HDFC Bank Hajj Umrah Forex Card – Benefits, Fees & Eligibility

Introduction

The HDFC Bank Hajj Umrah Card is a specialized single-currency Forex Card issued by HDFC Bank, exclusively designed for pilgrims undertaking the sacred journeys of Hajj and Umrah. Positioned as a convenient and secure payment solution for international travel, its top differentiating benefits include a 1% cashback on all spending, comprehensive insurance coverage, and the ability to complete all transactions seamlessly in Saudi Riyal (SAR).

Fees

• Card Issuance Fee: ₹200 plus applicable GST per card.
• Reload Fee: ₹75 plus applicable GST per reload transaction.
• Re-issuance of Card Fee: ₹100 per card.
• ATM Cash Withdrawal Fee (Saudi Riyal): SAR 7.50 per transaction.
• Balance Enquiry Fee (Saudi Riyal): SAR 2.00 per transaction.
• Cross Currency Markup: 3% for transactions where the transaction currency is different than the Saudi Riyal available on the card.
  • Exchange rate used will be the VISA/MasterCard wholesale exchange rate or the Mid-rate prevailing at the time of the transaction.
• Currency Conversion Charges (GST):
  • Up to INR 1,00,000/-: 0.18% of the gross value or INR 45/-, whichever is higher.
  • Greater than INR 1,00,000/- & up to INR 10,00,000/-: INR 180 plus 0.09% of the amount exceeding INR 1,00,000/-.
  • Above INR 10,00,000/-: INR 990 plus 0.018% of the amount exceeding INR 10,00,000/-, subject to a maximum of INR 10800/-.
  • GST will be applicable on Currency Conversion & other fees as per prevailing rates.
• Tax Collected at Source (TCS): Applicable under the provision of the Financial Act, 2020.
• GCAS Facility Charges: The customer will be charged for availing the GCAS facility of Visa as per the prevailing charges.

Rewards

• CashBack: Enjoy 1% CashBack on all your spending.
• Special Discounts: Access special discounts and offers at partner merchants.
• Insurance Benefits:
  • Counterfeiting and skimming protection with coverage up to ₹5 lakh.
  • Air accident insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh (death cover only).
  • Road/rail accident insurance coverage up to ₹2 lakh (death cover only).
  • Loss of checked-in baggage covered up to ₹20,000.
  • Loss of personal documents covered up to ₹50,000 (only passport reconstruction).
• Travel Benefits: Specifically designed for those starting their sacred journeys of Hajj and Umrah.
• Banking Benefits: Accepted at any VISA/MasterCard affiliated merchants and supports e-commerce transactions.

Rewards Redemption Guide

• The card offers 1% cashback on spending. While "Reward Points" are mentioned in a generic card management context, the primary benefit is cashback.
• Card management allows viewing and redeeming points (if applicable) at the push of a button.

Card Eligibility Criteria

• Who Can Apply: Anyone can apply for the Hajj Umrah Card; being an HDFC Bank customer is not required.
• Documents Required for Existing HDFC Bank Customers:
  • Self-attested copy of a valid passport.
  • Self-attested copy of PAN Card (required only if PAN is not updated in your account).
  • Self-attested copy of a valid international travel ticket or visa (optional).
• Documents Required for Non-HDFC Bank Customers:
  • Self-attested copy of a valid passport.
  • Self-attested copy of PAN Card.
  • Self-attested copy of your international travel ticket or visa (any one, mandatory).
  • Self-attested copy of your passbook or a one-year account statement of the account used to fund the Forex Card.
• Additional Information:
  • The Bank reserves the right to update the KYC document requirements as per regulatory guidelines or internal policies.
  • Self-attested copies of the required documents must be carried when collecting your card from the branch or be ready for home delivery.
  • The Hajj Umrah Card will be activated only after the successful verification of your KYC documents.

Card Review

The HDFC Bank Hajj Umrah Card is an excellent choice for individuals embarking on Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, offering a tailored financial solution for their specific travel needs.

• Who Should Apply: This card is ideal for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims who require a secure and convenient way to manage their expenses in Saudi Riyal, benefiting from cashback and comprehensive insurance coverage.
• Pros:
  • Specialized Design: Exclusively designed for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, facilitating transactions in Saudi Riyal.
  • Cashback: Earns 1% cashback on all spending.
  • Comprehensive Insurance: Offers extensive insurance benefits including protection against counterfeiting/skimming, air/road/rail accidents, loss of baggage, and passport reconstruction.
  • High Security: Features Chip and PIN technology for secure transactions, 24/7 assistance, hot listing in case of theft, and worldwide cash delivery.
  • Global Acceptance: Accepted at any VISA/MasterCard affiliated merchants globally and supports e-commerce transactions.
  • Long Validity: Valid for 5 years, allowing use for multiple trips.
  • Easy Management: Multiple online and offline reloading options, and comprehensive card management controls via Prepaid Card NetBanking.
• Cons:
  • Cross-Currency Markup: A 3% cross-currency markup applies if the card is used for transactions in a currency other than Saudi Riyal.
  • Usage Restrictions: Should not be used for temporary charge blocks (e.g., hotel deposits, car rentals) as funds may be blocked for up to 30 days.
  • Fees: Various fees apply for issuance, reloading, re-issuance, ATM withdrawals, and balance inquiries.

Important Product Details

• Positive Highlights:
  • Specifically designed for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, allowing transactions in Saudi Riyal.
  • Offers 1% CashBack on all spending.
  • Provides comprehensive insurance benefits including protection against counterfeiting/skimming (up to ₹5 lakh), air accident (up to ₹5 lakh), road/rail accident (up to ₹2 lakh), loss of checked-in baggage (up to ₹20,000), and passport reconstruction (up to ₹50,000).
  • Ensures secure transactions with Chip and PIN technology.
  • Provides round-the-clock assistance for card-related issues, including hot listing and cash delivery across the world.
  • Accepted at any VISA/MasterCard affiliated merchants and supports e-commerce transactions.
  • Has a long validity of 5 years from the date of card indenting.
  • Offers multiple online and offline reloading options, including Quick Reload, HDFC Bank Prepaid card Netbanking, HDFC Bank NetBanking, HDFC Bank Phone-Banking, and HDFC Bank Branches.
  • Allows comprehensive card management and controls via Prepaid Card NetBanking, including spends tracking, viewing/redeeming points, setting/changing ATM PIN, blocking card, changing contact details, viewing statements, and enabling/setting limits for contactless and online payments.
  • Supports contactless payment for online purchases with authentication via mobile OTP or NetBanking IPIN.
  • Provides access to international toll-free numbers for instant support.
• Negative Highlights:
  • A cross-currency markup of 3% is charged for transactions where the currency differs from the Saudi Riyal available on the card.
  • Not recommended for temporary charge blocks (e.g., hotel deposits, car rentals) as the balance amount may be credited only after 30 days from the transaction date.
  • Various fees apply, including card issuance (₹200 + GST), reload (₹75 + GST), re-issuance (₹100), ATM cash withdrawal (SAR 7.50), and balance enquiry (SAR 2.00).
  • Currency conversion charges and Tax Collected at Source (TCS) are applicable.

Other Details

• The Hajj Umrah Card is a single currency Forex Card denominated in Saudi Riyal (SAR).
• It can be reloaded through various methods, ensuring funds are always available.
• The card is valid for 5 years from the date of card indenting, allowing usage for multiple trips and loading currencies based on changing destinations.
• Online reloading of cards is available for existing HDFC Bank customers only; funding from NRO accounts/Debit Cards is not allowed.
• The maximum amount that can be loaded on Forex Cards is USD $250,000 in a financial year, as per the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) guidelines.
• The daily ATM cash withdrawal limit is SAR 18,600/- per transaction.
• The application process can be completed online via the HDFC Bank website or by visiting an HDFC Bank branch.
  • For HDFC Bank Customers: Involves entering Customer ID/RMN, filling the application form, completing payment, providing traveller details, and receiving the card via delivery.
  • For Non-HDFC Bank Customers: Involves entering mobile number, filling the application form, completing payment, providing traveller details, and visiting the nearest HDFC Bank branch for KYC verification and card collection.
• Important Terms and Conditions for the banking offerings are available and should be thoroughly reviewed by the customer.