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HDFC Bharat

HDFC Bharat

Annual Fee

₹500

Rewards/₹100

₹2.50

Normalized to balance base rate with bonus categories

Interest Rate

41.88%

Credit Score

700+

At a Glance

Key Benefits

5% cashback on fuel, grocery, IRCTC, PayZapp; Rs. 50L insurance

Lounge Access

No lounge access available

Eligibility

Min income Rs. 12,000/month, age 21-60, CIBIL 700+

Quick Analysis

The HDFC Bharat Credit Card is a solid entry-level cashback card for everyday spenders. With 5% cashback on fuel, groceries, and utility payments, plus a low annual fee of Rs. 500 (waivable at Rs. 20,000 annual spend), it delivers good value for budget-conscious users. However, the Rs. 150/month cashback cap per category limits earning potential, and the lack of lounge access or dining perks makes it unsuitable for premium seekers. Note: HDFC Bank has stopped accepting new applications for this card.

Pros

  • Affordable Rs. 500 annual fee with spend-based waiver at Rs. 20,000
  • 5% cashback on fuel, grocery, IRCTC, bill payments
  • 5% cashback on PayZapp, SmartBuy and EasyEMI
  • Rs. 50 Lakhs accidental death insurance cover
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations
  • Zero lost card liability protection

Cons

  • Cashback capped at Rs. 150 per category per month (Rs. 300 total)
  • No lounge access or dining benefits
  • High forex markup of 3.5%
  • Reward redemption capped at 3,000 points/month
  • New applications stopped by HDFC Bank

Best For

Budget-conscious individuals who want cashback on everyday spends like fuel, groceries, mobile recharges, and bill payments. Ideal for first-time credit card users.

Not Ideal For

Travelers seeking lounge access, international spenders needing low forex markup, or those looking for premium dining and lifestyle benefits.

Quick Details

Annual Fee
₹500 #21
Joining Fee
₹500 #21
Interest Rate
41.88% p.a. #7
Forex Markup
3.50% #27
Fuel Surcharge Waiver 1.00% (₹400.00-₹100000.00)
Rewards/₹100
₹2.50 #32
Reward Type Cashback
Points Expiry 24 months
Min Redemption 1 points
Reward Currency Cashback
Min Credit Score These are observed patterns, not bank-published rules.
700+ #3
Min Annual Income These are observed patterns, not bank-published rules. ₹12,000
Network RUPAY
Card Tier classic
Card Replacement Fee ₹100
Late Payment Fee
Late Payment Fee ₹100
Late Payment Fee ₹500
Late Payment Fee ₹600
Late Payment Fee ₹750
Late Payment Fee ₹900
Late Payment Fee ₹1,100
Late Payment Fee ₹1,300
Foreign Currency Markup 3.50%
Reward Redemption Fee ₹99
GST Levy 18.00%
Fee Waiver on Spend ₹20,000/yr

Card Features

Contactless EMI Conversion Add-on Cards (3)

Reward Structure

Cat

Fuel

₹5.00 /₹100
Cat

Grocery

₹5.00 /₹100
Cat

Utility Bills

₹5.00 /₹100
Cat

IRCTC Railway Bookings

₹5.00 /₹100
Cat

PayZapp

₹5.00 /₹100
Cat

SmartBuy

₹5.00 /₹100
Cat

EasyEMI

₹5.00 /₹100
Base

All Spends

₹0.00 /₹100

No Rewards On

Wallet Loads Rent Payments Government

Reward Redemption

Redeem your points for cashback, travel, and more

Best

Statement Credit

Cashback / Statement Credit
₹1.00/point

Cashback credited as reward points. Redemption capped at 3,000 points per month. Redeem up to 70% of product/voucher value with points.

Milestone Benefits

Annual Benefit

Annual fee of Rs. 500 waived on spending Rs. 20,000 or more in the previous year.

Spend ₹20,000 within 365 days

₹500

value

Welcome Bonus

Rs. 1,000 cashback on in-app shopping on 200+ brands via PayZapp.

₹1,000

value

Milestone

Earn up to Rs. 300 cashback per month (Rs. 150 on Category A + Rs. 150 on Category B transactions).

Spend ₹6,000 within 30 days

₹300

value

Annual Benefit

Save up to Rs. 3,600 annually through cashback and fuel surcharge waiver combined.

Spend ₹60,000 within 365 days

₹3,600

value

Lifestyle Perks

Custom

Stay protected against unauthorised use with EMV Chip Card technology.

Category Rankings

See how this card performs in different spending categories compared to other cards.

Fuel #4 /16
5.0000 pts/₹100 Top 25%
Grocery #12 /49
5.0000 pts/₹100 Top 25%
Online #21 /57
5.0000 pts/₹100 Top 37%
PayZapp #1 /2
5.0000 pts/₹100 Top 50%
Shopping #21 /51
5.0000 pts/₹100 Top 42%
Travel #19 /45
5.0000 pts/₹100 Top 43%
Utility Bills #8 /41
5.0000 pts/₹100 Top 20%

The HDFC Bharat Credit Card, also known as the HDFC Bharat CashBack Credit Card, is an entry-level credit card from HDFC Bank designed for everyday spenders. Built on the RuPay network, this card offers a straightforward 5% cashback on essential categories including fuel, groceries, mobile recharges, bill payments, and IRCTC railway bookings.

With a modest joining fee of Rs. 500 (plus GST), the card is positioned as an affordable option for first-time credit card users who want to earn cashback on their regular expenses. The card also features a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, Rs. 50 Lakhs accidental death cover, and the convenience of PayZapp integration for digital payments.

Note: HDFC Bank has stopped accepting new applications for this card. Existing cardholders continue to enjoy all benefits.

What is HDFC Bharat?

The HDFC Bharat Credit Card is a cashback-focused entry-level credit card issued by HDFC Bank on the RuPay network. It is specifically designed for the Indian market, catering to individuals who make frequent everyday purchases at fuel stations, grocery stores, and through digital payment platforms.

  • Card Type: Cashback Credit Card
  • Network: RuPay
  • Annual Fee: Rs. 500 + GST (waivable on Rs. 20,000 annual spend)
  • Primary Benefit: 5% cashback on fuel, grocery, IRCTC, bill payments, and PayZapp
  • Insurance: Rs. 50 Lakhs accidental death cover
  • Target Audience: Entry-level users, everyday spenders

Cashback Benefits

The HDFC Bharat Credit Card offers two categories of cashback:

  • Category A (Rs. 150/month cap): 5% cashback on fuel, grocery, bill payments, mobile recharges, and IRCTC railway ticket bookings
  • Category B (Rs. 150/month cap): 5% cashback on PayZapp, SmartBuy, and EasyEMI transactions
  • SmartBuy: 5% cashback on SmartBuy transactions (flight/hotel bookings, gift vouchers)

Fuel Benefits

  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver on minimum transaction of Rs. 400 at all fuel stations in India
  • Maximum waiver capped at Rs. 250 per statement cycle
  • Additional 5% cashback on fuel spends (under Category A)

Insurance Benefits

  • Up to Rs. 50 Lakhs complimentary accidental death cover (requires min. 4 transactions of Rs. 100+ per month)
  • Up to Rs. 2 Lakhs purchase protection against loss due to burglary or fire (for purchases of Rs. 5,000+)
  • Zero lost card liability if reported within 24 hours

Digital Payment Benefits

  • Link card on PayZapp for extra cashback and reward points on bill payments and recharges
  • Rs. 1,000 cashback on in-app shopping across 200+ brands via PayZapp
  • Swipe to Pay feature for contactless OTP-free payments

Security Features

  • EMV Chip Card technology for protection against unauthorized use
  • Zero lost card liability

Fee Waiver Milestone

  • Spend Rs. 20,000 in a year to get the next year annual fee of Rs. 500 waived

Monthly Cashback Potential

  • Category A: Up to Rs. 150/month on fuel, grocery, IRCTC, bill payments, and mobile recharges
  • Category B: Up to Rs. 150/month on PayZapp, SmartBuy, and EasyEMI transactions
  • Total Monthly Maximum: Rs. 300 cashback per month
  • Annual Savings Potential: Up to Rs. 3,600 (including fuel surcharge waiver)

PayZapp Benefits

  • Rs. 1,000 cashback on in-app shopping across 200+ brands
  • Extra cashback and reward points on bill payments and mobile recharges via PayZapp

Airport Lounge Access

The HDFC Bharat Credit Card does not offer any airport lounge access, either domestic or international. This is an entry-level card focused on cashback benefits rather than travel perks.

If you need lounge access, consider upgrading to HDFC cards like the Regalia or Infinia which offer complimentary lounge visits.

Earning Structure

The HDFC Bharat Credit Card offers cashback in the form of reward points:

  • Category A (5% cashback): Fuel, grocery, bill payments, mobile recharges, IRCTC bookings - combined cap of Rs. 150/month
  • Category B (5% cashback): PayZapp, SmartBuy, EasyEMI transactions - combined cap of Rs. 150/month
  • SmartBuy: 5% cashback on SmartBuy transactions (flight/hotel bookings, gift vouchers)
  • Other spends: No cashback on non-eligible categories

Redemption

  • Value: 1 Reward Point = Rs. 1
  • Method: Cashback credited against statement balance on request
  • Monthly Cap: Maximum 3,000 points redeemable per month
  • Product Redemption: Redeem up to 70% of product/voucher value with points; pay remaining via credit card
  • Expiry: Unredeemed points expire after 2 years from accumulation

Exclusions

  • No cashback on wallet loading, rent payments, or government transactions
  • Mobile recharges bundled with phone purchases are not eligible
  • Only eligible MCCs by RuPay earn 5% rewards in select categories

Fees & Charges

Fee TypeAmount
Joining FeeRs. 500 + GST
Annual FeeRs. 500 + GST (waived on Rs. 20,000 annual spend)
Interest Rate3.49% per month (41.88% p.a.)
Cash Advance Fee2.5% or Rs. 500, whichever is higher
Foreign Currency Markup3.5% of transaction amount
Card ReplacementRs. 100
Reward Redemption FeeRs. 99
Late Payment (up to Rs. 500)Rs. 100
Late Payment (Rs. 501-1,000)Rs. 500
Late Payment (Rs. 1,001-5,000)Rs. 600
Late Payment (Rs. 5,001-10,000)Rs. 750
Late Payment (Rs. 10,001-25,000)Rs. 900
Late Payment (Rs. 25,001-20,000)Rs. 1,100
Late Payment (above Rs. 20,000)Rs. 1,300
Minimum Due5% of outstanding or Rs. 200, whichever is higher
Cash Advance Limit40% of credit limit
GST18% on all fees and charges

Salaried Individuals

  • Age: 21 to 60 years
  • Income: Minimum gross monthly income of Rs. 12,000

Self-Employed Individuals

  • Age: 21 to 65 years
  • Income: Minimum annual ITR of Rs. 2 Lakhs

Credit Score

  • CIBIL score of 700+ recommended (750+ preferred for smoother approval)
  • Existing HDFC Bank salary/savings account holders may have easier approval

Identity Proof (Any One)

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Voter ID
  • Passport
  • Driving License

Address Proof (Any One)

  • Latest month utility bills
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Passport
  • Ration Card

Income Proof (Any One)

  • Latest salary slips (for salaried individuals)
  • Latest bank statements
  • Latest audited ITR (for self-employed individuals)
  • Form 16

How to Apply

Note: HDFC Bank has stopped accepting new applications for the Bharat Credit Card as of 2025. Existing cardholders continue to enjoy all benefits.

Online Application (When Available)

  1. Visit HDFC Bank official website
  2. Navigate to Credit Cards section under Borrow
  3. Select the HDFC Bharat Credit Card
  4. Click Apply Now and fill in the digital application form
  5. Submit required documents and await approval

Offline Application

  1. Visit your nearest HDFC Bank branch
  2. Carry all required documents (identity, address, and income proof)
  3. Fill in the physical application form
  4. Submit and await processing

Conclusion

The HDFC Bharat Credit Card is a solid entry-level cashback card ideal for budget-conscious Indian consumers who want to earn rewards on their everyday spending. With 5% cashback on fuel, groceries, bill payments, mobile recharges, and IRCTC bookings, plus additional savings through PayZapp and SmartBuy, the card delivers meaningful value for its Rs. 500 annual fee.

The card is best suited for individuals new to credit cards or those with modest income levels who make regular purchases at fuel stations, grocery stores, and through digital payment platforms. The Rs. 50 Lakhs accidental death cover and purchase protection add safety nets that are uncommon at this price point.

However, the Rs. 150/month cashback cap per category (Rs. 300 total), lack of lounge access, absence of dining benefits, and high forex markup of 3.5% mean this card is not suitable for high spenders, travelers, or those who need international usage. The 3,000 points/month redemption cap further limits its utility for heavy users. Additionally, HDFC Bank has discontinued new applications, making it available only to existing cardholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the joining fee for the HDFC Bharat Credit Card?
The joining fee is Rs. 500 plus applicable GST (18%). The same amount applies as the annual renewal fee.
Can the annual fee be waived?
Yes, the annual fee of Rs. 500 is waived if you spend Rs. 20,000 or more in the previous year.
What cashback do I earn on this card?
You earn 5% cashback on Category A transactions (fuel, grocery, bill payments, mobile recharge, IRCTC bookings) capped at Rs. 150/month, and 5% on Category B transactions (PayZapp, SmartBuy, EasyEMI) also capped at Rs. 150/month. Total maximum monthly cashback is Rs. 300.
How are cashback rewards credited?
Cashback is credited as reward points in your next statement. 1 Reward Point equals Rs. 1. You can redeem up to 3,000 points per month.
What is the interest-free period?
You get up to 50 days of interest-free credit from the date of purchase, subject to the merchant submitting the charge on time.
What is the interest rate on outstanding balance?
The interest rate is 3.49% per month (41.88% per annum) on any outstanding amount carried beyond the bill due date.
What is the fuel surcharge waiver?
You get a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions of Rs. 400 or more at any fuel station in India. The maximum waiver is Rs. 250 per statement cycle.
What is the foreign currency markup fee?
The foreign currency markup fee is 3.5% on the conversion amount for international transactions.
What insurance benefits does this card offer?
The card offers up to Rs. 50 Lakhs accidental death cover insurance (requires minimum 4 transactions of Rs. 100+ each month) and up to Rs. 2 Lakh purchase protection against loss due to burglary or fire for purchases of Rs. 5,000+.
Who is eligible for this card?
Salaried individuals aged 21-60 years with a minimum gross monthly income of Rs. 12,000, or self-employed individuals aged 21-65 years with minimum annual ITR of Rs. 2 Lakhs.
What documents are required to apply?
You need identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License), address proof (utility bills, Aadhaar, or Passport), and income proof (salary slips, bank statements, or audited ITR).
What is the CIBIL score required?
While HDFC Bank does not specify a minimum score, a CIBIL score of 700+ is generally recommended for entry-level cards like the Bharat Credit Card. Scores of 750+ improve approval chances.
Is there a zero lost card liability?
Yes, you are not liable for unauthorized transactions if you report the loss or theft of your card to the bank within 24 hours.
What are the cash advance charges?
Cash advance charges are 2.5% of the withdrawn amount or Rs. 500, whichever is higher. Cash advance limit is 40% of your credit limit.
Does this card offer any movie or dining benefits?
No, the HDFC Bharat Credit Card does not offer movie or dining benefits. It is primarily a cashback-focused card for everyday spends.
Does this card offer lounge access?
No, the HDFC Bharat Credit Card does not offer any domestic or international airport lounge access.
What is the reward points redemption cap?
With effect from 1st February 2023, reward points redemption is capped at 3,000 points per month. You can redeem up to 70% of product/voucher value with points and pay the rest via credit card.
When do reward points expire?
Unredeemed reward points expire after 2 years from the date of accumulation.
Is this card still open for new applications?
As of 2026, HDFC Bank has stopped sourcing new applications for the Bharat Credit Card. Existing cardholders continue to enjoy all benefits.
What card network does the HDFC Bharat Credit Card use?
The HDFC Bharat Credit Card is issued on the RuPay network, which means it is primarily designed for domestic transactions with select international acceptance.
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Pawan Khatri
Reviewed by

Pawan Khatri

Founder

Pawan is the founder of CardNitty, with years of experience in personal finance and credit card optimization. He is passionate about helping consumers make smarter financial decisions.

Last updated: 1 February 2026

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