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Lifetime Free Credit Card Charged Membership Fee Despite Lifetime Free Offer

HDFC BankPC-2026-02904Credit CardsAnonymous ·
"Five years ago, I got an IOCL HDFC credit card that was offered as a lifetime free card, but this month's statement is showing a membership fee and GST of ₹590. So why do you offer something that you can't promise?" Response from HDFC Bank was: "With regard to your query about the lifetime free credit card, we would like to clarify that the bank offers lifetime free credit cards selectively at its discretion, based on internal policies, and it is also time-driven. We wish to inform you that your credit card ending in XX4006 was issued as a first-year priced card. Starting from the second year, you will need to spend a minimum amount of Rs. 50,000 to waive the membership fee of Rs. 500, excluding GST. As per our records, the spends on your card did not meet the above threshold, and hence the renewal membership fee has been billed to your card account." Conclusion: For those applying for a Lifetime Free Credit Card, please note that it won't be lifetime free unless you meet the bank's criteria. Ask the salesperson how much you need to spend to get the annual fee waived _before_ applying for the card. Another important point — HDFC Bank never reminded me about the annual fee or the applicable charges via a mobile app notification or SMS; otherwise, I could have spent accordingly. So I believe this is a big mistake on the bank's part. HDFC Bank

History

  1. Case filed

    System · 24 Oct 2026, 6:59 pm

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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