In a country where most people struggle to manage two or three credit cards, one man from Hyderabad, Manish Dhameja, has taken his passion to a global level. He holds an unbelievable 1,638 valid credit cards, earning him a spot in the Guinness World Records.
Yes, you read that right — not expired, not duplicate, but valid credit cards that are in active circulation.
The Guinness World Record
Manish Dhameja achieved this world record on 30 April 2021 in Hyderabad, Telangana. His collection — neatly stacked, categorized, and still functional — is officially recognized as the largest collection of valid credit cards in the world.
According to Guinness World Records, no one has come close to this number so far.
“My Life Was Incomplete Without Credit Cards”
For most of us, credit cards are a financial tool. For Manish, they’re a lifestyle.
“I think my life was incomplete without credit cards. I just love them,” he said in his interview. His passion started out of curiosity — but soon turned into an obsession with exploring the perks, benefits, and reward programs offered by different banks.
From travel vouchers and complimentary spa sessions to hotel stays, flight tickets, golf sessions, and shopping rewards, he has mastered the art of maximizing every credit card feature available in India.
Why He Loves Credit Cards
Manish explains that credit cards are not just about spending — they’re about strategy.
By reaching spending milestones and leveraging reward points, airmiles, and cashback, he earns exclusive perks and upgrades.
Here’s what he enjoys the most through his cards:
✅ Complimentary airport and railway lounge access
✅ Free domestic flight tickets and hotel stays
✅ Cashback and shopping vouchers
✅ Complimentary movie tickets and dining offers
✅ Priority services and travel upgrades
In his words, “I collect them for travel perks, hotel stays, and cashback rewards.”
The image and content have been taken from the viral post on social media.
How Demonetisation Shaped His Journey
Manish vividly recalls 8 November 2016, the day India announced the demonetisation of ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes. While the country queued up at ATMs and banks for new currency, Manish was already ahead of the curve.
“That time, credit cards played an important role in my life. I didn’t have to rush to banks for cash. I was just enjoying spending digitally through my credit cards,” he shared.
This experience made him realise the true power of digital payments — a turning point that transformed his curiosity into a full-blown pursuit of credit card mastery.
Managing 1,638 Cards — But How?
Here’s what surprises most people — how does he remember all the PINs and passwords?
Manish says it’s not as hard as it looks. He uses a meticulous system to organize his cards by issuer, category, and benefit type. Each card serves a different purpose — some for travel, some for groceries, and some just for milestone bonuses.
Every card is maintained properly to keep it active and valid. He even pays off each bill on time, ensuring his credit score remains flawless.
What People Are Saying on Social Media
When the post about his achievement surfaced on LinkedIn, it instantly went viral.
From finance enthusiasts to everyday users, everyone was stunned.
Some joked —
“Is he paying one credit card bill with another?”
“How does he remember all the passwords?”
But most agreed on one thing — it takes discipline, strategy, and financial intelligence to maintain such a record.
As one commenter said, “Nevertheless, salute to this man!”
What This Teaches Us
Manish’s story is more than a world record — it’s a lesson in financial awareness.
While not everyone can or should hold 1,600 credit cards, his example highlights how powerful financial literacy and digital payments can be when used wisely.
He has turned what most people fear — debt — into an advantage through smart planning, disciplined repayment, and deep knowledge of the banking system.
In a world where credit cards often carry a negative image, Manish Dhameja from Hyderabad proves that it’s not the card — but how you use it — that defines your financial future.
From demonetisation days to digital dominance, his journey shows that passion, discipline, and curiosity can turn even an everyday financial tool into a world record-worthy achievement.
So next time you swipe your card, remember — there’s a man in Hyderabad who’s probably got a thousand more just like it.
The image and content have been taken from the viral post on social media.
