HDFC Bank Revamps Credit Card Benefits: New Lounge Policies and Transaction Fees

With direct lounge access curtailed and added transaction fees, cardholders will need to rethink their spending patterns.

From 10 June 2025, HDFC Bank will discontinue direct swipe access to domestic airport lounges for its Tata Neu Infinity and Tata Neu Plus credit card holders. Instead of walk-in access, customers will now receive vouchers based on quarterly spending, the bank announced via its updated terms and conditions. From 1 July 2025, additional transaction charges will also apply across multiple categories, including rent payments, wallet reloads, and online gaming.

This move reflects an ongoing trend in Indian credit card policy where banks reassess reward models amid rising costs and regulatory pressure. HDFC, India’s largest private sector lender, had earlier drawn customers to its credit cards through generous lounge access and reward programmes. Now, a more calibrated benefits structure is being rolled out.

New Charges Coming into Effect from July 2025:

- 1 per cent fee on rent payments, capped at Rs 4,999 per month. - 1 per cent fee on wallet loading (excluding PayZapp) for amounts above Rs 10,000. - 1 per cent fee on online gaming beyond Rs 10,000 monthly spends, also capped at Rs 4,999.

These changes could significantly impact customers who rely on their cards for recurring digital payments and travel perks. PayZapp, HDFC's in-house wallet app, remains exempt—suggesting the bank is nudging users towards its ecosystem.

Reward Point Capping Announced

Reward points on insurance transactions are also seeing a cap. From July 2025, the following monthly limits will apply:

- 10,000 points on Infinia and Infinia Metal Edition cards - 5,000 points on Diners Black, H.O.G Diners Club, BizBlack Metal cards - 2,000 points on all other eligible cards

Notably, the Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card is exempt from this capping—an indication that the bank is maintaining benefits on premium co-branded cards aimed at international travellers.

According to HDFC’s terms: “From December 20, 2019, a maximum of Rs 5,000 (for some cards) and Rs 2,000 (for other cards) reward points were available in a day on insurance transactions. This rule is valid till 30 June 2025.”

What This Means for Cardholders

With direct lounge access curtailed and added transaction fees, cardholders will need to rethink their spending patterns. Those who depend on HDFC cards for business travel, rent payments, or digital wallets could find themselves paying more or earning fewer rewards.

Financial planner Rishi Maheshwari told Moneycontrol, “Banks are recalibrating credit card benefits to better align with spending behaviours. This may reduce overuse in high-cost categories like insurance and lounges, but customers must read the fine print closely.”

Customers are advised to regularly check bank notifications and mobile banking apps for real-time updates. Also, where possible, using HDFC’s PayZapp may help users avoid wallet-loading charges.