Limit on the number of bank cards issued to one citizen

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan recently announced the introduction of a new limit on the number of bank cards issued to individuals. As of January 1 of this year, the limit is set at five cards per individual per bank and 20 cards across all banks, according to sources from QALAMPIR.UZ.

Under the new regulation, banks can issue up to five cards to a single individual at one bank, and up to 20 cards across all financial institutions. This policy also applies to virtual and co-badged cards.

The Central Bank explained that the measure is being implemented to prevent fraudulent activities involving bank cards and to reduce the risk of individuals' accounts being used in illicit schemes.

It was also clarified that this restriction does not apply to bank cards issued in foreign currencies.

As of the latest data, nearly 97 percent (22 million) of individuals with bank cards hold up to five cards, while 3 percent (770,000) possess between five and 20 cards. Only 0.03 percent, or around 7,000 individuals, have more than 20 cards.

The Central Bank's investigation into the large number of bank cards issued in individual names revealed that many of these cards—often without the cardholder's knowledge—were being exploited for fraudulent purposes.