HDFC Biz First Credit Card

About HDFC Biz First Credit Card

Are you a business owner looking to separate your professional expenses from your personal ones while earning rewards? The HDFC Biz First Credit Card is designed to do exactly that without breaking the bank.

This card offers a straightforward way to turn your business overheads into savings. With a low annual fee and a reachable waiver limit, it is built for entrepreneurs who want value without complexity. If you spend just ₹4,200 a month, you can completely offset the annual cost of the card.

Targeted specifically at self-employed individuals and small business owners with an annual ITR of ₹6 lakh or more, this card bridges the gap between entry-level cards and premium corporate products. It focuses on what matters most to a growing business: cashback and flexible redemption.

What sets it apart:

• ✓ Low Entry Barrier: Unlike premium business cards that require high turnovers, you can get this with a ₹6 LPA ITR.
• ✓ Easy Fee Waiver: Spend just ₹50,000 in a year to get the renewal fee waived, a target much lower than most competitors.
• ✓ Business-Centric Redemption: Access a dedicated business catalogue to redeem your points for things your office actually needs.

Quick check: To qualify, you will need to be between 21 and 65 years old, have a minimum annual ITR of ₹6 lakh, and maintain a CRIF score of 750 or above.

Let's break down why this card stands out for the Indian small business owner:

Key Benefits and Features of the HDFC Biz First Credit Card

The HDFC Biz First Credit Card is more than just a payment tool; it is a rewards-earning asset for your business. Here is a detailed look at the features that provide real-world value.

Reward Points and Redemption Value

Every time you use your card for business procurement, travel, or utility payments (excluding specific categories), you earn CashPoints. The strength of this card lies in its redemption flexibility. You can use these points for:

• Statement Cashback: The most direct way to save money. 1 CashPoint is valued at ₹0.15 when used against your statement balance.
• SmartBuy Travel: Use your points for booking flights and hotels through the HDFC SmartBuy portal.
• Product and Business Catalogues: Access a curated list of products or business-related items through NetBanking.

Annual Fee and Easy Waiver

Financial discipline is key to business success, and this card rewards it. The joining fee is a modest ₹500. The annual fee for the subsequent year is also ₹500, but HDFC makes it very simple to avoid this cost. If you spend ₹50,000 or more in your anniversary year, the renewal fee is waived. For most small businesses, reaching a ₹50,000 annual spend is easily achievable by just routing a few monthly utility or office supply bills through the card.

Eligibility and Credit Requirements

HDFC has set clear benchmarks for this card. It is available to self-employed individuals aged 21-65. The bank looks for a stable financial profile, requiring a minimum ITR of ₹6 lakh per year. Additionally, a strong credit history is vital; a CRIF score of 750 or higher is the standard requirement to clear the eligibility hurdle.

Spend Exclusions to Keep in Mind

To maximize your benefits, you should know where the card does not earn rewards. Spends on fuel, rent payments, and education transactions do not accrue CashPoints. Furthermore, loading money into wallets, purchasing gift cards, or prepaid card loads are excluded from the rewards program. Plan your spends accordingly to ensure every rupee you spend counts toward your points balance.

How to Apply for the HDFC Biz First Credit Card

The application process is designed to be smooth and can mostly be completed online. Here is how you can get started:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Head to the HDFC Bank website or use the specific application link provided by authorized partners.
2. Verify Eligibility: Ensure you meet the age criteria of 21-65 years and have your latest ITR ready to prove the ₹6 lakh+ income requirement.
3. Fill the Application: Enter your personal and business details accurately. Make sure your name matches your PAN card.
4. Check Your Credit Score: The bank will pull your CRIF score. Ensure it is 750 or above for a higher chance of approval.
5. Submit Documentation: Upload the necessary identity and business proofs as requested by the bank representative.
6. Verification: The bank will conduct a physical or digital verification of your business premises and documents.

Digital applications are typically processed and approved within 7 to 10 working days, though physical verification steps may extend this timeline slightly.

Credit Limit and What to Expect

Credit limits for the HDFC Biz First Credit Card are not fixed. They are assigned based on your business income, your current CRIF score, and your existing relationship with HDFC Bank. Since this card requires a ₹6 lakh ITR, the starting limit is designed to comfortably cover small business monthly expenses.

If you maintain a good repayment record and keep your credit utilization low, you can request a limit increase after 6-12 months of usage. Credit limits typically range from ₹50,000 to ₹3,00,000 based on your reported income and credit profile.

Comparison Table: HDFC Biz First vs. Competitors

Before choosing a business card, it is helpful to see how it stacks up against other entry-level and mid-range business credit cards in India.

The HDFC Biz First Card is the clear winner for business owners who want a bank-backed business card with the lowest possible spending requirement for a fee waiver. While IDFC offers a free card, HDFC's massive SmartBuy ecosystem and business catalogue provide a more robust redemption experience for established businesses.

Documents Required for HDFC Biz First Credit Card Application

Since this card is specifically for the self-employed category, the documentation focuses heavily on business stability and income tax compliance.

For Self-Employed Applicants

• Identity Proof: PAN Card (mandatory), Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID.
• Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Utility Bills (Electricity or Telephone not older than 2 months), or Property Documents.
• Income Proof: Latest 2 years' ITR (Income Tax Returns) with a computation of income showing more than ₹6 LPA.
• Business Proof: GST registration certificate, Shop and Establishment License, or any other government-issued business registration.
• Bank Statements: Latest 6 months' bank statements for your primary business or individual account.

Note: Ensure all documents are clear and self-attested. The bank may request additional documents like a CA-certified balance sheet if your income structure is complex.

Who Should Get This Card?

Should you get this card? Here is who benefits most from the HDFC Biz First Credit Card:

The New Entrepreneur: If you have recently crossed the ₹6 lakh income mark and want to start building a corporate credit profile, this is an excellent first step. It is accessible and teaches you to manage business credit without high annual costs.

The Utility-Heavy Spender: If you spend around ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 monthly on office supplies, broadband, and minor travel, the rewards will quickly add up. For example, spending ₹1.2 lakh annually would earn you enough points for a decent statement credit, and you would easily clear the ₹50,000 fee waiver threshold.

The "Simple Is Better" Owner: If you do not want to track complicated monthly milestones or rotating categories, this card is for you. The redemption process via CashPoints into your statement is straightforward and requires zero hassle.

You might want to skip this card if:

• Your business spends are primarily on fuel or rent, as these categories are excluded from rewards.
• You travel internationally frequently and need premium perks like airport lounge access, which this card does not explicitly emphasize.
• Your annual business spends exceed ₹5-10 lakhs, in which case a higher-tier business card might offer better reward rates.

BankKaro Expert Review

Based on the card's features, the HDFC Biz First Credit Card excels at being a low-friction entry point into the world of business credit. Most banks offer business cards with high annual fees or complex eligibility, but HDFC has kept this accessible for the "missing middle" of Indian entrepreneurs.

The biggest limitation is the redemption rate. At ₹0.15 per CashPoint for statement credit, the value-back is modest compared to some premium personal cards. However, you have to weigh this against the very low annual fee and the ease of getting that fee waived. It is a "set it and forget it" card that rewards you for your basic business existence.

Our verdict: Choose this card if you are a self-employed professional or a small business owner who wants a reputable HDFC card to separate business spends and build a credit history, all while keeping costs at a minimum. It is a practical, no-nonsense tool for the modern Indian business.

Terms and Conditions

Card benefits, fees, and limits are governed by bank T&Cs. Key points to remember include:

• The annual fee waiver of ₹50,000 excludes spends on fuel, rent, and wallet loads.
• CashPoints have a validity period; ensure you check the HDFC rewards portal to redeem them before they expire.
• Eligibility is subject to final bank approval based on internal policy and CRIF score.
• The complete terms and conditions are available for review on the bank's official website.