PhonePe HDFC Bank Ultimo Credit Card: The Perfect Blend of UPI Convenience and Credit Card Rewards

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In a world where digital payments are becoming the norm, the PhonePe HDFC Bank Ultimo Credit Card stands out as a smart, user-friendly option for those who want the best of both UPI and credit card benefits. Issued on the RuPay network, this card is designed for digital-first users who frequently shop online, pay bills through apps, and prefer seamless transactions.

Why This Card Makes Sense for Everyday Spenders​

The Ultimo Credit Card is tailored for people who live online, whether it’s paying utility bills, booking travel, or ordering food. You earn 10% cashback on purchases made through the PhonePe app, including recharges, gas bookings, and shopping via the Pincode store. This cashback is capped at ₹1,000 per month, which is generous for regular users.

Beyond PhonePe, the card also offers 5% cashback on popular platforms like Flipkart, Myntra, Swiggy, Zomato, and Uber, with a monthly cap of ₹500. Even UPI Scan & Pay transactions earn 1% cashback, up to ₹500 per month. However, do note that fuel, rent, insurance, and EMI payments are excluded from cashback eligibility.

Welcome Benefits That Pay for the Card​

New users can recover the ₹999 joining fee through PhonePe gift cards. You get ₹500 after your first UPI transaction using the card, and another ₹500 after completing 10 more UPI transactions of ₹50 or more. It’s a simple way to get started and earn back your initial investment.

Travel in Style with Lounge Access​

Frequent flyers will appreciate the 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year. To unlock this perk, you need to spend ₹75,000 in a calendar quarter, which then qualifies you for two lounge visits in the following quarter. It’s a great way to add a touch of comfort to your travel routine.

Easy and Transparent Reward Redemption​

The card uses a straightforward reward system. You earn reward points instead of direct cashback, but each point equals ₹1 when redeemed as a statement credit. This means your rewards directly reduce your card bill. Alternatively, you can redeem points for travel or gift vouchers via HDFC’s SmartBuy platform, though the value drops to around ₹0.30 per point. Points expire after one year, so it’s wise to redeem them regularly.

Fees and Charges: What You Need to Know​

The card comes with an annual fee of ₹999, which is waived if you spend ₹2 lakh in a year. Other charges include a 3.5% foreign currency markup and a ₹99 redemption fee for non-statement credit redemptions. There’s also a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000, capped at ₹250 per month.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?​

For individuals who rely on UPI for everyday transactions and prefer straightforward cashback over complex reward structures, the PhonePe HDFC Bank Ultimo Credit Card presents a practical and rewarding solution. With up to 10% cashback on essential digital spends, seamless UPI integration, and the added benefit of domestic lounge access, the card is well-suited for users seeking value and convenience in a single offering. Its simple redemption process and compatibility with popular platforms make it a strong contender in the digital credit card space.