Overview
HDFC Platinum Debit Card is one of the most popular debit cards offered by HDFC Bank. It is a chip-enabled debit card that provides numerous benefits and rewards to its users. This debit card is available complementary to HDFC Bank customers who have an Imperia or Preferred Account. Both account types share the same debit card variant with the same features and benefits.
For the HDFC Bank Preferred Account variant, Axis Bank has priority, and for the HDFC Bank Imperia Account variant, Axis Bank has Burgundy, IDFC Bank has Wealth variant, and ICICI Bank has Wealth Management variant.
The debit card is chip-enabled, allowing for secure contactless transactions at millions of merchants worldwide. While the design of the card may not be as attractive as those offered by competing banks, the features and benefits make it a strong contender in the market.
Both Imperia and Preferred account comes with a dedicated relationship manager, discounted locker, forex and demat rates.
Fees
The HDFC Platinum Debit Card comes with an annual fee of Rs. 750 + taxes. However, this fee is waived off for Imperia and Preferred account holders. Additionally, the bank may charge transaction fees for ATM withdrawals, balance inquiries, and other transactions for classic account holders.
Rewards
The HDFC Platinum Debit Card offers various reward points to its users. These reward points can be redeemed for various products and services, including air miles, merchandise, and withdrawal to savings account.
The reward points have a validity of 12 months from the date of accumulation. The reward points can be redeemed online or by calling the HDFC Bank customer care centre. They are redeemed in multiple of Rs. 250.
| Spend category | Rewards |
|---|---|
| Telecom, Utilities | 1% |
| Groceries & Supermarket, Restaurant & Apparels, Entertainment | 0.5% |
| Transactions through PayZapp & SmartBuy | 5% |
| Other bank credit card bill payment | 1% |
| All other spends | NIL |
| Monthly rewards capping | Rs. 750 / month |
| Reward redemption charges | NIL |
Unboxing the HDFC Platinum Debit Card
The HDFC Platinum Debit Card comes in a simple envelope and the design of the card is not particularly attractive when compared to some of the other debit cards offered by competing banks with similar account variants. However, it’s important to note that the true value of the card lies in its features and benefits, rather than its appearance. For customers who value simplicity and functionality over flashy designs, the HDFC Platinum Debit Card may still be a good option.
Upon receiving the card, customers must activate it by visiting an HDFC Bank ATM and setting their preferred PIN. The same can also be done from PayZapp App.
Benefits
The HDFC Platinum Debit Card comes with an array of benefits, including:
- Zero liability protection: In case of any fraudulent transaction on the card, customers are protected against any financial loss.
- Fuel surcharge waiver: Customers can avail of a fuel surcharge waiver of up to Rs. 250 per month at any fuel station in India.
- Insurance coverage: The card comes with an insurance cover of up to Rs. 10 lakhs for Preferred accounts and Rs. 12 lakhs for Imperia accounts in case of accidental death or permanent disability.
- Easy bill payment: Customers can easily pay their utility bills, recharge their mobile phones, and more using the HDFC Platinum Debit Card.
- Higher limits: Daily Domestic Shopping limits of Rs. 5 lakhs and Daily Domestic ATM withdrawal limits: Rs. 1 lakhs.
- Debit Card – EMI: Convert any purchases above Rs. 5000 into EMI.
Airport Lounges
Domestic: Eight (8) complimentary lounge access annually capped at 2 per quarter.
International: NIL
Check lounge access in your existing cards from here.
Final Thoughts
HDFC Imperia / Preferred Platinum Debit Card
Summary
Overall, the HDFC Platinum Debit Card is a good option for HDFC Bank customers who have an Imperia or Preferred Account. It offers a range of benefits and rewards, including airport lounge access, exclusive discounts, and a zero-liability cover for lost or stolen cards.
The annual fee is waived off for Imperia and Preferred account holders, making it an even more attractive offering. The design of the card is also not as attractive compared to debit cards offered by competing banks with similar account variants. Nevertheless, the unique feature of HDFC Platinum Debit Card providing 1% cashback on paying other bank credit card bills with cashback withdrawal in savings account makes this product unique.
Pro Tip
You can pay other bank credit card bills from HDFC portal and earn 1% upto Rs. 750 / month.
To be on a safer side, login to HDFC Netbanking and pay utility bills / credit card bills of other banks for no missed cashback.
Update
A spend of Rs. 5000 and above is required per quarter to avail lounge benefits in the next quarter. This will be applicable on all HDFC Bank Debit Cards from 1st January 2024.