HDFC RuPay Credit Card

About HDFC RuPay Credit Card

Are you still missing out on rewards while making daily UPI payments? The HDFC RuPay Credit Card is designed to change that by turning your routine scans into savings.

This card is a straightforward financial tool that focuses on accessibility and ease of use. With a nominal annual fee of just ₹99, it is one of the most affordable entry points into the HDFC ecosystem. If you spend at least ₹25,000 in a year, that fee disappears entirely, making the card effectively free for even modest spenders. It is a practical choice for those who want the flexibility of a credit line with the convenience of RuPay's UPI integration.

Tailored for young professionals and first-time cardholders earning ₹25,000 per month, this card bridges the gap between traditional credit and modern digital payments. It works best for individuals who frequently use UPI for small to mid-sized transactions at local merchants and want to build a credit history without heavy overhead costs.

What sets it apart:

• Ultra-Low Entry Barrier: Unlike premium cards that charge thousands, this card costs just ₹99, making it accessible for almost any budget.
• UPI Integration: Being a RuPay card, you can link it to your favorite UPI apps to pay merchants directly from your credit limit.
• Simple Fee Waiver: Spend just ₹2,100 a month on average to get your annual fee waived, a target much lower than the industry standard of ₹1 lakh or more.

Quick check: To qualify, you will need a minimum monthly income of ₹25,000 and a credit score (CRIF) of 700 or higher.

Let's break down why this card might be the right fit for your pocket:

Key Benefits & Features of the HDFC RuPay Credit Card

The HDFC RuPay Credit Card focuses on providing value through its low cost and specific spending categories. Here is a detailed look at what you get:

Reward Point Structure

Every time you spend, you earn reward points that can be turned into real value. The conversion rate is clear: 1 reward point equals ₹0.25. This allows you to accumulate savings over time, which can be used for cash back or through the HDFC Smartbuy portal. Based on the typical spending profile for this card, users can see an annual saving of approximately ₹1,500.

Important Note on Activation: To start earning these rewards, you must make a minimum transaction of ₹100 within the first 30 days of receiving your card. Failing to do this will make you ineligible for reward earnings.

Fuel Surcharge Waiver

If you use your vehicle for daily commuting, the fuel surcharge waiver is a helpful feature. You get a zero fuel surcharge benefit on your transactions, which helps you save every time you refuel at petrol pumps across India. This small percentage adds up significantly for regular commuters.

Affordable Fee Structure and Waivers

The card is designed to stay out of your way financially. The joining fee is a low ₹99, and the annual fee is also ₹99. However, HDFC offers a simple path to waive this annual charge. If you spend more than ₹25,000 in the preceding year, the ₹99 fee for the next year is waived. For someone using the card for basic monthly expenses like groceries or dining, hitting this ₹25,000 target is quite easy.

What You Need to Know About Exclusions

While the card is great for general shopping, it is important to note where you will not earn rewards. To maximize your benefits, avoid relying on this card for the following categories as they are excluded from reward earnings and spend calculations for waivers:

• Utility bill payments and Insurance premiums
• Government-related transactions and Education spends
• Rent payments and Wallet loads
• Jewelry purchases and EMI transactions
• Fuel spends (though you get the surcharge waiver, you don't earn points)
• Cash advances and payment of outstanding card balances

Comparison Table: HDFC RuPay vs. Competitors

Choosing the right RuPay card depends on your spending habits. Here is how this card stacks up against other popular entry-level RuPay credit cards in India:

The HDFC RuPay Credit Card is the clear winner for anyone who wants a "no-frills" experience with the lowest possible maintenance cost. While cards like SBI SimplySave offer better rewards on groceries, they also demand a much higher annual spend to waive the fee. If your monthly credit card spend is below ₹5,000, the HDFC RuPay card is the most economical choice.

How to Apply?

The application process for the HDFC RuPay Credit Card is straightforward and can be completed online or offline. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Check Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet the age criteria of 21-60 years and have a minimum monthly income of ₹25,000 (for salaried) or an annual ITR of ₹4 Lakh (for self-employed).
2. Visit the Portal: Go to the HDFC Bank official website or use the mobile banking app.
3. Fill the Application: Enter your mobile number and PAN details to start the digital application.
4. Select the Card: If you are eligible for multiple variants, ensure you select the RuPay version to take advantage of UPI features.
5. Verification: Complete the Aadhaar-based e-KYC or schedule a physical KYC verification if required.
6. Activation: Once the card is delivered, perform a transaction of at least ₹100 within 30 days to activate your reward benefits.

If you are an existing HDFC customer, you might find a pre-approved offer in your NetBanking section, which makes the process even faster. The processing timeline ranges from 7 to 15 working days, depending on your location and verification status.

Documents Required for HDFC RuPay Credit Card Application

You'll need to submit the following documents when applying:

For Salaried Applicants

• Identity Proof: PAN Card (mandatory), Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License
• Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Passport, Utility Bills (not older than 2 months), Rent Agreement, or Property Tax Receipt
• Income Proof: Latest 3 months' salary slips and 6 months' bank statements
• Employment Proof: Office ID card or employment letter

For Self-Employed Applicants

• Identity Proof: PAN Card (mandatory), Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License
• Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Passport, Utility Bills (not older than 2 months), or Property Documents
• Income Proof: Latest 2 years' ITR (Income Tax Returns) with computation of income, 6 months' bank statements, and CA-certified financials
• Business Proof: Business registration certificate, GST registration (if applicable), or Shop Act License

Note: All documents must be self-attested. The bank may request additional documents during the verification process to confirm your eligibility.

Credit Limit & What to Expect

Credit limits for the HDFC RuPay Credit Card are assigned based on your income, credit score, and existing banking relationship. If you are an existing HDFC account holder with a good savings balance, you might receive a higher starting limit. Credit limits generally range from ₹25,000 to ₹1,50,000 based on your specific income and credit profile.

HDFC reviews credit limits every 6-12 months. If you use your card responsibly and pay your bills in full and on time, you may become eligible for a limit increase. Maintaining a high CRIF score (above 700) is key to getting these upgrades.

Who Should Get This Card?

Should you get this card? Here is who benefits most:

The UPI Power User: If you are a young professional who scans QR codes at local tea stalls, pharmacies, or small grocers, this card is for you. Since you can link it to UPI, you can stop using your savings account for small transactions and earn rewards instead. If you spend ₹5,000 monthly on UPI scans, you'll easily surpass the ₹25,000 annual waiver limit and earn back your fee in rewards.

The Budget-Conscious Beginner: If you earn ₹30,000 a month and want your first credit card, the low ₹99 fee is very non-threatening. It's a great tool to learn how to manage credit without worrying about high annual charges or complex reward systems.

The "Emergency Only" User: If you want a credit card just for emergencies or the occasional fuel refill, this card works perfectly. The cost of holding it is negligible, and the zero fuel surcharge ensures you don't pay extra at the pump.

You might want to skip this card if:

• You spend heavily on utilities, insurance, or rent, as these categories won't earn you any points.
• You travel frequently and expect lounge access or air mile rewards.
• You are looking for high-value welcome gifts or movie perks.

BankKaro Expert Review

After analyzing the HDFC RuPay Credit Card, my verdict is that it is a "utility player" in the credit card world. It doesn't try to be a luxury card; instead, it focuses on being a cost-effective way to access the RuPay-UPI ecosystem.

This card excels at providing a low-risk entry into the world of HDFC credit. The biggest limitation is the extensive list of exclusions. Since utility bills, insurance, and rent don't count toward rewards or fee waivers, you have to be intentional about using this card for shopping and UPI scans to see any real value.

Our verdict: Choose this card if you want the cheapest possible way to use credit on UPI. It is an excellent "starter card" for those who want to build a relationship with HDFC Bank. However, if you are a heavy spender, you might find the 0.25% reward value a bit too low compared to premium alternatives.

Terms and Conditions

Before you apply, please keep these specific terms in mind:

• The bank may offer a different card variant based on your specific eligibility and internal credit norms. Please carefully read the features of the card actually offered before submitting your final application.
• A minimum transaction of Rs.100 within the first 30 days of card issuance is mandatory to activate the card's reward program. If this is not done, you will not be eligible to earn rewards on future spends.
• Reward points are valid for 2 years, so ensure you redeem them for cash or via Smartbuy regularly.
• For complete and updated terms and conditions, visit the HDFC Bank official website.