HDFC Bank Credit Card EMI – How to Convert Purchases & Interest Details

Key Takeaways
 

1. HDFC Bank Credit Card EMI helps manage large purchases by converting them into affordable monthly instalments with flexible tenure and transparent charges.
    
2. The interest rate for EMIs is lower than regular credit card rates, but additional costs like GST, processing fees, or pre-closure charges may apply.
    
3. While convenient, EMI conversion reduces your available credit limit and requires consistent payments to maintain a healthy credit score.
    
4. HDFC Bank’s SmartEMI lets you convert eligible credit card purchases into EMIs. The interest rates start from ~0.99% per month and tenures are flexible from 6-48 months, which ease repayment over time.
    
5. Using the HDFC Credit Card EMI Calculator, interest rates typically range from ~11.88% to ~24.84% APR. The processing fees are up to ~₹849 + GST.
    
6. SmartEMI eligibility varies by transaction and card type, and you can convert purchases via NetBanking, Mobile App, PhoneBanking, or SMS. There is no documentation required.

Bonus Point: The bank’s “SmartEMI” product allows conversion of purchases into EMIs with interest rates from 0.99% per month. 

HDFC Bank Credit Card EMI offers customers a simple way to convert big purchases into smaller, manageable monthly installments. 

With interest rates starting at 11.56% and multiple repayment options, it helps ease financial pressure without needing an upfront payment. However, customers must review the applicable fees, tenure, and eligibility before converting transactions to ensure they fit their repayment capacity.

Now that you know how HDFC Bank Credit Card EMI works and what its benefits are, let’s quickly look at what it all means for you.

HDFC Bank Credit Card EMI - Interest Rate And Other Charges

When opting for HDFC Bank Credit Card EMI, it’s important to understand the interest rates and associated charges applied to your loan. These rates vary depending on the HDFC Bank credit card EMI scheme and are subject to periodic revisions as per RBI and government guidelines.

HDFC Bank Credit Card EMI, Interest Rate and Charges are
 

In summary, there are flexible HDFC Bank credit card EMI options with interest rates starting at 11.88% and transparent fee structures. Borrowers should always review applicable charges before opting for HDFC Bank Credit Card EMI conversion to ensure cost-effective financial planning.

How To Convert HDFC Credit Card Purchases Into EMI?

1. Via HDFC Card Mobile App

You can easily convert your purchases into HDFC Bank credit card EMIs through the HDFC Mobile Banking App. This process is quick, secure, and allows you to manage high-value transactions with convenient repayment options.

Steps to Convert Purchases into HDFC Bank Credit Card EMI via Mobile App
 

1. Log in to the HDFC Mobile App: Open the official HDFC Bank app and sign in using your Customer ID and password or biometric authentication.
2. Go to Credit Card Section: Tap on the ‘Credit Card’ or ‘Cards’ option from the main menu and select the card you wish to use.
3. Access HDFC Bank credit card EMI Options: Locate the ‘SmartEMI’ or ‘Convert to EMI’ feature under the available card services.
4. Select the Transaction: Review your unbilled transactions and choose the one you want to convert into EMIs.
5. Choose Tenure: Pick a suitable repayment tenure, such as 3, 6, 9, or 12 months, based on your preference.
6. Review and Confirm: Check the EMI amount, interest rate, and applicable terms and conditions carefully before confirming.
7. Submit the Request: Tap ‘Submit’ to finalise your HDFC Bank credit card EMI conversion. You’ll instantly receive an acknowledgement SMS with your loan reference number.

Once submitted, your selected transaction will be successfully converted into HDFC Bank credit card EMIs, making repayment easier and more manageable. The HDFC Bank credit card EMI details will also appear in your upcoming credit card statement.

2. Via HDFC Net Banking

HDFC Bank allows you to conveniently convert your high-value credit card purchases into easy monthly installments (EMIs) through its NetBanking platform. Before proceeding, ensure your credit card and the transaction qualify for the SmartEMI facility.

Step-by-Step Process via NetBanking
 

1. Log in to your HDFC Bank NetBanking account using your Customer ID and password.
2. Go to the ‘Cards’ tab on the top menu.
3. Under ‘Credit Card’, click on ‘Transact’, and then select ‘SmartEMI’.
4. On the Unbilled Transactions page, choose the credit card you wish to convert.
5. Select ‘Debit’ as the transaction type and click ‘View’.
6. A list of eligible transactions for SmartEMI will appear. Click ‘Check Eligibility’ beside the transaction you want to convert.
7. Review the displayed details, card number, spending limit, loan amount, interest rate, and tenure options.
8. Choose your preferred repayment tenure, and the applicable interest rate will be shown.
9. Tick the box to agree to the terms and conditions and click ‘Submit’ to confirm.
10. Once done, you’ll see a confirmation message, and an acknowledgement SMS with your reference loan number will be sent to your registered mobile number.

Once confirmed, your selected transaction will be converted into HDFC Bank credit card EMI instantly. The monthly installments will appear in your subsequent credit card statements for easy repayment.

3. Via Customer Care

HDFC Bank provides multiple customer care helpline numbers to assist with your credit card, loan, or banking-related queries. You can reach their support team easily, whether you’re in India or travelling abroad.

HDFC Bank Helpline Numbers
 

1. General Customer Care (India): You can contact the HDFC Bank customer support team by dialling 1800 1600 or 1800 2600. (These numbers are toll-free and accessible from anywhere in India.)
    
2. For Customers Travelling Abroad: If you are outside India, call +91 22 6160 6160 to connect with HDFC Bank’s international customer care helpline.
    
3. For Premium Customers (Imperia / Diners Black / Infinia): HDFC Bank provides a dedicated helpline for premium account holders and credit card users. You can reach them at +91 22 6171 7606 for priority assistance.

These helpline numbers ensure round-the-clock support for all HDFC Bank customers, helping you resolve issues quickly, whether you’re in India or abroad.

Pros And Cons Of HDFC Bank Credit Card EMI

Here are the Pros and Cons of converting your purchases into HDFC Bank credit card EMIs (Equated Monthly Instalments), based on information from HDFC’s official guide.

Pros

Using HDFC Credit Card EMI (SmartEMI) helps manage large purchases efficiently by spreading payments over time.

HDFC SmartEMI provides convenience, flexibility, and lower interest rates, making it easier to handle high-value transactions responsibly.

• It gives you financial relief by spreading a large purchase over a number of months instead of having to pay the entire amount at once. 
• The interest rate for EMI is generally lower than the standard credit card interest rate for outstanding balances.
• The option offers flexible tenure choices (for HDFC, for example, 3 to 18 months, or in some schemes 6 to 48 months) so you can pick what suits your budget.
• It may help with budgeting and planning, since you know you have fixed monthly payments rather than a large lump sum.

Cons

While helpful, converting purchases into EMI may involve additional costs and constraints that can affect finances.
 

Users should consider interest, blocked credit, and ongoing financial commitments before converting transactions into HDFC Credit Card EMI.

• Though interest is lower than normal credit card arrears, you still pay interest on the EMI amount (and possibly processing fees), so the total cost becomes higher than the upfront payment.
• Converting a transaction into EMI blocks your credit limit for the full transaction amount until the EMI tenure completes, which reduces your available credit.
• A blocked credit limit can raise your credit utilisation ratio, which might negatively impact your credit score. 
• There may be fees or charges like processing fees, applicable GST, or pre-closure charges if you want to settle early. Ongoing commitments might impact future cash flows.
• Because you’re locked in for several months, if your financial situation changes (e.g., lower income or unexpected expense), it may become harder to manage the EMI payments. 

HDFC Bank credit card EMI conversion can be good for managing large expenses when you don’t want or can’t pay immediately. However, it is not cost-free and comes with trade-offs such as blocked credit and additional interest/fees. It works for when you need more than a few months to repay and have a stable income. It is better to understand all the terms.

Conclusion

The HDFC Bank Credit Card EMI facility is a practical solution for handling high-value purchases. It offers flexibility, lower interest rates, and hassle-free conversion through mobile or net banking. 

However, it’s important to plan repayments carefully and stay aware of interest and processing charges. Used wisely, this feature can make large expenses easier to manage without putting extra strain on your finances.

FAQs:

Q1. How can I convert my HDFC credit card bill to EMI online without calling customer care?

You can easily convert your HDFC credit card bill to EMI using NetBanking or the HDFC Mobile App under the “SmartEMI” or “Convert to EMI” option.

Q2. What is the minimum purchase amount to convert into EMI on an HDFC credit card?
The minimum transaction amount eligible for EMI conversion is usually between ₹2,500 and ₹5,000, depending on your HDFC credit card type and offer.

Q3. Does converting my HDFC credit card bill to EMI affect my credit score?

It doesn’t directly affect your credit score, but your available credit limit reduces, which may temporarily increase your credit utilisation ratio.

Q4. Can I close or prepay my HDFC credit card EMI before the tenure ends?

Yes, you can pre-close your HDFC credit card EMI anytime after three days, but a 3% pre-closure fee plus GST will be charged.

Q5. What happens if I miss an EMI payment on my HDFC credit card?

Missing an EMI payment attracts a ₹550 late fee plus GST, and repeated delays may negatively impact your credit score and repayment history.

Q6. Will the discount from an HDFC credit card EMI purchase be reversed if I pre‑close the EMI?

Many users say the bank’s terms mention possible reversal of merchant/instant discounts within ~120 days if you pre‑close, but in practice some people have reported keeping discounts after early closure. So check with HDFC before pre‑closing to be sure.

Q7. How does an HDFC credit card EMI (SmartEMI) work?

HDFC’s SmartEMI lets you convert eligible credit card purchases into affordable monthly installments with competitive interest rates, flexible tenures (6-48 months), and easy online or app‑based conversion without documentation.

Q8. Can I pay my HDFC credit card EMI using my Bank of Maharashtra (BOM) debit card?

Yes, while you can’t directly convert the EMI itself into a BOM debit card instalment plan, you can pay your HDFC credit card EMI or outstanding amount using funds from another bank (like your BOM debit card/account) via online banking (NetBanking/RTGS/IMPS/BillDesk) or mobile apps, making it easy to settle the EMI due on time.

 

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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.