Introduction 

HDFC Freedom Credit Card is a perfect solution for the credit requirements of first-time credit card users. Under this card, cardholders can get bonus reward points on birthday, dining, groceries and so on. The Freedom card by HDFC is a rewards credit card which offers a wide range of benefits and features. The credit card also offers accelerated points on purchases, PayZapp spends and others as well. Apart from this, with the Freedom card, cardholders also receive benefits from various other categories such as fuel, insurance, etc.

About HDFC Freedom Credit Card

HDFC Freedom Credit Card is one of the best cash-back credit cards available in India. At Rs. 500 per year, it comes at a very affordable price and is a valuable choice for regular as well as first-time credit card users. The renewal fee is also waived off in case the cardholder can meet the annual spend requirement of Rs. 50,000.

The card is powered by VISA/MasterCard & has a secure chipset and card-less technology, making it one of the safest, fastest, as well as convenient plastic cards for the wallet.

Additional Reading: 5 Best Cashback Credit Cards 2018

Benefits of the Card

Here are some of the benefits offered by HDFC Freedom credit card.

  • Welcome Benefit: The card offers 500 Reward Points as a welcome gift. Cardholders can also enjoy 500 rewards points on renewal of the card. The benefit is extended only after deducting any applicable fees.

  • Birthday offer: 25X Reward Points on spends incurred on cardholder’s birthday. Cardholders can earn up to 3000 reward points under the offer.

  • Cardholders can make up to 1500 points per statement cycle on cumulative spends.

  • 5X reward points on retail spend on movies, dining, groceries, railways & taxis bookings.

  • On Rs. 90,000 annual spends cardholders can win Rs. 1,000 gift vouchers.

  • On PayZapp & SmartBUY spends cardholders can earn 10X reward points.

  • Cardholders can check accumulated reward points in their card statement. Current month's rewards would be posted in next month's statement.

  • 1 reward point on every Rs. 150 spent on all other categories.

Redemption of Reward Points

Reward points can be redeemed either through offline mode or online mode. 

Offline Mode

If a cardholder wants to use the offline mode, he or she needs to download the rewards redemption form from the HDFC Bank website. After filling all necessary details, the same needs to be sent to the registered postal address which is available on the company website.

Online Mode

Here are the steps to be followed to redeem rewards points online:

  • Log in to HDFC Bank net banking account.

  • Click on the 'credit cards' tab.

  • Register the Freedom credit card and then click on the 'redeem reward points' and select 'continue'.

  • The website will then redirect to the rewards redemption page.

  • Select 'Redeem Reward Points'.

  • Click on the category of the item needed.

  • After doing so, choose the points range to check the various products.

  • The cardholder can select the items and add them to the cart for purchase.

  • After choosing the products, click on 'view your shopping cart'.

  • The cardholder will need to read the terms and condition and check the box.

  • Once done, click on 'redeem'. The redemption order number which is given must be noted down for future references.

Eligibility

Following eligibility criteria have to be met in order to apply for HDFC Freedom credit card:

  • If the primary cardholder is a salaried individual, he or she must be between the age of 21 years and 60 years. The applicant’s gross monthly income must be more than Rs. 12,000.

  • If the applicant is a self-employed individual, he or she must be between the ages of 21 years and 65 years. The applicant’s tax returns must be greater than Rs. 2 lakhs per annum.

  • The primary applicant must be a resident of India.

  • In case of an add-on cardholder, he or she must have attained at least 15 years of age.

Fees & Charges

Following are the details related to fees and charges as applicable for HDFC Freedom credit card.

 Fee / Charge Type  Amount
 Annual / Renewal Fee  Rs. 500
 Additional card fee  Nil
 Cash advance fees

 2.5% of the amount or Minimum Rs. 500
 Revolving credit charges

 3.49% per month or 41.88% annually
 Payment return Fee

 2% of the amount or minimum of Rs. 450
 Reward redemption fee

 Rs. 99 per request
 Foreign currency mark-up fee

 3.5% of the amount
 Over limit account charge

 2.5% of the amount or minimum of Rs. 500
 Cash processing fee  Rs. 100
 Balance transfer processing charge

 1% of the amount or minimum Rs. 250
 Reissuance fee  Rs. 100
 Late payment fees

 Less Than Rs. 100 – Nil
 Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 – Rs. 100
 Rs. 501 to Rs. 5000 – Rs. 500
 Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 600
 Rs. 10,001 to Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 800
 Amount over Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 950

Documentation 

Below mentioned are the documentation requirements to apply for HDFC Freedom credit card.

  • Completely filled application form

  • Form 60 copy and PAN card.

  • Proof of income - Form 16, or latest salary slips or IT returns.

  • Address proof could be either of - PAN card, Passport, Aadhaar card or a copy of electricity bill.

  • Identity proof could be either Aadhaar card, PAN card or driving license.

  • 2 passport-sized coloured photographs.

End Note

HDFC Freedom credit card is one of the most attractive credit cards considering the various benefits it offers. Individuals who are looking to avail some attractive benefits can read through to find out about various features and rewards that can be availed via this card.