HDFC Solitaire Credit Card Review
At a Glance
| Joining Fee | ₹500 + GST (₹590 all in) |
| Annual Fee | ₹500 + GST, waived on spends of ₹50,000 in the year |
| Best Suited For | Existing holders who spend on dining and groceries and want a low-fee card |
| Reward Type | Reward Points, with 100 points redeemable as ₹20 cashback |
HDFC’s Solitaire page says sourcing of this card has been stopped and that existing customers continue to enjoy its benefits.
So this review is for people who already hold it. The question is whether a ₹590 card that earns 3 Reward Points per ₹200 is worth keeping.
It is, if you spend ₹50,000 a year, because the fee is then waived. The cashback value is thin, though: 100 points are worth ₹20, so the base return is about 0.3%.
Rewards & Benefits
Reward rate and earn structure
| Spend category | Earn rate | Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Retail spends | 3 Reward Points per ₹200 | 15,000 Reward Points per statement cycle |
| Dining and groceries | 50% more points, which works out to 4.5 points per ₹200 | Counts within the 15,000 points cycle ceiling |
| Insurance spends | Standard earn | 2,000 Reward Points per month |
Points are earned in blocks of ₹200, so a ₹390 purchase earns on ₹200 only.
HDFC raised the accrual base from ₹150 to ₹200 on 15 May 2026 for a long list of cards, so check your latest statement to see which one you are on. Online skill-based gaming earns no points.
Redemption and point value
HDFC’s page states one redemption rule: 100 Reward Points can be redeemed as ₹20 cashback against your outstanding amount.
That makes a point worth ₹0.20. At 3 points per ₹200 the return is ₹0.60 on ₹200, or 0.3%. On dining and groceries at 4.5 points the return is 0.45%. Each cashback redemption request costs ₹50 + GST, so redeem in large batches.
Milestone benefits
| Trigger | Benefit |
|---|---|
| ₹75,000 spent in 6 months | Gift voucher worth ₹1,000 |
| Maximum per year | 2 vouchers, so ₹2,000 on ₹1.5 lakh of spends |
Two vouchers of ₹1,000 on ₹1.5 lakh of annual spend adds 1.33% to the card’s return, which is more than the points themselves.
Everyday benefits
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fuel surcharge waiver | 1% on transactions of ₹400 to ₹5,000, maximum ₹250 per statement cycle |
| PayZapp cashback | ₹1,000 cashback on in-app shopping across 200+ brands |
| Interest-free period | Up to 50 days from the date of purchase |
HDFC does not list lounge access, travel insurance or a welcome gift for this card. Fuel surcharge waiver is capped at ₹250 a cycle, so it saves at most ₹3,000 a year if you fill up often enough to hit the ceiling every month.
The PayZapp offer is a one-time shopping cashback, not a recurring reward, so treat it as a bonus and not a reason to keep the card.
Fees & Charges
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Joining and annual fee | ₹500 + GST (₹590 all in) |
| Annual fee waiver | Spends of ₹50,000 in the year |
| Interest on unpaid balance | 3.75% per month (45% a year) |
| Cash advance | 2.5% or ₹500, whichever is higher, plus interest from day one |
| Late payment | Nil up to ₹100 due, then ₹100 to ₹1,300 by balance slab |
| Add-on card | Free for life |
| Reissue of lost or damaged card | ₹199 |
The waiver needs ₹50,000 in a year, about ₹4,200 a month. Most households clear that with groceries and bills alone, so the fee should rarely apply if you use the card as your main spender.
The number that catches people out is the interest rate. HDFC’s product page still quotes 3.6% a month, but the bank’s current terms document lists 3.75% a month, or 45% a year, for every variant outside its premium cards. Do not carry a balance on this card.
Eligibility & Documents Required
Because HDFC no longer sources the Solitaire, its page lists no eligibility criteria for new applicants. Existing holders are not asked to qualify again.
If you want a card HDFC currently sells, the bank’s usual proof set applies: an identity proof such as Aadhaar or PAN, an address proof, and income proof such as salary slips, Form 16 or an ITR.
Check the live range on HDFC’s site for the income bar that matches the card you pick.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fee waived at only ₹50,000 of annual spend | About 0.3% return on points as cashback |
| Up to ₹2,000 in vouchers a year | No lounge access or travel cover listed |
| 50% extra points on dining and groceries | Closed to new applicants |
Solitaire vs Competitors
Among HDFC cards you can still apply for, the HDFC Regalia Gold pays 5 points per ₹200 and adds lounge access, though it costs ₹2,500 plus GST.
For a low-fee everyday card from another issuer, a flat cashback option such as the Cashback SBI Card returns more on online spends and needs no point redemption.
How to Apply
You cannot apply for the Solitaire right now. If you hold it, use it at least once a year so HDFC does not close the account for inactivity, and note that points lapse if the card is unused for more than 365 days.
If you want an upgrade, log in to NetBanking, open the Cards tab and look for the upgrade option, or use the MyCards portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HDFC Solitaire Credit Card still available?
No. HDFC’s page says sourcing has been stopped. Existing customers keep the card’s benefits.
What is the Solitaire annual fee?
₹500 plus GST, which is ₹590 all in. It is waived for the next year if you spend ₹50,000 within the year.
How many points does the Solitaire earn?
3 Reward Points per ₹200, with 50% more on dining and groceries. The ceiling is 15,000 points per statement cycle.
What is a Solitaire Reward Point worth?
₹0.20 as cashback, since 100 points redeem for ₹20 against your outstanding amount.
Does the Solitaire have lounge access?
No lounge access is listed on HDFC’s page for this card.
What is the interest rate on the Solitaire?
3.75% a month, or 45% a year, per HDFC’s current terms document. The product page still shows an older 3.6% figure.
Is there a fuel surcharge waiver on the Solitaire?
Yes, 1% on fuel transactions of ₹400 to ₹5,000, capped at ₹250 per statement cycle.
Bottom Line
Keep the Solitaire if you already hold it and spend ₹50,000 or more a year on dining and groceries.
The fee is waived, the ₹1,000 milestone vouchers are worth claiming, and the card costs you nothing to hold.
Skip it, or move on, if you want lounge access, travel cover or strong cashback. At ₹0.20 a point the return is about 0.3%, and a card that is closed to new applicants will not get new features.
