Author
LoansJagat Team
Read Time
5 Min
02 Jun 2025
Neha, a freelance graphic designer from Indore, was clearing her inbox when she came across her HDFC credit card statement. She noticed something unusual — she had 15,286 reward points.
She paused. “That seems like a lot! But what do I do with them?”
Her friend Ritu laughed over the phone. “Neha, you can redeem them for shopping, travel or gift cards. You’re sitting on free money!”
Many HDFC cardholders, like Neha, accumulate reward points but never redeem them. Why? Often because they don’t know how, what for, or think it’s too complicated.
We’re here to fix that. In this article, we’ll show you:
Every time you use your HDFC credit card, you will receive reward points based on your spending category and card type. These points can then be redeemed for a variety of things, including:
Transaction Type | Points per ₹150 spent |
Retail Shopping | 2–4 points |
Dining / Travel | 3–10 points (varies by card) |
Utility Bill Payments | 1 point or NIL |
SmartBuy Offers | Up to 10x points |
Note: Points per spend depend on the type of HDFC card you hold. Always check your card’s reward structure.
Before redeeming, you need to know how many points you have. Here’s how to check:
1. Via HDFC NetBanking
You’ll see:
Total Points
2. HDFC Mobile Application
3. Monthly Statement
Your monthly email or physical card statement will show the number of available reward points.
You can redeem your points through three main channels:
1. HDFC NetBanking Portal (Standard Redemption)
This is the most straightforward approach.
Steps:
Delivery (items) or digital codes (vouchers) will take 7-10 days.
Redemption Type | Delivery Time |
Physical Products | 7–15 working days |
E-vouchers | Instant to 48 hours |
Donations | Immediate |
2. HDFC SmartBuy (For Flights, Hotels, & Vouchers)
SmartBuy is HDFC's premium reward redemption tool, suited for trip bookings and offering 10X benefits on certain purchases.
Steps:
Feature | SmartBuy Benefit |
Flights/Hotels | Redeem full or part via points |
Bonus Offers | Earn more points when using SmartBuy. |
Premium Cards | Up to 10X incentives on certain transactions. |
SmartBuy redemptions provide more value per point than catalogue redemptions.
3. Via Customer Care or Post
This is slower, yet effective if you prefer assistance.
This method is no longer widely used and is gradually being replaced by digital methods.
Category | Examples |
Travel | SmartBuy allows you to purchase flights and hotels |
Gift Vouchers | Amazon, Flipkart, Lifestyle, Myntra, and BookMyShow |
Electronics | Earphones, smartwatches, and power banks |
Home & Kitchen | Air fryers, glass sets, and bedsheets |
Recharge & Bill Pay | Recharge your mobile or DTH (only through NetBanking). |
Donations | Donate to charities such as CRY or Save the Children. |
Cashback / Statement Credit | Available on select premium cards (such as Infinia and Diners Club). |
Not all points are equal. Value per point depends on how you redeem them.
Redemption Method | Approx. Value per Point |
Catalogue Items | ₹0.20–₹0.35 |
Gift Vouchers | ₹0.25–₹0.50 |
SmartBuy Travel Bookings | ₹0.50–₹0.75 (best value) |
Cashback (premium cards) | ₹1.00 |
The more premium your card, the higher the value you’ll get per point.
Yes. Most HDFC credit cards' reward points expire after two years from the date of accumulation.
The only thing left to do is redeem the benefits you’ve already earned — like a smart device, flight discount or Amazon gift card.
Neha eventually used her points to plan a weekend holiday — all with just a few clicks.
And now? She checks her reward balance monthly and redeems points regularly.
Don’t let your hard-earned points go to waste. Log in, redeem and enjoy your rewards!
Can I use points to pay in full for flights?
Yes, on SmartBuy, you can use full or partial points based on availability.
Do I need a certain number of points to redeem?
Yes, most redemptions start with 500 points. It varies based on the reward.
Can I transfer HDFC reward points to other cards?
You cannot transfer points between HDFC cards or to other users.
How long does it take to obtain redeemed items?
Digital vouchers are usually instant, however, physical things require 7-10 working days.
Will I receive points for loading my wallet or making rent payments?
Typically, no. These are excluded from the reward system. Always check your card's terms and conditions.
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About the Author
LoansJagat Team
‘Simplify Finance for Everyone.’ This is the common goal of our team, as we try to explain any topic with relatable examples. From personal to business finance, managing EMIs to becoming debt-free, we do extensive research on each and every parameter, so you don’t have to. Scroll up and have a look at what 15+ years of experience in the BFSI sector looks like.
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