Can't use debit card or credit card for online transactions if you don't do this (2024)

Every new debit and credit card now comes with a card transaction control limit toggled off at the time of its issuance. This means that the respective debit or credit card cannot be used for any online or offline transactions without first enabling the said option (card controls) in the bank's transaction control system through net banking, mobile app, or at the branch.

"These changes (card controls) were designed to enhance the security of card transactions and give users more control over how their cards are used. Under the new guidelines, card users can now choose whether to opt in or out of payment modes such as international transactions, online purchases, and contactless payments, set spending limits for different types of transactions, and decide whether they want to allow their cards to be used for domestic or international transactions," says Sajish Pillai, MD & Head - Assets and Strategic Alliances, Consumer Banking Group, DBS Bank India.

How to activate a debit card or credit card for online usage

The card control mechanism is switched off by default whenever a new debit card or credit card is issued. This means that the said debit or credit card cannot be used anywhere online or offline without switching the transaction controls on. To enable the card control mechanism, one needs to go to their bank's mobile app/net banking/portal to enable the transaction limits mechanism.

"Card control mechanisms allow customers to enable or disable specific card functionalities, such as international transactions or online and contactless payments through their mobile banking app. This ensures that they have control over their card's usage," says Pillai.

In case an individual has forgotten to enable their card control mechanism before going out of state and cannot use the bank's net banking or mobile banking app due to any issues like a broken Internet connection, etc., then they can also visit their bank's branch in any state in India to enable or disable card transaction limits

Also read: How to reactivate a bank account if its suspended due to not updating re-KYC.

Here's how to switch the transaction controls on for some banks on the mobile app:

How to activate my Kotak Mahindra debit card or credit for online transactions

a) Open the Kotak Mahindra Bank's mobile app and log in using your CRN and MPIN.

b) Once done scroll down and find a section called 'cards'. Then click on either the credit card or debit card/spendz card button.
c) After that, a menu will open and it will have a button called 'Card Controls'. Click on it.
d) By default, the 'card status' (master button) button will be off. Click on it to switch it on.

e) In the next step, switch on the mode of transaction that you want to use such as domestic and international controls (ATM, ECOM/online, POS/store, etc.).

How to activate my Axis Bank debit card or credit for online transactions

a) Axis Bank customers can go to the Axis mobile app and log in using their MPIN.
b) Once logged in, click on the 'More' button at the bottom.
c) A new page will open and here you need to click on the 'Services' option.
d) Then click on the 'Debit Cards' option. After that, a new page will open. There will be an option called 'Manage Usage', click on it.
e) Then a new page will open and it will have two groups of options- Domestic and International. Within each of the groups (Domestic/International), there will be little boxes such as ATM Withdrawal, Contactless, E-commerce (Online), and POS. On each of the little boxes, you will have to click and increase or decrease the monetary transaction limit.

How to activate my DBS Bank debit card or credit for online transactions

a) DBS Bank customers must open their Digibank mobile banking app and log in using a password.
b) Once logged in, click on the menu button which is in the top left-hand corner.
c) You will see the 'My Account' option here. Click on it.
d) Inside the 'My Account' option, click on the 'Debit Card' option. A page titled 'Manage Debit Card' will open. Now you have to click a button called 'Card Use Settings'.

So, debit card or credit card holders can go to their respective banks' Internet Banking websites or mobile applications and switch on the options to use their cards online or international transactions.