HDFC
HDFC Freedom Credit Card
This is an invite only card
Apply and get ₹1100 Rewards
Top Benefits
10X CashPoints
on spends at merchants like Big Basket, BookMyShow, OYO, Swiggy, and Uber, capped at 2500 Reward Points per month
10% Extra Discount on Swiggy Dineout
using the coupon code HDFCCARDS, as per offer terms
Best For
Shopping
Dining
The HDFC Freedom Credit Card serves as an excellent entry-level option for young professionals and fr...
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The HDFC Freedom Credit Card serves as an excellent entry-level option for young professionals and fr...
The HDFC Freedom Credit Card serves as an excellent entry-level option for young professionals and frequent online shoppers. What makes this card stand out is its specialized 10X CashPoints reward structure on everyday digital platforms like Swiggy, BookMyShow, BigBasket, Uber, and OYO. It also features an unusually low foreign currency markup fee of just 0.99%, a perk usually reserved for super-premium cards. If you want a straightforward rewards card that gives you accelerated points on the apps you already use daily, the HDFC Freedom credit card handles that job perfectly.
Priced at an affordable Rs. 500 annual fee, this card targets salaried individuals earning at least Rs. 25,000 per month or self-employed professionals earning Rs. 6 lakh annually. The card works great for beginners who want to build their credit history while enjoying solid returns on food delivery, groceries, and entertainment.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Is the HDFC Freedom Credit Card lifetime free?
No, the card comes with a Rs. 500 joining fee and a Rs. 500 annual renewal fee. However, the annual fee is waived if you spend Rs. 50,000 or more in the previous year.
Is this a good first credit card?
Yes, it is an excellent first card due to its accessible income requirement of Rs. 25,000 per month and practical 10X rewards on daily-use apps like Swiggy and Uber.
Who should apply for this card?
Young professionals, entry-level salaried employees, and frequent online shoppers who regularly use apps like BigBasket, BookMyShow, and PayZapp should apply for this card.
What makes this different from other entry-level cards?
Unlike most basic cards, it offers a remarkably low foreign transaction markup fee of just 0.99%, making it surprisingly useful for international website purchases.
Expert Review
After thoroughly analyzing the HDFC Freedom Credit Card, I find it to be a cleverly designed product for a specific demographic. If you are stepping into the credit world for the first time and your digital life runs on Swiggy, Uber, and BigBasket, this card is a no-brainer. Earning 10X CashPoints on these platforms means you extract high value from mundane daily tasks.
I am particularly impressed by the 0.99% forex markup fee. To see a rate that low on a basic Rs. 500 card is incredibly rare; usually, you have to buy a super-premium card to get under 2%. The Rs. 50,000 fee waiver threshold is also highly realistic for young earners.
However, the card does have its weak points. The base reward rate of 1 point per Rs. 150 (yielding a tiny 0.16% return) is poor. If you use this card for offline shopping, medical bills, or electronics, you get almost nothing in return. Furthermore, the Rs. 99 redemption fee eats into your savings, so you should accumulate a large point balance before cashing out.
Ultimately, the HDFC Freedom card works brilliantly as a dedicated "App Card." Use it strictly for the 10X partner merchants and international subscriptions, and pair it with a solid flat-rate cashback card for your general expenses.
Joining/Annual Fee
Joining Fees
₹590 ( ₹500 + GST )
Annual Fees
₹590 ( ₹500 + GST )
Understanding the cost of carrying a credit card is vital. The HDFC Freedom credit card charges a one...
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Understanding the cost of carrying a credit card is vital. The HDFC Freedom credit card charges a one...
Understanding the cost of carrying a credit card is vital. The HDFC Freedom credit card charges a one-time joining fee of Rs. 500 plus applicable taxes when your card is first issued. While there is no direct waiver for this initial cost, the bank softens the blow by offering 500 Reward Points (worth Rs. 125) once you pay the fee.
From the second year onward, you are charged an annual renewal fee of Rs. 500 plus GST. Fortunately, the bank provides an achievable fee waiver condition. If you spend Rs. 50,000 or more during your 12-month card anniversary year, the subsequent year's annual fee is completely waived.
To put this into perspective, hitting Rs. 50,000 a year means you only need to spend Rs. 4,166 per month on the card. If you use this card for your regular Swiggy orders, BigBasket groceries, and Uber rides, you will hit this waiver target without effort.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the joining fees for this card?
The one-time joining fee is Rs. 500 plus 18% GST, charged on your very first statement.
Can the joining fee be waived?
There is no direct waiver for the joining fee. You must pay it, but you receive 500 Reward Points afterward to help offset the cost.
What is the annual or renewal fee?
The recurring annual renewal fee is Rs. 500 plus GST, charged at the end of every 12-month membership period.
Is there an annual fee waiver option?
Yes, the Rs. 500 annual fee is entirely waived if you spend Rs. 50,000 or more in the preceding year.
How much do I need to spend monthly to get the fee waiver?
To reach the Rs. 50,000 annual target, you need to spend an average of Rs. 4,166 per month.
Do fuel transactions count toward the fee waiver milestone?
No, fuel transactions are excluded from the milestone calculation. Only retail spends, excluding categories like cash withdrawals and EMIs, count toward the Rs. 50,000 target.
When is the annual fee charged if I don't meet the target?
The fee reflects in the first billing statement generated after your card membership anniversary date.
How can I get this card lifetime free?
The bank offers this card as lifetime free for select salary account holders or corporate tie-ups. You can also secure this offer by spending Rs. 30,000 within the first 90 days of card issuance.
Eligibility
Age
Criteria*
21-60 years
Salary
Criteria*
2LPA
Credit
Rating*
650+
New to credit
allowed
Yes
Existing Bank
Customer Allowed
No
HDFC Bank has kept the entry barriers for the Freedom credit card highly accessible, making it a favo...
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HDFC Bank has kept the entry barriers for the Freedom credit card highly accessible, making it a favo...
HDFC Bank has kept the entry barriers for the Freedom credit card highly accessible, making it a favorite among young adults and first-time applicants. The bank evaluates your age, employment type, monthly income, and overall credit health before approving your application.
For salaried individuals, you must be between 21 and 60 years of age. The bank requires a minimum monthly income of Rs. 25,000, which translates to Rs. 3 Lakh per annum. If you are self-employed, the age bracket expands to 21-65 years, and applicants must show a minimum annual income (ITR) of Rs. 6 Lakhs to qualify.
Your credit score plays a massive role in the approval process. While the bank accepts a minimum CRIF score of 650, a CRIF or CIBIL score of 750 or above ensures a smooth, hassle-free approval process. Both salaried employees and self-employed professionals are welcome to apply.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to apply for this card?
Applicants must be at least 21 years old at the time of submitting their credit card application.
What is the maximum age limit for applicants?
Salaried individuals can apply up to age 60, while self-employed professionals can apply up to age 65.
What is the minimum salary required for salaried employees?
Salaried applicants need a minimum monthly income of Rs. 25,000 to qualify for the HDFC Freedom credit card.
What is the minimum annual income for self-employed applicants?
Self-employed business owners and freelancers must show an annual income of at least Rs. 6 Lakhs via their Income Tax Returns.
Can a student apply for this card?
Students are ineligible for the unsecured version unless they meet the income criteria. However, you can secure this card against a fixed deposit starting from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000.
What credit score is needed for approval?
The base CRIF score requirement is 650, but the bank prioritizes applicants with a score of 750 or above.
Will my application be rejected if my score is exactly 650?
No. If your score is 650 but you meet the income requirements and have a clean recent history, the bank will process your application.
Do I need an existing HDFC bank account to apply?
No, you do not need an existing savings account with HDFC Bank, though having one speeds up your approval process.
All Card Benefits
- Earn 10X CashPoints on favourite merchants including Big Basket, BookMyShow, OYO, Swiggy, and Uber, capped at 2500 per month
- Link your card to PayZapp to earn additional CashPoints on utility bills, mobile recharges, and in-app shopping
- Earn up to ₹1,000 worth of CashPoints on PayZapp shopping across 200+ brands
Welcome Benefits
Getting started with the HDFC Freedom credit card is highly rewarding. Once you p...
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Welcome Benefits Getting started with the HDFC Freedom credit card is highly rewarding. Once you p...
Welcome Benefits
Getting started with the HDFC Freedom credit card is highly rewarding. Once you pay your initial joining fee of Rs. 500, the bank credits 500 Reward Points directly to your account upon fee realization. Because each point is valued at Rs. 0.25, this bonus effectively gives you Rs. 125 in value right off the bat, helping to offset the initial cost of getting the card.
Reward Points Structure
The core value of this card lies in its accelerated rewards program. For every Rs. 150 you spend on standard eligible purchases, you earn 1 Reward Point. However, the real advantage kicks in when you spend at partner merchants. You earn a massive 10X CashPoints on your favorite merchants, including BigBasket, BookMyShow, OYO, Swiggy, and Uber.
Let us look at a practical example. If you spend Rs. 1,500 on groceries at BigBasket, a normal transaction would give you 10 points. With the 10X multiplier, you earn 100 points. Since 1 point equals Rs. 0.25, you effectively save Rs. 25 on that Rs. 1,500 order. Over a month of regular food and grocery orders, these points add up fast.
Additionally, linking your card to PayZapp allows you to earn up to Rs. 1,000 worth of CashPoints on utility bills, mobile recharges, and in-app shopping across 200 partner brands.
Movie and Entertainment Benefits
Weekend entertainment gets cheaper with the HDFC Freedom credit card. You earn 10X CashPoints on movie ticket bookings made directly via BookMyShow. If you spend Rs. 600 on movie tickets, you will earn 40 CashPoints (since Rs. 150 = 10 points at the 10X rate). Those 40 points translate to Rs. 10 saved on your movie outing.
Dining Benefits
Food lovers gain a lot from this card. Whenever you order via Swiggy or dine out using Swiggy Dineout, you earn the 10X CashPoints rate. Furthermore, the card provides an additional 10% discount on Swiggy Dineout when you apply the relevant HDFCCARDS terms and conditions at payment.
For example, if you pay a Rs. 2,000 restaurant bill via Swiggy Dineout, you first get a 10% instant discount (saving Rs. 200). You then pay Rs. 1,800 with your card, which earns you 120 CashPoints (worth Rs. 30). Your total effective savings on that meal amounts to Rs. 230.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
Driving becomes slightly more economical with the included 1% fuel surcharge waiver. This applies to fuel transactions between Rs. 400 and Rs. 5,000 across all fuel stations in India. The maximum waiver you can receive is capped at Rs. 250 per statement cycle.
To put this in perspective, if you spend Rs. 2,000 on petrol, the usual Rs. 20 surcharge is completely waived. To hit the Rs. 250 monthly cap, you would need to spend Rs. 25,000 on fuel in a single month, which easily covers the average commuter's needs.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I qualify for the welcome bonus?
You earn the 500 Reward Points strictly upon the successful payment and realization of your Rs. 500 joining membership fee.
When will I receive the welcome benefit?
The bonus points are credited to your rewards balance after the bank successfully processes your joining fee payment in your first statement cycle.
Is the welcome benefit equivalent to the joining fee?
No, the welcome benefit is 500 points. Since 1 point equals Rs. 0.25, the welcome bonus is worth Rs. 125, which partially offsets your Rs. 500 joining fee.
Do I get this welcome bonus every year?
No, this is a one-time welcome benefit applied only when you first get the card and pay the initial issuance fee.
What is the standard reward rate on this card?
You earn 1 Reward Point for every Rs. 150 spent on regular eligible purchases, which equals a base reward rate of roughly 0.16%.
How many points do I earn on Swiggy and Uber?
You earn 10X CashPoints on select merchants like Swiggy and Uber. This means for a Rs. 150 ride, you earn 10 points instead of 1.
What is the value of 1 reward point in rupees?
Each reward point is valued at Rs. 0.25. Therefore, if you accumulate 400 points, you have Rs. 100 in redemption value.
Which transactions are excluded from earning reward points?
Transactions like fuel, rent payments, wallet loads, cash withdrawals, EMI conversions, government payments, and education payments do not earn any reward points.
Do I earn points on utility bill payments?
Direct utility payments are excluded from standard rewards. However, if you use the PayZapp app linked to your card, you can earn additional CashPoints on utilities.
Do I earn points on rent payments?
No, rent payments are strictly excluded from earning any reward points or cashback on this card.
Do I earn points on wallet loads like Paytm or Amazon Pay?
No, loading money into digital wallets does not qualify for any reward points.
How much can I earn through PayZapp shopping?
By linking your card to PayZapp, you can earn up to Rs. 1,000 worth of extra CashPoints while shopping across their network of 200 partner brands.
How do I get the movie benefit?
Simply use your HDFC Freedom card to book tickets on the BookMyShow app or website to automatically trigger the 10X CashPoints multiplier.
Is there a limit to how many movie points I can earn?
The 10X rewards are subject to a monthly cap of 2,500 CashPoints across all accelerated merchant categories.
Can I get 10X points at the cinema counter?
No, the 10X CashPoints benefit applies specifically to online bookings made through the partner platform, BookMyShow.
Do I get a buy-one-get-one free ticket offer?
No, this card does not offer a direct BOGO ticket benefit. It strictly offers accelerated reward points on your ticket spending.
Which food delivery apps offer 10X points?
Swiggy is the primary food delivery partner that provides 10X CashPoints on this card. Zomato only earns standard reward points.
How does the Swiggy Dineout discount work?
When paying your restaurant bill through the Swiggy Dineout app, apply the eligible HDFC bank offer code to receive an extra 10% discount.
Do I earn 10X points at physical restaurants?
If you swipe your card directly at a restaurant POS machine, you earn the base rate of 1 point per Rs. 150. To get 10X points, you must pay via Swiggy Dineout.
Do BigBasket grocery orders count for 10X points?
Yes, BigBasket is one of the premium partners, so your grocery runs will earn 10X CashPoints.
What is the minimum transaction for the fuel waiver?
You must spend a minimum of Rs. 400 in a single transaction at the petrol pump to qualify for the 1% surcharge waiver.
Is there a maximum transaction limit for the waiver?
Yes, the 1% waiver only applies to fuel transactions up to Rs. 5,000. Transactions above this amount will not receive the waiver.
How much can I save on fuel every month?
The fuel surcharge waiver is capped at a maximum of Rs. 250 per monthly statement cycle.
Do fuel purchases earn reward points?
No, fuel transactions are explicitly excluded from earning any CashPoints or standard reward points.
Milestone Benefits
Voucher Benefit(Worth ~ ₹500)
Spend ₹50,000 in 365 days
How to Redeem Rewards & Cashback?
Rewards Conversion Rate
1 Reward Point = ₹0.25
Redemption Options
You can redeem your points here:
To check redemption catalogue
N/A
Accumulating points is only half the journey; redeeming them efficiently is where you extract actual ...
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Accumulating points is only half the journey; redeeming them efficiently is where you extract actual ...
Accumulating points is only half the journey; redeeming them efficiently is where you extract actual value. The HDFC Freedom credit card allows you to redeem your CashPoints through the dedicated HDFC NetBanking rewards portal.
The conversion rate is simple: 1 Reward Point is worth Rs. 0.25. You can use these points to purchase items from the product catalogue, book flights or hotels on the SmartBuy platform, buy brand vouchers, or convert them into statement credit to pay off your credit card bill.
Let us say you have accumulated 4,000 Reward Points from your Swiggy and Uber spends. Since each point equals Rs. 0.25, your 4,000 points give you a solid Rs. 1,000 in redemption value. However, the bank charges a flat reward redemption handling fee of Rs. 99 plus GST every time you make a redemption request. Because of this fee, it is best to accumulate at least 2,000 to 4,000 points before redeeming to maximize the value.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I redeem the reward points I have earned?
Log into HDFC NetBanking, navigate to the Cards section, click on Enquire, select Redeem Reward Points, and follow the portal instructions to choose your redemption category.
What is the value I get when I redeem points?
Every 1 Reward Point translates to Rs. 0.25. For example, 1,000 points will give you Rs. 250 in value.
What can I redeem my reward points for?
You can redeem points against flight bookings, hotel stays, gift vouchers, physical catalogue products, or direct cashback against your statement balance.
Is there a minimum points balance needed before I can redeem?
You must have a minimum balance of 500 CashPoints to initiate a redemption request on the Freedom card.
Is there a fee for redeeming my rewards?
Yes, a reward redemption handling fee of Rs. 99 plus 18% GST is charged per redemption request, regardless of how many points you redeem.
How long does it take for statement credit to reflect?
If you choose cashback against your statement, it reflects in your credit card account within 2 to 3 working days.
Do my reward points expire?
Yes, reward points on HDFC credit cards expire exactly 2 years from the date of accumulation. Ensure you redeem them before they lapse.
Can I transfer my points to someone else?
No, reward points are strictly tied to your account and cannot be transferred to another individual's credit card.
Gift card - Key Terms
Once you apply, we will start tracking your application
Generally takes 2-72 hrs
Once the bank confirms us of your successful card activation, we will process your rewards
Generally takes 7-75 days
You can then withdraw your rewards via Amazon Pay Balance/Flipkart gift cards
Generally takes 7-75 days
Note: If you currently hold or have ever held an HDFC Credit Card, you are not eligible for CashKaro Rewards.
Rewards Related
- If you currently hold or have ever held an HDFC Credit Card, you are not eligible for Gift Card
- A minimum transaction of Rs.100 within 30 days is mandatory to activate your card; otherwise, you wont be eligible for the Rewards
- Please use Aadhaar linked mobile number to fill the application
- If the distance between your residence and office addresses is 150 km or more, please ensure that your residence is selected as the mailing address. Applications not adhering to this will be rejected
- VKYC done over 50km from your Aadhaar/communication address will result in application rejection and loss of Rewards
Also, Remember
- Resume your application only via Great.Cards to avoid losing Rewards
- If your Rewards do not track, raise a Missing Rewards Ticket within 30 Days from the application date
- Rewards can only be redeemed as Amazon Pay Balance and Flipkart Gift Card
Bank Exclusions
You will not earn points / cashback on spends in the following categories
For Points / Cashback Earnings
Fuel Transactions
Rent Payments
Wallet Loads
Cash Withdrawals
EMI Transactions
Government and Statutory Payments
Education Payments
Insurance Premium Payments
Utility Bill Payments
Railway Ticket Bookings
Gift Card or Voucher Purchases
Gambling or Lottery Transactions
Cryptocurrency or Digital Asset Transactions
For Spends Waiver
Fuel Transactions
Rent Payments
Wallet Loads
Cash Withdrawals
EMI Transactions
Government and Statutory Payments
Education Payments
Insurance Premium Payments
Utility Bill Payments
Railway Ticket Bookings
Gift Card or Voucher Purchases
Gambling or Lottery Transactions
Cryptocurrency or Digital Asset Transactions
To maximize your benefits, you must understand where this card does not work. Banks place restriction...
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To maximize your benefits, you must understand where this card does not work. Banks place restriction...
To maximize your benefits, you must understand where this card does not work. Banks place restrictions on certain transaction categories to prevent system abuse. On the HDFC Freedom credit card, a wide array of payments will earn you zero reward points.
The excluded categories are: Fuel Transactions, Rent Payments, Wallet Loads, Cash Withdrawals, EMI Transactions, Government and Statutory Payments, Education Payments, Insurance Premium Payments, Utility Bill Payments, Railway Ticket Bookings, Gift Card or Voucher Purchases, Gambling or Lottery Transactions, and Cryptocurrency or Digital Asset Transactions.
The real-world impact is significant. For example, if you pay a Rs. 20,000 house rent using this card through a third-party app, you will not earn a single point. Furthermore, you will be charged a 1% convenience fee plus GST by the bank. Similarly, converting a Rs. 40,000 smartphone purchase into an EMI means you forfeit the base reward points you would have earned on that swipe.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Which transactions do not earn rewards on this card?
Rent, fuel, wallet loads, EMIs, government fees, education, insurance, utilities, railways, gift cards, gambling, and crypto transactions earn zero points.
Are fuel transactions excluded from earning rewards?
Yes, fuel transactions do not earn reward points. However, they qualify for the separate 1% fuel surcharge waiver up to Rs. 250.
Does paying rent with this card earn reward points?
No, rent payments are fully excluded from the rewards program and attract a 1% processing fee plus GST from the bank.
Are insurance premium payments excluded from rewards?
Yes, paying your life or health insurance premiums with this card will not accumulate any CashPoints.
Do wallet top-ups or gift card purchases earn rewards?
Loading money into digital wallets (like Paytm) or buying gift vouchers directly are excluded from earning any points.
Are education or school fee payments excluded?
Yes, school fees, college tuition, and other educational institute payments do not earn reward points.
What happens if I make a payment in an excluded category?
The transaction will process successfully and reflect on your bill, but your rewards balance will not increase for that specific spend.
Why don't EMI transactions earn points?
Because you are already taking advantage of a deferred payment plan with its own interest structure, the bank removes the reward point benefit on EMI conversions.
Bank Fee Structure
| Structure | Details |
|---|---|
Forex Markups  3.5% forex markup is charged on transactions made in currencies other than INR. Applies to international POS payments and online purchases charged in foreign currency. | 3.50% |
APR Fees Finance charges of 3.75% per month (45% per annum) apply on unpaid outstanding balances until the amount is fully repaid. | 3.75% |
ATM withdrawal 2.5% of the withdrawn amount is charged on cash advances using the credit card (minimum ₹500, if applicable). | 2.50% |
Reward Redemption Fees A reward redemption handling fee of ₹99 plus applicable GST is charged per redemption request. | ₹99 |
Link for all T&Cs | Click Here |
Railway Surcharge 1% of the transaction amount + GST will be charged on railway ticket purchase | 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% |
cheque Payment Fees No cheque payment fee is charged | N/A |
Cash Payment Fees ₹100 cash payment fee per deposit. | ₹100 |
| Late Payment Fees | Amount Due |
|---|---|
| ₹0 - ₹100 | ₹0 |
| ₹101 - ₹500 | ₹100 |
| ₹501 - ₹1000 | ₹500 |
| ₹1001 - ₹5000 | ₹600 |
| ₹5001 - ₹10,000 | ₹750 |
| ₹10,001 - ₹25,000 | ₹900 |
| ₹25,001 - ₹50,000 | ₹1100 |
| ₹50,000 and above | ₹1300 |
Understanding a credit card's fee structure prevents surprises on your monthly statement. While the H...
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Understanding a credit card's fee structure prevents surprises on your monthly statement. While the H...
Understanding a credit card's fee structure prevents surprises on your monthly statement. While the HDFC Freedom card is affordable, it carries standard banking penalties and features a market-leading low international markup fee.
The Joining Fee is a one-time charge of Rs. 500 applied to your first statement. The bank gives you 500 Reward Points (worth Rs. 125) after you pay it, offsetting the cost.
The Annual or Renewal Fee is Rs. 500, charged every year on your membership anniversary. You avoid this fee by spending Rs. 50,000 in the previous 12 months. For example, if you spend Rs. 5,000 a month on groceries and bills, you hit Rs. 60,000 annually and the renewal fee is waived.
The APR or Interest Rate is 3.5% per month. If you only pay the minimum amount due on a Rs. 10,000 outstanding balance, the bank charges Rs. 350 in interest for that month. Annualized, this is 42%, which is why you must pay your full bill on time.
Late payment charges function on a slab basis: Rs. 100 for balances up to Rs. 500, Rs. 500 for balances up to Rs. 5,000, and up to Rs. 1,300 for balances exceeding Rs. 50,000.
The Foreign Transaction or Forex Markup Fee is remarkably low at 0.99%. If you buy a USD 100 software subscription on an international website (roughly Rs. 8,300), the bank only charges a markup of about Rs. 82. Most other cards charge 3.5%, costing nearly Rs. 290 for the same transaction.
The ATM Cash Withdrawal Fee is 2.5% of the withdrawn amount, subject to a minimum of Rs. 500. If you withdraw Rs. 10,000 from an ATM, you are hit with a Rs. 250 fee immediately, plus heavy interest from day one. Avoid ATM withdrawals.
HDFC Bank charges a rent payment fee of 1% of the transaction amount plus GST when you use third-party platforms for rent payments.
This card does not offer a railway surcharge waiver; IRCTC bookings incur the standard 1.8% transaction charge plus GST.
HDFC Bank charges a cash processing fee of Rs. 100 for every credit card bill payment made in person at a bank branch. Use digital payment methods to avoid this charge.
Cheque payments incur a Rs. 100 fee, and a bounced cheque attracts a penalty of 2% of the amount, subject to a minimum of Rs. 450.
The Reward Redemption Fee is a flat Rs. 99 plus applicable GST. Every time you convert your points to cashback or products, this fee applies. Always wait until you have a large balance, like 4,000 points (Rs. 1,000), before redeeming so the Rs. 99 fee is negligible.
| Fee Type | Amount / Rate |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | Rs. 500 (Offset by 500 Reward Points) |
| Annual Fee | Rs. 500 (Waived on Rs. 50,000 annual spend) |
| Interest Rate (APR) | 3.5% per month (42% annually) |
| Forex Markup Fee | 0.99% on international transactions |
| ATM Cash Withdrawal | 2.5% of amount (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 joining fee is Rs. 500. You receive 500 Reward Points back once the fee is successfully paid and realized.
What is the annual or renewal fee?
The annual fee is Rs. 500, applied from the second year onwards.
Is there an annual fee waiver based on spending?
Yes, if your total eligible spends cross Rs. 50,000 in your anniversary year, the Rs. 500 renewal fee is waived.
How can I get this card lifetime free?
You can get this card lifetime free by maintaining a high-value salary account or by meeting the spend-based waiver of Rs. 30,000 within the first 90 days.
What is the interest rate (APR) if I don't pay my full balance?
The bank charges an interest rate of 3.5% per month on unpaid balances, which is 42% annually.
How is the interest calculated on outstanding balances?
If you fail to pay your total due, interest is calculated daily on the outstanding amount from the date of the original purchase, revoking your 50-day interest-free period.
What are the late payment charges?
Late payment charges range from Rs. 100 for balances below Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,300 for balances above Rs. 50,000.
Is the late payment fee different based on outstanding amount?
Yes, late payment fees operate on a tiered slab system: Rs. 100 for up to Rs. 500, Rs. 500 for up to Rs. 5,000, and Rs. 1,300 for balances exceeding Rs. 50,000.
What is the forex markup for international transactions?
The card features an incredibly low forex markup of just 0.99%, making international app purchases and travel spending highly economical.
Can I withdraw cash using my credit card?
While you can, it is discouraged due to a 2.5% fee and instant interest charges.
What are the cash withdrawal charges and limits?
You are charged a flat 2.5% of the withdrawn amount, with a minimum fee of Rs. 500 per transaction.
Is there a fee to redeem my reward points?
Yes, the bank levies a handling fee of Rs. 99 plus GST every time you submit a reward redemption request.
Who Should Get This Card?
If you are a young professional starting your first job with a salary of around Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 a month, the HDFC Freedom card is built for you. It serves as a fantastic credit-building tool while rewarding the lifestyle young earners lead: ordering Friday night dinners on Swiggy, taking Uber rides to work, and buying weekend groceries on BigBasket.
Conversely, who should avoid it? If your monthly credit card spending regularly crosses Rs. 30,000 and you spend heavily on offline shopping or travel, the 0.16% base reward rate is insufficient. Frequent flyers looking for lounge access will be disappointed, as this card offers zero airport lounge benefits. High spenders should apply for premium options like HDFC Regalia Gold instead.
Credit Limit and What to Expect
Your initial credit limit on the HDFC Freedom card depends on your income, existing credit score, and current outstanding debts. First-time cardholders receive a credit limit proportional to their documented monthly salary, which the bank reviews and increases every 6 to 12 months based on good repayment behavior.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
What will be my starting credit limit?
For an entry-level salary of Rs. 25,000, you will receive an initial credit limit ranging from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000 based on your credit profile.
How can I increase my credit limit?
Pay your full statement balance on time every month. After 6 months of responsible usage, the bank provides automated limit enhancement offers.
Can I request a limit increase immediately?
The bank requires you to use the card responsibly for at least 6 months before you can submit a manual request for a limit increase with updated income documents.
Does spending over my limit hurt my credit score?
Yes, consistently maxing out your card increases your credit utilization ratio, which lowers your CRIF or CIBIL score.
Can I set my own daily spending limits?
Yes, through the HDFC mobile banking app or PayZapp, you can restrict or increase your daily limits for online, POS, and contactless transactions.
Are international transactions enabled by default?
No, per RBI rules, international transactions are disabled by default. You must activate them manually through your banking app.
How to Apply?
Applying for the HDFC Freedom credit card is a fast digital process. You can apply through the official HDFC Bank website, partner platforms, or by visiting an HDFC branch. For online applications, you will fill in your basic details, employment information, and income proof.
Once your preliminary details are approved, you must complete Video KYC (VKYC). Ensure you have your original PAN card, Aadhaar card, a blank piece of paper, and a pen ready. You must be physically present in India and within 50 km of your registered address during the video call for it to be successful.
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Commonly Asked Questions
Where can I apply for this credit card?
You can apply directly on the HDFC Bank website, via the mobile banking app if you are a customer, or through authorized partner websites.
What is Video KYC and is it mandatory?
Video KYC is a digital verification process where a bank agent verifies your identity over a video call. It is mandatory for online applications and speeds up card issuance.
What do I need for a successful Video KYC call?
Keep your physical original PAN card ready, ensure you have a stable internet connection, and sit in a well-lit room.
Are there geographic restrictions for Video KYC?
Yes, bank guidelines require you to be within a 50 km radius of your registered home or office address when taking the call.
How long does the approval process take?
If your Video KYC and document verification are successful, the card is approved and dispatched within 7 to 10 working days.
Can I track my credit card application?
Yes, you will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN) via SMS, which you can use on the bank's tracking portal to check your status.
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Top Benefits
Apply and get ₹1100 Rewards
Top Benefits
10X CashPoints
on spends at merchants like Big Basket, BookMyShow, OYO, Swiggy, and Uber, capped at 2500 Reward Points per month
10% Extra Discount on Swiggy Dineout
using the coupon code HDFCCARDS, as per offer terms
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