The last few weeks saw some frenetic action in the credit card space. In February 2024, India went past the milestone of 100 million cards in force. In March, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued wide-ranging instructions pertaining to how cards can be issued or used. But soon, concerns were raised about aspects, such as non-performing assets (NPAs), co-branded cards, and reward devaluation. Here’s breaking down the key changes to understand the takeaways for consumers.
Growing Too Fast? In February 2020, there were 57 million credit cards in force. This has grown at 15 per cent annually, with concerns being expressed about the speed. The US, with about 1.1 billion credit cards and dues totalling $1.1 trillion, contrasts sharply with India’s 100 million cards and dues of $32 billion (₹2.6 trillion). Clearly, there’s potential for expansion in India, where only 3-4 per cent of the population owns credit cards, and per capita spend is just $23 compared to the US’s $3,200. India’s GDP per capita is also $2,600 compared to the US’s $83,000. So, the only way is up—and fast.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Gold ETFs And FoFs
While Indians love to invest in physical gold, even mutual funds offer the option, but in paper format.
PLANNING TO BUY CHILD INSURANCE? THINK TWICE
Child insurance plans combine insurance and investment but often offer low returns due to high costs, making a combination of a term insurance cover and mutual fund a better option for securing your child’s higher education needs
How Do You Define Happiness?
Money does buy happiness, but after a while, the appeal fades. We talk about our relationship with money, but, maybe, it’s time to revisit our relationship with happiness
Avoid Crypto As It Is Highly Volatile
I am 22 years old and have recently started working. I want to invest a small portion of money in cryptocurrency. How should I go about it? Does it require a huge capital investment?
Invest Right, Don't Speculate
The lure of high returns and quick gains from equity tips, cryptocurencies, and equity F&O can be enticing. But remember, return of capital is more important than return on capital
The Wedding & Budget: Is Minimalist Trend The Right Knot For You?
Indian weddings are known for their pomp and grandeur, but minimalist weddings are also in vogue now. Dia Mirza was one such celebrity who went for a minimalist wedding. If you also want to keep things minimal on your big day, here’s how to do it
Here's How To Buy An ETF?
Mutual funds are the preferred choice for retail investors. However, they come at a cost and fund management risk, apart from other risks. A smarter alternative is to invest through ETFs.
How Passive Funds Help Diversify
Passive funds provide a simple way to invest in broad markets as well as in specific themes and sectors, making them ideal for an investor's satellite portfolio
The Rise Of Passive Funds
The popularity of passive funds among retail investors has risen post Covid, and fund houses are out with many variations of ETFs and index funds. Does this category present a new opportunity for investors?
Tax Reforms: What's In Store?
The government is working on reforming the existing Income-tax Act, 1961. The impending reforms have raised many questions in the minds of taxpayers. Will the old regime and deductions be done away with? Will it really simplify your life? What's the need for these reforms? We try to answer these and other questions regarding tax reforms