The introduction of Credit Cards entirely changed India's banking and financial landscape. Kali Mody was the first businessman to introduce the Diners Credit Card in India in 1961. In 1980, the Central Bank of India introduced its first Credit Card. Thereafter, several banks started extending Credit Cards to select customers. Today, every Indian and International bank in India offers a Credit Card to anyone with a decent income and an excellent credit score.

Earlier, you would primarily get a Credit Card to prepare for financial emergencies. Now, you use a Credit Card to make various purchases and transactions, offline and online. A decent line of credit, flexible repayment options, discount/cashback offers, and reward points are among the several plus points of a Credit Card. Here are instances when Credit Cards get blocked:

Technical issues

Your Credit Card can be blocked due to technical issues or system upgrades, preventing you from making an offline or online transaction. The card only gets temporarily blocked. Typically, the card gets unblocked by itself. If it does not, reach out to the bank to get it unblocked.

Unusual spending pattern

The bank tracks your Credit Card usage to gauge your credit behaviour and to prevent fraudulent use. If the bank notices an unusual spending pattern like higher value or international transactions, they may temporarily block your card. While this is done as a security measure, it often causes inconvenience. Approach your bank’s customer representative to unblock your card.

Irregular payments

As mentioned, the bank closely examines your credit behaviour. If you fail to repay the minimum due amount or the EMIs on time, the bank considers it credit irresponsibility. Initially, they send out warnings asking you to make timely repayments. However, despite repeated warnings, if you fail to keep up with your Credit Card payment, the bank blocks your card until further notice.

In case of continued irregularities in repayment, the bank can close your account associated with the Credit Card. A simple way to be prompt with your Credit Card payments is automating them when you apply Credit Card online. The payable amount gets automatically deducted from your Bank Account on the due date.

Credit limit maxed out

The credit limit is the maximum credit you can avail of with your Credit Card. This limit depends on the bank’s offering, card type, and your eligibility. Your Credit Card gets blocked if your credit limit is maxed out. Typically, the credit limit gets restored as and when you make repayments.

Incorrect details

Your Credit Card gets automatically blocked upon entering card details incorrectly multiple times. This is done to prevent fraudulent usage of cards from getting into the wrong hands. Enter all card details correctly and cross-check before hitting the ‘submit’ button to facilitate a secure and seamless transaction.