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HDFC Bank Freedom RuPay Credit Card

HDFC Bank Freedom RuPay Credit Card

Reward your daily digital lifestyle with UPI-powered convenience and accelerated CashPoints.

Cashback

Cashback

10X on popular brand purchases

Rewards

Rewards

Earn points on all spend

Check Your Eligibility for This Card

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Key Highlights

Important benefits and features of this credit card
BenefitDetails
Accelerated RewardsEarn 10X CashPoints on everyday lifestyle and utility spends made through popular brands such as BigBasket, BookMyShow, OYO, Swiggy, and Uber.
UPI FunctionalityLink your card to leading UPI apps through the RuPay network and earn CashPoints even on low-value merchant transactions.
Affordable Fee StructureEnjoy a nominal ₹500 annual fee, easily waived upon achieving annual spends of ₹50,000.
Dining SavingsAvail up to 20% savings at select restaurants across India through Swiggy Dineout dining privileges.
Fuel BenefitReceive a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000, subject to monthly caps.

Categorisation

Card classification and attributes
AttributeClassification
Issuer / ProviderHDFC Bank
Bank / Non-bankBank-affiliated
CategoryEntry-Level/Rewards/UPI Payments
Type of CardRuPay Credit Card
Free or Paid₹500 Annually + Applicable Taxes

What This Card Is Best For

The HDFC Bank Freedom RuPay Credit Card is suitable for beginners seeking rewarding everyday spending. With its low annual fee and easy waiver, it’s a practical choice for young professionals and first-time cardholders. The card shines in daily use offering accelerated rewards on BigBasket, Swiggy, Uber, and BookMyShow while also enabling UPI-linked payments via the RuPay network. This dual advantage lets users earn CashPoints even on small transactions. Perfect for those who value digital convenience, simple fee management, and steady cashback-style rewards on essentials. 

Overview 

  • Global Acceptance: While primarily operating on the domestic RuPay network for UPI transactions, the HDFC Bank Freedom RuPay Credit Card enjoys global acceptance, making it suitable for both international online purchases and overseas travel. 

  • Zero Lost Card Liability: In case of loss or theft, promptly notifying HDFC Bank’s 24×7 customer care ensures zero liability for any unauthorised transactions made thereafter. 

  • Revolving Credit Facility: Enjoy the flexibility of carrying forward unpaid balances at a competitive interest rate through the revolving credit facility. Cardholders should refer to the Schedule of Charges for applicable rates. 

  • Contactless Payments: Experience secure and swift Tap & Pay transactions without PIN entry for purchases below ₹5,000. For transactions above this limit, PIN authorisation remains mandatory for added security. 

  • Smart EMI Option: Convert high-value purchases into manageable monthly instalments with the Smart EMI feature, offering better control over big-ticket expenses. 

  • Interest-Free Period: Avail an interest-free credit period of up to 50 days from the date of purchase, subject to full repayment of the outstanding amount by the due date. 

Rewards and Benefits 

Earning Cash Rewards 

  • 10X CashPoints: Earn 10 CashPoints for every ₹150 spent on preferred merchants including BigBasket, BookMyShow, OYO, Swiggy, and Uber (non-EMI retail spends). Capped at 2,500 CashPoints per calendar month. 

  • 5X CashPoints: Earn 5 CashPoints per ₹150 spent on eligible EMI transactions at merchant outlets. Capped at 2,500 CashPoints per calendar month. 

  • Standard Rewards: Earn 1 CashPoint for every ₹150 spent on all other eligible retail purchases. 

  • UPI Transactions: For the RuPay variant, earn 1 CashPoint per ₹150 spent on eligible UPI payments. Capped at 500 CashPoints per calendar month. 

  • Reward Exclusions: CashPoints are not earned on fuel, rent, government payments, wallet loads, prepaid card loads, vouchers, cash advances, or card fees and charges. Rewards on grocery spends are capped at 1,000 CashPoints per month. 

Redeeming Cash Rewards 

  • Cashback Redemption: Convert CashPoints into statement credit. Minimum redemption value is ₹500 (equivalent to 3,334 CashPoints) at ₹0.15 per point. 

  • SmartBuy Portal: Redeem CashPoints for flight and hotel bookings on the HDFC Bank SmartBuy portal. Redemption is restricted to 50% of the total booking value. 

  • Vouchers and Products: Exchange CashPoints for lifestyle vouchers or merchandise. Redemption through points is limited to 70% of the total product value on select items. 

  • Validity: Unredeemed CashPoints expire two years from the date of accrual. 

  • Redemption Fee: A nominal fee of ₹99 is applicable per redemption request. 

Welcome and Renewal Benefits 

  • Welcome Bonus: Receive 500 CashPoints upon payment of the joining fee. 

  • Renewal Bonus: Earn 500 CashPoints upon successful payment of the renewal fee. 

Fee Waiver Milestone 

  • Annual Fee Waiver: The renewal fee of ₹500 + applicable taxes is waived if annual retail spends reach or exceed ₹50,000 in the preceding card year. 

Fuel Surcharge Waiver 

  • 1% Waiver: Enjoy a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations in India. 

  • Applicable Range: Valid on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000. 

  • Maximum Benefit: Capped at ₹250 per statement cycle. 

Dining Privileges 

  • Swiggy Dineout Offer: Enjoy up to 20% savings at over 2,000 premium restaurants across select cities via Swiggy Dineout. 

  • Additional Discount: Avail an extra 10% discount using coupon code HDFCCARDS on a minimum bill of ₹2,000 (discount capped at ₹200 per transaction). 

Disclaimer: The card features, benefits, application process, and other details mentioned above are accurate at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.   

Fees & Charges of HDFC Bank Freedom RuPay Credit Card

All applicable fees for this credit card
Fee TypeAmountDetails
Annual Fee ₹500 + GST One-time charge when the card is issued.
Renewal Fee (annually) ₹500 + GST Charged every year. Waived on annual spends of ₹50,000 or more.
Add-on Card Fee ₹0 No charge for add-on cards.
Finance Charges Up to 3.6% per month (43.2% annually) Charged on outstanding balances and cash advances.
Cash Advance Fee 2.5% of the amount (minimum ₹500) Applicable on cash withdrawals.
Late Payment Fee ₹100–₹1,300 Based on total outstanding amount.
Foreign Currency Mark-up 3.5% On international transactions.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver 1% Valid on transactions between ₹400–₹5,000; capped at ₹250 per statement cycle.
Reward Points Validity 2 years Points expire if not redeemed within validity.

Eligibility Criteria for HDFC Bank Freedom RuPay Credit Card

Requirements to apply for this card
CriteriaDetails
Salaried Indian National
Age: 21 to 60 yearsIncome: Minimum net monthly income of ₹12,000
Self-Employed Indian National
Age: 21 to 65 years Income: Minimum annual Income Tax Return (ITR) of ₹6 lakh
Other Criteria
Applicants should maintain a favourable credit score and clean repayment history to enhance approval chances

Required Documents

Documents needed for application
Document TypeDetails
Identity ProofPAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Passport, or any other Government-issued photo ID
Address ProofAadhaar Card, Passport, or recent Utility Bills (not older than three months)
Income Proof (Salaried)Latest three months' salary slips, latest Form 16, and/or Income Tax Return (ITR) copy
Income Proof (Self-Employed)Latest audited financial statements, proof of business continuity, and ITR copy

How To Apply for HDFC Bank Freedom RuPay Credit Card

Follow these simple steps to apply for this card
1

Click on Apply Now: Hit the 'Apply Now' button to start your application.

2

Fill in Your Detail: Enter your personal, contact, and financial details in the application form.

3

Upload Required Documents: Upload your PAN Card, Aadhaar/Address Proof, and Income Proof.

4

Submit Your Application: Review all the details and click Submit.

5

Approval & Card Delivery: Once approved, your HDFC Bank Freedom RuPay Credit Card will be delivered to your registered address.

How To Use the HDFC Bank Freedom RuPay Credit Card

Tips to maximize your card benefits
Usage TipsDetails
Focus on 10X Spends
Use the card for transactions on BigBasket, Swiggy, Uber, OYO, and BookMyShow to maximise the 10X CashPoints benefit.
Utilise UPI for Daily Needs
Link your RuPay card to a UPI app such as PayZapp to earn rewards on everyday low-value merchant payments, up to the 500 CashPoints monthly cap.
Secure Fee Waiver
Maintain annual spends of ₹50,000 or more to qualify for the renewal fee waiver automatically.
Redeem Wisely
Redeem CashPoints as cashback or for travel bookings via SmartBuy to get the best redemption value of ₹0.15 per point. Ensure points are used before their 2-year validity expires.
Use Dining Benefits
Enjoy up to 20% savings at partner restaurants through Swiggy Dineout and enhance your dining experience.

Things To Know

Important information about this card
  • The base redemption value of 1 CashPoint = ₹0.15, which is lower compared to some competitor cards.
  • UPI rewards are capped at 500 CashPoints per month, limiting maximum rewarded UPI spends to ₹75,000 monthly.
  • The card does not include airport lounge access, making it less suitable for frequent travellers.
  • A foreign currency markup fee of 3.50% applies on international transactions.
  • Reward exclusions apply to categories such as rent, government payments, and wallet or prepaid card loads.

The HDFC Bank Freedom RuPay Credit Card is designed for users who want to maximize their credit card benefits effectively.

Do's

  • Prioritise spends at the 10X partner merchants (BigBasket, Swiggy, Uber, OYO, BookMyShow) to maximise reward accumulation
  • Aim for annual spends of ₹50,000 or more to secure the renewal fee waiver
  • Link the RuPay card to UPI for convenient low-value, everyday transactions
  • Report any lost or stolen card immediately to activate Zero Lost Card Liability protection
  • Redeem CashPoints as cashback or via SmartBuy to get the best redemption value of ₹0.15 per point
  • Utilise Swiggy Dineout dining privileges to enjoy up to 20% savings at partner restaurants

Don't

  • Ignore the 2-year expiry period on accumulated CashPoints
  • Use the card for unrewarded categories such as rent or government payments if earning rewards is the goal
  • Carry a revolving balance, as the high interest rate (up to 45% p.a.) can offset rewards
  • Use the card for large international spends due to the 3.50% foreign currency markup
  • Share card details, PIN, or OTPs with any untrusted sources or ignore transaction alerts
  • Use the card for cash advances unless necessary (high charges apply)

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page has been gathered from various reliable sources and is intended solely for general informational purposes. As details may change over time, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the content. Users are advised to verify the information with official or relevant sources before making any decisions or taking action.

FAQs on HDFC Bank Freedom RuPay Credit Card

Common questions about this credit card