HDFC Bank is set to implement significant changes in its credit card usage policies effective July 1, 2025. These changes will impact wallet loading, utility payments, skill-based gaming, and other daily transactions, with revised charges and caps to promote responsible credit card use and ensure financial clarity for users.
New 1% Fee on Wallet Loading & High-Value Utility Payments
One major update involves a 1% charge on third-party wallet loading (e.g., PayTM, Mobikwik, Freecharge, Ola Money) if total monthly loading exceeds ₹10,000. This fee will apply to the entire amount loaded in a month, with a maximum charge capped at ₹4,999.
Similarly, utility bill payments will attract a 1% charge if monthly spending exceeds ₹50,000 for personal cards and ₹75,000 for business cards. Like wallet loading, this fee is applied on the total utility spend once the threshold is crossed and is capped at ₹4,999 per month. However, insurance payments are exempt from being treated as utility transactions and will not attract this charge.
Reward Point Caps on Insurance & New Charges for Online Gaming
In terms of reward points on insurance transactions, HDFC Bank has now introduced caps. Infinia and Infinia Metal cards will have a monthly limit of 10,000 reward points, while Diners Black, Diners Black Metal, and Biz Black Metal cards are capped at 5,000 points. For all other cards, the limit is set at 2,000 points, except for Marriott Bonvoy cards, which remain uncapped.
Further, a 1% fee on skill-based online gaming transactions will be charged if monthly spending crosses ₹10,000 on platforms like Dream11, Rummy Culture, Junglee Games, or MPL. No reward points will be given for such spends. This charge is also capped at ₹4,999 per month.
Capped Charges on Rent, Fuel & Education Transactions
Lastly, HDFC has capped transaction charges for rent, fuel, and education-related expenses at ₹4,999 per transaction. The 1% charge remains applicable for all rent payments, fuel spends above ₹15,000/₹30,000 per transaction, and education payments via third-party apps. Payments made directly through school/college websites or POS machines will be free of charge.
Summary:
HDFC Bank will revise credit card charges from July 1, 2025, adding 1% fees on wallet loading, high-value utility bills, and online gaming above set limits. Reward points on insurance will be capped, and transaction fees on rent, fuel, and education will be limited to ₹4,999, with some exceptions.
