Chirag19
TF Buzz
I am sharing my experience with RBL Bank World Safari Credit Card, which has been frustrating and unfair.
Background
Card issued: July 2023
Valid till: July 2029 (07/29)
Card was in active use – last transaction on 01-May-2025 (₹1,046 Swiggy Instamart).
In July 2025, my card was suddenly blocked without my consent or prior intimation.
Bank later gave multiple reasons: “undelivered replacement / inactivity / high ageing.”
All false and contradictory, since the card was valid till 07/29 and actively used in May 2025.
I never gave explicit consent for blocking or replacing my card.
Even if an SMS was sent, that does not amount to consent.
A sensitive bank courier cannot be accepted without prior approval.
I only found out in August 2025, when a test transaction failed and I had to call RBL myself. Their representatives were clueless.
Key Issues
No Consent Taken – RBI guidelines require explicit consent before blocking/replacing a card. I never gave it.
Undelivered Replacement Card – Bank claims the replacement card was undelivered, but still blocked my active card. This is illogical and against fair practice.
False Justifications – They alternated between “inactivity,” “high ageing,” and “undelivered” – all of which are contradictory and factually wrong.
Delay in Response – On 12-Sept-2025, bank promised resolution in 3 working days, but replied only after 10 days.
Compensation Ignored – Despite asking for fair compensation, they offered only 2000 reward points (~₹500), which is insulting given the stress and disruption. Banks charge heavy penalties for even a 1-day customer delay, but ignore their own lapses.
Copy-Paste Replies – Every response from the bank has been generic and repetitive, with no attempt to address the facts I raised (recent usage, card validity till 07/29, my compensation demand, their own delay). This shows lack of accountability.
Has anyone else faced this kind of arbitrary card blocking by RBL or other banks?
What further steps can I take to ensure accountability beyond the RBI Ombudsman?
Can I claim damages for harassment, mental agony, and deficiency of service in consumer court?
Background
Card issued: July 2023
Valid till: July 2029 (07/29)
Card was in active use – last transaction on 01-May-2025 (₹1,046 Swiggy Instamart).
In July 2025, my card was suddenly blocked without my consent or prior intimation.
Bank later gave multiple reasons: “undelivered replacement / inactivity / high ageing.”
All false and contradictory, since the card was valid till 07/29 and actively used in May 2025.
I never gave explicit consent for blocking or replacing my card.
Even if an SMS was sent, that does not amount to consent.
A sensitive bank courier cannot be accepted without prior approval.
I only found out in August 2025, when a test transaction failed and I had to call RBL myself. Their representatives were clueless.
Key Issues
No Consent Taken – RBI guidelines require explicit consent before blocking/replacing a card. I never gave it.
Undelivered Replacement Card – Bank claims the replacement card was undelivered, but still blocked my active card. This is illogical and against fair practice.
False Justifications – They alternated between “inactivity,” “high ageing,” and “undelivered” – all of which are contradictory and factually wrong.
Delay in Response – On 12-Sept-2025, bank promised resolution in 3 working days, but replied only after 10 days.
Compensation Ignored – Despite asking for fair compensation, they offered only 2000 reward points (~₹500), which is insulting given the stress and disruption. Banks charge heavy penalties for even a 1-day customer delay, but ignore their own lapses.
Copy-Paste Replies – Every response from the bank has been generic and repetitive, with no attempt to address the facts I raised (recent usage, card validity till 07/29, my compensation demand, their own delay). This shows lack of accountability.
- I escalated to the RBI Ombudsman.
- RBL Bank continues to give contradictory, copy-paste replies instead of acknowledging its lapses.
- No meaningful compensation has been offered so far.
Has anyone else faced this kind of arbitrary card blocking by RBL or other banks?
What further steps can I take to ensure accountability beyond the RBI Ombudsman?
Can I claim damages for harassment, mental agony, and deficiency of service in consumer court?
