HDFC Bank holds the top position in the Indian credit card market with a 22% share, outperforming even the largest public sector bank, SBI. This dominance stems from a combination of excellent services, robust features, and a strategically diverse portfolio of cards. Explore the best HDFC credit cards of 2025. Compare features, rewards, fees, and find the perfect card for your lifestyle and income.
Overview of HDFC’s Credit Card Portfolio
HDFC credit cards are divided into two main categories: Core Cards and Co-Branded Cards.
Core Credit Card
These are the flagship cards directly issued by HDFC Bank. Examples include:
- Freedom
- MoneyBack Plus
- Millennia
- Diners Club Privilege
- Regalia Gold
- Diners Club Black Metal
- Infinia Metal
Co-Branded Credit Cards
These cards are issued in collaboration with brands and platforms such as:
- Swiggy
- Tata Neu
- Marriott Bonvoy
- Indian Oil
- Indigo 6E
- IRCTC
For self-employed and business professionals, HDFC offers additional co-branded cards like:
- Business MoneyBack
- Biz First
- BizGrow
- Business Regalia
- BizPower
- Biz Black
Choosing Your First HDFC Credit Card
It’s crucial to start with a Core Card. If you apply for a co-branded card first, it may become difficult to upgrade to a core card later without closing the existing one. Based on user experiences from one of India’s largest credit card communities, starting with a core card provides better future flexibility.
Recommended HDFC Core Credit Cards
1. HDFC Millennia Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹1,000 + GST
Welcome Benefit: 1,000 cash points (GST not eligible for cashback)
Online Cashback: 5% on Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Uber, Swiggy, Zomato (limit ₹1,000/month)
Offline Cashback: 1% (limit ₹1,000/month)
Lounge Access: 1 domestic lounge access per quarter
Eligibility:
- Minimum age: 21 years
- Monthly salary: ₹35,000+
- CIBIL score: 700+
Note: During Amazon and Flipkart sales, additional 10% discounts are often available.
2. HDFC MoneyBack Plus Credit Card
Joining Fee: ₹500 + GST
Welcome Benefit: 500 cash points
Fee Waiver: Annual fee waived on spending ₹50,000/year
Milestone Benefit: ₹500 voucher per quarter on ₹50,000 spend
Reward Rate:
- Standard: 0.18%
- Enhanced: Up to 1.8% on Amazon, BigBasket, Flipkart, Reliance Smart, Swiggy
- Max monthly reward: 2,500 points
Eligibility: - Monthly salary: ₹20,000+
This card is ideal for beginners looking to build their credit profile.
Read Also: Best Premium Credit Card in India?
3. HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹2,500 + GST
Reward Rate:
- Base: 1.3%
- On SmartBuy: Up to 13.2%
Lounge Access: - 12 domestic and 6 international per year
Eligibility: - Monthly salary: ₹1,00,000+
- CIBIL score: 750+
Though not officially labeled premium, it offers features on par with high-end cards.
4. HDFC Infinia Metal Credit Card
Reward Rate:
- Base: 3.3%
- On SmartBuy: Up to 16.6%
Lounge Access: Unlimited domestic and international for primary and add-on users
Additional Perks: - Complimentary night stays at ITC hotels
- Buy 1 Get 1 on ITC buffets
- Club Marriott membership
- Concierge services
- 1% cashback on international spends through the Global Value Program (up to ₹1 lakh/month)
- Forex markup: 2%, effectively making 2.3% net return on international transactions
Eligibility:
- Monthly income: ₹2.5 – ₹3 lakh
- Invite-only card
This is India’s most premium credit card and is highly exclusive.
HDFC Core Credit Card Comparison Table
| Feature | Millennia | MoneyBack Plus | Regalia Gold | Infinia Metal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joining/Annual Fee | ₹1,000 + GST | ₹500 + GST | ₹2,500 + GST | ₹12,500 + GST (typically waived) |
| Welcome Benefit | 1,000 CashPoints | 500 CashPoints | None | Complimentary ITC benefits |
| Reward Rate | 5% online / 1% offline | 0.18–1.8% | 1.3% / up to 13.2% on SmartBuy | 3.3% / up to 16.6% on SmartBuy |
| Lounge Access | 1 Domestic/Qtr | None | 12 Domestic + 6 Intl/Yr | Unlimited Domestic + Intl |
| Eligibility | ₹35K Salary / CIBIL 700+ | ₹20K Salary | ₹1L Salary / CIBIL 750+ | ₹2.5–₹3L Salary (Invite Only) |
| Ideal For | Online shoppers, millennials | Beginners, essential spending | Premium lifestyle | Ultra-premium frequent travelers |
Recommended HDFC Co-Branded Credit Card
Swiggy HDFC Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹499 + GST (waived on annual spend of ₹2 lakh)
Welcome Benefit: 3-month Swiggy One membership (extendable for existing members)
Cashback Structure:
- 10% on Swiggy (food, Instamart, Dineout, Genie)
- 5% on online platforms like Nykaa, Myntra, Ola, Uber, BookMyShow
- 1% on other spends (excluding fuel, rent, EMI, and wallet loading)
Monthly Cashback Limit: ₹1,500
Update: From June 2024, cashback is now credited directly to the statement, significantly improving card usability.
Conclusion
HDFC Bank offers a wide range of credit cards catering to various financial profiles and needs. Whether you’re a beginner, a business owner, or a premium user, there’s a card tailored for you. Starting with a core card and gradually expanding to co-branded options is a smart strategy to maximize benefits and maintain flexibility in the long run.
