What to Do If You Receive an Unsolicited Credit Card Without Consent? RBI Rules Explained

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Imagine receiving a credit card you never applied for. It might seem like a harmless error, but such unsolicited credit cards can impact your credit history and expose you to hidden liabilities. To protect consumers, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has laid down clear rules. Here’s a quick guide on what to do if a bank sends you a credit card without your consent.


What Is a Credit Card?
A credit card is a financial tool that allows you to make purchases and payments using a pre-approved borrowing limit. You repay the used amount, often with interest, at the end of the billing cycle. While convenient, it must always be issued with your consent.

RBI’s Stand on Unsolicited Credit Cards
According to the RBI’s 2024 Master Directions on Credit and Debit Cards, banks and card issuers cannot issue a credit card without your clear approval. They are required to obtain explicit consent from you before processing or dispatching any credit card.


What To Do If You Get an Unsolicited Credit Card ?
If a credit card lands at your doorstep without your approval:

  • Do not activate it - Don’t share any OTP or confirm activation through any method.
  • Wait for confirmation - The card issuer is expected to seek your consent for activation.
  • No action from you? - If you don’t respond, the issuer must close the card within 7 working days and inform you that the card has been cancelled at no cost to you.

How to File a Complaint


  • Once the bank confirms that the card has been cancelled, cut and destroy the card.
  • Lodge a complaint with the card-issuing bank regarding the unsolicited card.
  • If unresolved, escalate the matter to the RBI Ombudsman under the Integrated Ombudsman Scheme.

Unsolicited credit cards are not just an inconvenience - they can pose serious risks. RBI’s regulations ensure your protection, but it’s essential to act quickly, avoid activating the card, and raise the issue with the bank or regulatory bodies if needed.