Today the credit card has become an important part of our life. Be it online shopping or the need of money at the end of the month, a small card has become a big relief. But have you ever wondered how the credit card started in India? Which was the bank that provided this facility first? And how much has its journey changed in 45 years?
Credit card in India was started in 1980 by Central Bank of India. At that time this card was named ‘Central Card’ and it was issued under the visa network. This was the period when digital payment was not a sign, the methods of transactions were very limited and only the limited class had such facilities. At that time no one had thought that a card would become part of the purchase and lifestyle of crores of people of the country.
Today the situation has changed completely. According to new RBI data, more than 11 crore credit cards are now active in India. These cards are now coming in view of different types of needs, regular cards, travel cards, lifestyle cards, fuel cards, secure cards and now the digital cards linked to UPI are also being released. Earlier, where these cards were available only to big banks and high credit scores, now small finance banks have also reached crores of people with their offer. Tier-2, Tier-3 customers of cities have also easily reached this facility.
This journey of credit card is not limited to the number only, but has also added many facilities like reward points, zero liability, insurance from fraud. After the 1991 economic liberalization, foreign banks came to India and brought new features. Digital revolution began after 2000, and companies like Flipkart, IRCTC, MakemiTrip made credit cards the main source of everyday expenses. As soon as the Rupay card was launched in 2012, its spread in small cities of the country also intensified.
By May 2025, more than 11 crore 12 lakh active credit cards are in use in the country. Today, without bank accounts, you can also take credit cards in special ways. Overall, the journey started with a simple ‘Central Card’ in 45 years has now become the identity of India’s new economic strength and digital India.