HDFC Bank Companion Debit Card – Benefits, Fees & Eligibility

Introduction

The HDFC Bank Companion Debit Card is a unique offering specifically designed for visually impaired customers, providing enhanced accessibility and independence in banking. It is linked to HDFC Bank Savings, Salary, or Current Accounts. Key differentiating features include a Braille-enabled card design, a rounded notch for orientation, and compatibility with voice-guided ATM transactions. The card also offers comprehensive insurance coverage, no-cost EMI options on various purchases, and zero annual or joining fees, making it a valuable tool for its target users.

Transaction Limits & Usage

• Daily Shopping Limit: Up to ₹1.25 lakh.
• Daily ATM Cash Withdrawal Limit: Up to ₹0.25 lakh (₹25,000).
• Cash Withdrawal at Merchant Outlets: Up to ₹2,000 per day and ₹10,000 per month.
• Contactless Payments: Enabled for quick and secure transactions. Payments up to ₹5,000 do not require a PIN, while transactions equal to or greater than ₹5,000 require a PIN for security.
• International Usage: As per RBI guidelines effective October 1, 2020, all newly issued Debit Cards are enabled only for Domestic usage (PoS & ATM) by default and disabled for Domestic (E-commerce & contactless) and International usage. Customers can enable or modify Domestic & International transaction limits on ATM / PoS / E-commerce / Contactless via MyCards, NetBanking, Mobile Banking, WhatsApp Banking (7070066666), Ask Eva, or by calling the Toll-free Number (1800 1600 / 1800 2600 from 8 am to 8 pm). Customers traveling overseas can reach the bank at 022-61606160.

Fees and Charges

• Joining Fees: NIL
• Annual Fees: NIL
• Replacement / Reissuance Charges: ₹240 + applicable taxes (effective 1st May 2026).
• Fuel Surcharge Reversal: Fuel Surcharge would not be applicable for transactions done on HDFC Bank swipe machines at government petrol outlets (HPCL/IOCL/BPCL), effective 1st January 2018.

Rewards & Offers

• EMI Benefits:
  • Enjoy no-cost EMI on leading brands across categories such as electronics, furniture, apparel, and smartphones.
  • Convert any purchases above ₹5,000 into EMI.
  • To check the pre-approved eligible amount on your Debit Card, SMS "MYHDFC" to 5676712 from your Bank Registered Mobile Number.
• Insurance Benefits:
  • Death Cover by Air / Road / Rail: Sum Insured up to ₹5,00,000.
  • Additional International Air Coverage: Flat ₹25,00,000 on purchase of air tickets using your Debit Card.
  • Fire & Burglary Insurance: For items purchased under Debit Card (up to 6 months) with a sum assured of ₹2,00,000. For claims to be accepted and processed, the cardholder should have conducted at least 1 purchase transaction using the Debit Card within 3 months prior to the event date.
  • Loss of Baggage Cover: Up to ₹2,00,000.
  • Insurance Activation Condition: All Debit Card holders are required to use their Debit Card at retail or online stores at least once every 30 days to keep the free Personal Death Insurance cover active.
  • Multiple Card Policy: In the event of an Insured Person having multiple Cards issued by the Insured, the Insurance Policy shall be applicable only for the Card which has the highest Sum Insured / limit of Indemnity or the highest POS amount.
• Debit Card Offers: Access exciting offers available on your HDFC Bank Companion Debit Card through the bank's dedicated offers portal.

Account & Eligibility Criteria

• Who Can Apply: Visually impaired customers maintaining an HDFC Bank Savings, Salary, or Current Account.
• How To Apply: Eligible customers can apply for the HDFC Bank Companion Debit Card either by visiting a bank branch in person or by arranging a visit from a bank official to the customer’s residence to complete the required formalities.

Debit Card Review

The HDFC Bank Companion Debit Card is an excellent product specifically tailored for visually impaired customers, demonstrating a strong commitment to financial inclusion and accessibility. Its unique design features like Braille dots and a rounded notch, combined with ATM voice guidance and Braille-enabled keypads, significantly enhance independent banking. The card offers substantial insurance coverage and the flexibility of no-cost EMI, all without any joining or annual fees. While a replacement fee will apply from May 2026, the overall value proposition for its target audience is very high. This card is highly recommended for visually impaired individuals seeking a secure, feature-rich, and accessible debit card experience.

Important Product Details

• Accessibility Features:
  • Features raised Braille dots for easy identification and reading.
  • A rounded notch opposite the chip helps cardholders identify the correct card orientation for ATMs and POS machines.
  • HDFC Bank ATMs are equipped with voice guidance support (via headphone jack) and Braille-enabled keypads for independent transactions.
• Digital Benefits:
  • Contactless payments enabled for quick and secure transactions.
• Security Features:
  • Zero Liability applies to any fraudulent Point of Sale transactions conducted using your Debit Card up to 30 days prior to reporting the card loss.
• Key Highlights: Designed to support independent and secure banking for visually challenged customers, complying with RBI guidelines on barrier-free banking services.

Other Details

• All benefits and features are subject to applicable Terms & Conditions.
• Debit Card approvals are at the sole discretion of HDFC Bank Limited and are subject to documentation and verification as per the Bank's requirement. Interest rates are subject to change.