The HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card is a starter cashback card from HDFC Bank, with benefits available at select partners.
The benefits given are lower than other HDFC cashback cards like HDFC Millenia Credit Card and HDFC Moneyback Credit Card, but the eligibility requirements and annual card spend requirement to get an annual fee waiver are also lower. Hence it is a good starter cashback card.
You earn 10 CashPoints worth ₹1.50 as cashback, on every ₹150 you spend at these partners (meaning you earn ₹1 on every ₹100 spent – 1% benefit). This benefit is valid only on purchases upto ₹37500 per month, since you can earn a maximum of 2500 CashPoints per month at this special earning rate.
1 CashPoint = ₹0.15 or 15 paise, and can be redeemed as cashback against your credit card statement balance.
CashPoints are posted on your credit card account, and are available for redemption in the first week of every month, for all transactions settled in the previous month. CashPoints can be redeemed as cashback against your credit card statement balance, through net banking, phone banking or physical redemption form at the rate of 1 CashPoint = ₹0.15 or 15 paise.
CashPoints are valid for 2 years.
CashPoints can also be redeemed against travel benefits and rewards catalogues at the same rate of 1 CashPoint = ₹0.15.
You earn 5 CashPoints worth ₹0.75 as cashback, on every ₹150 you spend on EMI transactions at merchant locations at the time of purchase. (meaning you earn ₹0.50 on every ₹100 spent – 0.50% benefit). You earn no cash points on post facto EMI conversion.
1 CashPoint = ₹0.15 or 15 paise, and can be redeemed as cashback against your credit card statement balance.
This benefit is valid only on purchases upto ₹75000 per month, since you can earn a maximum of 2500 CashPoints per month at this special earning rate.
CashPoints are posted on your credit card account, and are available for redemption in the first week of every month, for all transactions settled in the previous month. CashPoints can be redeemed as cashback against your credit card statement balance, through net banking, phone banking or physical redemption form at the rate of 1 CashPoint = ₹0.15 or 15 paise.
CashPoints are valid for 2 years.
CashPoints can also be redeemed against travel benefits and rewards catalogues at the same rate of 1 CashPoint = ₹0.15.
You earn 1 CashPoints worth ₹0.15 as cashback, on every ₹150 you spend on all other card purchases. (meaning you earn ₹0.10 on every ₹100 spent – 0.10% benefit).
On UPI spends you can earn a maximum of 500 CashPoints each month.
1 CashPoint = ₹0.15 or 15 paise, and can be redeemed as cashback against your credit card statement balance.
Exceptions : No cashback is given on fuel purchases, rent payments, government-related transactions, post facto EMI transactions (Smart EMI, Dial an EMI), wallet load, gift card /prepaid card loads, voucher transactions , payment of outstanding balances, payment of card fees and other charges.
This offer is valid 2 times per month. Minimum order amount required to avail this offer is ₹2000. Payments need to be made through the Swiggy app
You get 7.50% discount (upto ₹250 per order) at restaurants, in partnership with Swiggy Dineout. Hence you get a 7.50% discount on orders between ₹2000 and ₹3333. On orders above ₹3333, your discount percentage will fall below 7.50%. For more details, including how to avail the offer, please click here – HDFC Swiggy Dineout Dining Program
Fuel surcharge waiver is applicable at all petrol stations.
– The waiver is applicable only on fuel transactions between ₹400 and ₹5000
– The waiver is given on fuel purchases upto ₹25,000 per month, since the maximum waiver is restricted to ₹250 per month.
HDFC Smartbuy is a platform which display’s HDFC Bank’s exclusive partnerships, with a variety of partners. You get 5% – 10% cashback on various categories and at various partners, please see details in the table below.
You get a a maximum cashback of ₹1000 per month. For example, if you shop only in the 5% shopping categories/partners, you shall get 5% cashback on total card purchases of ₹20,000 per month.
| Applicable categories and partners | |
|---|---|
| 5% cashback on travel spends, through HDFC Smartbuy | ✓ Flight bookings ✓ Hotel bookings ✓ IRCTC train tickets ✓ Bus tickets, through RedBus ✓ MakeMyTrip holiday packages |
| 5% cashback on gift voucher purchases, through HDFC Smartbuy | Gift vouchers usually include Amazon Pay, Flipkart, Amazon shopping and more. There maybe individual limits on certain gift vouchers, and/or processing charges on certain gift vouchers, for example Amazon Pay vouchers. To see latest details, and a list of all gift vouchers available, please click here. |
| 5% cashback at select partners, through HDFC Smartbuy | ✓ Myntra ✓ Jockey ✓ Apple Imagine Tresor ✓ Nykaa ✓ Zoom Car |
| 10% cashback at select partners, through HDFC Smartbuy | ✓ Pharmeasy ✓ IGP.com |
In case you misplace your HDFC Bank Credit Card, you can rest assured that your liability for any fraudulent transactions made on the card is completely eliminated.
By promptly reporting the loss to HDFC Bank’s 24-hour call centre, you will be protected from any unauthorized charges.
You can reach HDFC Bank 24 hours a day, please click here for all the options to contact the bank.
The annual fee for this card is ₹500. There are also attractive annual fee-related offers, please see details in the below table:
| Annual fee | Annual fee offers | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year joining fee | ₹500 | Welcome offer worth ₹75 : You get 500 cash points worth ₹75, on payment of 1st year annual fee |
| Renewal fee from 2nd year onwards | ₹500 | Renewal offer : – Annual fee from the second year onwards is not charged , if you spend ₹50,000 or more in the previous year Hence the card is virtually free if you spend ₹50,000 or more each year |
– GST/ other applicable taxes as per current laws, will be applicable on all fees and charges
– To view all/updated fees & charges on this card, please click here – HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card Fees & Charges
Although your credit card eligibility is based on multiple parameters which can be assessed once you apply for an HDFC Credit Card, there are certain basic criteria that all applicants must fulfil.
| Minimum age | 21 years |
| Maximum age | Salaried – 60 years Self employed – 65 years |
| Occupation | Salaried or self employed |
| Minimum income requirement | Salaried : ₹12,000 per month Self-employed : ₹ 6 lakhs per year |
| Credit score | Not specified, a minimum credit score of 750 is generally preferred |
| Online application process | The easiest way is to click here – APPLY NOW , you will be taken to the card application page on the HDFC Bank website. You can also visit official website of the bank and fill out the application form. Steps : – The bank’s website and mobile app offer a user-friendly interface that makes the application process quick and easy. – To apply, simply provide your personal details, such as your mobile phone number, income, and PAN number, along with the required documents. – Submit the required documents |
| Offline (face to face) application process | You can visit any of the nearest branches of the bank and talk to an executive regarding the process. |
| Whatsapp Banking | You can also apply for your card through HDFC Whatsapp Banking. Here are the steps to apply for an HDFC credit card through WhatsApp banking: 1. Save the Chat Banking number 7070022222 (HDFC Bank WhatsApp number) in your contacts 2. Send “Hi” 3. Choose the desired option OR simply type your query, for example – “Apply for Credit Card” 4. Apply and wait for further instructions or updates on your card application status. |
| Tracking your application status | – Click here to track the status of your HDFC Bank Credit Card application. – You can also check the status of your application through Chat with EVA. Simply ask the chatbot to help you track your credit card applications and follow its instructions. |
| Required documents | – PAN card copy – Identity proof : PAN card , driving license, valid passport, voter ID (any one) – Address proof : electricity bill, phone bill (not more than 2 months old), driving licence, passport, ration card, bank statement, passbook (not older than 3 months), voters ID, flat maintenance bill (not older than 2 months), rent agreement (any one) – Income proof : latest salary slip/s, income tax return etc You maybe required to provide additional documents, on a case-to-case basis. |
Overall, HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card is good entry level cashback card from HDFC Bank, with the lowest minimum income requirements compared to other HDFC cashback cards.
The reward rate is quite low compared to some of the other cards, but the card has a comparatively easier eligibility criteria (minimum income of ₹12000 per month for salaried individuals). Hence it can be a good beginner card, in case you are not eligible for some of the other higher reward cards available in the marketplace.
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