RBI looks at rationalising debit card transaction rate for merchants -Governance Now

RBI looks at rationalising debit card transaction rate for merchants

Recent developments have given a fillip to electronic transactions including card payments even at smaller merchant establishments

GN Bureau | February 17, 2017

#Reserve Bank of India #RBI #Debit Cards #Banking

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has sought public feedback the draft circular on rationalisation of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for debit card transactions.

MDR is the rate charged to a merchant by a bank for providing debit and credit card services. The rate is determined based on factors such as volume, average ticket price, risk and industry.

Read: Two counts of failure

An RBI circular said that recent developments have given a fillip to electronic transactions including card payments even at smaller merchant establishments. Keeping this in mind, for encouraging a wider segment of merchants to accept card payments, consultations were held with stakeholders for rationalising the MDR structure for debit card transactions.

“This draft circular is the culmination of these discussions and seeks a shift from the present slab-rate MDR based on transaction value to merchant turnover based MDR structure, for which merchants have been suitably categorised. Further, a differential MDR structure for asset light card acceptance infrastructure like QR Code, special merchant categories for government transactions and other transactions involving non-discretionary expenses have also been proposed. Banks are free to set the MDR below the regulatory caps indicated for each category.”

Read: Demonetisation is a major driver that is forcing people towards digital payments: Nasscom president

In March 2016, a concept paper was published on RBI website that spelt out various options for rationalisation of MDR structure along with strategies to enhance card acceptance infrastructure in the country. Further, on December 16, 2016, special measures pertaining to MDR on debit card transactions were introduced for a three month period from January 01, 2017 to March 31, 2017, wherein it was indicated that the framework for charges on electronic transactions will be reviewed in consultation with the stakeholders as it is imperative to formulate a longer term MDR structure while assessing costs incurred in card acquiring business.

Earlier, in June 2012, a regulatory cap was put in place on MDR for debit card transactions on ad-valorem basis.

Read: RBI’s draft circular - Rationalisation of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for debit card transactions

Comments

Other News

Here’s an I.D.E.A. for career growth and success

Success in today’s professional organisation is no longer solely determined by academic qualifications, technical expertise or years of experience. While these attributes do matter, organisations increasingly value individuals who demonstrate the right mindset and behavioural qualities. The ability

PM interacts with CEOs, founders of space startups

Prime minister Narendra Modi interacted with CEOs and Founders of 20 Space Startups at Seva Teerth on Friday. CEOs of leading companies in the space sector working in diverse fields ranging from building rockets and reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicles, avionics, satelli

From one cow to a dairy business

In 2012, Anita Dash wasn`t dreaming of building a dairy brand. She wasn`t studying business models or planning market expansion. Like countless mothers across India, her focus was on something much simpler: giving her children a better future. At the time, her most valuable

Ethanol blending: The two sides of a story

India`s crude oil consumption is estimated to be around 88.5% imported from abroad. This one single figure is also responsible for why ethanol has become both an economic strategy and fuel policy at the same time. In an economy like India, which depends so heavily on foreign oil, any increase in internat

Food inflation: Not a macroeconomic statistic but a developmental indicator

India`s retail inflation shows a reassuring picture at first glance. According to the latest data, Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation edged up to 4.38% in June 2026 from 3.93% in May 2026, but continued to remain within the Reserve Bank of India`s (RBI) target band of 4% (+/- 2%). However, beneath this

Skin in the game or masterful market timing?

When a company founder opens their personal chequebook to buy shares in their own business, stock markets usually applaud. To the average retail investor, it feels like the ultimate vote of confidence, a sign that the people running the show have real skin in the game and believe brighter days are ahead.