If you own a credit card from HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, or both, there’s an important update you should know. Starting July 1, 2025, both banks are making changes to their credit card rules. These changes will impact how you earn rewards, the fees you pay, and your overall monthly spending. From online gaming and wallet loading to lounge access and ATM charges—let’s break down what’s changing and how it could affect your finances.
What’s Changing in HDFC Bank Credit Card Rules?
1. Charges on Online Gaming
If you spend more than ₹10,000 per month on platforms like Dream11, MPL, Rummy Culture, or Junglee Games using your HDFC credit card, you’ll now be charged 1% on the total amount.
- Maximum charge: ₹4,999 per month
- No reward points will be given for gaming transactions.
2. Charges on Wallet Loading
If you load money into third-party wallets such as Paytm, Mobikwik, Freecharge, or Ola Money using your HDFC credit card, and your monthly load crosses ₹10,000, a 1% charge will apply.
- Again, the maximum charge is ₹4,999/month.
3. Utility Bill Payments Over ₹50,000
If your monthly utility bill payments (electricity, gas, water, etc.) go beyond ₹50,000, you’ll have to pay a 1% fee on the total amount.
- Cap: ₹4,999 per month
- Note: Insurance payments are not considered utility payments, so no extra charge applies to them.
4. Limits Changed for Rent, Fuel, and Education Payments
- Rent, fuel, and education transactions will now have a maximum fee of ₹4,999 per transaction.
- Rent payments will still attract a 1% charge.
- Fuel purchases over ₹15,000 will be charged 1%.
- Education payments made directly via school/college websites or POS terminals will not be charged.
What’s Changing in ICICI Bank Credit Card Rules?
1. New Conditions for Free Airport Lounge Access
Only cardholders who spend ₹75,000 or more in the previous quarter will get free domestic airport lounge access.
- This benefit will be valid for 3 months.
- Excluded from the ₹75,000 spend: Rent, education, government payments, EMIs, school fees.
2. Revised Service Charges
ICICI has updated several charges related to basic banking services:
- Cash deposit, cheque deposit, DD, PO transactions:
- You’ll now pay ₹2 per ₹1,000,
- With a minimum charge of ₹50 and a maximum of ₹15,000.
- Previously: ₹50 for up to ₹10,000 and ₹5 per ₹1,000 for higher amounts.
3. Higher ATM Usage Charges
- After the first 3 free transactions at other bank ATMs,
- ₹23 will be charged per financial transaction (like cash withdrawal),
- ₹8.5 for non-financial transactions (like balance inquiry, mini statement).
4. Increased Debit Card Fees
- Annual fee for ICICI debit cards increased from ₹200 to ₹300.
- Replacement card fee also increased from ₹200 to ₹300.
Charges Comparison HDFC Credit Card Vs ICICI Credit Card
| Category | HDFC Bank | ICICI Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Online Gaming Charges | 1% charge on spends above ₹10,000/month (Max ₹4,999/month); No reward points | No specific update mentioned |
| Wallet Loading Charges | 1% on above ₹10,000/month into wallets like Paytm, Mobikwik (Max ₹4,999/month) | Not specified |
| Utility Bill Payments | 1% on monthly utility spends above ₹50,000 (Max ₹4,999/month); Insurance excluded | Not specified |
| Rent Payment Charges | 1% charge remains; Max fee capped at ₹4,999 | Rent not counted in lounge access eligibility |
| Fuel Transaction Charges | 1% if transaction > ₹15,000; Max ₹4,999 | Not specified |
| Education Payments | No charge if paid via official website/POS; Max charge ₹4,999 if applicable | Not counted in ₹75K spend needed for lounge access |
| Reward Points | Not applicable for gaming, wallet load, or utility transactions above limits | No change mentioned |
| Airport Lounge Access | No changes | Free only if ₹75,000 spent in previous quarter (excludes rent, govt fees, EMI, education, etc.) |
| ATM Charges (Other Bank) | Not mentioned | ₹23 (financial), ₹8.5 (non-financial) after 3 free transactions |
| Debit Card Annual Fee | Not mentioned | Increased from ₹200 to ₹300 |
| Debit Card Replacement Fee | Not mentioned | Increased from ₹200 to ₹300 |
| Other Banking Services (DD/PO etc.) | Not mentioned | ₹2 per ₹1,000 (Min ₹50, Max ₹15,000) |
Final Thoughts: What You Should Do Now
These new rules are likely to increase your monthly credit card-related expenses if you frequently use your card for gaming, wallet loading, or utility bills. Make sure to review your credit card usage and avoid unnecessary charges by staying under the limits. If you’re an ICICI cardholder, track your quarterly spending to enjoy lounge access and avoid extra service fees.