1. Reporting a Damaged Card – RBI’s First Step When a chip stops working or a swipe fails, the first action is to inform the bank using its official mobile app, website, helpline or a branch visit. RBI requires issuers to offer clear procedures and multiple contact channels for lost, stolen or damaged cards. Ask whether the damaged card should be blocked before a replacement is issued and whether a replacement fee applies. The bank will confirm the request and provide a replacement‑card reference number.
2. Receiving and Activating the New Card A replacement card is issued only after the cardholder’s explicit consent; it is not a new credit‑card application. The new card may have a different card number, expiry date or CVV but usually retains the existing credit limit. Once it arrives, activate it solely through the issuer’s official channels. Set or verify the PIN via the app or website, and follow the bank’s security steps to receive the OTP or transaction receipt. Never share your PIN, CVV or OTP with anyone involved in the replacement process.
3. Managing Subscriptions and Protecting Your Account Before discarding the damaged card, list all recurring payments—streaming services, insurance premiums, utility bills, etc.—and update them with the new card details. Your outstanding balance remains unchanged, so continue paying the credit‑card bill on the original due date. After activation, review recent transactions to confirm the old card is blocked or replaced. If you spot an unauthorised charge, report it immediately. RBI’s card directions require issuers to provide 24/7 channels for reporting unauthorised transactions and for blocking cards. Keep the replacement request number and confirmation until all changes are verified.
By following RBI‑approved steps—report, block, receive, activate, and update—you can replace a damaged credit card smoothly, maintain your credit limit, and safeguard your account from fraud.