considerations for Adopting Co-badge Credit Cards</h2>Financial institutions may consider launching co-badge credit cards when targeting diverse markets where customers demand strong domestic presence and international usability. This type of card is especially beneficial for issuers focusing on cross-border travelers, migrant populations, or regions with multiple prevalent card schemes.The decision to pursue co-badge depends on strategic objectives:<ul class="list-node" id="mwdpgadsg"><li>Market Access:&nbsp;If a financial institution’s goal is to serve regional markets while maintaining broad global acceptance, co-badge allows to combine a local network’s reach with a global network.</li><li>Enhanced Customer Experience:&nbsp;Co-badge credit cards offer users flexibility in transaction routing, access to diverse offers, and higher acceptance in both domestic and international merchants, enhancing overall satisfaction.</li></ul>Ultimately, by aligning your target demographics, geographic focus, and operational capabilities with these considerations, financial institutions can make a well-informed decision on adopting a co-badge strategy.<h2 class="heading-node" id="xel2tn61n">Future-Proof Credit Card Stack with M2P</h2>The payments sector is continuously evolving, shaped by new regulations, network strategies and shifting changing consumer expectations. At M2P, we stay ahead of these shifts to ensure our solutions remain cutting-edge.Our comprehensive <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/credit-cards/" target="">Credit Stack</a> has already powered co-brand credit card programs, enabling banks and fintechs to deliver personalized, brand-driven card experiences. We also support co-badge credit cards, reflecting the latest industry trends and compliance needs. This comes along with cost optimizing product architecture that helps financial institutions and brand partners choose the co-badge and keep the costs closer to domestic transactions.This seamless integration of co-brand and co-badge credit card capabilities within a single, API-driven platform empowers financial institutions to offer versatile, future-ready card products that meet diverse customer and market demands.If you’re a bank or fintech looking out to launch co-badge credit cards, <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/contact-us/?activeKey=1&amp;utm_source=Co-brand%20and%20Co-badge%20Credit%20Card&amp;utm_medium=Credit%20Card%20Stack&amp;utm_campaign=Blog" target="">Contact us</a> today for a demo and start building the next generation of credit card experience.Follow us on&nbsp;<a class="link fui-Link ___1idfs5o f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh ftqa4ok f2hkw1w fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1h8hb77 f1x7u7e9 f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/m2pfintech/mycompany/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a class="link fui-Link ___1idfs5o f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh ftqa4ok f2hkw1w fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1h8hb77 f1x7u7e9 f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://twitter.com/m2pfintech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for insightful fintech bytes curated for curious minds like you.Source<a class="link" href="https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/credit-card-market-118933">https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/credit-card-market-118933</a>

How Co-brand and Co-badge Credit Cards are Redefining Digital Payments

<img src="https://m2p-website-file.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/m2p-website-file/marketing-cms/m2p-blog/2024/01/Wordpress-banner.webp" alt="M2P Fintech" title="" id="y3bfs4cs3" width="100%" height="317">The co-branded credit card market is witnessing a meteoric rise. Valued at $12.34 billion last year, the market is projected to skyrocket at 9.61% to reach $25.72 billion by 2030. The surge is driven by the potential of co-branded credit cards to deliver innovative solutions, unlock new markets, and strengthen customer relationships.Banks and fintechs collaborate strategically with distribution partners/brands to roll out <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/credit-cards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">co-branded credit cards</a>. These partnerships give banks the leeway to focus on customer acquisition, retention, and experience while fintechs take care of the <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/solving-for-ntbs-credit-card-issuance-challenges/">credit card issuance</a> and operations.Are co-branded credit cards the next big opportunity for banks?We’ll analyze it in this blog. &nbsp;But before getting there, let’s look into the rise of co-branded credit cards.Rise of Co-branded Credit CardsCo-branded credit cards came into existence in the mid-80s when a leading airline partnered with a bank to issue a gold Mastercard. From then on, businesses across industries collaborated with banks to issue co-branded credit cards that rewarded customer loyalty.Carrying the logos of the collaborating entities, these <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/why-switch-to-a-new-age-credit-card-system/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">new-age credit cards</a> combine features of a rewards card and store card. These hybrid cards grant users access to discounts and additional rewards such as points that can be utilized in subsequent purchases from the affiliated retailer or service.Today the landscape of co-branded cards is expanding beyond traditional banks and retailers. &nbsp;Fintechs entering co-branded partnerships deliver immense benefits and opportunities to banks.How Co-branded Credit Cards are an opportunity for banks?Co-branded credit cards offer more than just financial transactions. Their benefits extend to brand loyalty, market expansion, greater revenue streams, and more.<img src="https://m2p-website-file.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/m2p-website-file/marketing-cms/m2p-blog/2024/01/Benefits-of-Cobranded-credit-cards-2-1.webp" alt="M2P Fintech" title="" id="ftio41j98" width="100%" height="380">Brand Loyalty&nbsp;Co-branded credit cards are practically loyalty cards that can incentivize customer spending, encourage repeat purchases, and foster loyal customers.&nbsp; Through co-branding partnerships, banks can focus on exclusive perks and rewards programs tailored to specific customer segments, while fintech partners handle the <a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/blog/credit-card-processing-a-definitive-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">credit card processing</a>, operations, and management. This strategic alignment sets banks apart from the competition and helps build trust and loyalty through hyper-personalized experiences.&nbsp;Faster Reward Redemption&nbsp;Co-branded partnerships help simplify and quicken rewards redemption. With seamless operation and optimized resource utilization, banks can rely on co-branded tie-ups to enhance customer experience and loyalty.&nbsp;Cost-effective Distribution&nbsp;In co-branded partnerships, banks can leverage partners’ distribution strategy and network for enhancing market share and acquiring new customers. In growing markets, especially where credit penetration is relatively low, co-branded partnerships can help banks reach out to a wide range of customers in a shorter lifecycle. Banks can also experiment with new segments and support their co-brand partners in building credit products for specific use cases. &nbsp;Greater Visibility &amp; Reach&nbsp;Co-branded credit cards are potent tools for banks to broaden their reach by leveraging partner brand networks. Through strategic collaboration, banks access the partner's customer base to reach demographics beyond traditional channels. Featuring joint branding enhances visibility, attracts new customers, and boosts the bank's market presence.&nbsp;&nbsp;Data Analytics&nbsp;Co-branded partnerships provide banks with valuable transaction data that unveil customer spending patterns, preferences, and behaviors. Analyzing the data enables tailored marketing, promotions, and rewards. Integrating the insights gathered with partner loyalty programs enhances data-driven decisions that strengthen the bank's ability to build lasting customer relationships.&nbsp; Customization&nbsp; Co-branded partnerships enable personalization of credit card rewards and discounts to customer preferences and spending patterns. This enhances customer experience and fosters a special connection between the bank and its customers. &nbsp;Diverse Revenue Streams&nbsp;Co-branded partnerships help banks diversify revenue streams. Beyond standard fees and interest charges, these collaborations open avenues to co-branded marketing and sponsorships. These enable income through joint advertising and revenue-sharing. This dynamic strategy creates financial stability, supports growth, and nurtures a mutually beneficial ecosystem.&nbsp;Co-branded Partnership Live Examples&nbsp;HDFC &amp; Swiggy&nbsp;HDFC joined hands with Swiggy to offer a co-branded credit card that caters to people’s culinary needs. Using the card, users can earn quick rewards and discounts on Swiggy orders and gain access to exclusive perks, such as invitations to food festivals and offers at premium restaurants and holistic dining experiences.&nbsp;ICICI &amp; Amazon&nbsp;&nbsp;ICICI Amazon cobranding card partnership creates a haven for e-commerce enthusiasts. Their co-branded credit card unlocks a world of special discounts, cashback, and reward points for Amazon purchases. Customers can even gain access to exclusive prime benefits, early sales, and other online perks, enhancing their shopping journey with every click.&nbsp;Kotak Bank &amp; Myntra&nbsp;Kotak Bank and Myntra collaborated to deliver a co-branded credit card tailored to customers' fashion and lifestyle aspirations. Customers can enjoy tailored rewards, discounts, and early access to Myntra sales, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve.&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal Bank &amp; Scapia&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal Bank and Scapia embarked on a journey to simplify customer travel. Their co-branded credit card offers exciting features like zero forex markup, unlimited domestic lounge access, and reward points for travel-related expenses. It's the perfect companion for the modern traveler who prioritizes convenience and value with every mile.&nbsp;HDFC &amp; Apple&nbsp;HDFC and Apple joined hands to present co-branded credit cards to tech enthusiasts. The card will feature exclusive discounts on Apple products and rewards for digital purchases and Apple services. This partnership seamlessly combines cutting-edge technology with financial expertise, ensuring that every tech purchase becomes a rewarding experience.&nbsp;SBI &amp; Reliance Retail&nbsp;SBI Card and Reliance Retail collaborated to introduce the 'Reliance SBI Card,' a lifestyle-focused co-branded credit card that redefines the shopping experience. Catering to diverse spending needs, from mass to premium segments, this co-branded card promises a comprehensive and rewarding shopping experience for customers.&nbsp;All the partnerships discussed above are samples of successful co-branded credit card collaborations between banks and fintechs.&nbsp;However, choosing the right partner for a co-branded credit card solution is crucial to achieve success.&nbsp;How to Choose the Right Partner for a Co-branded Credit Card Solution?&nbsp;The key to surpassing customer expectations lies in choosing the perfect co-branding partner.&nbsp;To start off, ensure your partner’s cobranding goal aligns perfectly with your business objective and customer needs. Then, make sure your fintech partner satisfies all the considerations below.&nbsp;<ul class="list-node" id="ockyxepxb"><li>Preset operational model for issuing banks and co-brand/fintech partners.</li><li>Regulatory-compliant platform ensuring seamless compliance for issuing banks.</li><li>Developer-friendly credit card stack fostering innovation for co-brand entities.</li><li>Faster Go-to-Market (GTM) with a pre-certified credit card platform.</li><li>Standardized program operations and accounting practices for streamlined processes.</li></ul>Fast-track your Co-branded Card Launch with M2P&nbsp;<ul class="list-node" id="h7d2cs2cp"><li>Launch a co-brand program in just one-third of the typical time.</li><li>Streamline the onboarding process by integrating product details and conducting due diligence concurrently.</li><li>Standardize reporting, accounting, and dispute management operations.</li></ul>Ensure Secure Co-branded Operations<ul class="list-node" id="ujwrd7drg"><li>Construct a secure and controlled platform for fintech operation by streamlining program operations, regulatory compliance, infrastructure, accounting, and KYC.&nbsp;</li></ul><ul class="list-node" id="p3rus3qbz"><li>Choosing from multiple infrastructure options that align seamlessly with your unique compliance policies. Opt for a setup that best suits your needs and risk management strategies.&nbsp;</li><li>Building PCI-compliant Product SDKs, offering a regulated product that protects sensitive financial data.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Auditing during co-brand partner onboarding becomes faster, as the framework is already set aligning to regulator and bank policies.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li></ul>Co-branded credit cards are a win-win for both banks and merchant partners, where they create a synergy that goes beyond transactions. This powerful collaboration is not just an opportunity for banks; it's a strategic gateway to a future where financial success, customer satisfaction, and inclusive growth converge.&nbsp;&nbsp;Want to know more about implementing a Co-branded Credit Card Solution?<a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/contact-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get in touch</a> with our experts today.<a class="link fui-Link ___1rxvrpe f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://m2pfintech.com/newsletter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to our newsletter and get the latest fintech news, views, and insights, directly to your inbox.Follow us on&nbsp;<a class="link fui-Link ___1rxvrpe f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/m2pfintech/mycompany/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a class="link fui-Link ___1rxvrpe f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://twitter.com/m2pfintech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X</a> for insightful fintech bytes curated for curious minds like you.

Why Co-branded Credit Cards are the Next Frontier for Banks

<img src="https://m2p-website-file.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/m2p-website-file/marketing-cms/m2p-blog/2022/05/Artboard-1-copy-8-7.webp" alt="M2P Fintech" title="" width="100%" height="253">The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has promulgated new directives for credit and debit card issuance and conduct for 2022. The new guidelines are intended to protect the interests of retail customers. These norms are effective from July 1st, 2022.The directions on credit cards apply to all Scheduled Banks and all Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) operating in India. Yes, RBI has now opened a window for NBFCs to issue credit cards with prior approval from the regulator. Let us be clear here that the new regulations on credit cards do not apply to Payments Banks and State/District Central Cooperative Banks. On the other hand, the rules concerning debit cards apply to every bank operating in India.According to the new guidelines, commercial banks with a net worth of over Rs 100 crore can issue credit cards, either independently or by integrating with other card-issuing banks/NBFCs. Regional rural banks (RRBs) are now authorized to issue credit cards by partnering with their sponsor bank or other banks. Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) can issue debit cards, credit cards, charge cards, or other similar products virtually or physically only after obtaining approval from the RBI.<h2 class="heading-node" id="0d03" style="text-align: justify">Key directives on credit cards</h2><ol class="list-node" id="3lsobeyqe"><li>RBI strictly prohibits banks from issuing unsolicited loans and cards or upgrading an existing loan/card without explicit consent from the customer/cardholder. Furthermore, upon nonadherence, banks or the card-issuers shall not only reverse charges but also pay a penalty of twice the value of the charges.</li><li>If the unsolicited cards are misused before reaching the customer, the card issuers shall be solely responsible for the losses incurred due to the misuse.</li><li>Written consent from the customer is required to issue or upgrade a credit card. Banks can accept digital consent if the customer cannot provide written consent; however, RBI must be notified.</li><li>When a cardholder raises a dispute on a transaction as ‘fraud,’ the card issuers must not charge on the transaction until the issue is settled.</li><li>Card issuers shall quote different Annualized Percentage Rates (APR) on credit cards for retail purchases, cash advances, balance transfers, and late payments or non-payment of the minimum amount due.</li><li>The card issuers should not impose any hidden charges while issuing credit cards. For example, EMI conversion with interest shall not be disguised as no-cost or zero-interest EMI.</li><li>For the closure of existing credit cards, the card issuers must honor the request within seven working days, subject to payment of all dues by the cardholder. If the issuer fails to complete the process within the given time frame, Rs.500/day penalty shall be imposed.</li><li>With respect to recovering debts, card issuers and their agents must not resort to intimidation or harassment. The lenders shall adhere to the fair practices code and avoid any verbal or physical harassment against any person, publicly humiliating and/or intruding upon the privacy of the customer’s family members and friends.</li><li>The card issuers shall limit the disclosure of customer information to the DSAs/DMAs/recovery agents. Card issuers must release only information that the agents require to discharge their duties and abstain from disclosing additional personal information. Also, the card issuers should ensure that customer information is not misused during credit card marketing.</li><li>Card issuers can report a credit card account as “past due” to CIBIL, CRIF, or others only if the amount remains unpaid for more than three days.</li></ol><h2 class="heading-node" id="e739" style="text-align: justify">Key directives on debit cards</h2><ol class="list-node" id="70pzbghi7"><li>Banks shall only issue debit cards to customers holding savings/current accounts. Issuance of debit cards to cash credit/loan account holders is prohibited.</li><li>Banks shall not force customers to avail the debit card. If a customer does not want a debit card, he/she cannot be denied other services from the bank. The debit card issuance should not be linked to the availment of other benefits from the bank.</li><li>Banks should develop a comprehensive debit card issuance policy and get approval from their boards and RBI. Subsequently, banks must roll out the debit cards per this policy.</li><li>Banks must provide options for disabling/blocking the form factor via internet/mobile banking, IVR, SMS, and/or other modes.</li><li>In place of plastic debit cards, Scheduled Commercial Banks can issue other form factors after obtaining explicit consent from the customer.</li></ol>In addition to the above regulations, RBI states, “It will not preclude the banks from linking the overdraft facility provided along with Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana accounts with a debit card.”<h2 class="heading-node" id="b31d" style="text-align: justify">Directives for Co-branded cards</h2><ol class="list-node" id="9heafrx6i"><li>Co-branded debit/credit cards should indicate that they have been issued according to the co-branding arrangement.</li><li>A co-branding partner shall not market the card as its product. In addition, the card issuer’s name must be explicit on the cards.</li><li>The co-branding arrangement should be in accord with the card issuer’s board-approved policy.</li><li>Card issuers are accountable for the acts of the co-branding partner.</li></ol>For co-branding agreement between banks and NBFCs for credit cards, RBI states, “NBFCs, which desire to enter into a co-branding arrangement for issue of credit cards with a card-issuer, shall also be guided by the Guidelines on the issue of Co-Branded Credit Cards contained in the respective Master Directions applicable to NBFCs, as amended from time to time.”For more clarity on credit card and debit card issuance, write to us at&nbsp;<a class="link au mr" href="mailto:business@m2pfintech.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener ugc nofollow">business@m2pfintech.com</a>.<a class="link" href="https://m2pfintech.com/newsletter/">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to our newsletter and get the latest fintech news, views, and insights, directly to your inbox.Follow us on&nbsp;<a class="link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/m2pfintech/mycompany/">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a class="link" href="https://twitter.com/m2pfintech">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for insightful fintech tales curated for curious minds like you.

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Tag: "Co Branded Credit Cards (3)"

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