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Credit card annual fee waiver condition — how does it actually work?

Aarohi Brahmbhatt

Asked 12 May 2026

19

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

22
Pragya Ranganathan·18 Jun 2026

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.

13
Suman Nair·21 Apr 2026

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.

-1
Sarada Malakar·14 Apr 2026

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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