Reserve Bank of India (Local Area Banks – Debit Cards: Issuance and Conduct) Directions, 2025
UR
- Applies toLocal area banks
- StatusIn force
- RBI text changedRBI updated this document on October 1, 2026. BankPulse is re-reading it. BankPulse checked 34 points against RBI's new text on 18 October 2026. 32 stand. 2 are marked below and are being re-read.
- IssuedNov 28, 2025
- Amendmentsnone tracked
- Length34 points in 4 sections · 3 min read
The four dates on this rule
- PublishedNov 28, 2025The day RBI put this document out. This is the same day as the Issued date on this rule.
- Starts to applyNov 28, 2025The day this rule starts to apply, as RBI's own text states it.
- Time to get readyNoneIt starts to apply on the day it was published.
- Last date to actNot statedNo date to act by was found in this document. Other dates may sit inside single paragraphs.
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23 of the 34 points name no product and bind every product. All products.
What it says
How firm is each point
Stated by RBI — RBI’s own paragraph says this. We have only made it plainer.
Our reading — BankPulse read RBI’s paragraph and shortened it. The paragraph is the authority, not this line.
Needs judgement — RBI leaves this to the bank to settle, so nobody can give you a fixed number here.
Chapter I. Preliminary
Background
1. Start date
These rules came into force at once, on the day RBI issued them.
2. Who is covered
These rules bind every local area bank.
3. What this book covers
This book covers how debit cards and co-branded debit cards are issued and run.
4. Read with other rules
They are read with RBI's prudential, payment and cyber security directions on cards.
5. Reward programmes defined
A reward programme gives coupons, points, discounts or cash back having money value.
6. What a co-branded card is
A co-branded card is issued jointly and carries the names of both partners.
7. Convenience fee
A convenience fee applies where a card is a payment form not ordinarily accepted.
8. What a form factor is
A form factor is anything used in place of a card to make a payment.
Chapter II. Board Approved Policy and Procedures
1. Board must approve the policy
The board must approve a full policy covering how debit cards are issued and run.
2. Policy must cover blocking
That policy must set the standard procedure for blocking or suspending a card.
3. Policy must cover complaints
It must also cover how complaints are settled and how customers are compensated.
Chapter III. Issue of Debit Card by Banks
Must know
1. No forcing a card
A bank may not force a customer to take a debit card.
2. Review every six months
The bank must review its debit card operations once every six months.
Do it
3. Look at unused cards
That review must examine cards left unused for long periods and the risk they carry.
Background
4. No prior RBI approval
A bank does not need the Reserve Bank's prior approval to issue debit cards.
5. Only deposit accounts
A debit card may be issued only to a customer holding a savings or current account.
6. Two overdrafts are allowed
An overdraft under Jan Dhan or a Kisan Credit Card account may still carry a debit card.
Chapter IV. Form Factor
1. Wearables need consent
A wearable may replace a plastic card only after the customer clearly agrees.
2. Same rules either way
Every rule that binds a card binds the form factor that stands in for it.
Chapter V. Co-branding Arrangement
Must know
1. Partner may not claim it
The co-branding partner may not advertise the card as its own product.
2. Partner sees no transactions
The partner may not see what the cardholder spends on the co-branded card.
Do it
3. Revenue sharing disclosed
What the two partners share from the card must be told to the holder and shown online.
4. Issuer's branding must show
The card must carry the card issuer's own branding prominently.
5. Check the partner first
The bank must run due diligence on any co-branding partner before tying up.
6. Offers must reach the customer
Cash back and discounts promised by the partner must reach the holder on time.
Background
7. The bank stays liable
The card issuer remains answerable for what its co-branding partner does.
8. Partner's role is narrow
The partner may only market the card and give access to its goods or services.
Chapter VI. General Guidelines for Debit Cards
Must know
1. Thirty days before change
A change in card terms needs 30 days' notice, and the cardholder may withdraw in that window.
BankPulse example. A bank decides to change its debit card terms. The cardholders must be given 30 days' notice of the change. A cardholder who does not accept may withdraw in that time.
2. Thirty days to answer
If a complaint gets no answer within 30 days, the customer may take it further.
Do it
3. A record every time
The customer must get a record of each transaction at once, by receipt, email or message.
4. Reporting must run all day
Channels to report an unauthorised transaction must work at every hour of every day.
5. Confirm the block
The bank must send confirmation to the holder as soon as a card is blocked.
6. Renewal may be refused
Before a renewed card is sent, the holder must be given the chance to decline it.
7. Benefits shown openly
Discounts, cash back and reward points must be explained openly, with their source.
The same subject for other kinds of institution
The same subject for other kinds of institution.
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