Big Changes from July: From Credit Cards to Train Tickets – 10+ Rules That Could Impact Your Daily Life

With July 1, 2025, marking the start of the year’s second half, a new set of regulatory changes has come into effect—some subtle, others more significant. These updates could impact everything from how you file your taxes and pay with UPI to what you spend on essentials like gas and credit card services.

Whether you’re a salaried professional, a frequent digital spender, or a small business owner, here are the 10 major rule changes now in effect—and why they matter to you.

1. Credit Card Payments Must Now Go Through BBPS

The Reserve Bank of India now mandates that all credit card bill payments be routed through the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS). Apps like CRED, PhonePe, and BillDesk will now follow BBPS protocols, which may impact transaction timelines and processing.

2. Aadhaar Now Mandatory for New PAN Card Applications

New PAN applications must be linked with Aadhaar. Alternative ID documents are no longer accepted.

Deadline for existing PAN holders to link Aadhaar: December 31, 2025.

3. Commercial LPG Cylinder Prices Reduced Again

LPG prices for commercial cylinders have been reduced for the fourth straight month:

• Delhi: ₹58.5 down
• Kolkata: ₹57 down
• Mumbai: ₹58 down
• Chennai: ₹57.5 down

This offers relief to businesses in hospitality and food service sectors.

4. Faster UPI Chargeback Resolution

Banks can now directly reprocess UPI chargeback claims without needing NPCI approval.

This change improves turnaround time for dispute resolution and reduces banking delays.

5. Train Reservation Charts Released 8 Hours Before Departure

Indian Railways has extended the final chart preparation window from 4 hours to 8 hours before train departure.

E.g., For a 1 PM train, charts will be ready by 5 AM or even 8 PM the previous night—giving more time for passengers to check status.

6. GST Return Filing Rules Tightened

Key updates to GSTR-3B filing:

No editing after submission

Returns older than 3 years cannot be filed

This move encourages timely compliance and prevents misuse.

7. Jet Fuel Prices Increased—Airfares May Rise

Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices jumped 7.5% across major metros:

• Delhi: ₹89,344.05/kl
• Mumbai: ₹85,946.50/kl
• Chennai: ₹86,602.49/kl

This may lead to higher airfares, especially on domestic routes.

8. Aadhaar Verification Mandatory for Tatkal Train Tickets (from July 15)

Starting July 15, Aadhaar-based verification becomes mandatory for Tatkal bookings, both online and offline.

Also, two-factor authentication (via OTP) will be introduced for all railway bookings.

9. ITR Filing Deadline Extended to September 15

The Income Tax Return (ITR) filing deadline for salaried taxpayers has been extended from July 31 to September 15, 2025.

Extra time is helpful, but experts recommend filing early to avoid system congestion.

10. Major Credit Card Rule Changes by Leading Banks

SBI Credit Cards

Air accident insurance removed from premium cards like SBI Elite

New Minimum Amount Due (MAD) formula introduced

HDFC Bank Credit Cards

1% fee (max ₹4,999) on:

Rent payments

Online gaming over ₹10,000

Utility bills over ₹50,000/month

Wallet top-ups above ₹10,000

ICICI Bank Credit Cards

ATM usage:

ICICI ATMs: First 5 free, then ₹23/transaction

Non-ICICI: 3 free (metro), 5 free (non-metro); charges after that

International ATMs: ₹125 withdrawal, ₹25 inquiry, 3.5% forex markup

IMPS Transfers: ₹2.5–₹15

Cash Deposits:

First 3 CRM deposits/month free

After that: ₹150 per transaction

Over ₹1 lakh/month: ₹150 or ₹3.5 per ₹1,000 (whichever is higher)