Credit Cards in India:India has came out of self-binding shackles to look "young" again and the enthusiasm shared by the young work force of the country is driving the economy like never-before. In the present day world, no one wants to be bothered by the presence of huge cash in his or her wallet and the Indians are no exceptions. The unprecedented growth in the number of credit card users has stimulated the Indian economy by a significant extent. The arrival of malls, multiplexes, online shopping stores and shopping complexes have contributed to the growth of the use of plastic cards.
It will not be wrong to say that such a scenario in context of the Indian market is not driven by style statement and is driven more by needs. The benefits of plastic money have offered unmatched ways to create an equilibrium and offer an amicable solution when it comes to purchases and the inability to possess or carry cash. The modern day Indian customers find it more easy to make physical payment (credit card payments) rather than carrying too much cash. The introduction of credit card facilities to pay for mobile, electricity, movie tickets and other related transactions have also contributed to the growth of plastic money in the country.
Best credit cards (India):In context of the Indian market, the leading credit card service providers are ICICI, HDFC, HSBC and Standard Chartered to name a few. These financial institutions have tried their hands on ensuring value-addition while offering customer-friendly credit card deals. The Best credit cards in India are usually meant for specific user group such as women, students and small business owners. These cards are offered to the prospective customers with appealing deals. Statistics have clearly revealed that the number of credit card holders in India are close to 22 million as on January, 2007. It has been also revealed that the increasing consumerism in the country has led to a two-fold increase in the number of credit card transactions from FY 2003-04 to 2005-06. The trends were as favourable as ever in the financial years, FY 2006-07 and 2007-08 and the same is likely to continue in the coming financial years.
Future of credit cards in India:With high and industry-favourable figures as above, there is no doubt that the rise in number of credit card providers and users have come of age. With these positively-influencing trends expected to continue in the near and far-future, the writing is on the wall. The credit card industry is likely to soar more than any industry segment. To add to that, easy and continuous payments' structures with each passing day and with every Bank poised to expand its network, the Indian credit card user community is the biggest beneficiary. The intensifying competition prevalent in the present day Indian credit card market has further fuelled the usage of
credit cards in the country like never-before. In an aim to overpower the peers and to sustain and prosper themselves, the Banks and financial institutions have started cutting down the interest rates and offering lucrative deals.
Tips for prospective or existing credit card holders:A prospective or existing credit card holder must observe carefulness while applying or owning a credit card. The terms and conditions of the credit card agreement must be carefully viewed and understood so that a clear insight can be achieved. This will help a credit card holder to make the best use of the plastic money. The credit card repayments must be made before the due date to avoid attraction of late fee, penalty and surcharge. This can also be done to maintain a smooth flow of business transactions and ensuring one's credit stability and visibility in the plastic money market.
