The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

    Slice temporarily stops users' cards to adhere to RBI's digital lending rules

    Synopsis

    Fintech startup Slice has communicated to customers that it would stop operation of its cards temporarily next month, as it transitions to a new system.

    ETtech
    In order to adhere to the Reserve Bank of India’s new guidelines on digital lending, fintech startup Slice has communicated to customers that it would stop operation of its cards temporarily next month, as it transitions to a new system.

    Slice has asked users to open a prepaid account that will be linked to its cards.

    Elevate Your Tech Prowess with High-Value Skill Courses

    Offering CollegeCourseWebsite
    IIT DelhiCertificate Programme in Data Science & Machine LearningVisit
    Indian School of BusinessISB Product ManagementVisit
    Indian School of BusinessProfessional Certificate in Product ManagementVisit
    The country's banking regulator had announced new rules on August 10 for third-party platforms, such as prepaid payment instruments (PPIs) like wallets and cards which issue credit products. It has set November 30 as the deadline for the platforms to adhere to the new guidelines.

    “To ensure a smooth transition, we will temporarily block your card during November. We will notify you in advance in the Slice app when we upgrade you to the all-new experience before November end,” Slice wrote in an email to its customers.

    It said customers would be able to open a Slice mini prepaid account, where they could add and withdraw money.

    Slice, backed by Tiger Global, is not the first company to deactivate credit cards. In August, fintech startup Uni, which offers buy-now-pay-later solutions, temporarily stopped servicing its existing card users.

    Slice also informed users about Slice Borrow — a feature through which users can access loans. “Just enter the amount and a couple of clicks later…the money is in your account. The amount you can borrow depends on your purchase power. A flat fee will be charged for each borrowing. You can pay in 1 month with 0 interest, or split your repayment up to 12 months with interest,” it said.

    In July, ETtech reported that Slice's ongoing fundraising had been put on hold following the RBI's June circular barring PPIs from loading credit lines.
    The Economic Times

    Stories you might be interested in