HDFC Bank is issuing Rupay Card by default instead of Visa/MasterCard

[dejan]

The branch where my account is in is not ready to give me a MASTER/VISA card in replacement for my RuPay card. I consider MASTER/VISA variant to be premium as it can be used internationally and is based in the U.S. Is there any way I can get it from elsewhere or from any other branch? I tried calling customer care and they said my only option is to upgrade to a platinum debit card which is 750 + taxes. Any help?

 

[mhsabir]

Strange. From when has Rupay become the primary. I thought they always used to give Visa/MasterCard by default.

 

[Sushubh]

sahi. forced plastic currency on us. jai bharat.

 

[mhsabir]

I am actually surprised they said 750+taxes for that. Used to be 100+taxes. I actually have an ATM card which comes for free & it seems to be a Mastercard as it starts with 5. Havent tried using it online though

 

[Sushubh]

most banks have two debit cards. one is usually the basic one that costs around 250 bucks plus taxes these days. then there is the premium card that costs around 850 bucks plus taxes.

regular card has a lower daily withdrawal limit. premium card has a higher limit and might include some extras like discounted deals in some restaurants and other stuff.

i am assuming that the rupay card given to OP was free of cost? if not, he should just get ready to pay for the premium debit or move to a better bank :\

atm cards usually do not work outside the atm machines. though mastercard or visa branding might allow for some retail support? hard to say. i have not seen a purely atm card in many many years.

 

[dextermorgan]

Whats wrong with Rupay? They can also be used for international transactions.

 

[Sushubh]

i am guessing it is just not accepted as widely as visa/mastercard. i would not like to own a card that is exclusively rupay myself.

 

[mhsabir]

I guess it should be ok for someone who is using it only on Indian sites or even just using it as an ATM card or some local purchases only...

 

[dejan]

• Rupay Debit Card can be used at ATMs, merchant outlets in India and Indian websites only. To get a Debit Card that can be used internationally, please visit the nearest branch and request for a Visa / MasterCard Debit Card.

It doesn't work with Paypal

 

[Sushubh]

i wonder if the government has made it mandatory for banks to offer rupay as the default basic card on new accounts

there have been indication that they want rupay to become a competitive player in the market and become the standard at least domestically.

it's stupid really. another reason why a global currency is the need of the hour.