The reward rate offered on HDFC Freedom Credit Card ranges from 0.1% to 0.6% (depending on the category), which is quite low compared to other similar cards available in the market. Cards like HDFC MoneyBack+ and SBI SimplyCLICK offer better reward rates. HDFC MoneyBack+ offers a reward rate ranging from 0.3% to 3.33%, while SBI SimplyCLICK offers a reward rate between 0.25% and 2.5%, which are better than the reward rate offered on HDFC Freedom.
HDFC Bank
HDFC Freedom Credit Card
Reward Points
Online Shopping
1st Year Fee: ₹500* Plus Applicable Taxes
Shopping
10X rewards on popular brands
Dining
Up to 20% off on dining bills
Fuel
Monthly savings of Rs. 250
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About HDFC Freedom Credit Card
HDFC Freedom Credit Card is an entry-level card best suited for consumers who are new to credit. The card offers accelerated (10X) reward points on popular brands such as BigBasket, BookMyShow, OYO, Swiggy, and Uber—covering everyday categories like grocery, dining, travel, and entertainment. The accumulated CashPoints can be redeemed against multiple options, including cashback, travel bookings through the SmartBuy portal, air miles conversion, and products & vouchers via the rewards catalogue.
While the accelerated rewards on popular brands make it a good option for daily expenses, the low redemption value of 1 RP = Rs. 0.15 reduces the card’s overall value. In comparison, cards like SBI SimplyCLICK and HDFC MoneyBack+ offer better value back of up to 2.5% and 3.33%, respectively, at a similar annual fee.
Apart from rewards, the card also offers additional discount on Swiggy Dineout along with dining discounts at partner restaurants. Overall, this is a basic credit card with limited benefits but relaxed eligibility criteria, making it a suitable choice for new-to-credit individuals looking for a low annual fee card.
Rewards Program
Rewards Earning
- 10X CashPoints on spends at BigBasket, BookMyShow, OYO, Swiggy & Uber, up to 2,500 CashPoints per month
- 1 CashPoint for every Rs. 150 spent on other categories, including UPI spends1
Reward Points Redemption
Redeem CashPoints at a value of 1 CashPoint = Rs. 0.15 against below categories:
- Products & vouchers through the rewards catalogue2
- Hotels & flight bookings through the SmartBuy portal3
Other Features & Benefits
Welcome/ Renewal Benefit
- 500 CashPoints after the payment of joining and renewal fee
Dining Benefits
- 10% additional discount on Swiggy Dineout, capped at Rs. 7504
- Up to 20% off on dining bills at partner restaurants through Swiggy Dineout
Annual Benefit
- Annual fee waiver on spending Rs. 50,000 in a year
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₹500 Plus Applicable Taxes
NA₹500 Plus Applicable Taxes
Annual fee waiver on annual sepnds of Rs. 50,000Need Help understanding?
Fees and Charges
| Fee Type | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joining Fee | Rs. 500 + Applicable Taxes | ||||||||||||||||||
| Annual Fee | Rs. 500 + Applicable Taxes | ||||||||||||||||||
| Finance Charges | 3.75% p.m. | 45% p.a. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Late Payment Charges |
|
Things to Know Before you apply
Get this card if
You are looking for an entry-level credit card with basic benefits
You regularly spend on brands like BigBasket, Swiggy, and Uber
You want a low annual fee card with multiple reward redemption options
You can spend Rs. 50,000 in a year to avail annual fee waiver
Eligibility Criteria
Age: 21 to 65 years
Income Requirement: Rs. 12,000 per month for Salaried
Income Requirement: ITR> Rs. 6 LPA for Self-employed
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What do we like about this card?
HDFC Freedom is an entry-level credit card that offers value back in the form of reward points, which can be redeemed across multiple categories. With accelerated (10X) CashPoints on popular brands including BigBasket, BookMyShow, OYO, Swiggy, and Uber, cardholders can save significantly on their everyday spends. In addition, the card offers additional discount and exclusive dining benefits through Swiggy Dineout, further enhancing its overall value.
Pros
- Accelerated reward points on popular brands
- Redemption of reward points against multiple categories
- Easily achievable spending milestone for annual fee waiver
- Welcome or renewal benefits in the form of bonus reward points
- Exclusive dining benefits through Swiggy Dineout
Cons
- Low reward redemption value of 1 RP = Rs. 0.15
- No travel benefits like lounge access
- No reward points on rent payments and government related transactions
Conclusion
HDFC Freedom Credit Card is an ideal option for consumers who are starting their credit journey and are looking for a low annual fee credit card. This is a basic credit card that does not have much to offer and comes with a comparatively lower reward rate than other cards like HDFC MoneyBack+ and SBI SimplyCLICK, which have a similar annual fee. However, its relaxed eligibility criteria make it a suitable option for individuals who are new to credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this credit card
You can apply for this credit card online through the official website of the bank. All you need to do is open the page of this credit card and click on ‘Apply Now’ to fill out the application form. You can also apply offline for this credit card by visiting the nearest branch of the bank and submitting a duly-filled application form.
You can redeem your earned reward points online via internet banking. You can log in to the internet banking portal and go to the ‘Online Redemption’ and choose the products as per your choice to redeem your reward points. Additionally, you can also redeem your earned reward points offline by posting the rewards redemption form to the HDFC card division.
Yes, you can check your credit card statement online by visiting the official website of HDFC Bank. Log in to your account and go to ‘Cards’ section and select the ‘Enquire’ option to view your statement. You can also use HDFC mobile banking app to download your billed statement.
The bank charges a fee of 2.5% of the withdrawn amount or a minimum of Rs. 500 (whichever is higher) for withdrawing cash via HDFC Freedom Credit Card. Therefore, it is advisable not to withdraw cash using your credit card as it comes with higher charges.
Yes, the bank allows its customers to have more than one credit card. However, you must meet the set eligibility criteria to apply for this credit card. The minimum income requirement for salaried applicants is Rs. 12,000 per month.
No, you can only earn 10X reward points on your transactions at Big Basket, BookMyShow, OYO, Swiggy and Uber. However, you can earn a maximum of 2,500 CashPoints in a calendar month under these transactions.
HDFC Freedom Credit Card charges an annual fee of Rs. 500 + applicable taxes. However, this fee is waived if you spend Rs. 50,000 or more in a year.
All Indian nationals above the age of 21, whether salaried or self-employed, can apply for this credit card, provided that they meet the income criteria and other card-specific requirements. The maximum age requirement to apply for this credit card is 60 years for salaried applicants and 65 years for self-employed applicants.
HDFC Freedom is an entry-level credit card that offers basic benefits such as 10X CashPoints on spends made at BigBasket, BookMyShow, OYO, Swiggy, and Uber, and 1 CashPoint for every Rs. 150 spent on other categories. Additionally, the card offers dining discounts through Eazydiner and an additional 10% discount on Swiggy Dineout.
To redeem HDFC Freedom Credit Card reward points, you can log in to your net banking account using your User ID and password. Then, navigate to the Credit Cards section and click on “Redeem Now” to redeem your accumulated reward points from the available options as per your preferences.
Footnotes
- No reward points will be offered on rent payments and govt related transactions. Also, reward points earned on grocery and UPI transactions are capped at 1,000 and 500 reward points per month, respectively.
- You can only redeem up to 70% of product/ voucher value through reward points on select vouchers/ products.
- Reward points redemption against flight & hotel bookings and cashback are capped 50,000 per month.
- To avail this benefit, use coupon code: HDFCCARDS at the time of checkout.
Click here to know More Terms and Conditions
Shruti Sharma
Shruti Sharma is a skilled content writer with a passion for simplifying personal finance for consumers. Specializing in credit cards and financial planning, she offers valuable insights that empower individuals to make informed financial choices. Through her writing, she shares practical tips and guides readers through the nuances of credit card usage.
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