In the last 25+ years of my CC journey, I had used (n closed) OVER 30 different cards from many banks - like Andhra Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, SBI, ICICI, AMEX, Citi Bank, RBL BANK and HSBC.
Many special limited edition cards like AMEX Green, AMEX Gold, HSBC Gold, SBI Employee Gold, BOB Sachin Tendulkar card..... Started using cards when my salary was 1700/- with my first card having a limit of 3000/-. Seen charge slips, bulky impression machines, physical statements, NO-OTP days, No Apps, NO Cibil/Esperian scores, embossed cards...... Seen all.
In addition to all these, we NEVER had any agents, NEVER heard of offers, NEVER had any pre-approved offers and NO upgrades. Card-to-Card Applications were unheard of.
All charges are billed to all. No exceptions. No insisting on opening new FDs or opening other accounts.
ONLY one type of SB Account. Only cheque book given for select few or if specially requested. There were no uniquely named SB accounts - like Max, Premier, Elite, Wealth, Personal...
Similarly, NO Debit cards then. So, there is no question of a variety of debit cards.
NO Rewards, NO Cashbacks, NO brand-affiliations, NO Discounts, NO EMIs. You are expected to pay in full.
Shops/stores/others were also avoiding cards. Because they used to get the money only after a week or so. So, cash preferred. Or, these MEs - merchant establishments used to charge 1-3% extra if paid by card.
No OTPs, NO authorisation codes. ONLY based on signature on the back panel of the card. No magnetistrip. No punching of codes on POS machines.
About 25+ years back, Salaried class had only 1 card, usually with limit of 2x monthly salary. Salary slips (3 to 6) was a must. Card seeker must be known to the branch staff - introduction is a must.
Limit enhancements were very rare. Usually approved only when one gets a promotion in job or there's sizeable increase in business - proof of officially declared income is a must.
No targets. No target spending. No milestones. No rewards.
EVERYONE started with a basic card n stayed with that. Because, there were no airport lounges, no swiggy/Zomato discounts.
YES.
ALL THE ABOVE IS TRUE. AND, EXPERIENCED BY ME PERSONALLY.
We came a LOOOOOOOONG WAY. Indeed.