Credit Cards · Honest Review

HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card

HDFC Bank · Visa

₹500Annual fee
0.67%Base rate
3.5%Forex markup
12KMin income/mo

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HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card
HDFC Bank · Visa
  • 10X CashPoints (capped 2,500/month) on BigBasket, BookMyShow, OYO, Swiggy and Uber
  • 1 CashPoint per 150 on all other spends
  • 500 bonus CashPoints on joining fee payment
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver between 400-5,000 spends, capped 250/cycle
  • Entry-level fee easily waived at 50,000 annual spend
₹500/yrAnnual fee
₹500
Annual fee
0.67%
Base reward rate
None
Lounge access
700+
CIBIL score
HDFC Freedom Credit Card is an accessible entry-level card for first-time cardholders with modest incomes, offering bonus CashPoints on everyday apps like Swiggy, Uber, and BigBasket. It lacks lounge access and premium perks, but its low income requirement and easily waived fee make it a practical starter card.

What HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card costs you

HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card carries a ₹500 annual fee and a ₹500 one-time joining fee. The annual fee is waivable: Spend 50,000 or more in a year.

FeeAmount
Annual fee (year 2+)₹500
Joining fee (one-time)₹500
Fee waiver conditionSpend 50,000 or more in a year
Spend required for waiver50,000 / year
Foreign transaction fee (forex markup)3.5% per transaction

What you earn on every rupee spent

HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card earns 0.67% on all eligible spends as a base reward rate, with accelerated rates on online shopping, entertainment & ott and other bonus categories listed below. Each reward point is worth ₹0.15 when redeemed, giving a clear rupee value for your earnings.

CategoryReward rate
All other spends (base rate)0.67%
🛒 Online Shopping6.67%
🎬 Entertainment & OTT6.67%
6.67%
Online Shopping
6.67%
Entertainment & OTT
Welcome bonus

500 bonus CashPoints after successful payment of joining fee

Reward types: Cashback

Beyond the reward rate

The non-reward benefits on HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card are meaningful for frequent users. Here is what you get with the card.

🛫
No lounge access
This card does not include airport lounge access.
Fuel surcharge waiver
1% fuel surcharge waiver on petrol pump transactions (standard terms apply).

Who can apply for HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card

HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card requires a minimum net monthly income of ₹12,000 for salaried applicants and a CIBIL score of 700 or above. It is open to salaried employees and self-employed professionals.

₹12,000
Min monthly income
700+
CIBIL score
2160
Age (years)
RequirementDetail
Minimum monthly income₹12,000
CIBIL score700+ (good to excellent)
Age range2160 years
Employment typeSalaried, Self-employed
Typical approval time5-7 working days

Salaried minimum net monthly income 12,000; self-employed need ITR above 2 lakh annually. Max age 65 for self-employed.

Who should (and shouldn't) get HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card

✅ Best for
  • Heavy spenders on online shopping who want 6.67% back
  • Heavy spenders on entertainment & ott who want 6.67% back
  • Moderate spenders who can clear the fee waiver condition
⚠️ Not ideal for
  • Frequent flyers who need airport lounge access
  • International travelers — the 3.5% forex markup adds up quickly

HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card — Questions answered

What is the annual fee for HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card?
The annual fee is ₹500 from year 2 onwards, with a one-time joining fee of ₹500. The fee is waivable: Spend 50,000 or more in a year.
What is the minimum income required for HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card?
Salaried applicants need a minimum net monthly income of ₹12,000 and a CIBIL score of at least 700. Self-employed applicants typically need equivalent annual income proof. Salaried minimum net monthly income 12,000; self-employed need ITR above 2 lakh annually. Max age 65 for self-employed.
What is the reward rate on HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card for online shopping?
HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card earns 6.67% on online shopping with no monthly cap. On all other spends, the base reward rate is 0.67%.
Does HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card provide airport lounge access?
HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card does not include airport lounge access as a standard benefit. If lounge access is a priority, consider upgrading to a premium variant or a dedicated travel card.
How do I get the annual fee waived on HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card?
The annual fee on HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card is automatically waived when you meet the spend threshold: Spend 50,000 or more in a year. You do not need to call the bank — the waiver is applied to the next billing cycle once the condition is met.
How long does it take to get HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card approved?
Most applications for HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card are processed within 5-7 working days. Pre-approved customers may receive instant digital approval. Physical card delivery typically takes 3–5 business days after approval.
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Information on this page is gathered from public sources and the card issuer's official website. Fees and reward rates may change — verify the current terms on the issuer's website before applying. SingleVerdict may earn a referral fee if you apply through our links, which does not affect our scoring or editorial decisions.