Credit Card Rule Changes From July 1: HDFC, ICICI Users to Face New Charges, Reduced Benefits

New Delhi, June 4: Starting July 1, 2025, major changes will come into effect for HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank credit card holders. The banks have announced a revision in their credit card usage rules, including new charges on rent payments, online gaming, digital wallet loads, and tighter conditions for airport lounge access.

HDFC Bank Credit Card – Key Changes

HDFC Bank will implement 1% charges on select transactions starting next month, with a maximum cap of ₹4,999 per month per category. The following will be affected:

Online Gaming: Users spending over ₹10,000 monthly on platforms like Dream11, MPL, Junglee Games, or Rummy Culture will be charged 1% of the transaction amount.
❌ No reward points will be awarded on these transactions.

Wallet Loads: Adding over ₹10,000 per month to digital wallets such as PayTM, Mobikwik, Freecharge, and Ola Money will also attract a 1% fee.
❌ These transactions are also ineligible for reward points.

Utility Bill Payments: If payments for services like electricity, gas, and water exceed ₹50,000 per month, a 1% fee will be levied.
✅ Insurance payments are excluded from this rule.

Rent, Fuel & Education:

Rent payments: 1% fee continues.

Fuel transactions above ₹15,000: 1% fee applicable.

Education payments via official school/college portals or POS machines: No fee.

ICICI Bank Credit Card – Updated Lounge Access & Charges

ICICI Bank has also revised its credit card policies, particularly impacting airport lounge access and fee structures.

Lounge Access: Free domestic lounge access will only be available if the cardholder has spent at least ₹75,000 in the previous 3 months.
❌ Payments towards rent, education, EMIs, school fees, and government services will not count towards this spend requirement.

Revised Bank Charges:

Cash/Cheque/DD/PO Deposits: ₹2 per ₹1,000 (Min ₹50, Max ₹15,000).
Previously: ₹50 up to ₹10,000; ₹5 per ₹1,000 above that.

ATM Transactions at Other Banks:

Financial (withdrawals): ₹23 after 3 free transactions

Non-financial (balance check, etc.): ₹8.50

Annual Debit Card Fee: Increased from ₹200 to ₹300

Debit Card Replacement Fee: Hiked from ₹200 to ₹300

Why It Matters

The changes will significantly impact users who frequently use credit cards for wallet top-ups, online gaming, rent payments, and utility bills. The stricter eligibility criteria for lounge access and increased bank charges may also influence spending behavior and the choice of credit products.

Customers are advised to review their card usage patterns and stay informed to avoid unexpected fees starting July 1.