HDFC Bank is one of the leading credit card issuers in India, offering a wide range of credit cards tailored to different lifestyles and spending habits. One of the most attractive features of these cards is the reward points program, which allows cardholders to earn HDFC credit card reward points on everyday purchases and redeem them for a variety of benefits. Understanding how to earn, track, and redeem these points effectively can help you maximize your savings and enjoy exclusive perks.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about HDFC credit card reward points — how they work, how to earn them faster, and the smartest ways to redeem them.
What Are HDFC Credit Card Reward Points?
HDFC reward points are loyalty points that cardholders earn on eligible purchases made using their HDFC credit card. These points can be accumulated and later redeemed for a wide range of options including flight tickets, hotel bookings, merchandise, gift vouchers, and even cashback in some cases.
The value of a reward point and the rate at which you earn them depends on the type of HDFC credit card you hold. Premium cards typically offer higher earning rates and more lucrative redemption options.
How to Earn HDFC Reward Points
Here are the primary ways to earn reward points on your HDFC credit card:
1. Everyday Spending
Most HDFC cards offer reward points on general spending, such as:
- Groceries
- Dining
- Shopping (online and offline)
- Fuel (on select cards)
- Travel bookings
For instance, the HDFC Regalia Credit Card typically offers:
- 4 points per ₹150 spent on retail purchases.
- No reward points on EMIs, utility bills, and fuel unless specified.
Always check your card’s reward points structure in the terms and conditions.
2. Bonus Point Categories
Some cards offer accelerated rewards in specific categories. For example:
- Infinia Card: 5x reward points on SmartBuy platform.
- Millennia Card: Cashback in the form of reward points for online shopping at Amazon, Flipkart, etc.
3. Special Promotions & Milestone Benefits
HDFC frequently runs promotional offers where you can earn extra reward points for:
- Spending a certain amount in a billing cycle.
- Referring friends.
- Participating in festive or seasonal campaigns.
Many cards also offer milestone rewards — for example, earn 2,000 extra points if you spend ₹3 lakh in a year.
4. SmartBuy Platform
HDFC’s SmartBuy portal is a dedicated platform where users can earn up to 10X reward points on purchases made through the portal. You can book flights, hotels, shop online, and buy gift vouchers via SmartBuy to earn accelerated points.
How to Check HDFC Reward Points Balance
There are multiple ways to check your HDFC credit card reward points balance:
- NetBanking:
- Log in to HDFC NetBanking.
- Go to “Cards” > “Enquire” > “Reward Points Inquiry.”
- Mobile Banking App:
- Use the HDFC Bank Mobile App.
- Go to your credit card section and tap on “Reward Points.”
- Monthly Credit Card Statement:
- Your monthly e-statement includes a summary of points earned, redeemed, and carried forward.
- Customer Care:
- Call HDFC customer service for assistance with your reward points balance.
How to Redeem HDFC Credit Card Reward Points
1. Via NetBanking
- Log into your NetBanking account.
- Go to “Cards” > “Redeem Reward Points.”
- Choose from a variety of redemption categories: travel, merchandise, gift vouchers, etc.
2. Via SmartBuy
- Visit SmartBuy.
- Redeem points directly for flights, hotels, or vouchers.
- Often gives better value per point, especially on premium cards.
3. Catalogue Redemption
HDFC offers a catalog of products you can purchase using points. Categories include:
- Electronics
- Kitchen appliances
- Lifestyle accessories
- Gift cards
Delivery is usually done within 2–3 weeks of placing the order.
4. Cashback
Some HDFC cards (like the MoneyBack card) allow you to convert reward points to statement credit. The conversion rate depends on the card — typically, 100 points = ₹20 to ₹40.
5. Flight & Hotel Bookings
Through SmartBuy, you can book tickets or hotel stays and pay with reward points. This offers one of the best redemption values, especially with cards like Infinia and Regalia.
Reward Point Value by Card
Here’s a quick comparison of approximate reward point values on popular HDFC cards:
| Credit Card | Points per ₹150 Spend | Redemption Value (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Infinia | 5 | ₹1 per point via SmartBuy |
| Regalia | 4 | ₹0.50 per point |
| Diners Club Black | 5–10 | ₹1 per point via SmartBuy |
| MoneyBack | 2 | ₹0.20 per point (cashback) |
| Millennia | Cashback in points | ₹1 = 1 point = ₹1 value on redemption |
Note: These are indicative values. Always check your card’s official reward terms for exact figures.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
1. Reward Point Expiry
Reward points typically expire after 2 years from the date they are earned, except on cards like Infinia where points don’t expire. It’s wise to redeem them regularly to avoid losing them.
2. Exclusions from Reward Earning
Certain transactions do not earn reward points:
- Fuel transactions (except on specific cards)
- EMIs
- Wallet reloads (Paytm, PhonePe, etc.)
- Rent payments (on some cards)
- Government transactions
3. Redemption Charges
There may be a reward redemption fee of ₹99 + GST per redemption request. This varies by card and platform.
4. Partial Redemptions
You can often pay partially with points and partially with your credit card — especially when redeeming for flights or merchandise.
Tips to Maximize HDFC Reward Points
- Use SmartBuy Regularly – This is the best way to earn and redeem points at a higher value.
- Pay Full Amounts – Avoid EMIs, as most do not earn rewards.
- Focus Spending – Use one high-reward card for the bulk of your transactions.
- Check Promotions – Keep an eye on HDFC emails and app notifications for time-bound offers.
- Redeem Smartly – Flights and travel bookings often give you more value per point than merchandise.
Conclusion
HDFC credit card reward points can be a valuable tool for saving money and enjoying premium perks — if you use them strategically. From daily spends to planned travel, every transaction can earn you points that add up to real benefits. By understanding how to earn faster, track diligently, and redeem wisely, you can make the most of your HDFC credit card and turn your everyday expenses into meaningful rewards.