HDFC Bank Revamps Credit Card Benefits: New Lounge Policies and Transaction Fees
HDFC Bank is set to revise its credit card benefits from June 2025, impacting lounge access and introducing transaction charges. Cardholders will need to adapt their spending habits to maximize rewards.
Hdfc BankCredit Card BenefitsTransaction FeesLounge AccessReward PointsReal Estate NewsJun 04, 2025
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new lounge access policy take effect for HDFC credit card holders?
The new lounge access policy will take effect from 10 June 2025. Cardholders will no longer have direct swipe access to domestic airport lounges and will receive vouchers based on quarterly spending.
What are the new transaction charges being introduced by HDFC Bank?
From 1 July 2025, HDFC Bank will introduce a 1 per cent fee on rent payments (capped at Rs 4,999 per month), a 1 per cent fee on wallet loading for amounts above Rs 10,000 (excluding PayZapp), and a 1 per cent fee on online gaming beyond Rs 10,000 monthly spends (also capped at Rs 4,999).
Are there any changes to reward points on insurance transactions?
Yes, from July 2025, reward points on insurance transactions will be capped. The limits are 10,000 points for Infinia and Infinia Metal Edition cards, 5,000 points for Diners Black, H.O.G Diners Club, and BizBlack Metal cards, and 2,000 points for all other eligible cards.
Which credit card is exempt from the reward point capping?
The Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card is exempt from the reward point capping, indicating that the bank is maintaining benefits on premium co-branded cards aimed at international travellers.
What should HDFC credit card holders do to stay updated on these changes?
HDFC credit card holders should regularly check bank notifications and mobile banking apps for real-time updates. Using HDFC’s PayZapp may also help users avoid wallet-loading charges.
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