Privacy Policy

1. About This Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to Cardsgenie (accessible at cardsgenie.in), operated by Krishna Prasad Marichamy. It describes how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information when you use our website, and your rights regarding that information.

By using Cardsgenie, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the website.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information in the following ways:

• Newsletter subscription: If you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect your email address for the purpose of sending credit card tips, reviews, and updates.
• Card Finder preferences: The Best Card Finder tool may ask for your spending preferences (categories, monthly spend, salary range). This data is used solely within your browser session to generate recommendations and is not stored on our servers.
• Usage data: We may collect anonymised data about how visitors interact with the site (pages visited, tools used) through analytics services such as Google Analytics.
• Technical data: Standard server logs may record your IP address, browser type, and operating system for security and performance purposes.

3. How We Use Your Information

• To send you newsletters and credit card updates you have subscribed to
• To improve the functionality, content, and performance of Cardsgenie
• To analyse usage patterns and understand which tools and content are most useful
• To detect and prevent fraudulent or abusive activity

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.

4. Firebase and Third-Party Services

Cardsgenie uses the following third-party services that may process your data:

• Google Firebase (Firestore): Used to store and serve expert blog reviews published on the site. Firebase may collect anonymised usage metrics. Firebase is operated by Google LLC and governed by Google's Privacy Policy.
• Clearbit Logo API: Used to display credit card issuer logos. Requests to the Clearbit API are made from your browser and are subject to Clearbit's Privacy Policy.
• Cloudinary: If you interact with image upload features, images may be processed via Cloudinary, which operates under its own Privacy Policy.
• Google Analytics (if enabled): Collects anonymised data on site usage. You may opt out using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

5. Cookies

Cardsgenie may use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience. Cookies are small text files stored by your browser. We use cookies for:

• Maintaining your session preferences (e.g. last-viewed tool)
• Analytics (via Google Analytics, if enabled)

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect some site functionality.

6. Data Retention

Email addresses collected via newsletter subscription are retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion. Anonymised analytics data may be retained for up to 26 months, consistent with standard analytics service defaults. We do not retain card finder preference data as it is not transmitted to our servers.

7. Your Rights

Under the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, and applicable Indian data protection law, you have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Request deletion of your personal data
• Withdraw consent for processing at any time (e.g. unsubscribe from newsletters)

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at the address below.

8. Data Security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your information from unauthorised access, disclosure, or loss. These include Firebase's built-in security rules, HTTPS encryption for all data in transit, and access controls on administrative functions.

No method of transmission over the internet is completely secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Children's Privacy

Cardsgenie is not directed at children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

10. External Links

Our website contains links to credit card application pages on bank and financial institution websites. These external sites have their own privacy policies, and we are not responsible for their content or practices. We recommend reviewing their policies before providing personal information.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of Cardsgenie after changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.