HDFC Credit Card Changes: New Rent, Wallet & Gaming Fees from July 1

Heads up, HDFC Bank credit cardholders! Starting 1 July 2025, get ready for some important updates to your credit card's terms and conditions. HDFC Bank is introducing new charges on specific transactions, including rent payments, wallet loading, and online skill-based gaming. This move aligns HDFC Bank with other major credit card issuers in India who have implemented similar fees.

This blog post breaks down these new charges, what they mean for you, and how to navigate these changes effectively.

Table of Contents

1. The Lowdown: What's Changing?
2. New Charges Explained
   • Rent Payments
   • Wallet Loading
   • Online Skill-Based Gaming
3. Impact on Reward Points
4. Why These Changes?
5. Tips for HDFC Credit Card Users
6. Summary of New Charges

The Lowdown: What's Changing?

Effective 1 July 2025, HDFC Bank will levy a fee on certain transactions made with its credit cards. The primary categories affected are:

• Rent Payments: A fee will be applicable on rental transactions.
• Wallet Loading: Loading money into online wallets will attract a charge beyond a certain threshold.
• Online Skill-Based Gaming: Spending on online games that require skill will also incur a fee above a specific limit.

It's important to note that while these charges might affect users who frequently use their cards for these specific purposes or make high-value transactions in these categories, many everyday users with lower transaction volumes in these areas might not feel a significant impact due to the specified thresholds.

New Charges Explained

Let's break down each new charge:

1. Rent Payments

• New Charge: A 1% fee will be levied on the transaction amount for all rental payments made using your HDFC Bank credit card.
• Cap: This fee is capped at ₹4,999 per transaction.
• Details: This fee applies to rental transactions made through any applicable merchant.

2. Wallet Loading

• New Charge: A 1% fee will be charged on wallet loading transactions exceeding ₹10,000 in a calendar month.
• Application: The fee will be applied to the total wallet loading amount if it crosses the ₹10,000 monthly threshold.
• Cap: This fee is capped at ₹4,999 per transaction.
• Exclusion Note: While some past HDFC communications excluded PayZapp from such fees, the general announcement for July 1, 2025, appears to cover wallet loading more broadly. It's advisable to check the specific terms for PayZapp closer to the implementation date.

3. Online Skill-Based Gaming

• New Charge: A 1% fee will be levied on online skill-based gaming expenditures exceeding ₹10,000 in a calendar month.
• Application: This fee will apply to the total amount spent on online skill-based gaming if it surpasses the ₹10,000 monthly limit.
• Cap: This fee is capped at ₹4,999 per transaction.

4. Impact on Reward Points

Alongside these new fees, there are also adjustments to how reward points are earned:

• Online Skill-Based Gaming: Effective 1 July 2025, no Reward Points or CashPoints will be earned on online skill-based gaming transactions across all HDFC Bank credit cards.
• Insurance Transactions: While not the primary focus of this update, it's worth noting that from 1 July 2025, Reward Points accrued for insurance transactions will have a maximum cap per month depending on the card variant (e.g., ₹10,000 for Infinia, ₹5,000 for Diners Black, and ₹2,000 for other cards).

Also, check out the Top HDFC Bank Credit Cards with features, eligibility, and charges on Finology Select.

Why These Changes?

Banks periodically review and update their fee structures and reward programs for several reasons:

• Market Alignment: Many other banks have already introduced similar charges, especially for rent and wallet loads. This brings HDFC Bank's policies in line with industry standards.
• Risk Management: Certain transaction categories can be associated with higher processing costs or potential misuse for manufactured spending (to accumulate rewards without genuine spending).
• Sustainability of Rewards Programs: By managing costs in some areas, banks can continue to offer valuable rewards and benefits in others.
• Evolving Market Dynamics: The rise of online gaming and digital wallets necessitates adjustments to how these transactions are handled.

Tips for HDFC Credit Card Users

• Review Your Spends: Analyse your credit card statements to understand how frequently you use your card for rent, wallet loads (above ₹10,000/month), and skill-based gaming.
• Explore Alternatives:
  • For rent payments, compare the 1% fee with charges on other platforms or payment methods. Some rental platforms might offer direct bank transfers at lower or no cost.
  • For wallet loads, try to keep your monthly loading amount below ₹10,000 if you wish to avoid the fee, or explore direct UPI/net banking options for wallet recharges.
  • For online skill-based gaming, be mindful of the ₹10,000 monthly threshold and the loss of reward points.
• Check for Updates: Keep an eye on official communications from HDFC Bank for any further clarifications or modifications to these charges.
• Understand Caps: Remember that the fees have a per-transaction cap of ₹4,999, which is relevant for very high-value transactions.

Summary of New Charges 

Transaction Type	Fee Rate	Threshold	Fee Cap per Transaction
Rent Payments	1%	N/A	₹4,999
Wallet Loading	1%	Exceeding ₹10,000 per calendar month	₹4,999
Online Skill-Based Gaming	1%	Exceeding ₹10,000 per calendar month	₹4,999

Conclusion

The upcoming changes to HDFC Bank's credit card charges from 1 July 2025 mark a significant shift for users who frequently engage in rental payments, wallet loading, and online skill-based gaming. While these fees are in line with broader industry trends aimed at managing costs and ensuring the sustainability of reward programs, they necessitate a proactive approach from cardholders.

Understanding these new fees, reviewing your spending habits, and exploring alternative payment methods where beneficial will be key to managing your credit card expenses effectively. While the loss of reward points on gaming transactions and the introduction of new fees might seem like a devaluation, HDFC Bank credit cards continue to offer a range of benefits and rewards in other categories.

The key takeaway is to stay informed. Regularly check for communications from HDFC Bank, review your card's terms and conditions, and make conscious decisions about how you use your credit card for these specific transactions. By doing so, you can continue to maximise the value you get from your HDFC Bank credit card while minimising unexpected costs.

Want to know how these changes might affect your travel benefits? Check out the latest update on HDFC Bank Credit Card Lounge Access Changes.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1: When do these new charges come into effect?
A: These new charges will be implemented from 1 July 2025.

Q2: Does the 1% fee on rent payments apply to all amounts?
A: Yes, the 1% fee applies to the transaction amount for rental transactions, but the fee itself is capped at ₹4,999 per transaction.

Q3: Is the ₹10,000 threshold for wallet loading and gaming per transaction or per month?
A: The ₹10,000 threshold for both wallet loading and online skill-based gaming is per calendar month. If your total spending in these categories exceeds this amount in a month, the 1% fee will apply to the total spending in that category for the month, with a per-transaction cap of ₹4,999 on the fee.

Q4: Will I still earn reward points on rent and wallet loading transactions?
A: The announcements primarily focus on the new fees. While it's explicitly stated that online skill-based gaming will not earn reward points, the impact on reward points for rent and wallet loads (beyond the fee itself) hasn't been as clearly highlighted in relation to these specific new charges. However, banks have been devaluing rewards on such categories over time, so it's always best to check the latest rewards catalogue and terms for your specific card.

Q5: Are all HDFC Bank credit cards affected by these changes?
A: The communication suggests these are general changes to HDFC Bank credit cards. It's always a good practice to refer to the Most Important Terms and Conditions (MITC) for your specific credit card.

Q6: Where can I find the official information from HDFC Bank?
A: You can refer to the official HDFC Bank website, specifically the sections detailing credit card terms and conditions, or any direct communication (email/SMS) sent by the bank to its customers. The information is often found in the MITC documents.

Reference:

- HDFC Bank MITC