HDFC has introduced the Bharat CashBack Card, a beginner-friendly credit card positioned below their MoneyBack offering. The card appears targeted at customers who choose other banks for straightforward cashback features, offering a similar value proposition to attract entry-level spenders.
- Joining Fee: Rs. 500 (may be waived in certain cases)
- Renewal Fee: Reversed if annual spends exceed Rs. 20,000
Bharat CashBack Card Review
5% Cashback Categories
The Bharat CashBack Card offers 5% cashback on select categories, designed for straightforward savings on common spends.
- IRCTC transactions
- Bill payments
- Fuel purchases
- Maximum Cashback: Rs. 150 per statement cycle
In addition, the card gives 5% cashback on certain partner services:
- Easy EMIs
- PayZapp transactions
- SmartBuy purchases
- Maximum Cashback: Rs. 150 per statement cycle
In practice, you can earn up to about Rs. 300 in cashback by spending approximately Rs. 3,000 in each set of categories within a statement cycle. That level of savings suits beginners or cardholders who concentrate their monthly spends in these specific areas. Cashback is focused on the listed categories rather than a broad rewards structure, which is how the card sustains a 5% rate.
Card Features
- CardExpert Rating: 3.5/5
- Reward Rate: Up to 5% cashback
- Complimentary Airport Lounge Access: None
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Capped at Rs. 250 per billing cycle (service tax applicable)
- Foreign Exchange Markup Fee: 3.5% plus applicable taxes
- Renewal Fee Waiver: Waived if annual spends exceed Rs. 20,000
- Special Notes: No upper limit mentioned for earning rewards in eligible categories
Overall, the Bharat CashBack Card is a simple, category-focused card best suited to users who spend regularly on IRCTC, fuel, bill payments, or the partner channels listed. For those who spend across a wider range of categories, HDFC’s MoneyBack or Business MoneyBack cards may offer more flexibility and broader rewards, despite recent devaluations.
What are your thoughts on HDFC’s Bharat CashBack Card? Share your views in the comments below.