Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan publishes guidance on responsible credit card use

The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan published consumer guidance on using credit cards to avoid unnecessary costs and manage financial risks, focusing on repaying borrowed funds on time and using cards appropriately for purchases. The note highlights that the key cost driver is failing to repay within the grace period, which it describes as typically 30 to 60 days and interest-free only if the full amount is repaid before the period ends. It advises avoiding cash withdrawals and card-to-card transfers from credit cards, as banks may charge commissions and often apply interest immediately without a grace period. The guidance also points to using cashback and bonus programmes while checking eligibility conditions, strengthening card security (not sharing details, using strong PINs/passwords, enabling transaction alerts, paying only on trusted sites, and promptly blocking a lost card), and planning large purchases early in the billing cycle to maximise interest-free repayment time. It directs readers to Fingramota.kz for additional educational materials.