RBI introduces new rules to enhance security of card transactions

16 Jan 2020 Evaluate

In a bid to improve user convenience and increase the security of card transactions, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced new rules, amid rising instances of fraud. As per the notification released by the apex bank, at the time of issue or re-issue, all cards (physical and virtual) should be enabled for use only at contact based points of usage (viz. ATMs and Point of Sale (PoS) devices) within India.  

Besides, issuers should provide cardholders a facility for enabling card not present (domestic and international) transactions, card present (international) transactions and contactless transactions rights. Existing cards which have never been used for online (card not present) / international / contactless transactions shall be mandatorily disabled for this purpose.

The RBI also asked the issuers to provide a facility to switch on / off and set / modify transaction limits (within the overall card limit, if any, set by the issuer) for all types of transactions – domestic and international, at PoS / ATMs / online transactions / contactless transactions, etc.

The Apex Bank further said that the above facility should be provided on a 24x7 basis through multiple channels - mobile application / internet banking / ATMs / Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and this may also be offered at branches / offices. It also asked the issuers to provide alerts / information / status, etc., through SMS / e-mail, as and when there is any change in status of the card.

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