Why Your First HDFC Credit Card Should Always Be a Core Card
Many first-time applicants unknowingly choose an HDFC co-branded credit card, often because it appears as a convenient, pre-approved offer on apps like Swiggy, Tata Neu, or Paytm.
But what follows is a frustrating realisation: obtaining a core HDFC card afterward becomes extremely difficult, if not practically impossible.
If you are planning to take your first HDFC credit card, this guide may save you a great deal of trouble later.
Why You Should Avoid Taking a Co-Branded Card as Your First HDFC Card
Promotional LTF or FYF offers can be tempting, especially when they pop up inside your favourite apps.
However, consider this simple rule:
Core cards are HDFC’s in-house, non-partnered cards. They form the foundation of your long-term credit card progression with the bank.
Examples of Core HDFC Cards
Your upgrade journey typically follows a structured progression:
MoneyBack → Millennia → Regalia Gold → Diners Privilege → Diners Black Metal → Infinia
To be eligible for these upgrades, you must already possess a core card.
‼️Starting your relationship with HDFC through a co-branded card prevents you from entering this upgrade ladder altogether.‼️
Why Co-Branded Card Holders Struggle With Core Card Applications
Co-branded cards are easy to acquire because the application process is built directly into partner apps.
Core cards, however, require you to apply through HDFC’s official credit card portal or offline application via branch. This is where the problem begins.
Most applications are simply rejected because:
“You already hold an HDFC credit card.”
Multiple escalations: emails, grievance requests, PNO communication, even physical letters to Chennai Head Office rarely yield favourable results.
Learn From My Experience
I made the same error: taking a co-branded card first. If you don’t yet have any HDFC card, follow this principle:
✅Apply for a core card first, even if it is a basic one.
Even entry-level cards like MoneyBack or Freedom are sufficient to qualify you for future upgrades.
Once you hold a core card, you can safely add one or two or even three more co-branded cards on top.
If You Already Have a Co-Branded HDFC Card! Here’s What You Can Do
It is not impossible to fix the situation, but it does require patience, persistence, and a bit of strategy.
Here’s how my journey unfolded.
My Journey From Co-Branded to Core Card: A Real-World Experience
2021–22: The Initial Misstep
My first HDFC card was the Paytm HDFC Card, a co-branded card offered as a pre-approved option.
Assuming I could apply for a core card later, I accepted it. That assumption turned out to be incorrect.
Consistent Rejections
Every attempt to apply for a core card resulted in the same rejection reason:
“You already hold an HDFC card.”
Early 2023: Adding Another Co-Branded Card
I received another pre-approved offer. This time for the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Card on the Tata Neu app.
Since it was a strong offering at the time, I accepted it, hoping it might help.
May 2023: Escalation Attempts
I began writing to HDFC’s grievance team and PNO, requesting a conversion from co-branded to core.
Repeated attempts were unsuccessful.
Gradual Limit Enhancements
My card limit increased over time:
₹50,000 → ₹75,000 → ₹1,00,000
Still, no sign of movement reg core card.
June 2024: Persistence Pays Off
I intensified my follow-ups and even attempted to close one co-branded card to strengthen my eligibility.
Eventually, after numerous calls and emails, HDFC approved an upgrade from Tata Neu Plus to Millennia (FYF)—my first core card. Naturally, I accepted the upgrade immediately.
Acquiring floater cards:
In September 2024, I could see a LTF offer of Swiggy HDFC card on my swiggy app, I immediately applied and got it delivered.
After few months, once my credit limit increased to ₹1,50,000, I applied for the Tata Neu Infinity through the app and received it without any difficulty.
Final Takeaway
If you are new to HDFC credit cards:
Start with a core card, no matter how basic.
This single decision determines whether you can access HDFC’s premium credit card ecosystem in the future.
If you have already taken a co-branded card first:
Be persistent.
Many first-time applicants unknowingly choose an HDFC co-branded credit card, often because it appears as a convenient, pre-approved offer on apps like Swiggy, Tata Neu, or Paytm.
But what follows is a frustrating realisation: obtaining a core HDFC card afterward becomes extremely difficult, if not practically impossible.
If you are planning to take your first HDFC credit card, this guide may save you a great deal of trouble later.
Why You Should Avoid Taking a Co-Branded Card as Your First HDFC Card
Promotional LTF or FYF offers can be tempting, especially when they pop up inside your favourite apps.
However, consider this simple rule:
- ✔️ If you already hold a core HDFC card: it is perfectly fine to apply for any co-branded card.
- ❌ If you do not hold a core card yet: do not take a co-branded card first. You may unintentionally lock yourself out of the entire HDFC upgrade ecosystem.
Core cards are HDFC’s in-house, non-partnered cards. They form the foundation of your long-term credit card progression with the bank.
Examples of Core HDFC Cards
- MoneyBack
- Millennia
- Regalia / Regalia Gold
- Diners Club Privilege
- Diners Club Black (Metal)
- Infinia (the flagship)
Your upgrade journey typically follows a structured progression:
MoneyBack → Millennia → Regalia Gold → Diners Privilege → Diners Black Metal → Infinia
To be eligible for these upgrades, you must already possess a core card.
‼️Starting your relationship with HDFC through a co-branded card prevents you from entering this upgrade ladder altogether.‼️
Why Co-Branded Card Holders Struggle With Core Card Applications
Co-branded cards are easy to acquire because the application process is built directly into partner apps.
Core cards, however, require you to apply through HDFC’s official credit card portal or offline application via branch. This is where the problem begins.
Most applications are simply rejected because:
“You already hold an HDFC credit card.”
Multiple escalations: emails, grievance requests, PNO communication, even physical letters to Chennai Head Office rarely yield favourable results.
Learn From My Experience
I made the same error: taking a co-branded card first. If you don’t yet have any HDFC card, follow this principle:
✅Apply for a core card first, even if it is a basic one.
Even entry-level cards like MoneyBack or Freedom are sufficient to qualify you for future upgrades.
Once you hold a core card, you can safely add one or two or even three more co-branded cards on top.
If You Already Have a Co-Branded HDFC Card! Here’s What You Can Do
It is not impossible to fix the situation, but it does require patience, persistence, and a bit of strategy.
Here’s how my journey unfolded.
My Journey From Co-Branded to Core Card: A Real-World Experience
2021–22: The Initial Misstep
My first HDFC card was the Paytm HDFC Card, a co-branded card offered as a pre-approved option.
Assuming I could apply for a core card later, I accepted it. That assumption turned out to be incorrect.
Consistent Rejections
Every attempt to apply for a core card resulted in the same rejection reason:
“You already hold an HDFC card.”
Early 2023: Adding Another Co-Branded Card
I received another pre-approved offer. This time for the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Card on the Tata Neu app.
Since it was a strong offering at the time, I accepted it, hoping it might help.
May 2023: Escalation Attempts
I began writing to HDFC’s grievance team and PNO, requesting a conversion from co-branded to core.
Repeated attempts were unsuccessful.
Gradual Limit Enhancements
My card limit increased over time:
₹50,000 → ₹75,000 → ₹1,00,000
Still, no sign of movement reg core card.
June 2024: Persistence Pays Off
I intensified my follow-ups and even attempted to close one co-branded card to strengthen my eligibility.
Eventually, after numerous calls and emails, HDFC approved an upgrade from Tata Neu Plus to Millennia (FYF)—my first core card. Naturally, I accepted the upgrade immediately.
Acquiring floater cards:
In September 2024, I could see a LTF offer of Swiggy HDFC card on my swiggy app, I immediately applied and got it delivered.
After few months, once my credit limit increased to ₹1,50,000, I applied for the Tata Neu Infinity through the app and received it without any difficulty.
Final Takeaway
If you are new to HDFC credit cards:
Start with a core card, no matter how basic.
This single decision determines whether you can access HDFC’s premium credit card ecosystem in the future.
If you have already taken a co-branded card first:
Be persistent.
- Build your credit limit
- Keep requesting conversion
- Ask for conversion of co-branded card to a core card citing reasons like low or no usability of cobranded card.
- Follow up consistently
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