Updated on April 17, 2026
Author: MybankingTips Team
HDFC Bank has announced a major update to its credit card reward points structure, effective from 15 May 2026. This change directly impacts how users earn reward points on everyday spending.
If you use an HDFC credit card, this update may reduce your overall reward earnings, especially on regular transactions.
What Has Changed in Reward Points Accrual?
Earlier, cardholders used to earn reward points on every ₹150 spent. Now, this threshold has been increased to ₹200 per reward point.
Old vs New Structure
- Earlier: 1 Reward Point per ₹150 spend
- Now: 1 Reward Point per ₹200 spend
This means you now need to spend more to earn the same number of reward points, effectively lowering your reward rate.
Cards Affected by This Update
This revision applies to most HDFC Bank credit cards. However, a few premium cards are not impacted.
Cards Excluded from This Change
- HDFC Infinia (including Metal)
- HDFC Diners Club Black (including Metal)
- HDFC BizBlack
- Select premium variants
All other standard and mid-range cards will follow the new ₹200 spend rule.
No Change for Cashback & Co-Branded Cards
There is some relief for users of cashback and co-branded cards. HDFC has confirmed that there will be no change in earning rates for the following:
- Millennia Credit Card
- Tata Neu Infinity & Tata Neu Plus
- Swiggy, Paytm, PhonePe Cards
- Biz First, UPI, Biz UPI Cards
- Marriott Bonvoy Card
- Shoppers Stop, IOCL Cards
- Other co-branded credit cards
These cards will continue to offer the same cashback or reward value as before.
New Fees Introduced by HDFC Bank
Along with reward changes, HDFC Bank has also revised certain charges.
Card Reissuance Fee
- ₹199 for non-metal cards
- ₹3,500 for metal cards
This fee applies when you request a replacement card due to loss, damage, or upgrade.
DCC Markup Fee Update
The bank has also updated its Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) charges.
- New DCC markup fee: 1.75%
This applies when you choose to pay international transactions in Indian Rupees instead of the local currency.
Impact on Cardholders
This update reduces the overall reward earning potential for most users.
Key Impact Points
- Lower reward value on everyday spends
- Higher spending required to earn points
- Increased cost for card replacement
- No impact on cashback cards
If you rely heavily on reward points, this change may affect your overall savings.
Should You Continue Using Your Card?
It depends on your usage pattern:
- If you use cashback or co-branded cards → No major impact
- If you rely on reward points → Value has reduced
- If you hold premium cards → No change
You may want to compare alternatives or shift spending to cards offering better returns.
Bottom Line
HDFC Bank’s latest update makes its credit cards slightly less rewarding for regular users. Increasing the reward threshold from ₹150 to ₹200 reduces earning potential, while new fees add to the overall cost.
However, cashback and co-branded card users remain unaffected, which is a positive takeaway.