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Submit your complaint →Deloitte Senior Consultant Aayush Eklavya accuses RBL Bank of false advertising after being charged ₹3,000 annual fee immediately on first transaction, contrary to the Nil Joining Fee promise.
Author & Complaint Details
RBL Bank Accused of Hidden Credit Card Charges — Customer Alleges Misleading Terms on “World Safari” Card
| Complainant Name | Aayush Eklavya |
|---|---|
| Profession | Senior Consultant at Deloitte |
| Platform Source | LinkedIn Public Post |
| Company/Bank | RBL Bank |
| Product/Service | RBL World Safari Credit Card |
| Complaint Type | Misleading Advertisement / Hidden Charges |
| Date of Incident | October 2025 |
| Card Application Date | June 2025 |
| Issue | ₹3,000 Membership Fee + GST charged immediately after first transaction, despite “Nil Joining Fee for first year” promise |
| Customer Action | Contacted customer care, filed complaint; plans to escalate to RBI Ombudsman |
Summary of the Complaint
Aayush Eklavya, a Senior Consultant at Deloitte, has publicly accused RBL Bank of misleading and unfair credit card practices related to its RBL World Safari Credit Card.
According to Aayush, the card was advertised with:
“Nil Joining Fee and ₹3,000 Annual Fee applicable after one year.”
However, after making just one transaction on the card, his October 2025 credit card statement reflected an Annual Membership Fee plus GST, charged immediately.
When he contacted RBL Bank customer care, the representatives allegedly told him:
“The annual fee is charged after the first transaction.”
This, according to the complainant, completely contradicts the card’s stated terms, and he describes the behavior as false advertising and financial misrepresentation.
He further stated his intention to escalate the issue to the RBI Ombudsman, highlighting that such practices undermine consumer trust and transparency in India’s financial sector.
Alleged Violations
The issue raises serious concerns under:
- RBI’s Fair Practices Code for Lenders – which mandates clear, transparent, and non-misleading disclosure of all fees and charges.
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019 – which prohibits deceptive advertisements and hidden costs.
- RBI Master Circular on Credit Card Operations (2022) – which requires banks to explicitly inform customers about annual/joining fees and timing of charge application before issuance.
How Choice4Voice.com Can Help
Choice4Voice.com helps consumers like Aayush Eklavya in cases of misleading bank practices by:
- Publishing verified consumer complaints to raise awareness and media attention.
- Providing escalation pathways to the RBI Ombudsman, Consumer Forum, and Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI).
- Drafting legally sound complaint letters for banks and regulators.
- Tracking brand responses for transparency and accountability.
Legal Remedies Available
| Authority | Purpose | Action |
|---|---|---|
| RBI Ombudsman | Misleading credit card charges | File a detailed complaint on https://cms.rbi.org.in |
| Consumer Forum (District) | Compensation for hidden charges and mental harassment | File complaint under Sec. 2(47) of CPA, 2019 |
| ASCI (Advertising Standards Council of India) | False or misleading promotional claims | Submit evidence of promotional ads for investigation |
Step-by-Step Complaint Escalation Guide
- Write to RBL Bank’s Nodal Grievance Officer at nodalofficer@rblbank.com with transaction details and promotional screenshots.
- Wait for 30 days for bank response.
- If unresolved, file a complaint with RBI Ombudsman under “Mis-selling or Misrepresentation in Credit Card Operations.”
- Optionally, lodge a complaint with the Consumer Forum for refund and damages.
- Send a copy of the complaint to ASCI if misleading advertisements are still live online.
Sample RBI Complaint Draft
Subject: Misleading Credit Card Terms – RBL World Safari Card Annual Fee Charged Prematurely
Dear RBI Ombudsman,
I applied for the RBL World Safari Credit Card in June 2025 based on RBL’s official advertisement stating “Nil Joining Fee and ₹3,000 annual fee after one year.” However, my October 2025 statement shows an annual fee plus GST charged immediately after the first transaction.
RBL’s customer care informed me this is “as per policy,” which contradicts the public offer. This constitutes misrepresentation and unfair trade practice, violating RBI’s credit card operation guidelines.
I request full reversal of the charge, refund of GST, and a written apology from RBL Bank.
Sincerely,
Aayush Eklavya
Possible Legal Sections Applicable
- Section 2(47), Consumer Protection Act, 2019 – Unfair Trade Practices
- Section 21, Consumer Protection Act, 2019 – Misleading Advertisement
- RBI Master Direction DBR.No.FSD.BC.18/24.01.009/2016-17 – Transparency in Credit Card Charges
RBI Circular Reference
Circular: RBI/2022-23/78 – Master Direction on Credit Card and Debit Card – Issuance and Conduct
Clause: Banks must provide customers with written and explicit details of all fees before activation.
Violation: Charging annual fee without disclosure qualifies as “mis-selling.”
Tips for All RBL Credit Card Holders
- Always take a screenshot of promotional terms before applying.
- Check for hidden clauses in the Most Important Terms & Conditions (MITC).
- Report misleading fee deductions directly to RBI CMS Portal.
- Avoid transacting on a new card until fee structure is confirmed in writing.
- If the first-year fee is waived, ensure this is reflected on the first statement.
Questions & Answers
Q1. Why did RBL Bank charge me an annual fee after one transaction?
RBL claims it charges after first use, but if the card was advertised as “Nil Joining Fee,” this is misleading and should be contested.
Q2. What can I do if RBL charged me a wrong annual fee?
Email RBL’s nodal officer and, if unresolved, file a complaint with RBI Ombudsman.
Q3. How can I contact RBL Bank grievance redressal?
Email: nodalofficer@rblbank.com
Q4. What is RBI’s rule on credit card fee transparency?
Banks must clearly disclose joining and annual fees before card issuance.
Q5. Can RBL charge GST on a wrongly levied fee?
No, GST should only apply to legitimate fees; disputed charges can be reversed fully.
Q6. What evidence should I collect to support my case?
Screenshots of the offer, email confirmations, and your card statement.
Q7. Is misrepresentation by a bank punishable?
Yes, under Consumer Protection Act, banks can be fined and ordered to compensate.
Q8. Can I cancel my RBL credit card without paying the wrong charge?
Yes, but only after raising a dispute in writing and obtaining confirmation.
Q9. How do I file a case against RBL in Consumer Court?
Through https://consumerhelpline.gov.in with supporting documents.
Q10. Does the RBI refund such charges directly?
No, but it directs the bank to reverse the fees if found guilty.
Q11. How long does the Ombudsman process take?
Usually 30–45 days after submission.
Q12. What is the maximum compensation under RBI Ombudsman?
Up to ₹20 lakhs for financial loss and ₹1 lakh for harassment.
Q13. Can banks change annual fee policy after issuing the card?
No, fee terms at issuance are binding for that card cycle.
Q14. What should I mention in my complaint?
All key details: card name, issue date, transaction date, statement copy, and screenshots.
Q15. What if the customer care closes my ticket without resolution?
You can escalate directly to the nodal officer or RBI CMS portal.
Q16. Are RBL Bank cards known for hidden charges?
Several users have raised similar complaints online — always verify terms before use.
Q17. What is the RBI CMS complaint link?
https://cms.rbi.org.in
Q18. How can I ensure such issues don’t happen again?
Always check card MITC before activation and take written confirmation.
Q19. Can I claim compensation for mental harassment?
Yes, under Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Q20. How can Choice4Voice.com assist me?
By publishing your case, drafting escalation letters, and guiding RBI complaint filing.
Complainant: Aayush Eklavya
Advocacy Partner: Choice4Voice.com – India’s Leading Consumer Rights Platform for Banking & Financial Misconduct
