HDFC Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, has announced the launch of its latest credit card — the HDFC Bank SmartBuy Plus Credit Card — designed specifically for frequent online shoppers and digital-first consumers.
The SmartBuy Plus Card builds on the success of HDFC’s existing SmartBuy platform, enhancing it with direct cashback, category bonuses, and seamless integration with top e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and Swiggy.
Targeted primarily at millennials, Gen Z users, and online spenders, the card focuses on simplifying rewards, increasing transparency, and offering instant cashback instead of complex point redemptions.
India’s e-commerce market has seen a remarkable surge, with more than 120 million people shopping online regularly.
HDFC Bank’s new SmartBuy Plus Card is tailored for this digital generation, combining speed, flexibility, and tangible savings.
According to Parag Rao, Country Head – Payments Business, HDFC Bank,
“SmartBuy Plus is not just another cashback card; it’s an intelligent shopping companion built around our customers’ online lifestyle. Whether you’re ordering groceries, booking flights, or streaming shows — this card gives you the best value for every rupee spent online.”
HDFC Bank has designed the SmartBuy Plus Card with simplicity and savings in mind. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its core benefits:
1. 10% Cashback on Online Spends
2. 5% Cashback on Utility Payments
3. 1% Cashback on Offline Purchases
4. Complimentary OTT Subscriptions
5. Zero Annual Fee
6. Fuel Surcharge Waiver
7. Contactless & Virtual Card Option
New users receive an Amazon or Flipkart voucher worth ₹500 upon activation.
Additionally, cardholders who make their first transaction within 30 days of issuance receive a 5X bonus cashback on their initial online purchase.
The HDFC SmartBuy platform is the central hub where users can shop, book, and earn enhanced rewards.
With the new SmartBuy Plus Card, cashback multipliers are automatically applied when spending through this platform.
For instance:
This integration makes SmartBuy Plus one of the most reward-efficient shopping cards in India, without requiring users to track multiple point systems.
| Feature | SmartBuy Plus | Millennia Card | MoneyBack+ Card |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Online Cashback |
Up to 10% |
Up to 5% |
Up to 2% |
|
Offline Cashback |
1% |
1% |
0.5% |
|
OTT Subscriptions |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Annual Fee |
₹499 (waived) |
₹1,000 |
₹500 |
|
Best For |
Frequent online shoppers |
Millennials |
Everyday users |
The SmartBuy Plus clearly caters to heavy online users, offering double the cashback potential of the Millennia or MoneyBack+ cards.
This card comes at a time when online spending accounts for over 60% of total credit card transactions among young Indians.
The SmartBuy Plus Card aligns with the broader trend of customers preferring cashback-based rewards over traditional points systems.
HDFC Bank’s move also reflects a shift toward personalized credit card experiences, where customers can access benefits tailored to their habits rather than generic reward structures.
“We’re seeing that people don’t want to wait for points. They want real-time cashback and visible savings. SmartBuy Plus delivers that,” Rao added during the product unveiling.
To promote the new card, HDFC Bank has tied up with multiple brands and e-commerce platforms:
These offers ensure that cardholders receive continuous benefits across major lifestyle categories.
To enhance digital safety, SmartBuy Plus comes with:
Additionally, the card is RBI-compliant for international transactions, allowing users to enable or disable cross-border spending with one tap.
Eligibility:
How to Apply:
Customers can apply:
Approved users receive their card instantly in digital form and can begin using it for online transactions the same day.
The card has already generated buzz among tech-savvy users, students, and working professionals who rely heavily on digital payments.
Early adopters on forums like CardInsider and Reddit have praised its simple reward system and integration with SmartBuy, which eliminates the need for multiple logins or reward tracking.
“Finally, a card that gives actual cashback instead of confusing reward conversions,” said Priya Malhotra, a Mumbai-based digital marketer and early SmartBuy Plus user.
Analysts believe this launch will strengthen HDFC Bank’s position in the competitive credit card market, especially after the surge of co-branded and cashback cards from Axis, ICICI, and SBI.
“SmartBuy Plus is a smart strategic move. It consolidates HDFC’s strength in e-commerce and digital payments, catering perfectly to India’s online-first consumers,” said Devansh Trivedi, fintech researcher at CreditView India.
This card is ideal for:
For someone spending ₹20,000 per month online, potential annual cashback could reach ₹18,000–₹20,000, making it one of the most rewarding mid-tier cards in India.
HDFC Bank plans to expand SmartBuy Plus benefits to include international e-commerce cashback (e.g., Apple, AliExpress, Shein, etc.) and UPI-linked credit card payments via SmartBuy.
The bank is also exploring AI-driven reward personalization, where cashback percentages may adjust based on the user’s top spending categories.
“Our goal is to make SmartBuy Plus a living ecosystem — constantly evolving with user behavior,” said Rao, hinting at future digital innovations.
The HDFC Bank SmartBuy Plus Credit Card is a timely and practical addition to HDFC’s growing portfolio.
It’s built for the modern Indian consumer — digital-first, reward-conscious, and convenience-driven.
With up to 10% cashback, free OTT subscriptions, and zero annual fee, the SmartBuy Plus is positioned to become one of the best credit cards for online shopping in India.
For those who prefer cashback simplicity over complicated reward systems, this card brings real savings, transparent value, and digital flexibility — everything today’s smart shopper looks for in a credit card.