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HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card

The HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card is a basic card made for people who are new to using credit cards. It has a yearly fee of ₹500, but if you spend ₹50,000 in a year, the fee is removed. You earn 1 CashPoint for every ₹150 you spend, and you get extra 10X CashPoints when you use the card on popular apps like Swiggy, BookMyShow, Uber, BigBasket, and OYO. These rewards are useful for everyday things like food, groceries, travel, and movies. You can use your points for cashback, flight and hotel bookings on HDFC’s SmartBuy site, air miles, or shopping from the rewards catalogue. But each point is worth only ₹0.15, which is lower than what some other cards offer.

Even though this card is easy to get and gives good rewards on some brands, its benefits were reduced in September 2024, so it may not be the best option now. Cards like SBI SimplyCLICK and HDFC MoneyBack+ offer more value for the same fee. Still, if you spend a lot on brands like Swiggy or BigBasket, this card can be helpful. It also gives you extra discounts on Swiggy Dineout and some restaurants. Overall, it’s a simple card with fewer benefits, but it’s a good choice for beginners looking for a low-fee credit card.

Credit Card Detail
Joining Fee
Rs. 500.00 +GST
Renewal Fee
Rs. 500.00 +GST
Best Suited For
Shopping
Reward Type
Reward Points
Welcome Benefits
Get 500 CashPoints
Rewards Rate
Earn 10X CashPoints on BigBasket, Swiggy, Uber, OYO & BookMyShow (non-EMI, app/website only), capped at 2,500 points/month. Points expire in 2 years.
Reward Redemption
You can use your CashPoints to get value from them, where 1 CashPoint equals ₹0.15. These points can be used to buy products or vouchers from the rewards catalogue or for booking hotels and flights on the HDFC SmartBuy portal.
Movie & Dining
You can save up to 20% at over 2,000 top restaurants in select cities when you book through Swiggy Dineout. Enjoy tasty meals for less.
Travel
N/A
Golf
N/A
Domestic Lounge Access
N/A
International Lounge Access
N/A
Insurance Benefits
N/A
Interest Rates
3.75% per month and 45% per year.
Spend-Based Waiver
If you spend more than ₹50,000 in a year, you don’t have to pay the ₹500 annual fee.
Rewards Redemption Fee
Rs. 99 plus taxes
Cash Advance Charges
You get a 1% discount on the fuel surcharge for payments between ₹400 and ₹5,000 at any petrol pump in India.
Foreign Currency Markup
3.50% +GST
Fuel Surcharge
Get 1% off on the fuel surcharge for transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000 at any petrol station in India.
Card Details
  • Earn 10X CashPoints on popular brands like BigBasket, BookMyShow, OYO, Swiggy, and Uber (up to 2,500 points per month).
  • 1 CashPoint for every ₹150 spent on all other purchases, including UPI. No points on fuel, rent, EMI, wallet loads, government payments, or prepaid cards.
  • CashPoints can be redeemed for cashback (minimum 3,334 points = ₹500), flights, hotels (via SmartBuy), air miles, and vouchers.
  • Each CashPoint is worth ₹0.15 and is valid for 2 years.
  • Get 500 CashPoints as a welcome and renewal gift after paying the joining or annual fee.
  • Spend ₹50,000 in a year to get the ₹500 annual fee waived.
  • Tap & Pay for purchases up to ₹5,000 without entering a PIN.
  • Enjoy a low interest rate of 0.99% for the first 90 days from card issuance.
  • Up to 50 days of interest-free period if you clear your total dues on time.
  • Convert large purchases into EMIs at a low interest rate for easier repayment.
  • Dining discounts of up to 20% at 2,000+ restaurants and 10% extra on Swiggy Dineout (max ₹750/month).
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400–₹5,000 (max ₹250 per month).
  • Lost card protection with zero liability if you report it immediately.
Pros/Cons
Pros
- You can easily redeem your CashPoints for a variety of options, and enjoy up to 20% off at partner restaurants through Swiggy Dineout.
Cons
- CashPoints on this card expire after 2 years, so they aren't valid forever. The card also doesn't provide benefits for entertainment or golf, and it doesn’t give access to lounges, whether domestic or international.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the card free for a lifetime?

No, it’s not a lifetime-free card. Every year, you have to pay ₹500 unless you spend ₹50,000 or more within that year. So, the card can be free each year, but only if you reach the spending condition.

What is the HDFC Freedom credit card limit?

HDFC Bank increases your credit limit based on how you use and repay your card.

What is the Freedom 10X CashPoints feature?

With the Freedom 10X feature, you can earn 10 times the cash points when you spend on BigBasket, BookMyShow, OYO, Swiggy, and Uber.

Can I get an extra card with the Freedom card?

Yes, you can apply for an extra card for family members like parents, spouse, children, or siblings. Those under 18 can’t apply for add-on cards.

Is the HDFC Freedom credit card free?

No, there’s an annual fee of Rs. 500. But if you spend over Rs. 50,000 in a year, the fee for the next year will be waived.

Is the HDFC Freedom Credit Card secure to use?

Yes, it’s secure. The card comes with an inbuilt chip technology that helps prevent any copying or tampering. When you shop at stores, you just need to insert (dip) your card at chip-enabled machines, which makes the transaction safer. At places without chip machines, you can swipe the card as usual.

How much interest does HDFC Bank charge on this card?

HDFC Bank charges 3.75% interest per month on the Freedom Credit Card.

Can I get an add-on (extra) card for my family?

Yes, you can. HDFC allows you to apply for a supplementary card for your parents, spouse, children, or siblings. The only condition is that children or siblings must be over 18 years of age.

What is the credit limit of the HDFC Freedom Card?

The credit limit is decided by the bank. It depends on several things like your credit score, how much credit you usually use, and your past repayment history. HDFC checks all these before assigning a limit.

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