Credit card annual fee waiver condition — how does it actually work?
Aarohi Brahmbhatt
Asked 12 May 2026
Banks say annual fee is waived if I spend ₹2,00,000 in the previous year. Does the spend include EMI, wallet loads, and reversals? Please clarify with examples.
3 Answers
I've owned 4 cards over the last 7 years. The biggest lesson: a card that fits your spend pattern beats the 'most rewarding' card on paper. A 5% cashback card you actually use daily will give you 10x more value than a 10% card you use once a month.
I've owned 4 cards over the last 7 years. The biggest lesson: a card that fits your spend pattern beats the 'most rewarding' card on paper. A 5% cashback card you actually use daily will give you 10x more value than a 10% card you use once a month.
I closed my HDFC card last year. The process took exactly 7 days. They sent a confirmation email and a closure letter by speed post. Tip: pay off the full outstanding and request closure only AFTER the payment reflects. Calling repeatedly with a zero balance is the fastest path.
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