HDFC
HDFC RuPay Credit Card
This is an invite only card
Apply and get ₹1100 Rewards
Top Benefits
Earn 3% CashPoints on Groceries, Supermarket, Dining
& PayZapp Capped at 500 CashPoints per calendar month. Minimum transaction of ₹100 required 1 CashPoint = ₹0.25
Earn 2% CashPoints on Utility Bill
payment, Capped at 500 CashPoints per calendar month Minimum transaction of ₹100 required
Best For
Dining
Grocery Shopping
Utility Bills
UPI
The HDFC RuPay Credit Card is a UPI-enabled entry-level credit card built around the RuPay payment ne...
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The HDFC RuPay Credit Card is a UPI-enabled entry-level credit card built around the RuPay payment ne...
The HDFC RuPay Credit Card is a UPI-enabled entry-level credit card built around the RuPay payment network for digital-first Indian consumers. Issued by HDFC Bank, it carries a ₹99 joining fee and a ₹99 annual fee, with the annual fee waivable on annual spends of ₹25,000 or more, one of the lowest waiver thresholds in the Indian market.
The flagship feature is RuPay UPI integration. When linked to apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm, the card lets you make UPI payments while earning credit card rewards, which is unusual since most credit cards do not earn rewards on UPI payments.
The card delivers tiered cashback: 3% CashPoints (capped at 500 CashPoints per month) on grocery, dining, and PayZapp transactions; 2% CashPoints (capped at 500 per month) on utility bill payments; and 1% CashPoints (capped at 500 per month) on all other eligible spends. So heavy users in qualifying categories can earn up to 1,500 CashPoints monthly across the three tiers.
Eligibility requires applicants to be between 21 and 60 years of age, with a minimum annual income of ₹3 LPA for both salaried and self-employed (₹25,000 monthly). CIBIL score requirement is 720 or above. This makes the card accessible to a broad audience including first-time credit card users.
The card includes a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000 (max ₹250 per statement). There is no airport lounge access, movie ticket benefits, or premium dining programmes, keeping the card focused on cashback and UPI rewards.
As a RuPay card, it does not work directly on Visa or Mastercard rails, so international acceptance is limited to RuPay-enabled merchants. The forex markup is 3.5% on international transactions when accepted.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. What is the joining fee?
A. The joining fee is ₹99 plus applicable GST, one of the lowest in the Indian market.
Q. Can the annual fee be waived?
A. Yes, on annual spends of ₹25,000 or more, which is roughly ₹2,100 per month.
Q. What is the UPI cashback structure?
A. 3% CashPoints on grocery/dining/PayZapp, 2% on utility bills, 1% on all other spends, all capped at 500 CashPoints per month per category.
Expert Review
The HDFC RuPay is one of the most underrated entry-level cards in the Indian market for UPI-heavy users. The combination of ₹99 fee, ₹25,000 waiver threshold, and three-tier cashback structure (3%/2%/1%) delivers exceptional value for typical urban households.
For a household spending ₹5,000 on grocery, ₹3,000 on dining, ₹10,000 on utilities, and ₹15,000 on other retail (₹33,000 monthly), the card delivers approximately ₹150 (3% on ₹8K grocery+dining, but capped at ₹500 monthly) + ₹200 (2% on ₹10K utility, within cap) + ₹150 (1% on ₹15K other, within cap) = ₹500/month or ₹6,000 annually. Against a zero net fee at waiver, this is significant value.
The UPI integration is the standout feature. Users who pay regularly via UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) earn credit card rewards on transactions that other cards exclude entirely. This is a meaningful unlock for digital-first users.
The card has limitations. RuPay's limited international acceptance reduces utility for travellers. There is no lounge access, no movie benefits, and no welcome bonus. The ₹500 CashPoint monthly cap per tier limits upside for very heavy spenders in single categories.
Our recommendation: get this card if you use UPI heavily for daily payments and want to earn cashback on those transactions. It pairs well with a premium primary card for travel and large discretionary spending. For pure cashback maximisation, the SBI Cashback at higher fee tiers may deliver more total value.
Joining/Annual Fee
Joining Fees
₹117 ( ₹99 + GST )
Annual Fees
₹117 ( ₹99 + GST )
Joining fee is ₹99 plus GST. Annual fee is ₹99 plus GST from year two, waivable on ₹25,000 annual spe...
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Joining fee is ₹99 plus GST. Annual fee is ₹99 plus GST from year two, waivable on ₹25,000 annual spe...
Joining fee is ₹99 plus GST. Annual fee is ₹99 plus GST from year two, waivable on ₹25,000 annual spend.
GST at 18% applies, so the total first-year cost is ₹117. The annual fee from year two, if not waived, is also ₹117.
The economics make this card a near-zero-cost product. The ₹25,000 annual waiver threshold is the lowest in the Indian market and easily achievable for any active user.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. What is the joining fee?
A. ₹99 plus 18% GST, totalling ₹117.
Q. How can the annual fee be waived?
A. On annual spends of ₹25,000 or more, which is roughly ₹2,100 per month.
Q. Is this the lowest fee card from HDFC?
A. Yes, the HDFC RuPay is among the lowest-fee credit cards from HDFC Bank.
Q. Is GST applicable?
A. Yes, 18% GST applies.
Eligibility
Age
Criteria*
21-60 years
Salary
Criteria*
3LPA
Credit
Rating*
700+
New to credit
allowed
Yes
Existing Bank
Customer Allowed
No
Applicants must be between 21 and 60 years of age. The minimum annual income is ₹3 LPA for both salar...
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Applicants must be between 21 and 60 years of age. The minimum annual income is ₹3 LPA for both salar...
Applicants must be between 21 and 60 years of age. The minimum annual income is ₹3 LPA for both salaried and self-employed (₹25,000 monthly).
A CIBIL score of 720 or above is required. HDFC Bank also considers credit behaviour and payment history.
You must be a resident Indian citizen with valid PAN, Aadhaar, and address proof.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. What is the minimum income?
A. ₹3 LPA for both salaried and self-employed.
Q. What CIBIL score is needed?
A. 720 or above.
Q. Is this card accessible to first-time users?
A. Yes, the accessible income and CIBIL requirements make this card suitable for first-time credit card users.
Q. Are NRIs eligible?
A. No, only resident Indian citizens.
All Card Benefits
- Earn 2% CashPoints on utility bill payments, capped at 500 CashPoints per calendar month
- Earn 1% CashPoints on all other eligible spends; capped at 500 CashPoints per calendar month.
- Link the virtual credit card to any UPI app and earn CashPoints on eligible UPI transactions across Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm and more
- Get up to 50 days of interest-free credit on retail purchases and save on the renewal fee by spending ₹25,000 or more in the previous year
- Earn 3% CashPoints on groceries, supermarkets, dining (MCC 5812, 5814) and all PayZapp transactions; capped at 500 CashPoints per calendar month
The HDFC RuPay focuses on UPI-enabled cashback rewards and digital-first usage.
The flagship featu...
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The HDFC RuPay focuses on UPI-enabled cashback rewards and digital-first usage. The flagship featu...
The HDFC RuPay focuses on UPI-enabled cashback rewards and digital-first usage.
The flagship feature is RuPay UPI integration. The card can be linked to UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and BHIM, enabling UPI payments at offline merchants (via QR code) and online merchants (via UPI checkout). This unlocks credit card rewards on UPI transactions, which is unusual since most cards exclude UPI from reward earning.
The cashback structure has three tiers. Tier 1: 3% CashPoints on grocery purchases, dining transactions, and PayZapp app transactions, capped at 500 CashPoints per month. For a user spending ₹5,000 on grocery and ₹3,000 on dining (₹8,000 monthly), this delivers ₹240 in CashPoints at 3% (cap is ₹500, so room for higher spending).
Tier 2: 2% CashPoints on utility bill payments, capped at 500 CashPoints per month. This is uncommon since most cards exclude utilities entirely or charge surcharges. A user paying ₹10,000 monthly on utilities earns ₹200 in CashPoints, within the cap.
Tier 3: 1% CashPoints on all other eligible spends, capped at 500 CashPoints per month. This applies to retail purchases not covered by the higher tiers.
Combined, a heavy user can earn up to 1,500 CashPoints monthly (₹1,500 worth, since 1 CashPoint = ₹1 for select redemptions), totalling ₹18,000 annually. This is exceptional return for a ₹99 fee card.
Fuel surcharge waiver is 1% on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000, maximum ₹250 per statement. No CashPoints earned on fuel transactions.
The card does not include airport lounge access, movie ticket benefits, golf privileges, or premium dining programmes. The value comes entirely from the cashback structure and UPI compatibility.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. How does UPI integration work?
A. The RuPay card can be linked to apps like Google Pay and PhonePe, enabling UPI payments while earning credit card rewards.
Q. What is the maximum monthly cashback?
A. Up to 1,500 CashPoints monthly across the three tiers (500 each on 3%/2%/1% categories), totalling ₹18,000 annually.
Q. Are utility payments rewarded?
A. Yes, 2% CashPoints on utility bill payments, capped at 500 per month. This is uncommon among credit cards.
Q. What is the redemption value of CashPoints?
A. 1 CashPoint = ₹1 for statement credit redemption (subject to programme terms), with lower rates for catalogue items.
Q. Does this card offer lounge access?
A. No, the HDFC RuPay does not include complimentary airport lounge access.
Q. Is there a fuel surcharge waiver?
A. Yes, 1% on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000, max ₹250 per statement.
Q. Does this card work internationally?
A. RuPay has limited international acceptance compared to Visa or Mastercard. Use is mostly within India and at RuPay-enabled international merchants.
How to Redeem Rewards & Cashback?
Rewards Conversion Rate
1 reward point = ₹0.25
Redemption Options
You can redeem your rewards:
- Cash
- Smartbuy
To check redemption catalogue
N/A
CashPoints are redeemed through HDFC Bank NetBanking, the HDFC Mobile Banking app, or the SmartBuy po...
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CashPoints are redeemed through HDFC Bank NetBanking, the HDFC Mobile Banking app, or the SmartBuy po...
CashPoints are redeemed through HDFC Bank NetBanking, the HDFC Mobile Banking app, or the SmartBuy portal.
1 CashPoint = ₹1 when redeemed as statement credit (the most common redemption method). You can also redeem for the HDFC catalogue including gift vouchers, products, and travel bookings (typically at lower than ₹1 rates).
To redeem as statement credit, log in to NetBanking, navigate to Rewards, select Statement Credit Redemption, choose the amount of CashPoints to redeem, and confirm. The credit reflects in your next statement.
Reward redemption fee may apply per request; check the current MITC.
CashPoints have an expiry period of typically 2 years from the date earned.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. How are CashPoints redeemed?
A. Through HDFC NetBanking or Mobile app, with the best value (1:1) for statement credit redemption.
Q. What is the redemption value?
A. 1 CashPoint = ₹1 for statement credit redemption.
Q. Do CashPoints expire?
A. Yes, typically 2 years from the date earned.
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 Spends
EMI Spends
Wallet Loads
Jewellery Purchases
Cash Advances
Payment of outstanding balances
Bank Charges & Fees
Rent Payment
Government-related Transactions
Insurance Payments
Education Spends
Utility Bill Payments
For Spends Waiver
Fuel Spends
EMI Spends
Wallet Loads
Jewellery Purchases
Cash Advances
Payment of outstanding balances
Bank Charges & Fees
Rent Payment
Government-related Transactions
Insurance Payments
Education Spends
Utility Bill Payments
Excluded categories from CashPoints typically include rent payment, EMI conversions, wallet loads, fu...
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Excluded categories from CashPoints typically include rent payment, EMI conversions, wallet loads, fu...
Excluded categories from CashPoints typically include rent payment, EMI conversions, wallet loads, fuel spends, education spends, insurance payments, and cash advances.
Note that some exclusions affect specific tiers differently. Always verify the latest exclusion list for grocery, dining, and PayZapp categories.
Refer to the latest MITC for the full exclusion list.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. Are rent payments excluded?
A. Yes, rent payments are excluded from CashPoints.
Q. Do fuel transactions earn CashPoints?
A. No, fuel spends are excluded. The card offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver.
Q. Are EMI transactions excluded?
A. Yes, EMI transactions are excluded from CashPoints.
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 3.75% monthly fee. Credit cards allow you for a interest free payment period of 20-55 days. However, if you fail to make payment for your statement in due time then bank starts charging interest. A simple way to avoid heavy interest rates over long time is to convert your large spends in EMIs. Normally bank charges 16% p.a interest on EMIs however if you fail to pay in time then annual interest can reach upto 45% | 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 A surcharge of 1% is applied to transactions made for booking railway tickets.₹10 is charged per transaction for bookings via IRCTC | 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 ₹25 for cheque value up to ₹5,000 and ₹50 for cheque value above ₹5,000 | ₹25 |
Cash Payment Fees ₹100 (for all card payments made by depositing in HDFC Bank branches or ATMs) | ₹100 |
| Late Payment Fees | Amount Due |
|---|---|
| ₹0 - ₹500 | ₹0 |
| ₹501 - ₹1000 | ₹400 |
| ₹1001 - ₹10000 | ₹750 |
| ₹10000 - ₹25000 | ₹950 |
| ₹25001- ₹50000 | ₹1100 |
| ₹50001 and above | ₹1300 |
Joining fee ₹99 plus GST. Annual fee ₹99 plus GST from year two, waivable on ₹25,000 annual spend.
...
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Joining fee ₹99 plus GST. Annual fee ₹99 plus GST from year two, waivable on ₹25,000 annual spend. ...
Joining fee ₹99 plus GST. Annual fee ₹99 plus GST from year two, waivable on ₹25,000 annual spend.
Forex markup is 3.5% on international transactions (when accepted at RuPay-enabled international merchants).
APR on revolving balances is 3.75% per month, equivalent to 45% per annum.
Cash advance fee is 2.5% of withdrawn amount, minimum ₹500. Reward redemption fee per current MITC.
Railway surcharge is 1% of transaction. Rent payment processing charge is 1% of transaction.
Cheque payment charge is ₹100 per cheque. Cash payment at branch is ₹100 per transaction.
Late payment charges are slab-based: ₹0 below ₹100, ₹100 for ₹101 to ₹500, ₹500 for ₹501 to ₹5,000, ₹600 for ₹5,001 to ₹10,000, ₹800 for ₹10,001 to ₹25,000, ₹1,100 for ₹25,001 to ₹50,000, and ₹1,300 above ₹50,000.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹99 + GST |
| Annual Fee | ₹99 + GST (waived ₹25K) |
| Forex Markup | 3.5% (RuPay international acceptance) |
| APR | 3.75% per month (45% p.a.) |
| Cash Advance Fee | 2.5% (min ₹500) |
| Reward Redemption Fee | Per current MITC |
| Railway Surcharge | 1% of transaction |
| Rent Payment Charge | 1% of transaction |
| Cheque Payment Charge | ₹100 per cheque |
| Cash Payment at Branch | ₹100 per transaction |
| Late Payment Charges | ₹0 / ₹100 / ₹500 / ₹600 / ₹800 / ₹1,100 / ₹1,300 (slab-based) |
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. What is the interest rate?
A. 3.75% per month or 45% per annum.
Q. What is the forex markup?
A. 3.5% on international transactions (limited RuPay international acceptance).
Q. What are late payment charges?
A. Slab-based from ₹0 to ₹1,300.
Q. What is the cash advance fee?
A. 2.5% of withdrawn amount, minimum ₹500.
Q. Is GST charged on fees?
A. Yes, 18% GST applies to all fees.
Q. What is the rent payment charge?
A. 1% of transaction. Rent is also excluded from CashPoints.
Documents Required
Identity proof: PAN plus Aadhaar, Voter ID, passport, or driving licence. Address proof: Aadhaar, utility bills, rental agreement, passport, or driving licence.
Income proof for salaried: last 3 months' salary slips and 6 months' bank statement. Self-employed: last 2 years' ITR, business bank statement, and proof of business existence.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. Is PAN mandatory?
A. Yes.
Q. What income proof is needed for salaried?
A. Last 3 months' salary slips and 6 months' bank statement.
Q. What income proof is needed for self-employed?
A. Last 2 years' ITR, business bank statement, and proof of business existence.
Who Should Get This Card?
The HDFC RuPay is built for digital-first Indian consumers who use UPI heavily for daily payments and want to earn credit card rewards on UPI transactions. The card is particularly suited for users in the ₹3 to ₹6 LPA income bracket who prefer low-cost credit cards with simple cashback structures.
The card's three-tier structure (3% grocery/dining/PayZapp, 2% utility, 1% other) covers most everyday spending categories. A typical urban household spending ₹15,000 monthly across grocery, dining, and utilities can earn ₹400-₹500 in monthly cashback, totalling ₹5,000-₹6,000 annually.
The ₹25,000 annual fee waiver threshold is the lowest in the Indian market, making this card a true near-zero-cost product. Any active user easily achieves the waiver.
This card is not the right pick for international travellers (RuPay has limited international acceptance), users seeking lounge access, or premium reward maximisers. For broader benefits, consider the HDFC Diners ClubMiles, Tata Neu Infinity, or SBI Cashback at higher fee tiers.
Credit Limit and What to Expect
The credit limit depends on income, CIBIL score, and existing obligations. For ₹3 to ₹6 LPA income profiles, typical starting limits range from ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000.
HDFC offers enhancements after 6 to 12 months of regular usage. Cash advance limit is usually 20% to 40% of total limit.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. What credit limit can I expect?
A. ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000 for ₹3 to ₹6 LPA income.
Q. When can I request an increase?
A. After 6 to 12 months of regular usage.
Q. What is the cash advance limit?
A. 20% to 40% of total credit limit.
How to Apply?
Apply through the HDFC Bank website, partner platforms like BankKaro, or any HDFC branch.
Online application via hdfcbank.com is the most common route. Fill in PAN, Aadhaar, employment type, and monthly income. Upload digital copies of identity, address, and income proof.
HDFC runs bureau and internal verification. Initial decision in 1 to 5 working days. Physical card dispatched within 7 to 14 working days.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. Can I apply online?
A. Yes, through HDFC Bank, partner platforms, or any HDFC branch.
Q. How long does it take?
A. Initial approval in 1 to 5 working days; card dispatched within 7 to 14 working days.
Q. Is video KYC required?
A. Yes, for online applications.
That’s the full story of this credit card
Like this card? Your apply button’s just there.
Top Benefits
Apply and get ₹1100 Rewards
Top Benefits
Earn 3% CashPoints on Groceries, Supermarket, Dining
& PayZapp Capped at 500 CashPoints per calendar month. Minimum transaction of ₹100 required 1 CashPoint = ₹0.25
Earn 2% CashPoints on Utility Bill
payment, Capped at 500 CashPoints per calendar month Minimum transaction of ₹100 required
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