HDFC Bank Swiggy Credit Card Review

Credit cards have become an essential part of modern-day spending, offering benefits ranging from cashback and rewards to discounts on dining and travel.

One of the latest entrants into the co-branded credit card space is the HDFC Bank Swiggy Credit Card, designed specifically for food lovers and frequent Swiggy users.

As food delivery and dining expenses continue to rise, this credit card aims to provide significant savings and exclusive perks. But is it truly worth it? How does it compare to other credit cards?

In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the features, benefits, fees, and everything else you need to know about the HDFC Bank Swiggy Credit Card before applying.

Overview of HDFC Bank Swiggy Credit Card

The HDFC Bank Swiggy Credit Card is a co-branded card launched by HDFC Bank in partnership with Swiggy, one of India’s leading food delivery platforms.

This card is tailored for individuals who frequently order food online, dine out, and want to maximize their savings through cashback and exclusive dining benefits.

» Quick Facts About the HDFC Swiggy Credit Card

• Card Issuer: HDFC Bank
• Co-Branded Partner: Swiggy
• Category: Cashback & Dining Credit Card
• Target Audience: Frequent Swiggy users and food lovers
• Rewards Type: Cashback and discounts on food-related expenses

With a focus on food delivery, dining, and entertainment, this card provides enhanced cashback for Swiggy orders and dining transactions, making it an attractive choice for those who regularly spend in these categories.

Key Features and Benefits

» Cashback and Rewards Program

One of the biggest highlights of the HDFC Swiggy Credit Card is its cashback structure. The card is designed to reward users for their food-related spending, especially when ordering via Swiggy.

• 10% Cashback on Swiggy Orders
  Earn a flat 10% cashback when you order food, groceries, or Instamart essentials through Swiggy.
• 5% Cashback on Dining Transactions
  Get 5% cashback when dining at partner restaurants or using Swiggy Dineout.
• 1% Cashback on All Other Categories
  Earn 1% cashback on all other transactions except fuel, rent, and wallet reloads.

» Dining Benefits and Discounts

• Exclusive Restaurant Discounts
  Get special discounts and offers at top restaurants when dining out.
• Swiggy Dineout Offers
  Avail extra savings when using Swiggy Dineout to pay at partner restaurants.
• Complimentary Memberships
  Some customers may receive free memberships or additional perks through limited-time offers.

» Annual Fee and Waivers

• Annual Fee: ₹500 + GST
• Annual Fee Waiver: If the yearly spending exceeds ₹2 lakh, the annual fee is waived.

This makes the card cost-effective for those who frequently order food and dine out.

» Contactless and Digital Features

• Tap & Pay
  Use the contactless payment feature for quick and secure transactions.
• Integration with Mobile Wallets
  Compatible with digital payment platforms such as Google Pay and Apple Pay.
• Easy EMI Conversion
  Convert high-value transactions into flexible EMIs directly through the HDFC Bank app.

How the HDFC Swiggy Credit Card Works

To fully utilize the benefits of this card, it’s essential to understand how cashback earnings and redemptions work.

» Earning Rewards and Cashback

• Every eligible transaction automatically earns cashback, which is credited to your account.
• Cashback earned on Swiggy orders (10%) and dining (5%) is automatically calculated and added to your statement.
• A base cashback of 1% applies to all other transactions except for exclusions like fuel, rent, and wallet recharges.

» Redeeming Points and Cashback

• Cashback is credited as a statement balance, reducing your outstanding bill.
• There is no separate rewards redemption process; the cashback directly offsets your monthly credit card expenses.
• Users can track their cashback earnings via the HDFC Bank app or net banking portal.

Fees and Charges

Before applying for any credit card, understanding its fees and charges is essential to avoid unexpected costs.

The HDFC Bank Swiggy Credit Card offers great cashback benefits, but it’s important to evaluate whether the associated charges align with your spending habits.

» Annual Fees and Waivers

The annual fee of ₹500 is relatively low compared to premium credit cards.

The fee waiver condition makes the card cost-effective for users who spend at least ₹2 lakh annually.

» Interest Rates and Other Charges

Finance charges are on the higher side if you don’t pay the full outstanding amount.

Cash withdrawal fees make it expensive to use the card for ATM withdrawals.

Foreign currency markup of 3.5% makes this card less ideal for international transactions.

Eligibility and Application Process

To apply for the HDFC Bank Swiggy Credit Card, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria regarding age, income, and credit score.

» Who Can Apply?

• A credit score of 750+ increases approval chances.
• Stable income proof is required for both salaried and self-employed individuals.

» Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the HDFC Swiggy Credit Card is simple and can be done online or through an HDFC Bank branch.

1. Online Application

• Visit the HDFC Bank website and go to the credit card section.
• Select HDFC Swiggy Credit Card and click Apply Now.
• Fill in personal details like name, PAN number, income, and contact details.
• Submit the application and upload required documents (ID proof, income proof, etc.).
• If eligible, you’ll receive instant approval, and the card will be dispatched within 7-10 days.

2. Offline Application

• Visit the nearest HDFC Bank branch with necessary documents.
• Fill out the physical application form and submit it along with KYC documents.
• The bank will process your application, and you’ll receive a decision within a few days.

Comparison with Other Credit Cards

To determine whether the HDFC Swiggy Credit Card is the best option, it’s useful to compare it with other similar dining and cashback credit cards.

» HDFC Swiggy Credit Card vs. Other Dining Credit Cards

• Best for Swiggy users:
  The HDFC Swiggy Credit Card offers higher cashback on food than competitors.
• Best for online shopping:
  The ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card is better for Amazon users due to zero annual fees.
• Best for general spending:
  The SBI SimplyCLICK Card is a good alternative for those who shop online frequently.

Pros and Cons of HDFC Swiggy Credit Card

» Pros

High Cashback on Swiggy Orders
10% cashback is one of the best rates in the food delivery category.

Dining Discounts
Additional savings when dining at partner restaurants.

Low Annual Fee
₹500 is affordable, and the waiver makes it even more cost-effective.

Simple Cashback Redemption
Cashback is directly credited to the statement, eliminating complicated rewards programs.

» Cons

Limited Cashback on Other Categories
Only 1% cashback on general spending, making it less useful for everyday expenses.

Not Ideal for Travel or Shopping
No major benefits for flight bookings, international transactions, or retail purchases.

Foreign Currency Markup is High
At 3.5%, this card isn’t the best for international spending.

Best Ways to Maximize Benefits

To get the most value from the HDFC Swiggy Credit Card, follow these strategies:

• Use it primarily for Swiggy orders to maximize the 10% cashback.
• Dine at partner restaurants to enjoy additional discounts.
• Spend ₹2 lakh per year to ensure the annual fee is waived.
• Avoid using it for foreign transactions due to the high 3.5% markup.
• Pay the full bill on time to avoid high-interest charges (up to 43.2% annually).

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Early adopters of the HDFC Swiggy Credit Card have shared mixed reviews:

Positive Feedback:
“I save a lot on my Swiggy orders every month!"
"The 10% cashback is fantastic, and the statement credit process is smooth.”

Negative Feedback:
“Would have liked better cashback on categories beyond food."
"Not useful for people who don’t order frequently on Swiggy.”

Common Myths and Misconceptions

1. Myth: The HDFC Swiggy Credit Card is only for Swiggy orders.
   • Fact: While it offers 10% cashback on Swiggy, it also provides 5% cashback on dining and 1% on other spends.
2. Myth: The card has hidden fees.
   • Fact: The annual fee is transparent, and there are no hidden charges if payments are made on time.
3. Myth: The cashback is difficult to redeem.
   • Fact: The cashback is automatically credited to your statement—no manual redemption required.

Future of Dining and Credit Card Partnerships

The launch of the HDFC Swiggy Credit Card indicates a growing trend of co-branded credit cards catering to specific consumer needs.

As more Indians turn to food delivery and dining services, we can expect more such partnerships that offer higher savings and better perks for food lovers.

Source: Pixabay

Conclusion

If you frequently order from Swiggy or dine out, the HDFC Swiggy Credit Card is a fantastic choice with high cashback and valuable dining benefits.

However, if you need a general-purpose cashback card or travel frequently, there might be better alternatives available.

FAQs

1. Can I use the HDFC Swiggy Credit Card for non-food purchases?
   Yes, but you will only earn 1% cashback on non-food transactions.
2. How is cashback credited to my account?
   Cashback is automatically adjusted in your monthly statement.
3. Does this card offer airport lounge access?
   No, it is not a travel card and does not provide lounge benefits.
4. What happens if I don’t pay my bill on time?
   You will be charged up to 3.6% interest per month on the outstanding balance.
5. Can I apply for this card if I have a low credit score?
   A minimum score of 750+ is recommended for approval.