HDFC-Value Plus. Review on HDFC Bank Visa Credit Card

I am using this card for past 3 years & I am happy with the service.

I was looking for a credit card which would be life time free. Manhattan was the key player then, who was offering lifetime free CC. I started the initial talk both with SCB & HDFC at the same time. But HDFC won the race as they were prompt in sending their executive to collect the required documents. Getting the card was not at all difficult for me, as I was holding my salary account with HDFC, so the verification etc also went on smooth.

I got the introduction kit within a week of applying, followed by the PIN etc. I was glad with the credit limit offered. I was impressed with the little different look of the card. The photo of a happy kid with his happy parents on the card gives a sense of happiness signifying ‘value’ of this card called - HDFC Value Plus’. For this card there is no point rewarded for the transactions, but we do get cash back for the transactions made. So the name is Value Plus. I personally find another value, customer signature print on the front side, which doesn’t need the user signature on the back of the card, so the chances of going it faded with time is also not there.

Initially certain amount [up to 5% I guess, I don’t remember the number bcos it was never the criteria for me to pick up the card] of each transaction used to get credited as cash back and for me that used be the bonus :) Monthly statements always reaches me on-time. Trend of sending statement [in password protected pdf format] through e-mails was also introduced.

Then authority introduced the feature - range of %ages cash back depending on categories of purchases made. Still the additional benefit retained my frown. Beginning of 2007 I found a decelerated service, incorrect statement, sudden reversal of previous cash back, sluggish customer support. I get a promise to hear back from them on my issues & the waiting time used to end up with another call to customer care - followed by escalations from one to level to the other. But I must say, at the end of the day I ensured all my issues are sorted out in my favor. At times the communication on offers or change in cash back criteria was not updated to me. Only check point used to be website or get it checked with customer support. Past few months I experience things changing at their end, with all the promos reaching me along with the hard copy of the bill or the e-mail version of statement.

I remember receiving calls from customer care when I stopped swiping the card for continuous 2 months [due to various dissatisfaction], inquiring the change in habit. Believing ‘customer is king’ I used to pour my frustration. I have no clue how effective those decant were, but things did improve. Recently I have even started receiving sms alerts for server downtime etc.

In past I have had a couple of transactions converted to EMI, with no hidden charges.

Going by the fact no one is perfect and there is always a scope for improvement, I accept the missing wish list here & there and consider myself as a happy customer :)