If you are a HDFC Bank credit card holder, some changes are on the way. From 1st July 2025, the bank is introducing new fees and modifying the treatment of reward points. The new changes will be applicable on payments to online games, digital wallets, utility bills, fuel, rent, and education. For your convenience and to steer you clear from unnecessary payments, here is a step-by-step guide.
1. Online Gaming Transaction Charges
If you spend a lot on gaming platforms such as Dream11, MPL, or Rummy Culture:
– You will be charged 1% if your transaction is more than ₹10,000 a month
– You will receive no reward points for gaming transactions
2. Extra Fees on Wallet Top-Ups
Using your card to load money into mobile wallets like PayTM, Mobikwik, or Freecharge?
– If you load more than ₹10,000 in a month, a 1% fee will be added
This change may affect people who use digital wallets often.
3. Utility Bill Payments May Now Cost You
Paying electricity, water, or similar bills using your card? Here’s what’s new:
– For regular cards, if your total utility bill payment exceeds ₹50,000 per month, you’ll be charged 1%
– For business cards, this limit is ₹75,000 per month
– The fee is capped at ₹4,999 per month
– There are no charges on insurance payments
4. Changes in Rent, Fuel, and Education Fee Payments
Some charges will stay the same, and others are changing:
– Rent payments continue to have a 1% charge, up to ₹4,999
– Only if you spend more than ₹15,000 or ₹30,000 (depending on your card type) will you be charged 1% for fuel purchases.
– The 1% fee will only be applied to tuition fee payments made through third-party apps. Payments made directly through the school or college website or by using a card swipe machine at the institution will not be charged
5. Limits on Reward Points for Insurance
You’ll still earn reward points on insurance payments, but now there are limits:
– Cards like Millennia, Swiggy, Paytm, and Bharat will follow the old reward limits
– If you use a Marriott Bonvoy card, there’s no limit on the reward points for insurance
Get Ready Before July 1
The goal of HDFC Bank’s new regulations is to control reward offers while lowering excessive spending in specific areas.To get the most reward points and avoid surprise charges, it’s a good idea to think about how you use your credit card and plan your spending. Taking a little time now to plan can help you save a lot later.