HDFC
HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card
This card is no longer offered by bank
This card is no longer sourceable
This card is no longer offered by bank
Top Benefits
5X Reward Points on Spends
Get 5 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent on eligible purchases
Dining & Food Delivery Benefits
Earn 2X Reward Points on weekend dining and get 3-month Swiggy One subscription for food delivery savings
Best For
Shopping
Online Food Ordering
Dining
Travel
The HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card provides exceptional value for high-income earners who want prem...
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The HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card provides exceptional value for high-income earners who want prem...
The HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card provides exceptional value for high-income earners who want premium travel, lifestyle, and dining benefits. Right from the start, this card gives you a brilliant 3.3% return on your standard spending, but the real magic happens when you book travel. You get a massive 10X reward points multiplier on flight and hotel bookings through the SmartBuy portal, making it one of the most rewarding travel cards in the market.
This card targets salaried professionals and self-employed business owners with an annual income of Rs. 30 lakh or more. Available in Visa and Mastercard variants, it stands out from competitors by offering unlimited airport lounge access globally for both primary and add-on cardholders. If you spend heavily on travel and want a straightforward 1-to-1 reward point redemption ratio, this card easily justifies its premium placement.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Is the HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card lifetime free?
No, this card is not lifetime free. It comes with a joining fee of Rs. 10,000 and an annual renewal fee of Rs. 10,000, though you can get the annual fee waived by meeting specific spending targets.
Is this a good credit card for travel?
Yes, it is an excellent travel card. You earn up to 10X reward points on hotel and flight bookings via SmartBuy, and enjoy unlimited access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide for both primary and add-on members.
Who should apply for this card?
High-income earners with a monthly salary of at least Rs. 1.5 lakh should consider this card. It works perfectly for frequent travelers who want unlimited lounge access and high reward multipliers on their flight bookings.
Is it a good first card for building credit?
No, this is a premium, top-tier credit card. It requires a high minimum CRIF credit score of 750 for salaried applicants and 800 for self-employed applicants, making it suitable only for those with an established and excellent credit history.
What makes this different from other premium cards?
The key differentiator is the 1-to-1 reward point value combined with unlimited international and domestic lounge access for add-on members. Most competing cards restrict free lounge visits or charge extra for supplementary cardholders.
Expert Review
As a financial advisor with years of experience reviewing premium products, I consider the HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card an absolute powerhouse for travel enthusiasts. The ability to earn 10X points on flights and hotels via SmartBuy, coupled with the rare 1-to-1 redemption ratio, sets a benchmark that very few competitor cards can match. Add the fact that your family members get unlimited lounge access globally through free add-on cards, and the value proposition is spectacular.
However, it has one significant flaw: the high forex markup. At 3.5%, it is more expensive to swipe abroad compared to cards specifically tailored for international spenders that offer 1% to 1.5% markups. Also, if your primary expenses revolve around rent, utility bills, and school fees, the strict exclusions list makes this card a poor choice. Ultimately, if you meet the Rs. 30 lakh annual income threshold and want to aggressively subsidize your travel habits, the Diners Club Black remains a top-tier recommendation.
Joining/Annual Fee
Joining Fees
₹11,800 ( ₹10000 + GST )
Annual Fees
₹11,800 ( ₹10000 + GST )
Premium benefits come with premium costs. The card carries a one-time joining fee of Rs. 10,000. When y...
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Premium benefits come with premium costs. The card carries a one-time joining fee of Rs. 10,000. When y...
Premium benefits come with premium costs. The card carries a one-time joining fee of Rs. 10,000. When your card completes 12 months, the bank charges an annual renewal fee of Rs. 10,000 for the subsequent year. These fees are subject to 18% GST, bringing the actual out-of-pocket cost to Rs. 11,800.
However, the bank provides a clear path to waive this recurring cost. The annual fee is waived completely if you spend Rs. 5 lakh or more in a year on your card. To hit this waiver target, you need to average Rs. 41,667 in monthly spends. Given that this card targets individuals earning Rs. 1.5 lakh monthly, routing regular household, dining, and travel expenses through the card makes this waiver easily achievable for the intended demographic.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the joining fees for this card?
The one-time joining fee is Rs. 10,000 plus applicable taxes. This fee is billed in your first credit card statement.
What is the annual renewal fee?
From the second year onward, the bank charges an annual renewal fee of Rs. 10,000 plus GST to keep your card account active.
Is there a way to avoid paying the annual fee?
Yes, the annual fee is waived if you successfully spend Rs. 5 lakh or more on your card during your 12-month membership year.
Does the fee waiver include GST charges?
When the base fee of Rs. 10,000 is waived because you hit the spending milestone, the associated GST is also not applied to your account.
Do excluded spends like rent count toward the fee waiver?
Excluded transactions including rent, fuel, and wallet loads do not count toward the Rs. 5 lakh annual spending target for the fee waiver.
What happens if I only spend Rs. 4.5 lakh in a year?
If you fall short of the Rs. 5 lakh spending requirement, the full renewal fee of Rs. 10,000 plus GST will be charged to your statement on your card anniversary.
Is there a waiver option for the first-year joining fee?
There is no spending-based waiver for the joining fee; the Rs. 10,000 fee is mandatory for all new cardholders unless applying under a specific corporate-exclusive offer.
Can I get this card lifetime free?
Standard issuance of this card is not lifetime free. It always carries the Rs. 10,000 fee unless you have a high-value existing banking relationship that qualifies for a special upgrade.
If I have an add-on card, is there a separate fee for it?
HDFC issues up to 3 add-on cards for immediate family members at no additional joining or annual fee.
How do I track my spends to ensure I hit the waiver target?
You can monitor your total annual spending through the HDFC Bank MyCards portal or the mobile banking app to ensure you cross the Rs. 5 lakh threshold.
Eligibility
Age
Criteria*
21-60 years
Salary
Criteria*
30LPA
Credit
Rating*
750+
New to credit
allowed
No
Existing Bank
Customer Allowed
Yes
Getting approved for the HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card requires a highly structured financial prof...
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Getting approved for the HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card requires a highly structured financial prof...
Getting approved for the HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card requires a highly structured financial profile. The bank has strict guidelines regarding age, income, and credit score. For salaried professionals, you must be between 21 and 60 years old. Your minimum monthly income must be Rs. 1.5 lakh, which translates to a gross annual salary of at least Rs. 30 lakh. You also need a strong credit history, demonstrated by a minimum CRIF score of 750.
Self-employed individuals and business owners have slightly different requirements. You can apply if you are between 21 and 65 years old. Your income tax returns must show an annual income of at least Rs. 30 lakh. Additionally, the credit score requirement is higher for self-employed applicants, requiring a minimum CRIF score of 800. These strict criteria ensure the card is reserved for individuals with high spending capacity and excellent financial discipline.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to apply for this card?
You must be at least 21 years old to apply as the primary cardholder, regardless of whether you are salaried or self-employed.
What is the maximum age limit for applicants?
The maximum age is 60 years for salaried individuals and 65 years for self-employed professionals at the time of application.
What is the minimum salary required for salaried applicants?
Salaried professionals need a minimum monthly income of Rs. 1.5 lakh. This means your yearly salary package must be at least Rs. 30 lakh to qualify.
What is the minimum annual income for self-employed applicants?
Self-employed individuals must present income documents proving a minimum annual income of Rs. 30 lakh to be considered for approval.
Can self-employed individuals apply for this card?
Yes, both salaried and self-employed individuals are fully eligible to apply, provided they meet their respective age, income, and credit score thresholds.
What credit score is needed for salaried approval?
Salaried applicants must have a minimum CRIF credit score of 750 to meet the baseline eligibility requirements.
What credit score is needed if I run my own business?
Self-employed applicants face stricter credit checks and require a minimum CRIF score of 800 for their application to be processed.
Will my application be rejected if I earn Rs. 1 lakh per month?
Yes, since the strict minimum monthly income requirement is Rs. 1.5 lakh, earning Rs. 1 lakh per month will result in an automatic rejection based on eligibility rules.
Can I get add-on cards for family members?
Yes, you can request add-on cards for your immediate family members. These supplementary cards share your credit limit and come with their own unlimited lounge access.
How do I prove my income for the application?
Salaried individuals need to submit recent payslips and bank statements. Self-employed applicants must provide their latest Income Tax Returns (ITR) and business financials.
All Card Benefits
- Earn 5 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent
- Earn up to 10X Reward Points on hotels via SmartBuy
- Up to 50 days of interest-free credit from date of purchase
- Ability to convert large transactions to SmartEMI after purchase
- Contactless payments
- 10,000 Reward Points on spending ₹4L in a calendar quarter
- Simple card management via HDFC Bank MyCards
Welcome and Milestone Benefits
HDFC rewards high spenders right out of the gate. When you spend Rs. ...
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Welcome and Milestone Benefits HDFC rewards high spenders right out of the gate. When you spend Rs. ...
Welcome and Milestone Benefits
HDFC rewards high spenders right out of the gate. When you spend Rs. 8 lakh in your anniversary year, you receive complimentary annual memberships to Club Marriott, Times Prime, Amazon Prime, Swiggy One (for 3 months), and MMT BLACK. This suite of subscriptions covers entertainment, food delivery, and travel. Furthermore, if you spend Rs. 4 lakh within a single calendar quarter, you receive a massive bonus of 10,000 reward points. Since 1 point equals Rs. 1, that is a flat Rs. 10,000 value just for hitting your quarterly spending milestone.
Travel and Lounge Benefits
Travelers get incredible value from this card. You receive unlimited access to over 1,300 airport lounges in India and abroad. The best part is that this unlimited access extends to your add-on cardholders as well. When booking travel, you earn up to 10X reward points on flights and hotels via the SmartBuy portal. You also earn 5X points on bus bookings and 3X points on train bookings through SmartBuy. If you spend Rs. 15,000 on a flight through SmartBuy, the 10X multiplier gives you a return value of Rs. 5,000 in points.
Reward Points Structure
The base earning rate is solid. You earn 5 Reward Points for every Rs. 150 you spend on regular retail purchases. The redemption ratio is outstanding because 1 Reward Point equals Rs. 1 when redeemed for flights and hotels on SmartBuy. This means your base spending gives you a straightforward 3.33% return. If you spend Rs. 30,000 on regular shopping, you earn 1,000 points, which translates to Rs. 1,000 in travel value.
Dining and Entertainment Perks
Food lovers get special treatment on weekends. You earn 2X Reward Points on weekend dining at participating restaurants. Furthermore, if you use the card for cab rides and spend Rs. 80,000 or more overall, you get a Rs. 500 Uber voucher. Additionally, the card offers Rs. 1,000 cashback across more than 200 brands when you process your payments via the PayZapp application.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I qualify for the subscription welcome benefits?
You need to spend Rs. 8 lakh in your anniversary year to get the complimentary memberships. Once you hit this milestone, you receive access to Amazon Prime, Club Marriott, Swiggy One, and more.
What is the value of the quarterly milestone benefit?
When you spend Rs. 4 lakh in a calendar quarter, you earn 10,000 reward points. Since each point is worth Rs. 1 on the SmartBuy portal, this bonus gives you Rs. 10,000 in direct value.
When will I receive my milestone bonus points?
The 10,000 bonus reward points are credited to your account within 3 to 4 weeks after the calendar quarter ends, provided you successfully crossed the Rs. 4 lakh spending mark.
Can I renew the subscription benefits for free next year?
Yes, but you must meet the Rs. 8 lakh spending requirement again during your next anniversary year to trigger the complimentary membership renewals.
Do rent payments count toward the milestone spending target?
No, transactions like rent payments, fuel, and cash withdrawals are excluded from reward earning and do not count toward milestone benefit calculations.
How many free lounge visits do I get annually?
You receive absolutely unlimited lounge access at over 1,300 domestic and international airports. There is no monthly or annual cap on your visits.
Do my family members get free lounge access too?
Yes, if you issue add-on cards to your family members, they also enjoy the exact same unlimited airport lounge access privileges as the primary cardholder.
How do I earn 10X points on flights?
You must book your flight tickets exclusively through the HDFC SmartBuy portal to trigger the 10X reward points multiplier. Direct bookings on airline websites only earn the base reward rate.
Do I get extra points for booking train tickets?
Yes, you earn 3X reward points when you book your train tickets through the HDFC SmartBuy platform. For a Rs. 2,000 train ticket, this gives you enhanced value compared to standard spends.
Does this card offer railway lounge access?
No, this card does not offer any benefits in the railway lounge access category. The complimentary access is strictly for airport lounges.
What is the standard reward rate on this card?
You earn 5 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent on eligible retail transactions. This gives you an effective baseline return of 3.33% on your regular purchases.
What is the exact value of 1 reward point?
Each reward point holds a value of Rs. 1 when you redeem them for travel bookings on the SmartBuy platform. This 1-to-1 ratio makes calculations incredibly simple.
Which transactions do not earn any reward points?
You do not earn points on rent payments, fuel, EMI transactions, cash withdrawals, wallet loads, government payments, school fees, and utility bills, among other specified exclusions.
Do I earn points when I pay my electricity bill?
No, utility bill payments are part of the bank's exclusion list and will not earn any reward points on this credit card.
Will I earn points if I load my digital wallet?
No, wallet transactions and load money fees are explicitly excluded. You will not accumulate any reward points for adding funds to wallets like Paytm or Amazon Pay.
Do I earn points on fuel purchases?
No, fuel transactions are entirely excluded from the rewards program. You will not earn the base 5 points per Rs. 150 at petrol pumps.
Are education fee payments eligible for rewards?
No, spends categorized under school and educational services are excluded and do not earn any base or accelerated reward points.
Where can I check my reward point balance?
You can track your accumulated reward points using the HDFC Bank MyCards platform or through your HDFC net banking dashboard.
Is there a fee for redeeming my reward points?
Yes, the bank charges a reward redemption handling fee of Rs. 99 plus applicable GST every time you submit a redemption request.
What happens if I convert a large purchase into an EMI?
EMI transactions are excluded from the rewards program. If you convert a Rs. 50,000 smartphone purchase into SmartEMI, you will forfeit the reward points for that specific transaction.
How do I get the 2X dining rewards?
You need to dine at participating restaurants during the weekend to trigger the 2X reward multiplier. A Rs. 3,000 weekend dinner will earn you double the usual points.
How do I qualify for the Uber voucher?
You need to accumulate total spends of Rs. 80,000 or more on your card to become eligible for the Rs. 500 complimentary Uber cab voucher.
Does this card give free movie tickets?
No, this specific card does not offer any direct benefits or buy-one-get-one offers in the movie ticket category.
How can I get the PayZapp cashback?
You can earn up to Rs. 1,000 in cashback across 200+ partner brands by linking your card to PayZapp and routing your purchases through the application.
Milestone Benefits
0 reward points(Worth ~ ₹0)
Spend ₹8,00,000 in 365 days
Voucher Benefit(Worth ~ ₹6,000)
Spend ₹80,000 in 30 days
How to Redeem Rewards & Cashback?
Rewards Conversion Rate
1 reward point = ₹1
Redemption Options
N/A
To check redemption catalogue
Redeeming the value you earn on this card is highly rewarding, especially if you focus on travel. The p...
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Redeeming the value you earn on this card is highly rewarding, especially if you focus on travel. The p...
Redeeming the value you earn on this card is highly rewarding, especially if you focus on travel. The primary destination for redeeming your points is the SmartBuy portal. When you use your points to book flights or hotels on SmartBuy, 1 Reward Point equals exactly Rs. 1. This means if you have accumulated 20,000 reward points, you have Rs. 20,000 in purchasing power for your next vacation.
You can also use the points to explore the bank's specific redemption catalogue. To execute a redemption, log into your HDFC net banking account or use the SmartBuy website directly. Select your flights or catalogue items, and choose to pay via points at checkout. Be aware that the bank imposes a reward redemption handling fee of Rs. 99 plus GST every time you make a redemption request, so it makes sense to pool your points and do larger, less frequent redemptions.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Where do I go to redeem my reward points?
You should visit the dedicated HDFC SmartBuy portal or log into your net banking dashboard to browse options and initiate the redemption process.
What is the exact value of points for travel bookings?
When used for flight and hotel bookings on SmartBuy, 1 Reward Point translates exactly to Rs. 1 in value. A Rs. 10,000 flight will cost you 10,000 points.
Is there a fee to redeem my points?
Yes, a reward redemption handling fee of Rs. 99 plus applicable GST is charged to your card account for every redemption request you process.
Can I redeem points for items other than travel?
Yes, you can redeem points through the rewards catalogue for products and vouchers. However, the conversion value per point is lower than the 1-to-1 travel ratio, typically Rs. 0.35 per point.
Do I need a minimum number of points to redeem?
You must have a minimum balance of 2,500 reward points before you can initiate a redemption request on the SmartBuy portal.
Will my reward points ever expire?
Reward points on the HDFC Diners Club Black card are valid for a period of 3 years from the date they are earned.
Can I adjust points directly against my credit card bill?
Yes, statement credit is an option, and the conversion rate is 1 Reward Point = Rs. 0.30 for direct cash-back redemption.
Bank Exclusions
You will not earn points / cashback on spends in the following categories
For Points / Cashback Earnings
Rent Payment
Fuel
EMI Transactions
Cash Withdrawals
School & Educational Services
Government Related Transactions
Wallet Transactions - Load Money Fees
GST Charges
Gambling
Tolls
Security
Broker Services
Charity
Railways
Utility Bill Payments
Balance Transfer
Financial Charges
For Spends Waiver
Rent Payment
Fuel
EMI Transactions
Cash Withdrawals
School & Educational Services
Government Related Transactions
Wallet Transactions - Load Money Fees
GST Charges
Gambling
Tolls
Security
Broker Services
Charity
Railways
Utility Bill Payments
Balance Transfer
Financial Charges
To maximize this card, you must understand where it does not work. The bank has a comprehensive list of...
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To maximize this card, you must understand where it does not work. The bank has a comprehensive list of...
To maximize this card, you must understand where it does not work. The bank has a comprehensive list of transactions that will yield zero reward points. You will not earn any base points when you use the card for rent payments, fuel, or EMI transactions. If you convert a large purchase into an EMI later, you forfeit the points.
Furthermore, cash withdrawals, school and educational services, utility bill payments, and government-related transactions are completely excluded. Adding money to digital wallets (wallet load money fees) and paying GST charges, gambling fees, tolls, or railway tickets directly will not earn you points either. For instance, if you pay a Rs. 40,000 annual school fee with this card, you might expect to earn 1,333 points, but because education is an excluded category, your point yield for that transaction will be zero.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Do I earn rewards when paying my house rent?
No, rent payments are explicitly listed as an exclusion. You will not earn any reward points when you use this card to pay your landlord.
Will my daily fuel spends earn any points?
No, fuel purchases at petrol pumps are entirely excluded from the reward structure. You do not get the base 5 points per Rs. 150 on fuel.
What happens to rewards if I choose SmartEMI?
EMI transactions are excluded. If you buy a Rs. 1 Lakh laptop and convert it to SmartEMI, you will not receive any reward points for that purchase.
Do utility bills like electricity and water earn points?
No, all utility bill payments fall under the bank's exclusion list and will not contribute to your reward point balance.
Can I earn points by loading money to Paytm or Amazon Pay?
No, wallet transactions and load money fees are excluded. Transferring Rs. 10,000 to a digital wallet yields zero rewards.
Are tax payments and government fees eligible for rewards?
No, government-related transactions and GST charges are excluded. Paying your income tax with this card will not earn you points.
Do education and school fees generate reward points?
No, payments made for school and educational services are classified as exclusions, meaning large tuition payments yield no rewards.
Are there penalties for spending in excluded categories?
There are no penalties, and the transaction will process normally. You simply won't earn any reward points for that specific spend.
Bank Fee Structure
| Structure | Details |
|---|---|
Forex Markups  2% forex markup is charged on transactions made in currencies other than INR. Applies to international POS payments and online purchases charged in foreign currency. | 2% |
APR Fees Interest is charged at 1.99% per month (23.88% per annum) on unpaid balances | 1.99% |
ATM Withdrawl 2.5% of the withdrawn amount is charged on cash advances using the credit card (minimum ₹500, if applicable). | 2.50% |
Reward Redemption Fees No fee is charged when redeeming reward points on this card. | Not Applicable |
Link for all T&Cs | Click Here |
Railway Surcharge A railway ticket purchase fee of strong 1% of the transaction amount plus GST | 1% |
Rent Payment Fees 1% of the transaction amount is charged as a fee on rent payment transactions, subject to applicable GST and platform charges | 1% |
Check Payment Fees Outstation cheque processing charges are applicable as follows: | ₹50 |
Cash Payment Fees A cash processing fee of strong ₹100 strong is charged for credit card payments made in cash at HDFC Bank branches or ATMs | ₹100 |
| Late Payment Fees | Amount Due |
|---|---|
| ₹0 - ₹100 | ₹0 |
| ₹101 - ₹500 | ₹100 |
| ₹501 - ₹1000 | ₹500 |
| ₹1001 - ₹5000 | ₹600 |
| ₹5001 - ₹10000 | ₹750 |
| ₹10001 - ₹25000 | ₹900 |
| ₹25001 - ₹50000 | ₹1100 |
| Above ₹50000 | ₹1300 |
Understanding the exact costs associated with a premium card ensures you never pay unnecessary penaltie...
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Understanding the exact costs associated with a premium card ensures you never pay unnecessary penaltie...
Understanding the exact costs associated with a premium card ensures you never pay unnecessary penalties. The HDFC Diners Club Black has a straightforward fee layout, and its penalty rates for late payments or carrying balances follow the standard high-tier credit product structure.
Joining Fee: The bank charges a one-time joining fee of Rs. 10,000. This fee must be paid in full during the first billing cycle; no spending-based waiver exists for this initial cost.
Annual or Renewal Fee: Starting from the second year, an annual renewal fee of Rs. 10,000 is applied. However, this fee is waived if you spend Rs. 5 lakh or more on your card within the 12-month period. Averaging Rs. 42,000 a month in regular shopping and dining clears this hurdle.
APR or Interest Rate: If you do not pay your full statement balance by the due date, the bank applies an interest rate of 3.75% per month (45% annually). For example, carrying over an unpaid balance of Rs. 10,000 for one month results in Rs. 375 in interest charges, plus applicable taxes.
Late Payment Charges: Late payment charges are staggered based on your balance, with a maximum fee of Rs. 1,300 for outstanding amounts over Rs. 50,000.
Foreign Transaction or Forex Markup Fee: A 3.5% forex markup is charged on transactions made in foreign currencies. If you travel abroad and spend USD 1,000 (roughly Rs. 83,000), the bank adds a 3.5% fee, costing you an extra Rs. 2,905.
ATM Cash Withdrawal Fee: Withdrawing cash from an ATM costs 2.5% of the withdrawn amount, subject to a minimum fee of Rs. 500. Interest starts accruing immediately at 3.75% per month from the date of withdrawal.
Rent Payment Convenience Fee: A 1% convenience fee applies to all rent payment transactions made through third-party platforms.
Railway Surcharge: Railway bookings made directly on the IRCTC website attract a 1.8% surcharge, while counter bookings incur a 1% surcharge.
Cash Payment Fee: A fee of Rs. 100 is charged for each cash payment made at bank branches to settle your credit card bill.
Cheque Payment Fee: Cheque payments are processed free of charge, but a bounced or returned cheque attracts a penalty of Rs. 450.
Reward Redemption Fee: A reward redemption handling fee of Rs. 99 plus applicable GST is charged every time you submit a redemption request. It is most efficient to redeem points in large batches of Rs. 10,000 or more to minimize the impact of this flat fee.
| Fee Type | Amount / Rate |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | Rs. 10,000 |
| Annual Fee | Rs. 10,000 (Waived on Rs. 5 Lakh spend) |
| Interest Rate (APR) | 3.75% per month |
| Forex Markup | 3.5% |
| Cash Withdrawal Fee | 2.5% (Minimum Rs. 500) |
| Reward Redemption Fee | Rs. 99 + GST per request |
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the joining fees for this card?
The bank charges a one-time joining fee of Rs. 10,000 plus GST when your card is issued.
What is the annual or renewal fee?
The recurring annual fee is Rs. 10,000 plus GST, charged at the end of every 12-month membership period.
Is there an annual fee waiver based on spending?
Yes, the annual fee is waived if you spend Rs. 5 lakh or more in a year on your card.
How can I get this card lifetime free?
Standard issuance is not lifetime free. The bank offers promotional lifetime free upgrades only to high-net-worth individuals or through specific corporate tie-ups.
What is the interest rate (APR) if I don't pay my full balance?
The card carries an interest rate of 3.75% per month, which applies to your outstanding balance if you fail to clear your bill entirely by the due date.
How is the interest calculated on outstanding balances?
If you miss paying your full statement balance, the 3.75% monthly interest is applied from the actual date of purchase, which removes the standard interest-free period.
What are the late payment charges?
Late payment fees are tiered: Rs. 1,300 for balances above Rs. 50,000, Rs. 1,100 for Rs. 25,001–Rs. 50,000, and Rs. 950 for Rs. 10,001–Rs. 25,000.
Is the late payment fee different based on outstanding amount?
Yes, the late payment fee increases with your balance, starting at Rs. 100 for balances under Rs. 500 and peaking at Rs. 1,300 for large balances.
What is the forex markup for international transactions?
A 3.5% forex markup is charged on transactions made in currencies other than INR. This applies to both international POS payments and online purchases charged in foreign currency.
Can I withdraw cash using my credit card?
Yes, but a fee of 2.5% of the withdrawn amount is charged on cash advances, with a minimum charge of Rs. 500.
What are the cash withdrawal charges and limits?
Besides the 2.5% flat fee (minimum Rs. 500), cash withdrawals accrue the 3.75% monthly interest rate starting immediately from the day of withdrawal.
What happens if I spend more than my credit limit?
The over-limit fee is 2.5% of the over-limit amount, with a minimum charge of Rs. 500 per instance.
Are there fees for paying rent with this card?
Rent payments attract a 1% convenience fee per transaction when using third-party payment services.
Is there a fee for paying my bill in cash?
Depositing physical cash at an HDFC branch to pay your credit card bill incurs a service charge of Rs. 100 per transaction.
What are the charges for cheque payment of bills?
Cheque payments are free, but a bounced cheque results in a penalty fee of Rs. 450.
Is there a fee to redeem my reward points?
Yes, a reward redemption handling fee of Rs. 99 plus applicable GST is charged per redemption request, regardless of the number of points redeemed.
Documents Required
To process your application smoothly, you must provide proof of identity, address, and income. Having these ready prevents unnecessary delays.
You need your PAN Card as the primary identity document. For address proof, an Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID is acceptable. To prove your income, salaried employees should provide their latest two months' salary slips and the last three months' bank statements showing salary credits. Self-employed applicants must submit their latest Income Tax Return (ITR) computation along with business continuation proof.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What identity documents are accepted?
You must provide your PAN Card. For address and general identity, Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID are standard acceptable documents.
What income proof do salaried individuals need?
Salaried applicants need to provide their latest 3 months' salary slips and the last 6 months of bank statements showing salary credits.
What income proof do self-employed individuals need?
Self-employed professionals must submit their latest Income Tax Returns (ITR) showing an income of Rs. 30 lakh or more, along with audited business financials.
Do I need physical photos for the application?
If applying offline, you need passport-size photographs. For online applications, a digital photo capture during Video KYC is sufficient.
Can I use my rent agreement as address proof?
Registered rent agreements are accepted as valid address proof, provided they are current and match the communication address you entered.
Is a physical signature required for online applications?
During Video KYC, you will be asked to sign a blank piece of paper on camera so the bank executive can capture your live signature for their records.
Who Should Get This Card?
The Frequent Flyer: If you fly domestic or international routes multiple times a year, this card is built for you. Earning 10X points on flights via SmartBuy means a Rs. 50,000 international ticket nets you 16,666 points. Since points are worth Re. 1 each, you effectively get Rs. 16,666 off your next trip. Add in the unlimited lounge access, and it is a traveler's dream.
The Family Traveler: Most cards charge Rs. 2,500 or more per visit if your spouse or adult children want to enter the lounge with you. By getting free add-on cards linked to your Diners Club Black, your whole family gets unlimited global lounge access, saving you tens of thousands of rupees annually.
Who Should NOT Get This Card? If your primary spending is on utility bills, school fees, fuel, or rent, you should avoid this card. Because these categories are explicitly excluded from the rewards program, you could spend Rs. 10 lakh a year and earn zero points, making the Rs. 10,000 annual fee a complete loss.
Credit Limit and What to Expect
Your credit limit is determined strictly by your income documents and existing credit profile. Because the minimum income threshold is set at a high Rs. 30 lakh annually, approved applicants receive generous starting credit limits that easily accommodate heavy travel and lifestyle spending. The bank periodically reviews your usage and payment patterns to offer limit enhancements.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What minimum credit limit can I expect on this card?
Since this is a premium card requiring an income of Rs. 1.5 lakh per month, starting credit limits run from Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh, though the exact number depends on your profile.
Will checking my eligibility lower my credit score?
Initial eligibility checks involve a soft inquiry that does not hurt your score. However, submitting the final formal application triggers a hard inquiry.
Can I request a higher credit limit later?
Yes, after 6 to 12 months of consistent usage and on-time payments, you can submit updated income documents to request a credit limit enhancement.
Does the bank charge a fee to increase my limit?
No, credit limit enhancements are processed free of charge as long as you meet the bank's internal risk criteria.
Is my credit limit shared with my add-on cards?
Yes, any add-on cards issued to your family members will share the total primary credit limit assigned to your main account.
What happens if I spend beyond my assigned limit?
Transactions exceeding your limit will attract an over-limit fee of 2.5% of the over-limit amount, subject to a minimum of Rs. 500.
How to Apply?
Applying for this credit card is a straightforward digital process. You can start the application on the HDFC Bank official website. You will need to enter your personal details, employment information, and PAN number. The bank runs an initial credit check, and if you meet the CRIF score requirement of 750 (salaried) or 800 (self-employed), you move forward.
To finalize the process without visiting a branch, use the Video KYC option. Ensure you have your original PAN card handy, a blank paper with a pen for your signature, and a strong internet connection. Keep in mind the bank's security policy requires you to be physically present within 50 kilometers of your declared communication address during the Video KYC call.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I apply for this card entirely online?
Yes, you can complete the entire application process digitally through the bank's website, right from submitting details to completing your KYC verification.
Is Video KYC mandatory for online applications?
Yes, if you wish to avoid physical document collection and branch visits, completing the Video KYC process is required to verify your identity.
What documents do I need during the Video KYC call?
You must hold your original physical PAN card. The bank agent will also ask you to sign a blank piece of paper on camera to capture your official signature.
Are there location restrictions during Video KYC?
Yes, the bank policy requires you to be physically located within 50 kilometers of your registered residential address when you take the Video KYC call.
How can I track my application status?
Once you submit the form, you receive an Application Reference Number. You can use this number on the bank's tracking portal to check the status of your approval.
How long does approval take?
After successful Video KYC, final application processing and approval typically take between 5 to 7 working days.
What happens if the bank thinks I am not eligible?
The bank states they will offer a different card variant based on your eligibility. Read the features of any alternative card offered carefully before accepting it.
That’s the full story of this credit card
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Top Benefits
Top Benefits
5X Reward Points on Spends
Get 5 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent on eligible purchases
Dining & Food Delivery Benefits
Earn 2X Reward Points on weekend dining and get 3-month Swiggy One subscription for food delivery savings
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