Credit cards have become a major part of modern financial life in India. Whether it’s shopping, fuel, travel, or emergency expenses — the right credit card can save you money and earn amazing rewards. Among the most popular options, the HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card stands out as a smart choice for young professionals, online shoppers, and anyone who loves cashback.
This detailed guide explains everything you need to know — from types of Indian credit cards, how to apply, benefits, fees, charges, and a complete breakdown of the HDFC Millennia Credit Card.
What Is a Credit Card? Why Are Indian Bank Credit Cards So Popular?
A credit card is a financial tool that allows you to borrow money instantly from your bank to make purchases. Instead of paying immediately, you get a billing cycle of 30–45 days, after which you repay the amount.
Why Indian Bank Credit Cards Are Popular
- Growing digital payments adoption (UPI + card-linked transactions)
- Attractive cashback and reward programs
- Bank tie-ups with major brands like Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, MakeMyTrip
- Easy EMI options for expensive purchases
- Discounts during festivals (Amazon/Flipkart sales)
- Better acceptance across India compared to international cards
Types of Credit Cards in India
Indian banks offer different credit cards based on lifestyle and spending habits:
1. Shopping Credit Cards
Best for: Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Ajio, lifestyle shopping.
Example: HDFC Millennia, SBI SimplyCLICK.
2. Travel Credit Cards
Best for: Flight bookings, hotel stays, lounge access.
Example: HDFC Regalia, Axis Atlas.
3. Cashback Credit Cards
You get flat cashback on every spend.
Example: HDFC Millennia, Axis Ace.
4. Fuel Credit Cards
Designed for fuel pump savings (HPCL, IOCL, BPCL).
Example: HDFC BPCL Credit Card.
5. Co-Branded Cards
Partnership with brands like Amazon, Tata, Air India, IRCTC.
Example: Amazon ICICI Card.
6. Lifetime-Free Credit Cards
No joining or annual fee (or easy to waive).
Example: IDFC First Classic, Amazon ICICI.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Bank Credit Cards
While each bank has its own rules, these are the basics:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | 21–60 years |
| Minimum Income | ₹20,000–₹40,000 per month |
| Employment Type | Salaried or self-employed |
| Credit Score | 700+ preferred |
| Residence | Must be in bank’s serviceable location |
Required Documents (KYC)
During the application, you must submit the following:
Identity Proof (Any one)
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Driving Licence
Address Proof
- Aadhaar Card
- Electricity/Water Bill
- Rent Agreement
- Passport
Income Proof
- Salary slips (last 3 months)
- Bank statement (last 6 months)
- ITR for self-employed applicants
How to Apply for a Credit Card in India
You can apply both online and offline.
Online Credit Card Application Process
- Visit the bank website
Example: hdfcbank.com → Credit Cards - Select the card (e.g., HDFC Millennia).
- Fill out the application form:
- Name
- Mobile number
- PAN
- Income
- Complete KYC using Aadhaar OTP.
- Upload documents.
- Wait for approval (instant for eligible users).
- Receive virtual credit card instantly (in some banks).
Instant Approval Cards
Many banks now offer:
- Instant digital credit card
- Virtual card number
- Immediate usage for online shopping
Offline (Branch) Process
- Visit your nearest bank branch.
- Ask for a credit card application form.
- Submit documents + photograph.
- Attend verification call/SMS.
- Card delivered in 5–7 working days.
Benefits of an Indian Bank Credit Card
India’s credit card ecosystem is packed with features. Here are the biggest benefits:
1. Cashback Benefits
Many cards offer 1% to 5% cashback on daily spending:
- Online shopping
- Wallet reloads
- Food delivery
- Travel bookings
2. Reward Points
Earn points on every spend and redeem for:
- Vouchers
- Flights
- Electronics
- Gift cards
3. Fuel Benefits
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Extra points on fuel transactions
4. Travel Rewards & Lounge Access
Premium cards provide:
- 4–8 free domestic airport lounge visits
- Hotel discounts
- Zero forex markup (premium cards)
5. EMI Conversion
Convert purchases above ₹2,500 into EMIs instantly.
6. Insurance Coverage
Some cards include:
- Accidental death cover
- Travel insurance
- Lost card liability protection
7. UPI Credit Card Benefits (RuPay Credit Cards)
UPI-linked credit cards allow:
- Paying via UPI (PhonePe/Google Pay/BHIM)
- Cashback on UPI transactions
- No need to swipe or tap the card
Example: HDFC Millennia on RuPay variant.
#️⃣ HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card – Full Review (2025)
The HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card is ideal for people who spend frequently on online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy, Uber, and Myntra.
HDFC Millennia Credit Card Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Cashback/Shopping |
| Best For | Online shopping, lifestyle spending |
| Reward Type | Cashback (CashPoints) |
| Annual Fee | ₹1,000 + GST (waived on ₹1L spend) |
| Welcome Benefit | 1,000 CashPoints |
| UPI Compatible? | Yes (RuPay variant) |
Benefits of HDFC Millennia Credit Card
1. Cashback Structure
| Spend Type | Cashback |
|---|---|
| Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Uber, Zomato, Myntra | 5% cashback |
| Other online spends | 2.5% cashback |
| Offline spends | 1% cashback |
| Wallet reloads | No cashback |
2. Lounge Access
- 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter (8 per year)
3. Fuel Surcharge Waiver
- 1% waiver across Indian fuel pumps
- Valid for ₹400–₹5,000 transactions
4. UPI Benefits
If you choose the RuPay variant, you can:
- Pay via UPI apps
- Earn 1% cashback on UPI spends
- Use without carrying the physical card
5. EMI Benefits
- Convert purchases above ₹2,500
- Tenures: 3–24 months
HDFC Millennia Credit Card Fees & Charges
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹1,000 + GST |
| Annual Fee | ₹1,000 (waived on ₹1,00,000 yearly spend) |
| Finance Charges (APR) | 3.6% per month (43.2% annually) |
| Late Payment Fee | ₹100 – ₹1,300 based on amount |
| Cash Withdrawal Fee | 2.5% (min ₹500) |
| Overlimit Fee | 2.5% of overlimit |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3.5% |
Billing Cycle & Interest Calculation in India
Billing Cycle
Banks generally provide:
- 30-day cycle + 15–20-day grace period
Example:
- Billing date: 5th of every month
- Due date: 25th
If you pay full amount → 0% interest.
When Does Interest Apply?
- When you pay less than total amount due
- When you withdraw cash
- When past dues exist
Interest = Daily balance × APR × Number of days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Credit Cards
❌ Paying only minimum due
❌ Missing payment date
❌ Using 60–90% of your credit limit
❌ Taking cash advance from credit card
❌ Applying for too many cards at once
❌ Not checking hidden fees
❌ Ignoring reward expiry
Best Indian Bank Credit Cards (2025 List)
Here are the top performing cards across categories:
| Card Name | Best For | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| HDFC Millennia | Cashback + Online shopping | ₹1,000 |
| Axis Bank Ace | Flat 5% cashback | ₹499 |
| SBI SimplyCLICK | Online portals | ₹499 |
| HDFC Regalia | Travel + lounge | ₹2,500 |
| ICICI Amazon Pay | Amazon shopping | LTF |
Comparison Table – 5 Popular Cards (2025)
| Feature | HDFC Millennia | Axis Ace | SBI SimplyCLICK | HDFC Regalia | ICICI Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | ₹1,000 | ₹499 | ₹499 | ₹2,500 | LTF |
| Cashback | 5% | 5% | 10X points | Rewards only | 5% |
| Lounge Access | Yes | Yes (UPI variant) | No | Yes | No |
| UPI Support | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Best For | Online | Cashback | Online brands | Travel | Amazon users |
How to Choose the Right Credit Card
Use this checklist before deciding:
✔ Based on income
Low income → LTF cards
High income → Premium cards
✔ Based on lifestyle
- Shopping → Millennia/SBI Click
- Travel → Regalia/Axis Atlas
- Fuel → BPCL/IOCL cards
- Cashback → Axis Ace
✔ Based on rewards
Do you want cashback, miles, or points?
✔ Age & eligibility
Check minimum income requirement.
✔ UPI preference
Choose RuPay credit cards to use on UPI.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions (10 FAQs)
1. Is the HDFC Millennia Credit Card good for beginners?
Yes, it’s perfect for first-time users who shop online frequently.
2. Can I use the HDFC Millennia card for UPI payments?
Yes, if you select the RuPay variant.
3. How much income is required to apply?
Minimum income: ₹25,000–₹35,000 per month depending on the city.
4. How do I waive the annual fee?
Spend ₹1,00,000 in a year to get the fee waived.
5. What is the credit limit for this card?
HDFC usually offers ₹25,000 to ₹2,00,000 based on income and CIBIL score.
6. What happens if I miss the payment due date?
You’ll be charged late fee + interest + GST.
7. Are lounge visits free?
Yes, you get 8 free domestic lounge visits per year.
8. Does the card give fuel benefits?
Yes — 1% fuel surcharge waiver.
9. How much cashback can I earn monthly?
Up to ₹1,000 cashback per month.
10. How do I convert big purchases to EMI?
Through the HDFC app, or via SMS from the bank.
Conclusion
The HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card is one of the best cashback cards in India for 2025. With 5% cashback on top apps, lounge access, and UPI compatibility, it’s perfect for today’s online lifestyle.
Whether you’re a student, working professional, or online shopper — the Millennia card helps you save money while enjoying premium benefits. Make sure to use it wisely, pay full dues on time, and maximize rewards.
If you’re planning to apply for a credit card in India, always compare the fees, benefits, and reward structure based on your lifestyle and spending habits.
