The People’s Bank Classic Credit Card is a basic entry-level card issued by People’s Bank in Sri Lanka.
In this guide, you will see the main features, costs, eligibility rules, and how you can apply step by step.
Overview of the People’s Bank Classic Credit Card
The People’s Bank Classic Credit Card is designed for everyday local and international use.
You can use it for in-store purchases, online payments, bill payments, and emergencies.
The relatively modest credit limit helps you avoid excessive debt while still giving you flexibility.
The card works with People’s Bank’s digital channels, including internet banking and the bank’s mobile services.
Key Features and Benefits
This card focuses on everyday convenience and simple control over your spending.
As a cardholder, you can access merchant offers and promotions at different times of the year.
You can also convert selected purchases into installment plans, subject to the bank’s campaign terms.
Supplementary cards are available for eligible family members, sharing the same main credit limit.
Bill payment is flexible
You can pay through online banking, mobile channels, cash deposit machines, standing orders, or over the counter at branches.
You receive SMS alerts for transactions, which helps you track spending and spot unauthorised activity quickly.
Online payments are protected by 3D Secure services for added security. You can request e-statements instead of paper statements.
Fees, Interest Rates and Credit Limits
Interest on cash advances is charged from the date of withdrawal, so you should only use this option when necessary.
- The annual interest rate for standard retail transactions and cash advances is typically around 26% per annum.
- For cards issued against fixed deposits or savings, a reduced rate of around 22% per annum may apply.
- The minimum payment is usually 5% of the total outstanding or LKR 200, whichever is higher.
- If you miss the due date, a late payment fee is charged, commonly 5% of the minimum payment or a fixed amount such as LKR 900, whichever is higher.
- Cash advances come with a cash advance fee, often 3.5% of the withdrawal amount or a minimum of LKR 500.
For the Classic card product itself, the typical structure includes:
- Joining fee – primary card: around LKR 1,000
- Joining fee – supplementary card: around LKR 750
- Annual fee – primary card: around LKR 1,500
- Annual fee – supplementary card: around LKR 750
- Credit limit: up to LKR 99,000
- Cash advance limit: generally 50% of the assigned credit limit
These figures can be revised by the bank from time to time.
Eligibility and Required Documents
To qualify for a People’s Bank Classic Credit Card, you generally need to be a Sri Lankan citizen aged between 18 and 65.
The bank will evaluate your income, employment status, and credit history. S
alaried employees, self-employed individuals, and business owners can apply, subject to the bank’s internal policies.
Typical documents requested include:
- Completed credit card application form
- Copy of valid National Identity Card, driving licence, or passport
- For salaried applicants: recent payslips (often the last two months) and a service certificate from your employer
- For self-employed or business owners: business registration documents and proof of income or established account history
- Address verification, such as a recent utility bill
The bank may request extra information, especially if your income profile is complex or if additional verification is needed.
Final approval, the specific limit assigned, and the type of card (Visa or Mastercard) are always at the bank’s discretion.
How to Apply for the People’s Bank Classic Credit Card
You can apply either through a branch or by sending your documents to the card unit.
Get the application form
Visit any People’s Bank branch and ask for the credit card application form in your preferred language (English, Sinhala, or Tamil).
Many customers can also download the form from the bank’s official channels and print it.
Prepare your documents
Fill in the application form carefully.
Attach clear copies of your NIC or passport, salary slips or income proof, business registration if applicable, and a recent utility bill.
Double-check that names, addresses, and signatures match across all documents.
Wait for processing and approval
The bank will review your application, verify your employment, check your credit history, and decide on a limit.
If approved, your Classic card will be issued and either delivered to a branch for collection or sent to you as instructed.
You will then receive instructions on how to activate the card and set your PIN.
Using the Classic Card Responsibly
Because the annual interest rate is relatively high at around 26%, carrying a large balance over many months will be expensive.
Try to pay your full statement balance whenever possible so you avoid or reduce interest charges.
If you cannot pay in full, pay more than the minimum 5% to bring the balance down faster.
Stay comfortably below your credit limit of up to LKR 99,000 to reduce the risk of exceeding the limit.
Contact Information for People’s Bank
People’s Bank – Head Office (People’s Tower): People’s Tower, No. 374, Dr. Colvin R. De Silva Mawatha Colombo 2 Sri Lanka
Telephone (general): +94 11 248 1481
Call Centre (short code within Sri Lanka): 1961
General e-mail: info@peoplesbank.lk
Conclusion
The People’s Bank Classic Credit Card is a simple option if you want a modest limit and basic credit card features from a major local bank.
You get access to Visa or Mastercard acceptance, merchant offers, instalment plans, and standard security tools like SMS alerts and 3D Secure.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and you are comfortable with the current tariff, this card can be a practical first step.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, a recommendation, or an offer from People’s Bank or any other institution. All fees, interest rates, limits, addresses, and phone numbers mentioned here may change without prior notice, and conditions may vary by customer profile. You must verify all current details directly with People’s Bank through its official channels before applying for the People’s Bank Classic Credit Card or making any financial decision.
