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HDFC Bank advertised SmartEMI at 0.99% per month but charged 2.13% for 6 EMIs, then denied sending the offer

HDFC BankPC-2026-03217Banking & LoansAnonymous ·
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Dear HDFC Bank , How Many Times Do You Need to Send Me the Same Offer Before You Acknowledge It? Honestly, I am running out of patience with the way HDFC Bank is handling my SmartEMI complaint. Let me explain what happened. HDFC Bank has repeatedly sent me promotional SMS messages advertising: "SmartEMI from 0.99% per month. Limited period. Convert today." I received these messages on my HDFC Bank Credit Card ending in 9134. I proceeded with a SmartEMI conversion, but my loan was processed at 2.13% interest per month for 6 EMIs. I raised a formal complaint and submitted screenshots of the promotional messages. What did HDFC Bank say? First, they claimed that no offer was sent on 13 October. I showed them an actual promotional SMS dated 8 October. Then they explained that 0.99% was a base rate and the final rate could vary depending on the amount. And guess what? TODAY, I HAVE RECEIVED THE SAME 0.99% SMARTEMI OFFER AGAIN! Not once. Not twice. Multiple promotional messages, all carrying the same starting interest rate. Now I have some very simple questions for HDFC Bank: 1. If you are not sending these offers, who is repeatedly sending promotional SMS messages using your bank's name and communication channels? 2. If you are sending them, why is your customer service team not properly acknowledging the promotional communication? 3. Why isn't the actual applicable interest rate clearly communicated before a customer commits to the EMI conversion? 4. Why should a customer have to repeatedly submit screenshots just to establish that they received a message from their own bank? I understand that an advertised starting rate of 0.99% does not guarantee that every customer qualifies for that rate. But transparency is not optional. MY NEXT STEP: ESCALATING THIS MATTER TO GRAHAK SURAKSHA KENDRA AND THE APPROPRIATE CONSUMER GRIEVANCE AUTHORITIES. I will submit all promotional SMS screenshots, the SmartEMI confirmation, my complaint history and HDFC Bank's email responses for review. I also expect HDFC Bank's senior management to investigate its promotional communication and customer complaint-handling process. I am not asking for special treatment. I am asking for a straightforward explanation and fair treatment. HDFC BANK, PLEASE UNDERSTAND ONE THING: A customer is not foolish. A customer has the right to question, demand transparency and seek accountability. If you have sent the offer, acknowledge it. If the customer is not eligible for the advertised rate, explain it honestly. But please don't make customers feel that their own documented evidence has no value. Banking is built on trust. Don't let customer trust become the cost of selling another SmartEMI. I am waiting for a proper response. #HDFCBank #SmartEMI #ConsumerRights #BankingTransparency #GrahakSuraksha #CustomerExperience #ConsumerAwareness

History

  1. Case filed

    Filer · 3 Nov 2026, 7:51 am

Comments (1)

  • HDFC Bank (via email)Company

    Received via email from the company's official address · Sender: support@hdfc.bank.in

    Dear Customer, Thank you for writing to us. This is a system-generated response to acknowledge receipt of your e-mail. The subject line contains case reference number/docket number allotted to your email. This interaction is being tracked through the above reference number and we request you not to change the subject line in future correspondence. Our Customer Service Executive will respond within 2 working days. In case your query requires further investigation and takes a longer time, we will keep you informed on the time required for resolution. We request you to bear with us in the interim. IMPORTANT: For reporting and reissuance of lost or stolen Cards, reporting of frauds or unauthorized transactions, blocking of Net banking/ account/ UPI and ATM transaction disputes you can call our toll-free number 1800 258 6161. In addition to this we request you to also report the incident to National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or through online portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in/Webform/Crime_AuthoLogin.aspx or www.cybercrime.gov.in. Alternatively, you can use the SMS facility to immediately block HDFC Bank NetBanking and MobileBanking by sending an SMS "BLOCK OB" to ****** from your registered mobile number in case of any suspicious activity. All linked customer IDs will be blocked, and you will receive an SMS confirming the status. To unblock, please visit the nearest branch. To block your Debit Card: SMS "BLOCK DC XXXX" (replace XXXX with the last four digits of your Debit Card) to ****** from your registered mobile number. To block your Credit Card: SMS "BLOCK CC XXXX" (replace XXXX with the last four digits of your Credit Card) to ****** from your registered mobile number. To block UPI payments: SMS "BLOCK UPI" to ****** from your registered mobile number You can now check your account Balances and statements, Credit Card Transactions, Reward Points, Convert to EMI, Loan Services and more on the go. Please save ****** and say Hi on WhatsApp to experience our new Chat Banking. For more queries / assistance - Just Ask Eva by clicking following link!!! Your personal Chat agent to help you 24 x 7: Note : Important update w.r.t your E-mail ID In case you are holding any banking relationship and there is a change in Email ID we advise you update your e-mail id in Bank records. Registering your correct e-mail ID offers significant long-term benefits and conveniences to you in receiving statements and important updates. To update your e-mail id in Bank records, you can download the request form through "Forms Center" and submit the copy of the completed application form to any the nearest branches or Nearest Retail Asset Loan Service centers for Loan Product. To Find Nearest HDFC Bank Branches & Retail Asset Loan Service center you may visit the below Link. Your association is greatly valued by the Bank, and we will spare no efforts to resolve the matter quickly. Assuring you of our best services. Warm Regards, HDFC Bank Ltd

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