The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has imposed a limit on the number of bank cards that one user can hold.

The restriction applies to both physical and virtual co-branded cards. Exceptions are made for cards issued in foreign currency.

Under the regulations, banks are required to block the cards of individual clients that have not been used for transactions over the past 12 months. Additionally, the bank must notify the cardholder prior to the blockage.

The regulator stated that this measure aims to prevent fraud and minimize the risks associated with the use of bank cards in suspicious schemes.

At the end of November, the Central Bank announced its intention to implement similar restrictions following the discovery of fraudulent use of cards issued in large quantities to individuals, often without the owners' knowledge.

According to the Central Bank, as of November 1, 2024, there were over 54.9 million bank cards in circulation, and by early December, this number exceeded 56.9 million.

The new regulations will be effective from January 1 to December 31, 2025, and are intended exclusively for internal use by commercial banks.