Many customers are worried if banks can demand payment of outstanding amounts, including joining fees if a credit card is issued but not activated from the customer's end. Several customers have raised such grievances on platform X saying, they have not activated their credit card, but banks ask them to pay the outstanding amount which is the joining fee if they want to close the card. Some ask for a late payment fine which is accrued on the outstanding amount. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has provided a comprehensive clarification in its latest Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) release. You can only be charged any late payment fees or joining fees if your card is activated. So what constitutes card activation?