The P3P AI agent can complete a UPI payment without any human authentication. However, the human still stays in control. Currently, AI agents need a human authentication step, an MPIN, to make any payments. Pine Labs has removed this wall. It builds on UPI’s existing mandate framework - UPI One Time Mandates (OTM) and Reserve Pay.
SBI Card is revising reward point programs for PhonePe SBI Credit Cards, effective July 1, 2026. Both PURPLE and SELECT BLACK cardholders will face new monthly caps on reward points for PhonePe and online spends. Additionally, the SELECT BLACK card will exclude several transaction categories from earning rewards.
Making travel more rewarding and accessible for customers this summer, BOBCARD is offering instant discounts, exclusive deals, and convenient EMI options that help travellers save more while enjoying seamless journeys. For example, BOBCARD users can get up to RS 8000 instant discount on domestic and international flights; claim up to 15% instant discount on flight and hotel bookings on MakeMyTrip.
Many banks have recently reduced credit card rewards, cashback limits, and perks, prompting cardholders to reassess their spending strategies. Experts advise optimising existing cards rather than cancelling them, diversifying across 2–3 cards, and using rewards strategically. Linking RuPay credit cards to UPI can boost benefits on everyday transactions. Ultimately, maximising value depends on understanding card features and aligning spending with reward structures.
The logic is simple: lounge access has become a heavily used perk. Banks earlier assumed that only premium customers or frequent flyers would visit lounges regularly. Instead, many customers signed up purely for lounge access, often with a fee waiver and otherwise using the cards sparingly otherwise
HDFC Bank has updated its Regalia Gold Credit Card lounge access policy, introducing a spend-based eligibility for domestic airport lounges starting July 1, 2026. Cardholders must now spend at least Rs 60,000 in the preceding quarter to qualify for three complimentary visits. International lounge access via Priority Pass remains unchanged with six annual visits.
Frequent travelers can enhance their journeys with the right credit cards. Cards like Federal Bank Scapia and Ixigo AU offer lounge access and rewards. Some provide zero forex markup on international spending. These cards aim to reduce expenses and improve travel experiences for regular flyers. Explore options for better travel.
The Bonus Points earned during the Points Fest can significantly enhance members’ ability to redeem rewards across Air India’s expanding domestic and international network. 2,00,000 Maharaja Points can get members, for example, up to 5 one-way Economy Class tickets between Mumbai and London Heathrow or up to 20 round-trips on prime domestic routes like the Delhi-Mumbai route.
Visa card payments in the UAE are now faster. Visa has partnered with Emirates NBD for local processing of card transactions in UAE Dirhams. This means domestic Visa card payments for shopping, dining, and travel will be processed locally. Consumers will experience quicker transactions without any changes to how they use their cards.
Non-resident Indians can now get credit cards in India. These cards offer benefits for spending both in India and abroad. Several banks like ICICI, IDFC FIRST, Kotak, and Axis Bank provide options. Features include reward points, lounge access, and waivers on fuel and foreign transactions. Applicants need to provide specific documents for approval.
BOBCARD has extended its lifetime free offer on the ETERNA travel credit card until June 30, 2026, for new customers. This premium card provides accelerated rewards on travel and dining, complimentary airport lounge access, and a year of FITPASS Pro membership, aiming to deliver significant annual savings and lifestyle privileges.
Entertainment enthusiasts can now make their movie nights and dining experiences more affordable with specially designed credit cards. Cards like the PVR Inox Kotak, Axis My Zone, RBL Bank Play, and IDFC First Millenia offer attractive benefits such as movie ticket discounts, free subscriptions, and food deals.
HDFC Bank is revising its Regalia Gold and Diners Privilege credit card benefits, including reward structures and lounge access, effective May 15 and July 1, 2026. Key changes involve reward point accrual, dynamic currency conversion fees, and spend-based lounge access criteria for both cardholders.
The young spend because they are optimistic and fearless about the future. We freeze at the idea of letting go because we worry about the rainy day. We know that we are so much better off and don’t have to worry about the future. Yet, we don’t know how to spend and indulge with a carefree heart that is not anxious.
SBI UPI down: Downdetector shows a steep jump in the number of complaints, including over 500 payment issue-related complaints reports for State Bank of India.
SBI Card is changing its popular Cashback SBI Card benefits from April 1, 2026. Online spending cashback is capped at Rs 2,000, and offline spending cashback is also capped at Rs 2,000.
YES Bank is adjusting its credit card fee rules. Starting April 1, 2026, higher spending limits will apply before fees are charged on utility, transportation, and digital wallet transactions. These changes aim to benefit cardholders by increasing the threshold for various spending categories. The bank is modifying these thresholds across different card types, offering more flexibility to customers.
HDFC Bank has significantly increased the annual spending requirement for its premium Infinia credit card fee waiver, raising it from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 18 lakh. Alternatively, customers can maintain a Relationship Value of Rs 50 lakh to retain their card's exclusive benefits. These revised norms aim to make it more challenging for customers to keep their premium privileges.
The Budget has withdrawn existing duty concessions on imported coffee roasting, brewing and vending machines. Industry executives said the change in customs duty comes amid pressure from currency movements.
HDFC Bank is revising its Infinia metal credit card reward point redemption policy from February 1, 2026, allowing a maximum of five redemptions per month. Previously, there were reports of a lower limit. The card offers five reward points per Rs 150 spent, with higher points for Smartbuy purchases.
Major Indian banks, including SBI Card, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank, are introducing significant changes to their credit and debit card programs. These updates, effective from January 2026, will affect reward structures, fees, and importantly, airport lounge access. Cardholders should be aware of these revisions to understand how their benefits and spending limits will be impacted, especially for travel.
ICICI Bank is updating its credit card offerings. New rules for rewards, benefits, and fees will take effect on January 15, 2026. Cardholders should review changes to reward points, BookMyShow benefits, and various transaction fees. These revisions will affect spending habits and how cardholders earn rewards. Specific changes apply to cards like Emeralde Metal and Times Black.
This online platform now offers same-day international money transfers for overseas education payments, a significant improvement over previous multi-day processes. This aims to alleviate stress for students and parents facing strict university fee deadlines. Cashback offers are also available on eligible education transfers.
As more Indians relocate abroad, the demand for international money transfers is rising for various purposes like education and investments. Understanding the costs involved, including exchange rates, fees, and taxes, is crucial. This article reviews prominent online platforms like Niyo, Thomas Cook, and BookMyForex to help users save time and money on remittances.
ICICI Bank is introducing new credit card charges effective January-February 2026. A 2% fee will apply to online gaming transactions, and a 1% fee will be levied on transportation spending exceeding Rs 50,000. These changes also impact third-party wallet loads and other credit card features.
Discover top low-fee credit cards in India offering airport lounge access and attractive rewards. These cards provide benefits like unlimited domestic lounge access, cashback, reward points, and travel perks, catering to both frequent flyers and everyday spenders. Explore options with zero joining fees and significant savings on international transactions.
SBI Card is revamping its domestic airport lounge access program effective January 10, 2026, categorizing lounges into Set A and Set B based on card type. A Rs 2 authorization fee will apply to VISA and RuPay cards, while Mastercard users will see a temporary Rs 25 charge. Visit limits and extra charges for food and services will apply.
Travellers can get a same-day forex card and currency note delivery, even on weekends, along with a Pay-on-Delivery option for currency notes. This move aims to simplify and expedite forex purchases for travellers, addressing the common need for quick access to foreign currency, especially close to travel dates.
What about the risks associated with credit cards? The cards can be skimmed, for instance. Fortunately, credit card technology has moved to chip validation. Also, in India, the Reserve Bank of India requires twofactor authentication for card-not-present transactions. This helps prevent most fraudulent transactions.
RBL Bank has launched two new premium credit cards: LUMIÈRE and NOVA. LUMIÈRE, an invitation-only metal card, offers exclusive luxury experiences and personalized services for Rs 50,000 annually. NOVA targets frequent travelers with 6% value back on bookings and 10% restaurant savings, priced at Rs 12,500 annually.
Kotak Mahindra Bank and super.money introduce the Kotak811 3-in-1 account. This new offering combines a zero-balance savings account, a fixed deposit, and a secured credit card. The Kotak811 super.money credit card is backed by a fixed deposit, offering a credit limit up to 90% of the FD value. This facility is also available for individuals with lower credit scores.
SBI Card is implementing new fees effective November 1, 2025. Users will face a 1% charge on education payments made via third-party apps, though direct payments to institutions remain free. Additionally, a 1% fee will apply to wallet loads exceeding Rs 1,000.
Banks don’t like people who game their systems to procure ‘ill-gotten’ reward points and have gone after them in a big way over time. Some of these measures include shutting down points on high-value purchases, such as jewellery, altogether. Here, a whole bunch of genuine users have suffered due to the deeds of a few.
SBI Card unveils its 'Khushiyan Unlimited' campaign, offering over 1250 merchant-funded deals, cashback, and instant discounts for its credit card holders. This festive initiative covers various spending categories like e-commerce, jewellery, and groceries. Special EMI offers provide up to 27.5% instant discount on consumer durables and electronics. Several SBI credit cards are highlighted for their unique benefits and rewards.
Diwali shopping continues with new discounts expected. Credit cards offer significant savings during festive sales. Different cards cater to various spending habits. SimplyCLICK SBI suits sale shoppers. CASHBACK SBI provides broad online savings. Co-branded cards benefit loyal customers. HDFC Millennia is ideal for young professionals. High spenders prefer HDFC INFINIA. Choosing the right card maximises benefits.
