HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card Review

HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card

Fee

Joining Fee: Rs 500+GST
Annual Fee: Rs 500+GST

Type

Cashback

Return

0.1% to 5%

Rating

3.3/5

Network

Visa

Benefits

Fuel Surcharge Waiver

The Freedom credit card was recently relaunched by HDFC Bank with revised rewards and benefits. Here is a review of the HDFC Bank Freedom credit card and everything you need to know about this card.

Fees and Charges

LTF IndusInd Legend 04Aug2024

Though HDFC Bank mentions a joining and annual fee for the Freedom credit card, it is issued as LTF in most cases.

Joining FeeRs 500+GST/LTF
Welcome Benefit500 CashPoints (only if fee is charged)
Annual FeeRs 500+GST/LTF
Renewal Benefit500 CashPoints (only if fee is charged)
Annual Fee WaiverSpend Rs 50000 in a membership year
HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card: Fees and Charges

Cashback

We earn CashPoints for transactions on Freedom. Each CashPoint is equal to 15 paise for Freedom credit card.

CategoryCashPoints Earn RateValueMaximum CashPoints
Spends on BigBasket, BookMyShow, OYO, Swiggy and Uber10 CP/Rs 1501%2500
EMI Spends5 CP/Rs 1500.5%2500
All other spends1 CP/Rs 1500.1%No Cap
HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card: Cashback

We do not get CashPoints for below transactions:

  • Fuel
  • Wallet/Gift/Prepaid Cards
  • Gift Voucher Purchase

SmartBuy Rewards

Freedom is also eligible for SmartBuy platform cashback like other HDFC Bank credit cards. For the Freedom variant, the cap for SmartBuy cashback is Rs 1000 per calendar month.

LTF IDFC First Bank Credit Cards
Shopping CategoryCashback
Flights5%
Hotels5%
IRCTC5%
RedBus5%
Instant Vouchers5%
Apple Tresor5%
Flipkart1%
Zoom Car5%
Nykaa5%
Jockey10%
HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card Review: SmartBuy Rewards

Rewards Redemption

The minimum cashpoints required for redemption are 3334 which is the equivalent of Rs 500. Cashpoints are valid for 2 years from accumulation.

Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card

We can redeem the cashpoints for statement credit or Smartbuy flights/hotel booking, Airmiles transfer , product catalog as well. All of these options have the same value for 1 Cashpoint at 15 paise. Redemption for other options is not worth going for when we get same value on statement credit.

Complimentary Airport Lounge Access

  • Domestic Airport Lounge Access: Not Available
  • International Airport Lounge Access: Not Available

Other Key Benefits and Charges

  • Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver for transactions between Rs 400 and Rs 5000. Maximum waiver is capped at Rs 250 per statement cycle.
  • Foreign Currency Markup: 3.5%+GST ~4.13%

Final Thoughts

This is where we would evaluate if one should you get the Freedom credit card. If this is the only HDFC Bank card that you are eligible for, then yes. The reason is for HDFC Bank, one can get start with any of the cards and then upgrade to a better card in the future.

AU Bank Xcite Ace

Comparing with other entry-level cards, we have better options in Amazon Pay ICICI, Flipkart Axis and Axis Ace credit cards. These offer better rewards on all spends that make them more suitable. The 0.1% reward on ‘other spends’ on Freedom credit card is a little too low.

HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card

Card Maven

Joining / Annual Fees
Rewards
Features and Benefits
3.3
Share the Post:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top