Bharat Credit Card

Joining Fee

₹500

Annual Fee

Rs. 500 + Taxes

Cashback
Fuel
Best For: Budget-conscious consumers, IRCTC train ticket bookers, Fuel and grocery spenders

Bharat Credit Card

Rewards Structure

Base Reward Rate

5% on spends

Point Value

1 Point = ₹1

Earning Cap

₹150 /monthly

Points Validity

24 Months

Pros

  • 5% cashback on everyday categories like fuel, grocery, IRCTC, and bill payments
  • Up to 10% cashback on SmartBuy platform
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver
  • Up to 50 days interest-free credit period
  • Low joining/annual fee of ₹500

Cons

  • Cashback capped at ₹150 per month across key categories
  • No cashback on wallet loading, rent payments, or government transactions
  • Reward points redemption capped at 3,000 points per month
  • Card sourcing has been stopped; no new applications accepted

Hidden Catches (Transparency Policy)

To build trust with our users, we highlight the fine print that issuers often tuck away in policy documents.

Only eligible MCCs by RuPay for select categories earn 5% rewards

Mobile recharges at mobile outlets not eligible for 5% cashback

Unredeemed reward points expire after 2 years

Card may be cancelled if inactive for 6 continuous months

Key Benefits & Features

Up to 50 days interest-free credit from date of purchase

EMV Chip Card technology for protection against unauthorised use

Reward Points redemption capped at 3,000 points per month (effective 1st February 2023)

Redeem up to 70% of product/voucher value with reward points; pay the rest via Credit Card

₹1,000 CashBack on in-app shopping on 200+ brands via PayZapp

Notable Exclusions

No cashback on wallet loading transactionsNo cashback on rent paymentsNo cashback on government transactionsNo rewards/cashback on MCCs outside fuel, groceries, IRCTC, and rechargesMobile purchases or recharges at mobile outlets not eligible for 5% cashback

*Exclusions may apply to EMI transactions, fuel, and wallet reloads based on current bank policy.

About Bharat Credit Card

The HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card is a RuPay-powered card designed for everyday spenders who want to earn cashback on essential purchases. It delivers 5% cashback every month on fuel, grocery, bill payments, and mobile recharges, as well as on ticket bookings via IRCTC and transactions made through PayZapp, EasyEMI, and SmartBuy. Combined cashback across these categories is capped at Rs. 150 per month. Cardholders can also enjoy up to 10% cashback on flight and hotel bookings, gift vouchers, and more through the SmartBuy platform. On the fuel front, the card offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions of at least Rs. 400, with a maximum waiver of Rs. 250 per statement cycle. Linking the card to PayZapp unlocks additional cashback and reward points on bill payments and mobile recharges, along with Rs. 1,000 cashback on in-app shopping across 200+ brands. Cashback is credited as reward points, redeemable against the statement balance on request. Reward points expire after two years, and redemption is capped at 3,000 points per month. The card comes with a joining and annual fee of Rs. 500, up to 50 interest-free days, and EMV Chip technology for secure transactions. Please note that new applications for this card are no longer being accepted.

Expert Review

Our Verdict

Entry-level RuPay card with 5% cashback on fuel, groceries, IRCTC & bill payments, capped at ₹150/month.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout Bharat Credit Card

BENEFITSIs there an interest-free period with the HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card?
Absolutely! Enjoy an interest-free period of up to 50 days from the date of purchase, adding value to your financial transactions. This offer is subject to the submission of the charge by the merchant.
OTHERWhat is the HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card, and how is it different from the HDFC Bank Bharat Cashback Card?
The HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card is a versatile financial tool, often called the HDFC Bank Bharat CashBack Card. It offers a fuel surcharge waiver, a generous credit limit, and an interest-free period of up to 50 days. It provides 5% cashback on everyday categories like fuel, grocery, IRCTC, and bill payments, making it a practical card for daily use.
FEESAre there any renewal fees for the HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card, and can reward points offset these fees?
Yes, there is a joining and renewal membership fee of ₹500 plus applicable taxes. However, the reward points accumulated with each transaction can be redeemed, potentially reducing or offsetting the renewal fee. Redemption of cashback against the statement balance is available on request.
APPLICATIONHow can I apply for the HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card online?
HDFC Bank is currently not accepting new applications for the Bharat Credit Card as sourcing of this card has been stopped. However, existing customers will continue to enjoy all the card benefits. You can explore a range of other credit cards available on the HDFC Bank website that may better suit your needs.
REWARDSWhat cashback benefits does the HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card offer?
The Bharat Credit Card offers 5% cashback every month on spends via PayZapp, EasyEMI, SmartBuy, IRCTC ticket bookings, fuel, grocery, bill payments, and mobile recharge. Additionally, you can get up to 10% cashback on flight and hotel bookings, gift vouchers, and more via the SmartBuy platform. The combined cashback is capped at ₹150 per month across the mentioned categories.
REWARDSWhat is the monthly cashback cap on the HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card?
The combined cashback for key categories — including fuel, grocery, IRCTC ticket bookings, bill payments, and mobile recharge — is capped at ₹150 per month. Additionally, reward points redemption is capped at 3,000 points per month with effect from 1st February 2023. Cashback is credited as reward points in the next statement cycle.
REWARDSWhat transactions are not eligible for cashback on the Bharat Credit Card?
The following transactions are not eligible for cashback on the HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card: wallet loading, rent payments, government transactions, mobile recharges made with mobile purchases or at mobile outlets, and transactions outside eligible Merchant Category Codes (MCCs). Only MCCs approved by RuPay for select categories such as fuel, groceries, IRCTC, and recharges qualify for 5% rewards.
BENEFITSWhat is the fuel surcharge waiver benefit on the Bharat Credit Card?
The HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel transactions with a minimum transaction value of ₹400. The maximum waiver is capped at ₹250 per statement cycle. This benefit makes the card a practical choice for regular fuel expenses.
USAGEHow do reward points work on the HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card?
Cashback earned on the Bharat Credit Card is credited as reward points in the next statement, where 1 Reward Point equals ₹1 cashback. Unredeemed reward points expire after 2 years of accumulation. Redemption of cashback against statement balance is available on request, and you can redeem up to 70% of a product or voucher value with points, paying the rest via the credit card.
FEESWhat are the joining and annual fees for the HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card?
The HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card has a joining fee of ₹500 and an annual renewal fee of ₹500, both plus applicable taxes. GST at 18% is applicable on all fees and charges. Note that the card is no longer being issued to new customers, so these fees apply only to existing cardholders.
INTERNATIONALCan I use the HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card for international transactions?
The HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card is issued on the RuPay network and does not mention any forex markup or international usage benefits. The card is primarily designed for domestic transactions including fuel, groceries, IRCTC bookings, and bill payments. For international travel and overseas usage, you may want to explore other HDFC Bank credit cards with international acceptance.
USAGEWhat card controls are available for the HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card?
Bharat Credit Card holders can manage their card through the myCards platform, which provides a single unified interface for credit cards, debit cards, FASTag, and consumer durable loans. The platform allows you to track all your spends easily and view and redeem reward points at the push of a button. The card also uses EMV Chip Card technology for protection against unauthorised use.
CANCELLATIONWhat happens if the HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card remains inactive for a long period?
As per the card terms and conditions effective 1st November 2020, the bank reserves the right to cancel the card if it remains inactive and is not used for any transaction for a continuous period of 6 months. The bank will send prior written notice to the email address, phone number, and/or communication address registered in its records before cancellation.
BENEFITSWhat additional benefits does the Bharat Credit Card offer on PayZapp?
By linking your HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card on PayZapp, you can earn extra cashback and reward points on bill payments and mobile recharges. The app also offers ₹1,000 cashback on in-app shopping across 200+ brands. Additionally, PayZapp enables secure payments without the hassle of OTPs using the 'Swipe to Pay' feature.
OTHERIs revolving credit available on the HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card?
Yes, revolving credit is available on the HDFC Bank Bharat Credit Card at a nominal interest rate. You can refer to the fees and charges section on the HDFC Bank website for the exact interest rate applicable. Additionally, the card offers up to 50 days of interest-free credit from the date of purchase, subject to the merchant submitting the charge.

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