India’s credit card industry witnessed a noticeable slowdown in the second quarter of FY26. While total cards in circulation continue to rise, the pace of new card issuance and overall credit growth has weakened significantly compared to last year. This shift signals a more cautious approach by banks and changing spending behaviour among consumers.
Credit Card Issuance: Q2 FY26 vs Q2 FY25
The difference between Q2 FY25 and Q2 FY26 clearly highlights how the market has cooled over the past year.
Key Reasons Behind the Decline in Credit Card Issuance
Tighter Lending Norms
Banks have become more selective while approving new credit cards. Income verification norms, credit score requirements, and internal risk checks have become stricter to reduce future defaults.
Slower Consumer Credit Growth
High interest rates and inflationary pressures have made consumers cautious. Many users are avoiding discretionary spending and focusing on essentials, reducing demand for unsecured credit.
Focus on Asset Quality
Instead of rapid expansion, banks are prioritising portfolio stability. This has resulted in fewer approvals but better repayment behaviour among existing cardholders.
Shift Towards Digital Payment Alternatives
UPI and other instant payment methods continue to replace credit cards for daily transactions. This reduces card usage volumes, especially for low-ticket spends.
How This Impacts Credit Card Users in 2026
- New credit card approvals may take longer
- Higher importance of good credit scores and stable income
- Fewer lifetime-free offers and aggressive welcome benefits
- More spend-based rewards and lounge access rules
- Existing users may see tighter reward caps and revised fees
What Banks Are Likely to Do Next
Banks are expected to focus on:
- Premium and high-spend customers
- Co-branded and travel-focused credit cards
- Spend-linked rewards instead of unconditional benefits
- Controlled expansion instead of mass issuance
This approach helps lenders balance growth with risk management in a slowing credit environment.
Final Thoughts
The decline in credit card issuance during Q2 FY26 reflects a broader shift in India’s consumer credit landscape. While credit cards remain an important payment tool, the era of easy approvals and rapid expansion appears to be slowing. For users, this means responsible usage, timely repayments, and strong financial profiles will play a key role in accessing better credit card benefits going forward.