HDFC Bank
HDFC Bank PIXEL Go Credit Card
The HDFC Bank PIXEL Go Credit Card is an entry-level digital card issued against a minimum fixed deposit of Rs. 15,000.
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Data last updated 14 July 2026.
At a Glance
Annual Fee
₹250
Joining Fee
₹250
Fee Waiver
Spend ₹50,000 annually
Lounge Access
See details
Forex Markup
3.5%
Effective Yield
5% – 5%
Our Take
CreditGully Rating
Based on CreditGully editors' analysis. Not influenced by card issuers.
The HDFC Bank PIXEL Go Credit Card is an entry-level digital card issued against a minimum fixed deposit of Rs. 15,000. It offers a simple and straightforward cashback structure at a highly affordable annual fee of Rs. 250, making it an accessible option for those new to credit. As a basic variant of the HDFC PIXEL card lineup, it serves as a reliable tool for users focused on low-risk credit building while earning consistent value on daily expenses.
In terms of rewards, the card features 5% cashback on HDFC's Smartbuy platform (capped at 500 points per month) and a flat 1% unlimited cashback on other eligible retail transactions. Cardholders who opt for the RuPay variant can also link their card to UPI apps to earn 1% cashback on UPI transactions, capped at 500 points per month. Additionally, dining out is rewarded with up to 25% off via Swiggy Dineout at partner restaurants, capped at Rs. 300 monthly.
This card is an ideal choice for beginners who want to build their credit history or those comfortable with maximizing their returns through the HDFC Smartbuy ecosystem. With low fee-waiver milestones—such as spending Rs. 50,000 in a year to waive the annual fee—it offers a straightforward path to value without demanding high spending requirements.
What We Like
We like that this card offers a decent base cashback rate of 1% that is competitive with popular cashback cards, all at a very low annual fee of Rs. 250. Additionally, the card features highly attainable fee-waiver thresholds, requiring only Rs. 50,000 in yearly spends to waive the annual fee.
Pros
- ✓Affordable annual fee structure
- ✓Accelerated rewards when spending through HDFC Smartbuy
- ✓Decent base cashback rate of 1% on eligible spends
- ✓UPI payment benefits enabled through the RuPay network variant
Cons
- ✗Accelerated cashback benefits are restricted to the Smartbuy portal
- ✗No complimentary basic travel benefits provided
- ✗Point redemption is restricted to the PayZapp application
- ✗Monthly caps are imposed on cashback accumulation
Get This Card If
- ✓You are a beginner
- ✓You want a low annual fee card
- ✓You are new to credit and want to build your credit score
- ✓You are comfortable maximizing rewards on Smartbuy
Earning & Redemption
How You Earn
| Category | Reward rate | Yield | Cap * |
|---|---|---|---|
HDFC SmartBuy Spends | 5 CashPoints (CP) per ₹100 | 5.00% | 500 CP per billing cycle |
UPI Spends (RuPay variant only) | 1 CP per ₹100 | 1.00% | 500 CP per billing cycle |
All Other Eligible Spends | 1 CP per ₹100 | 1.00% | No Upper Cap (except Insurance) |
Excluded Categories | No Points Earned | 0.00% | — |
* Category caps shown are based on publicly available card terms. Banks frequently revise caps and rates without notice — always verify current limits directly with the issuer before applying.
Milestone Rewards
| Spend | Benefit | Value | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₹10,000 | Fee Waiver | ₹250 + GST Savings | Joining fee waiver on spending ₹10,000 within 90 days of card issuance. |
| ₹50,000 | Fee Waiver | ₹250 + GST Savings | Annual renewal membership fee waiver on spending ₹50,000 or more in the preceding 12 months. |
Redemption Value
| Channel | Value per point | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| PayZapp CashPoints | ₹1 per point1:1 Ratio | Best Value (CashPoints are transferred to PayZapp Cashpoint account and can be used for brand vouchers, bill payments, recharges). |
What You Need to Know
FD-Backed Variant Available
The card can be issued against a minimum Fixed Deposit of ₹15,000, with a credit limit up to 90% of the FD amount, suitable for new-to-credit customers.
Impact: Enables credit building for individuals without an existing credit history or income proof.
CashPoint Rounding
CashPoints are calculated and posted on a round down integer basis (e.g., ₹260 transaction with 1% cashback yields 2 CashPoints).
Impact: Fractional CashPoints are not accrued, slightly reducing effective yield on small transactions.
Utility Transaction Fee (Effective July 1, 2025)
A 1% fee applies to utility bill payments if monthly expenditure on HDFC Bank credit cards surpasses ₹50,000, capped at ₹4,999. This fee applies to the entire monthly utility expenditure.
Impact: Adds a cost for high utility spenders, reducing overall savings. This fee is in effect as of today's date.
Essential Fine Print
Reward Exclusions
Excluded Transactions: Cashback is not applicable on Fuel, Wallet loads, Rent payments, Government transactions, Education payments, and EMI transactions.
Dining Benefits
Swiggy Dineout
Up to 10% savings on restaurant bills when paid through Swiggy Dineout.
Milestone Benefits
Annual Fee Waiver
Spend ₹1 Lakh or more in the preceding card anniversary year to have the renewal fee waived.
First Year Joining Fee Waiver
Spend ₹10,000 or more within the first 90 days of card issuance to get the joining fee waived.
Additional Features
Digital-First Experience
Manage all card settings, including PIN generation, transaction limits, and reward tracking, directly through the HDFC Bank PayZapp app.
Contactless Payments
Enabled for 'Tap and Pay' transactions at merchant terminals for amounts up to ₹5,000.
SmartPay
Facility to automate utility bill payments with the SmartPay feature on the card.
Fees & Charges
| Fee Type | Amount / Details |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹250 |
| Annual / Renewal Fee | ₹250 |
| Fee Waiver Threshold | Spend ₹50,000 annually |
| Forex Markup | 3.5% |
| Reward Redemption Fee | ₹99 per redemption |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% surcharge |
Eligibility Criteria
Salaried
Age: 21-60 years, Income: > ₹12,000 monthly
Self-Employed
Age: 21-60 years, Income: Annual ITR > ₹6 Lakhs
Ready to apply for HDFC Bank PIXEL Go Credit Card?
Annual fee: ₹250 · Waived on ₹50,000 spend
Frequently Asked Questions
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Annual fee
₹250
5% – 5% yield