The Central Bank can amend the card limit for each bank holder

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan is considering relaxing the current limit on the number of bank cards issued to a single client. This was announced by Central Bank Chairman Timur Ishmetov at a press conference on September 11, “Gazeta.uz” reports.

At the beginning of the year, a one-year temporary restriction was introduced. Now we are also considering changing the restrictions by strengthening the compliance system. This issue, in my opinion, can also be considered. I don’t see any problems, — he said.

Ishmetov also commented on the issue of introducing remote bank card closure — now you can open a card online, but you need to personally visit the bank to close it.

Now I can’t say for sure whether such a plan exists. But I don’t see any problems with remote card closing. I think it will be good. We can work on this topic with specialists, — the head of the regulator noted.

Earlier, it was reported that the restriction on the number of cards per person in Uzbekistan will be in effect from January 1 to December 31, 2025: cards for which no operations have been carried out for 12 months will be blocked.

One individual (for one PINI) can have a maximum of 5 cards in one bank and up to 20 cards in all banks, including virtual and co-badged cards. This requirement does not apply to bank cards opened in foreign currency.

The Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank, Behzod Khamraev, noted that the number of bank cards that citizens can open for one passport in the country is not regulated by law. Some active citizens sometimes open even a hundred cards.

Recall that Uzbekistanis complained about difficulties opening bank cards after reaching the limit. Even after blocking existing cards, citizens still have to face bureaucracy.

In many banks, it’s impossible to close unnecessary cards remotely, in some there are no application forms, and employees don’t know how to close the card. In some cases, after submitting the application, there is no feedback — clients don’t understand whether the card is closed or not.

I had 40+ cards. To close, I had to go everywhere in person. But the cards were closed, and the bills were not closed. I had to write a complaint through the portal to close the accounts too. After that, movements began. But even then — uncertainty remained: is everything closed? You need to request a certificate from every bank. Otherwise, you won’t be able to verify it, — one of the respondents said.

The restriction applies only to local cards, but not to international payment system cards.