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This Is How I Started - What is Your Credit Card Story?

Ultimate motivation man..just really got goosebumps after reading your such inspiring story and the way you followed throughout this journey..
This post must be featured and viral @TechnoFino dada please
THANKS, But there is no need for VIRAL or PROTOZOAL 😄. I am happy, my family is happy for where I am, that's enough for me. But thank you all for the love and care you’ve shown for my life story. Your support means the world to me and inspires me to keep moving forward. I’m truly grateful to this community and especially @TechnoFino with me on this journey. ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU TO ALL.
 
Hi
Saw this thread and thought I should share my story too. It’s a mix-up of my life and dreams, both of which are interlinked, so I am trying to share as short as possible. Although I will try to keep it short, sorry in advance if it’s lengthy.

Early years of my life and my fate:
It was the year 1991 when I was born, a Kumar Sanu fan 🙂. Schooling - Kendriya Vidyalaya 2008. Medical aspirant - selected in MBBS 2009 (AIPMT, now NEET), but KRISHNA had something else decided for me.

I got a chronic disease in July 2009, and was on bed rest till 2014. For six years, my life was almost on bed. Although in 2011 I did try to at least get enrolled in general graduation in a local college, soon illness struck again, and I wasn’t able to clear one semester.

Anyway, I was off the track for a moment. Sorry about that. So, my banking fascination began in the year 2003, 2004 when I first saw an ATM and ATM card (of course, my father’s, SBI). Fast forward, soon I became 18 years old. I asked my father to make a PAN card. Since I was on bed rest, it was not possible for me to visit the PAN card office, but my papa arranged a personal visit on special request to my home to take the necessary documents. Now the race began.

At that time, you needed an introducer to open an account in PSU banks. But unfortunately, since I was on bed rest, it became difficult for me to open accounts. Then came a boy (he was my best friends colleague). He had an account in BOM (BANK OF MAHARASHTRA), so he took the form and filled in the necessary details and introduced me. The account opening amount was 100 rupees, and the ATM took 3 months to deliver, that too you had to receive from the branch. And since there was not a single ATM of BOM in my city, there was no provision for even ATM PIN change. In 2010, I forced my father to open my account in SBI, so he did (he is a retired class A officer, so again because of his influence special request, a bank employee visited home and opened my account). Instantly, the kit handled to me and name on the ATM card were BRANCH MANAGER 😄 (Maestro card). After that, with the help of my dear friend (late Sumit Tripathi, died in 2010, MBBS 1st year), I opened my account in PNB and CANARA. In 2011, I opened my first private bank account in AXIS (then it was UTI BANK, MAB 5K).

In 2012, I first saw a credit card in my JEEJA JI hand (SBI GOLD AND MORE card). Instantly, I decided I wanted one, but who will give a credit card to a person who is not able to leave the bed without help, let alone have any ITR or JOB? But I was desperate, and now I don’t have any one to help me (since my friend died). My elder brother was in Singapore (JOB), my sister married, my father was posted in another city, and all my other friends and cousins are now in jobs. Then came my MOTHER INDIA. She visited the bank and got me a personal to visit home. He opened a FD-backed (3L FD, limit 2.6 lakh) card (GOLD AND MORE card, now discontinued).

In 2014, finally KRISHNA laid his AASHIRVAAD on me, and I was up, joined the nearest college (MBBS age over, BRAHMAN, so no reservation), but still, I had to fight mental depression because of a long-time illness, so I had to visit a neuropsychiatrist weekly, restricted me to stay in my hometown. Anyway, I enrolled for graduation in 2014, passed out in late 2017 because of a college delayed session. I wasn’t able to change the college, even though I got rank 3 in the Central University Combined Entrance Exam. In 2022, I got my master’s (although the session was 2017-2019, but again delayed session and COVID too). Meanwhile in 2015 opened my account in HDFC BANK, after few years in 2017 got a call from HDFC BANK that I am eligible for a credit card I told him that I am not employed, he said it is pre-approved and lifetime free, at that time I didn’t even know the exact meaning of pre-approved but I got the card limit 3L, BUSINESS REGALIA. In 2020 opened my account in ICICI bank, then kotak. Currently have 9 functional/active account.

Turning point year 2022:
In 2022, I got qualified in NTA UGC NET (ASSISTANT PROFESSOR), currently pursuing my research doctoral work and teaching on AD-HOC/need based in a government college (till permanent appointment). Salary is 55K/month, which is not enough to get the most of the premium card.

In the year 2022, I published a book (AMAZON BESTSELLER for two weeks straight), currently selling on all online and offline stores.

Back in 2020 my mother gave me 7L to book a FD on my name, I said give to me instead I want to start my own business, since all my friends are now in job (BTECH COMPUTER), they were earning more than 1 lakh/month. And here I was just completed my degrees, not even applicable for any entrance exam and most of the job because of age. Anyway I started my own business from that money mostly freelancing work and started to earn more than 1L/month, more than my first/actual salary.

Influence of Apple Card and my first metal card:
In 2020, Apple introduced Apple Card in titanium. Instantly, my whole body was in utter ecstasy to get this, but unfortunately, that’s not available in India. Then I started to find out about other cards and discovered that there are other cards of metal, but in India, only ONE CARD is available. So, it was my first metal card and third credit card in my list.

Journey to next 25 cards:
In 2023, I came across a video on YouTube where a guy was talking about credit cards and how getting credit cards is his hobby. (I was searching for AXIS MAGNUS on Google and it directed me to YouTube, and I didn’t even know that you have these kinds of videos too.) Suddenly, I was relieved that I am not alone in the world of credit card hobbyists. And that YouTube personality was any guess? Of course; TECHNOFINO, Sumanta.

Influence of TECHNOFINO:
Although I was in the credit card game, with little knowledge, I wasn’t fully aware of its perks and benefits. But with the help of Technofino, I realised that there is more than aesthetic/hobby value in credit cards. In the last two years, I have saved more than 3L rupees.

Journey to premium card:
Soon I upgraded my cards BUSINESS REGALIA into DCB METAL, got BIZ BLACK, AND TIMES BLACK, IDFC ASHVA, etc. Currently in pursuit of EPM and INFINIA.

MY DREAMS
Two things which I love most are first wildlife (pursuing my doctoral work on this) and CREDIT CARDS, and there is a third too, visit ICELAND and see AURORA BOREALIS (NORTHERN LIGHTS), for which I am saving money. Since I am yet single, who is going to marry a person who was ill for six years 😆, most of them run like fire-lightened tail horses once they hear my illness history, anyway there loss 🤣, so solo travelling cost I calculated almost 4L, so I am not far from fulfilling my third dream.

I don't know when my illness strikes again or how much time I do have, so just wanna fullfill all my dreams before that day comes. lets see how much further I can go.

NOTE - My family is upper middle class. they tried to sponsor my trip to Iceland, but I always denied them because I want to go on my terms with my own earned money. I want to feel that feeling of satisfaction when you achieve something on your own. After all, I am not a charity case.

THESE ALL ARE POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THIS COMMUNITY, SO MANY MANY THANKS TO EVERYONE.
🙏🏻
Very inspirational story, it is a lesson as well to never give up on dreams, out of curiosity if u r comfortable, from what condition/ disease did u suffer ?
 
Hi

Very inspirational story, it is a lesson as well to never give up on dreams, out of curiosity if u r comfortable, from what condition/ disease did u suffer ?
Thank you so much for your concern and kindness. I truly appreciate you asking, but I prefer to keep that part of my health private (advised by my psychiatrist). I hope you understand. What matters most to me now is focusing on the present and staying positive. It took a lot of courage for me to forget those times of misery and just keep my head up and live. Thanks again for your understanding and support! 🙏🏻
 
Saw this thread and thought I should share my story too. It’s a mix-up of my life and dreams, both of which are interlinked, so I am trying to share as short as possible. Although I will try to keep it short, sorry in advance if it’s lengthy.

Early years of my life and my fate:
It was the year 1991 when I was born, a Kumar Sanu fan 🙂. Schooling - Kendriya Vidyalaya 2008. Medical aspirant - selected in MBBS 2009 (AIPMT, now NEET), but KRISHNA had something else decided for me.

I got a chronic disease in July 2009, and was on bed rest till 2014. For six years, my life was almost on bed. Although in 2011 I did try to at least get enrolled in general graduation in a local college, soon illness struck again, and I wasn’t able to clear one semester.

Anyway, I was off the track for a moment. Sorry about that. So, my banking fascination began in the year 2003, 2004 when I first saw an ATM and ATM card (of course, my father’s, SBI). Fast forward, soon I became 18 years old. I asked my father to make a PAN card. Since I was on bed rest, it was not possible for me to visit the PAN card office, but my papa arranged a personal visit on special request to my home to take the necessary documents. Now the race began.

At that time, you needed an introducer to open an account in PSU banks. But unfortunately, since I was on bed rest, it became difficult for me to open accounts. Then came a boy (he was my best friends colleague). He had an account in BOM (BANK OF MAHARASHTRA), so he took the form and filled in the necessary details and introduced me. The account opening amount was 100 rupees, and the ATM took 3 months to deliver, that too you had to receive from the branch. And since there was not a single ATM of BOM in my city, there was no provision for even ATM PIN change. In 2010, I forced my father to open my account in SBI, so he did (he is a retired class A officer, so again because of his influence special request, a bank employee visited home and opened my account). Instantly, the kit handled to me and name on the ATM card were BRANCH MANAGER 😄 (Maestro card). After that, with the help of my dear friend (late Sumit Tripathi, died in 2010, MBBS 1st year), I opened my account in PNB and CANARA. In 2011, I opened my first private bank account in AXIS (then it was UTI BANK, MAB 5K).

In 2012, I first saw a credit card in my JEEJA JI hand (SBI GOLD AND MORE card). Instantly, I decided I wanted one, but who will give a credit card to a person who is not able to leave the bed without help, let alone have any ITR or JOB? But I was desperate, and now I don’t have any one to help me (since my friend died). My elder brother was in Singapore (JOB), my sister married, my father was posted in another city, and all my other friends and cousins are now in jobs. Then came my MOTHER INDIA. She visited the bank and got me a personal to visit home. He opened a FD-backed (3L FD, limit 2.6 lakh) card (GOLD AND MORE card, now discontinued).

In 2014, finally KRISHNA laid his AASHIRVAAD on me, and I was up, joined the nearest college (MBBS age over, BRAHMAN, so no reservation), but still, I had to fight mental depression because of a long-time illness, so I had to visit a neuropsychiatrist weekly, restricted me to stay in my hometown. Anyway, I enrolled for graduation in 2014, passed out in late 2017 because of a college delayed session. I wasn’t able to change the college, even though I got rank 3 in the Central University Combined Entrance Exam. In 2022, I got my master’s (although the session was 2017-2019, but again delayed session and COVID too). Meanwhile in 2015 opened my account in HDFC BANK, after few years in 2017 got a call from HDFC BANK that I am eligible for a credit card I told him that I am not employed, he said it is pre-approved and lifetime free, at that time I didn’t even know the exact meaning of pre-approved but I got the card limit 3L, BUSINESS REGALIA. In 2020 opened my account in ICICI bank, then kotak. Currently have 9 functional/active account.

Turning point year 2022:
In 2022, I got qualified in NTA UGC NET (ASSISTANT PROFESSOR), currently pursuing my research doctoral work and teaching on AD-HOC/need based in a government college (till permanent appointment). Salary is 55K/month, which is not enough to get the most of the premium card.

In the year 2022, I published a book (AMAZON BESTSELLER for two weeks straight), currently selling on all online and offline stores.

Back in 2020 my mother gave me 7L to book a FD on my name, I said give to me instead I want to start my own business, since all my friends are now in job (BTECH COMPUTER), they were earning more than 1 lakh/month. And here I was just completed my degrees, not even applicable for any entrance exam and most of the job because of age. Anyway I started my own business from that money mostly freelancing work and started to earn more than 1L/month, more than my first/actual salary.

Influence of Apple Card and my first metal card:
In 2020, Apple introduced Apple Card in titanium. Instantly, my whole body was in utter ecstasy to get this, but unfortunately, that’s not available in India. Then I started to find out about other cards and discovered that there are other cards of metal, but in India, only ONE CARD is available. So, it was my first metal card and third credit card in my list.

Journey to next 25 cards:
In 2023, I came across a video on YouTube where a guy was talking about credit cards and how getting credit cards is his hobby. (I was searching for AXIS MAGNUS on Google and it directed me to YouTube, and I didn’t even know that you have these kinds of videos too.) Suddenly, I was relieved that I am not alone in the world of credit card hobbyists. And that YouTube personality was any guess? Of course; TECHNOFINO, Sumanta.

Influence of TECHNOFINO:
Although I was in the credit card game, with little knowledge, I wasn’t fully aware of its perks and benefits. But with the help of Technofino, I realised that there is more than aesthetic/hobby value in credit cards. In the last two years, I have saved more than 3L rupees.

Journey to premium card:
Soon I upgraded my cards BUSINESS REGALIA into DCB METAL, got BIZ BLACK, AND TIMES BLACK, IDFC ASHVA, etc. Currently in pursuit of EPM and INFINIA.

MY DREAMS
Two things which I love most are first wildlife (pursuing my doctoral work on this) and CREDIT CARDS, and there is a third too, visit ICELAND and see AURORA BOREALIS (NORTHERN LIGHTS), for which I am saving money. Since I am yet single, who is going to marry a person who was ill for six years 😆, most of them run like fire-lightened tail horses once they hear my illness history, anyway there loss 🤣, so solo travelling cost I calculated almost 4L, so I am not far from fulfilling my third dream.

I don't know when my illness strikes again or how much time I do have, so just wanna fullfill all my dreams before that day comes. lets see how much further I can go.

NOTE - My family is upper middle class. they tried to sponsor my trip to Iceland, but I always denied them because I want to go on my terms with my own earned money. I want to feel that feeling of satisfaction when you achieve something on your own. After all, I am not a charity case.

THESE ALL ARE POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THIS COMMUNITY, SO MANY MANY THANKS TO EVERYONE.
🙏🏻
After reading this I don’t have much words to describe the feelings, All I can say is your story inspired me and can inspire many people to move forward with positivity and courage. 🫡
 
Saw this thread and thought I should share my story too. It’s a mix-up of my life and dreams, both of which are interlinked, so I am trying to share as short as possible. Although I will try to keep it short, sorry in advance if it’s lengthy.

Early years of my life and my fate:
It was the year 1991 when I was born, a Kumar Sanu fan 🙂. Schooling - Kendriya Vidyalaya 2008. Medical aspirant - selected in MBBS 2009 (AIPMT, now NEET), but KRISHNA had something else decided for me.

I got a chronic disease in July 2009, and was on bed rest till 2014. For six years, my life was almost on bed. Although in 2011 I did try to at least get enrolled in general graduation in a local college, soon illness struck again, and I wasn’t able to clear one semester.

Anyway, I was off the track for a moment. Sorry about that. So, my banking fascination began in the year 2003, 2004 when I first saw an ATM and ATM card (of course, my father’s, SBI). Fast forward, soon I became 18 years old. I asked my father to make a PAN card. Since I was on bed rest, it was not possible for me to visit the PAN card office, but my papa arranged a personal visit on special request to my home to take the necessary documents. Now the race began.

At that time, you needed an introducer to open an account in PSU banks. But unfortunately, since I was on bed rest, it became difficult for me to open accounts. Then came a boy (he was my best friends colleague). He had an account in BOM (BANK OF MAHARASHTRA), so he took the form and filled in the necessary details and introduced me. The account opening amount was 100 rupees, and the ATM took 3 months to deliver, that too you had to receive from the branch. And since there was not a single ATM of BOM in my city, there was no provision for even ATM PIN change. In 2010, I forced my father to open my account in SBI, so he did (he is a retired class A officer, so again because of his influence special request, a bank employee visited home and opened my account). Instantly, the kit handled to me and name on the ATM card were BRANCH MANAGER 😄 (Maestro card). After that, with the help of my dear friend (late Sumit Tripathi, died in 2010, MBBS 1st year), I opened my account in PNB and CANARA. In 2011, I opened my first private bank account in AXIS (then it was UTI BANK, MAB 5K).

In 2012, I first saw a credit card in my JEEJA JI hand (SBI GOLD AND MORE card). Instantly, I decided I wanted one, but who will give a credit card to a person who is not able to leave the bed without help, let alone have any ITR or JOB? But I was desperate, and now I don’t have any one to help me (since my friend died). My elder brother was in Singapore (JOB), my sister married, my father was posted in another city, and all my other friends and cousins are now in jobs. Then came my MOTHER INDIA. She visited the bank and got me a personal to visit home. He opened a FD-backed (3L FD, limit 2.6 lakh) card (GOLD AND MORE card, now discontinued).

In 2014, finally KRISHNA laid his AASHIRVAAD on me, and I was up, joined the nearest college (MBBS age over, BRAHMAN, so no reservation), but still, I had to fight mental depression because of a long-time illness, so I had to visit a neuropsychiatrist weekly, restricted me to stay in my hometown. Anyway, I enrolled for graduation in 2014, passed out in late 2017 because of a college delayed session. I wasn’t able to change the college, even though I got rank 3 in the Central University Combined Entrance Exam. In 2022, I got my master’s (although the session was 2017-2019, but again delayed session and COVID too). Meanwhile in 2015 opened my account in HDFC BANK, after few years in 2017 got a call from HDFC BANK that I am eligible for a credit card I told him that I am not employed, he said it is pre-approved and lifetime free, at that time I didn’t even know the exact meaning of pre-approved but I got the card limit 3L, BUSINESS REGALIA. In 2020 opened my account in ICICI bank, then kotak. Currently have 9 functional/active account.

Turning point year 2022:
In 2022, I got qualified in NTA UGC NET (ASSISTANT PROFESSOR), currently pursuing my research doctoral work and teaching on AD-HOC/need based in a government college (till permanent appointment). Salary is 55K/month, which is not enough to get the most of the premium card.

In the year 2022, I published a book (AMAZON BESTSELLER for two weeks straight), currently selling on all online and offline stores.

Back in 2020 my mother gave me 7L to book a FD on my name, I said give to me instead I want to start my own business, since all my friends are now in job (BTECH COMPUTER), they were earning more than 1 lakh/month. And here I was just completed my degrees, not even applicable for any entrance exam and most of the job because of age. Anyway I started my own business from that money mostly freelancing work and started to earn more than 1L/month, more than my first/actual salary.

Influence of Apple Card and my first metal card:
In 2020, Apple introduced Apple Card in titanium. Instantly, my whole body was in utter ecstasy to get this, but unfortunately, that’s not available in India. Then I started to find out about other cards and discovered that there are other cards of metal, but in India, only ONE CARD is available. So, it was my first metal card and third credit card in my list.

Journey to next 25 cards:
In 2023, I came across a video on YouTube where a guy was talking about credit cards and how getting credit cards is his hobby. (I was searching for AXIS MAGNUS on Google and it directed me to YouTube, and I didn’t even know that you have these kinds of videos too.) Suddenly, I was relieved that I am not alone in the world of credit card hobbyists. And that YouTube personality was any guess? Of course; TECHNOFINO, Sumanta.

Influence of TECHNOFINO:
Although I was in the credit card game, with little knowledge, I wasn’t fully aware of its perks and benefits. But with the help of Technofino, I realised that there is more than aesthetic/hobby value in credit cards. In the last two years, I have saved more than 3L rupees.

Journey to premium card:
Soon I upgraded my cards BUSINESS REGALIA into DCB METAL, got BIZ BLACK, AND TIMES BLACK, IDFC ASHVA, etc. Currently in pursuit of EPM and INFINIA.

MY DREAMS
Two things which I love most are first wildlife (pursuing my doctoral work on this) and CREDIT CARDS, and there is a third too, visit ICELAND and see AURORA BOREALIS (NORTHERN LIGHTS), for which I am saving money. Since I am yet single, who is going to marry a person who was ill for six years 😆, most of them run like fire-lightened tail horses once they hear my illness history, anyway there loss 🤣, so solo travelling cost I calculated almost 4L, so I am not far from fulfilling my third dream.

I don't know when my illness strikes again or how much time I do have, so just wanna fullfill all my dreams before that day comes. lets see how much further I can go.

NOTE - My family is upper middle class. they tried to sponsor my trip to Iceland, but I always denied them because I want to go on my terms with my own earned money. I want to feel that feeling of satisfaction when you achieve something on your own. After all, I am not a charity case.

THESE ALL ARE POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THIS COMMUNITY, SO MANY MANY THANKS TO EVERYONE.
🙏🏻
Inspiring Life journey brother. May all your dreams come true.
 
I don't know when my illness strikes again or how much time I do have, so just wanna fullfill all my dreams before that day comes. lets see how much further I can go.
Just curious, what kind of disease is that? If its not too personal or disrespectful to ask?
Is cure not available even the experimental one?

55k is is not bad in todays time, and trust me a professors job has its own perks than cubical!
 
Just curious, what kind of disease is that? If its not too personal or disrespectful to ask?
Is cure not available even the experimental one?

55k is is not bad in todays time, and trust me a professors job has its own perks than cubical!
Thank you so much for your concern and kindness. I truly appreciate you asking, but I prefer to keep that part of my health private (advised by my psychiatrist). I hope you understand. What matters most to me now is focusing on the present and staying positive. It took a lot of courage for me to forget those times of misery and just keep my head up and live. Thanks again for your understanding and support! 🙏🏻
The challenge with these kinds of diseases or traumas is that full recovery remains uncertain; they may recur at any time or perhaps never. Ultimately, only God knows. The impact is often felt more deeply in the mind than in the body. It can feel as though living life fully, like others do, becomes difficult. There are certain precautions I need to take, especially when I go out/outstation. As I mentioned, the emotional and mental strain can be more challenging than the physical aspects. 🙏🏻. But as I mentioned earlier, I try not to dwell on those concerns. I focus on simply living each day, and for now, that is enough for me. 🙏🏻
 
Very nice interesting story 👍🎉🎉
Now a boring one-

1:Bank of India : My dad opened minor account and introduced me with the banking. Main account. (20 years old)

2:Newest Ujjivan SFB- (2018).

Resting in Peace- Accounts

1-UTI bank(Axis now) Salary
2-HDFC Salary
3-Citibank- Salary
4-ICICI - Student
5- Airtel Payment Bank, Closed 8-10 years back due to RBI'S restrictions.

CC- 1 HDFC - 10+ Years
Pause ⏸️

Again took admission in Nursery Joined TF Jan 25.
Hender Jigyasu (Curious, Learner)
How do you have 3 active salary accounts?
 
Saw this thread and thought I should share my story too. It’s a mix-up of my life and dreams, both of which are interlinked, so I am trying to share as short as possible. Although I will try to keep it short, sorry in advance if it’s lengthy.
It's a great motivational post...! I lost track of the credit card story thing and got engrossed in your saga replete with numerous victories in so many unthinkable struggles of your life...! We all have our ups and downs in our respective lives... but your story is truly inspirational...!

Kudos to your will, determination, strength of character and indomitable resilience...!

Good luck to you in all your future endeavours...! 👍

May you achieve all your dreams...! Best wishes always to you...! 🙂
 
Long Post Alert!!!
My first bank account was with SBI when I moved to Delhi for higher studies. Then started a salary account with PNB when I started working. This was back in 2007. Didn't think much about credit cards then. Didn't even use the PNB debit card much to start with. But by 2011, started realizing the benefits of DC rewards as PNB kept sending SMSs from time to time about the points I have, so read a bit about it, and started using it a bit.
Then I started a savings account with Federal Bank in 2013. Though I had some idea about CC by now, never thought of going for one because of 2 reasons. Firstly, there is the usual middle class mentality, usual myths about credit cards leading to over spends and financial crisis. Secondly, I have had serious dificulties with the banking system in general to start with.
I happen to be blind. And those days banks were even more obnoxious than they are now, when it comes to providing services to people with disabilities. Took me 7 months, and many battles to get my PNB debit card, although I was working in a top national ranked college, with strong educational credentials. Had to approach the Chief Commissioner's Court for Persons with Disabilities, the Ministry of Social Justice and the RBI to get them to act. Everything was made difficult so initially didn't bother beyond the basic services.
Then by 2017, I had started using my Federal DC for all possible transactions where the card option was available, and even though it wasn't and isn't a very rewarding DC, I still could see the value of reward points.
After I got married, my wife who had some BPO experience for UK banking customers, told me about the opportunities and challenges of credit cards. Then when we had to buy a new fridge, there was a Bajaj executive at the shop who was promoting a credit card that had a decent discount option on the card. I wanted to apply for one. After initial formalities, the usual nonsense kicked in, 'we can't issue credit cards to blind people! What if you are cheated by someone?! This is all for your own good! .......'. By now I had enough of this nonsense, decided to really take it on. RBI and IBA, as well as the MSJE had already comeout with guidelines and regulations to ensure non-discrimination against disabled people in accessing banking services, but most banks still were in the previous century.
Federal Bank, with whom I had no problems whatsoever on that front, again promised I could apply for their card and that it can be processed. So I applied, Federal at that time had a co-branded card with SBI. My application was rejected to my surprise by SBI, Federal BM informed me it happened not because of disability, but because I didn't have a credit score. He suggested to convert a small DC transaction into EMI and build a credit score and apply again. I did so, and then applied for an ICICI platinum CC. Same nonsense again, bank refused to process the application, but this time I went all the way to the top, using different platforms. And eventually the top management intervened to reprocess the application, and thus ICICI platinum became my first credit card in 2018.
Then I applied for SBI SimplySave, and got it without drama. Got ICICI AmazonPay without drama in 1 minute. I became a CC enthusiast by 2020, added cards from HDFC, IndusInd, RBL, SCB, and Axis by the end of that year, some with a lot of drama, a few without it. As it stands now, have 15 cards from 13 providers.
The satisfying thing is that the battles I managed to fight, played a small part in making banks and employees a touch more sensitive and aware. More than 1 of my friends, who also happen to be blind, managed to get cards from banks that otherwise were big time harassers, without fuss .
Wrote the long post not to show-off, but because TF is one of the leading credit card/financial communities in the country, and we do have users who also are influential in the banking/CC sector, and if some of them notice the same, it might help someone... I myself received meaningful encouragement from the community a couple of years ago when I had to fight with AU Bank...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Long Post Alert!!!
My first bank account was with SBI when I moved to Delhi for higher studies. Then started a salary account with PNB when I started working. This was back in 2007. Didn't think much about credit cards then. Didn't even use the PNB debit card much to start with. But by 2011, started realizing the benefits of DC rewards as PNB kept sending SMSs from time to time about the points I have, so read a bit about it, and started using it a bit. Then I started a savings account with Federal Bank in 2013. Though I had some idea about CC by now, never thought of going for one because of 2 reasons. Firstly, there is the usual middle class mentality, usual myths about credit cards leading to over spends and financial crisis. Secondly, I have had serious dificulties with the banking system in general to start with. I happen to be blind. And those days banks were even more obnoxious than they are now, when it comes to providing services to people with disabilities. Took me 7 months, and many battles to get my PNB debit card, although I was working in a top national ranked college, with strong educational credentials. Had to approach the Chief Commissioner's Court for Persons with Disabilities, the Ministry of Social Justice and the RBI to get them to act. Everything was made difficult so initially didn't bother beyond the basic services.
Then by 2017, I had started using my Federal DC for all possible transactions where the card option was available, and even though it wasn't and isn't a very rewarding DC, I still could see the value of reward points.
After I got married, my wife who had some BPO experience for UK banking customers, told me about the opportunities and challenges of credit cards. Then when we had to buy a new fridge, there was a Bajaj executive at the shop who was promoting a credit card that had a decent discount option on the card. I wanted to apply for one. After initial formalities, the usual nonsense kicked in, 'we can't issue credit cards to blind people! What if you are cheated by someone?! This is all for your own good! .......'. By now I had enough of this nonsense, decided to really take it on. RBI and IBA, as well as the MSJE had already comeout with guidelines and regulations to ensure non-discrimination against disabled people in accessing banking services, but most banks still were in the previous century. Federal Bank, with whom I had no problems whatsoever on that front, again promised I could apply for their card and that it can be processed. So I applied, Federal at that time had a co-branded card with SBI. My application was rejected to my surprise by SBI, Federal BM informed me it happened not because of disability, but because I didn't have a credit score. He suggested to convert a small DC transaction into EMI and build a credit score and apply again. I did so, and then applied for an ICICI platinum CC. Same nonsense again, bank refused to process the application, but this time I went all the way to the top, using different platforms. And eventually the top management intervened to reprocess the application, and thus ICICI platinum became my first credit card in 2018. Then I applied for SBI SimplySave, and got it without drama. Got ICICI AmazonPay without drama in 1 minute. I became a CC enthusiast by 2020, added cards from HDFC, IndusInd, RBL, SCB, and Axis by the end of that year, some with a lot of drama, a few without it. As it stands now, have 15 cards from 13 providers. The satisfying thing is that the battles I managed to fight, played a small part in making banks and employees a touch more sensitive and aware. More than 1 of my friends, who also happen to be blind, managed to get cards from banks that otherwise were big time harassers, without fuss .
Wrote the long post not to show-off, but because TF is one of the leading credit card/financial communities in the country, and we do have users who also are influential in the banking/CC sector, and if some of them notice the same, it might help someone... I myself received meaningful encouragement from the community a couple of years ago when I had to fight with AU Bank...
This is a great read.
Kudos to you for fighting for what's right!

Would love to know what 15 cards you hold if you'd like to share.
 
Long Post Alert!!!
My first bank account was with SBI when I moved to Delhi for higher studies. Then started a salary account with PNB when I started working. This was back in 2007. Didn't think much about credit cards then. Didn't even use the PNB debit card much to start with. But by 2011, started realizing the benefits of DC rewards as PNB kept sending SMSs from time to time about the points I have, so read a bit about it, and started using it a bit. Then I started a savings account with Federal Bank in 2013. Though I had some idea about CC by now, never thought of going for one because of 2 reasons. Firstly, there is the usual middle class mentality, usual myths about credit cards leading to over spends and financial crisis. Secondly, I have had serious dificulties with the banking system in general to start with. I happen to be blind. And those days banks were even more obnoxious than they are now, when it comes to providing services to people with disabilities. Took me 7 months, and many battles to get my PNB debit card, although I was working in a top national ranked college, with strong educational credentials. Had to approach the Chief Commissioner's Court for Persons with Disabilities, the Ministry of Social Justice and the RBI to get them to act. Everything was made difficult so initially didn't bother beyond the basic services.
Then by 2017, I had started using my Federal DC for all possible transactions where the card option was available, and even though it wasn't and isn't a very rewarding DC, I still could see the value of reward points.
After I got married, my wife who had some BPO experience for UK banking customers, told me about the opportunities and challenges of credit cards. Then when we had to buy a new fridge, there was a Bajaj executive at the shop who was promoting a credit card that had a decent discount option on the card. I wanted to apply for one. After initial formalities, the usual nonsense kicked in, 'we can't issue credit cards to blind people! What if you are cheated by someone?! This is all for your own good! .......'. By now I had enough of this nonsense, decided to really take it on. RBI and IBA, as well as the MSJE had already comeout with guidelines and regulations to ensure non-discrimination against disabled people in accessing banking services, but most banks still were in the previous century. Federal Bank, with whom I had no problems whatsoever on that front, again promised I could apply for their card and that it can be processed. So I applied, Federal at that time had a co-branded card with SBI. My application was rejected to my surprise by SBI, Federal BM informed me it happened not because of disability, but because I didn't have a credit score. He suggested to convert a small DC transaction into EMI and build a credit score and apply again. I did so, and then applied for an ICICI platinum CC. Same nonsense again, bank refused to process the application, but this time I went all the way to the top, using different platforms. And eventually the top management intervened to reprocess the application, and thus ICICI platinum became my first credit card in 2018. Then I applied for SBI SimplySave, and got it without drama. Got ICICI AmazonPay without drama in 1 minute. I became a CC enthusiast by 2020, added cards from HDFC, IndusInd, RBL, SCB, and Axis by the end of that year, some with a lot of drama, a few without it. As it stands now, have 15 cards from 13 providers. The satisfying thing is that the battles I managed to fight, played a small part in making banks and employees a touch more sensitive and aware. More than 1 of my friends, who also happen to be blind, managed to get cards from banks that otherwise were big time harassers, without fuss .
Wrote the long post not to show-off, but because TF is one of the leading credit card/financial communities in the country, and we do have users who also are influential in the banking/CC sector, and if some of them notice the same, it might help someone... I myself received meaningful encouragement from the community a couple of years ago when I had to fight with AU Bank...
Amazing man... We have such incredible people in the TF Community who choose to fight for what’s truly right.
Life is not easy, not easy at all... Some people give up in the face of challenges, but some choose to fight. I salute those brave souls who choose to stand tall and fight.

And this topic, this post—it's not about showoff at all.
These stories genuinely hit us deep and inspire us. They remind us that there are many out there facing far tougher challenges than we are... and yet, they still choose to fight and chase their dreams.

So, why can't we?
This thread is for inspiration—for real people, real struggles, and real victories. 💪🔥
 
Long Post Alert!!!
My first bank account was with SBI when I moved to Delhi for higher studies. Then started a salary account with PNB when I started working. This was back in 2007. Didn't think much about credit cards then. Didn't even use the PNB debit card much to start with. But by 2011, started realizing the benefits of DC rewards as PNB kept sending SMSs from time to time about the points I have, so read a bit about it, and started using it a bit.
Then I started a savings account with Federal Bank in 2013. Though I had some idea about CC by now, never thought of going for one because of 2 reasons. Firstly, there is the usual middle class mentality, usual myths about credit cards leading to over spends and financial crisis. Secondly, I have had serious dificulties with the banking system in general to start with.
I happen to be blind. And those days banks were even more obnoxious than they are now, when it comes to providing services to people with disabilities. Took me 7 months, and many battles to get my PNB debit card, although I was working in a top national ranked college, with strong educational credentials. Had to approach the Chief Commissioner's Court for Persons with Disabilities, the Ministry of Social Justice and the RBI to get them to act. Everything was made difficult so initially didn't bother beyond the basic services.
Then by 2017, I had started using my Federal DC for all possible transactions where the card option was available, and even though it wasn't and isn't a very rewarding DC, I still could see the value of reward points.
After I got married, my wife who had some BPO experience for UK banking customers, told me about the opportunities and challenges of credit cards. Then when we had to buy a new fridge, there was a Bajaj executive at the shop who was promoting a credit card that had a decent discount option on the card. I wanted to apply for one. After initial formalities, the usual nonsense kicked in, 'we can't issue credit cards to blind people! What if you are cheated by someone?! This is all for your own good! .......'. By now I had enough of this nonsense, decided to really take it on. RBI and IBA, as well as the MSJE had already comeout with guidelines and regulations to ensure non-discrimination against disabled people in accessing banking services, but most banks still were in the previous century.
Federal Bank, with whom I had no problems whatsoever on that front, again promised I could apply for their card and that it can be processed. So I applied, Federal at that time had a co-branded card with SBI. My application was rejected to my surprise by SBI, Federal BM informed me it happened not because of disability, but because I didn't have a credit score. He suggested to convert a small DC transaction into EMI and build a credit score and apply again. I did so, and then applied for an ICICI platinum CC. Same nonsense again, bank refused to process the application, but this time I went all the way to the top, using different platforms. And eventually the top management intervened to reprocess the application, and thus ICICI platinum became my first credit card in 2018.
Then I applied for SBI SimplySave, and got it without drama. Got ICICI AmazonPay without drama in 1 minute. I became a CC enthusiast by 2020, added cards from HDFC, IndusInd, RBL, SCB, and Axis by the end of that year, some with a lot of drama, a few without it. As it stands now, have 15 cards from 13 providers.
The satisfying thing is that the battles I managed to fight, played a small part in making banks and employees a touch more sensitive and aware. More than 1 of my friends, who also happen to be blind, managed to get cards from banks that otherwise were big time harassers, without fuss .
Wrote the long post not to show-off, but because TF is one of the leading credit card/financial communities in the country, and we do have users who also are influential in the banking/CC sector, and if some of them notice the same, it might help someone... I myself received meaningful encouragement from the community a couple of years ago when I had to fight with AU Bank...

Amazing man... We have such incredible people in the TF Community who choose to fight for what’s truly right.
Life is not easy, not easy at all... Some people give up in the face of challenges, but some choose to fight. I salute those brave souls who choose to stand tall and fight.

And this topic, this post—it's not about showoff at all.
These stories genuinely hit us deep and inspire us. They remind us that there are many out there facing far tougher challenges than we are... and yet, they still choose to fight and chase their dreams.

So, why can't we?
This thread is for inspiration—for real people, real struggles, and real victories. 💪🔥
@maheshspanicker , Buddy, I have to read story thrice just to double / triple check ✅ and confirm you are not My Professor Friend, almost identical story. Not sure, he is into credit card thing or not, but otherwise more than many similarities and situation.

You shared the issue/journey faced for Credit Card Hunch, but story is more about the the complete EcoSystem around it.
How we perceive, expect and react moreover treat people.
It's just Changing name form disability to Physically challenged....or something beyond.....

But My Friend have out of the box solution/ideas for many things.

He is interested in India's first all blind waiter /staff only restaurant, only few with vision.

I will DM you, he is one of the active contributor / member of the organisation who works really well.

+1, @TechnoFino already mentioned everything.

I am writing just not to praise but to share the message that out of disabled/ challenged people only few like/need sympathy, but MOST of the people are more Live and like to do things at Own.

Concluding remarks: Being Blind, He(Friend) has seen many First day First show in Cinema hall 🎥 📽️ more than us, that too paying the ticket price himself.
 
Last edited:
Long Post Alert!!!
My first bank account was with SBI when I moved to Delhi for higher studies. Then started a salary account with PNB when I started working. This was back in 2007. Didn't think much about credit cards then. Didn't even use the PNB debit card much to start with. But by 2011, started realizing the benefits of DC rewards as PNB kept sending SMSs from time to time about the points I have, so read a bit about it, and started using it a bit.
Then I started a savings account with Federal Bank in 2013. Though I had some idea about CC by now, never thought of going for one because of 2 reasons. Firstly, there is the usual middle class mentality, usual myths about credit cards leading to over spends and financial crisis. Secondly, I have had serious dificulties with the banking system in general to start with.
I happen to be blind. And those days banks were even more obnoxious than they are now, when it comes to providing services to people with disabilities. Took me 7 months, and many battles to get my PNB debit card, although I was working in a top national ranked college, with strong educational credentials. Had to approach the Chief Commissioner's Court for Persons with Disabilities, the Ministry of Social Justice and the RBI to get them to act. Everything was made difficult so initially didn't bother beyond the basic services.
Then by 2017, I had started using my Federal DC for all possible transactions where the card option was available, and even though it wasn't and isn't a very rewarding DC, I still could see the value of reward points.
After I got married, my wife who had some BPO experience for UK banking customers, told me about the opportunities and challenges of credit cards. Then when we had to buy a new fridge, there was a Bajaj executive at the shop who was promoting a credit card that had a decent discount option on the card. I wanted to apply for one. After initial formalities, the usual nonsense kicked in, 'we can't issue credit cards to blind people! What if you are cheated by someone?! This is all for your own good! .......'. By now I had enough of this nonsense, decided to really take it on. RBI and IBA, as well as the MSJE had already comeout with guidelines and regulations to ensure non-discrimination against disabled people in accessing banking services, but most banks still were in the previous century.
Federal Bank, with whom I had no problems whatsoever on that front, again promised I could apply for their card and that it can be processed. So I applied, Federal at that time had a co-branded card with SBI. My application was rejected to my surprise by SBI, Federal BM informed me it happened not because of disability, but because I didn't have a credit score. He suggested to convert a small DC transaction into EMI and build a credit score and apply again. I did so, and then applied for an ICICI platinum CC. Same nonsense again, bank refused to process the application, but this time I went all the way to the top, using different platforms. And eventually the top management intervened to reprocess the application, and thus ICICI platinum became my first credit card in 2018.
Then I applied for SBI SimplySave, and got it without drama. Got ICICI AmazonPay without drama in 1 minute. I became a CC enthusiast by 2020, added cards from HDFC, IndusInd, RBL, SCB, and Axis by the end of that year, some with a lot of drama, a few without it. As it stands now, have 15 cards from 13 providers.
The satisfying thing is that the battles I managed to fight, played a small part in making banks and employees a touch more sensitive and aware. More than 1 of my friends, who also happen to be blind, managed to get cards from banks that otherwise were big time harassers, without fuss .
Wrote the long post not to show-off, but because TF is one of the leading credit card/financial communities in the country, and we do have users who also are influential in the banking/CC sector, and if some of them notice the same, it might help someone... I myself received meaningful encouragement from the community a couple of years ago when I had to fight with AU Bank...
Reading your story reminds me of inspiring words of writer Ramdhari Singh Dinkar:
"खम ठोक ठेलता है जब नर, पर्वत के जाते पांव उखड़,
मानव जब जोर लगाता है, पत्थर पानी बन जाता है।"
🙏🏻
 
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