Ish Kumar highlights unethical practices by HDFC Bank, including downgrading reward points and charging fees for lifetime free Diners Black card upgrades. Choice4Voice.com features his complaint for consumer awareness and resolution.
Note: If this issue is resolved, the concerned brand or the complainant may contact us at support@choice4voice.com. After proper verification, we will either update this article as “Resolved” or delete it, ensuring fairness to both parties.
Complaint Summary : HDFC Bank Complaint by Ish Kumar – Reward Points Devaluation & Diners Black Lifetime Free Card Issue
| Complainant | Ish Kumar – Project Leader, AWS Certified |
|---|---|
| Company Concerned | HDFC Bank |
| Issue Raised | Devaluation of reward points and denial of lifetime free benefits on Diners Black credit card |
| Date Reported | 16 hours ago (as per LinkedIn post) |
| Original Post URL | View LinkedIn Post |
Full Complaint Write-Up
Ish Kumar, a long standing customer of HDFC Bank with over 20 years of banking relationship, has raised a serious complaint regarding unethical practices linked to the HDFC Diners Black credit card.
According to Ish, he had been offered the Diners Black credit card with lifetime free (LTF) benefits, under which he accumulated lakhs of reward points through significant spending over the years. However, during the Covid period, HDFC:
- Reduced Reward Value: The value of already earned reward points was downgraded from ₹1 per point to just 30 paise, resulting in a substantial loss for loyal customers.
- Withdrawal of Popular Offers: The widely used 10X reward program was withdrawn, further diminishing benefits.
- Unfair Charges on LTF Customers: With the relaunch of the Diners Black credit card in metal form, HDFC restored premium benefits but is now asking existing lifetime free cardholders to pay an annual fee, merely because the material changed from plastic to metal.
Ish has strongly condemned these actions, stating that such practices damage consumer trust and violate the spirit of lifetime free commitments. He has urged HDFC Bank and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to intervene, while also calling for the RBI Ombudsman to take note of the issue.
He insists that HDFC should:
- Respect its LTF commitments
- Upgrade loyal customers to the new Diners Black metal edition without imposing annual charges
- Ensure fairness and transparency in its credit card policies
Choice4Voice.com’s Stand
At Choice4Voice.com, we believe customers must be protected from sudden changes in terms that cause financial loss. Reward point devaluations, withdrawal of promised benefits, and charging fees on lifetime free commitments are unfair trade practices.
By featuring Ish Kumar’s complaint, we aim to bring visibility to this issue and push HDFC Bank towards restoring customer trust and respecting its commitments.
Common Consumer Questions (Q&A)
Q1. What is the main complaint against HDFC Bank?
HDFC Bank reduced the value of existing reward points from ₹1 to 30 paise, withdrew 10X rewards, and is now charging lifetime free customers for upgrading to the Diners Black metal card.
Q2. Is it legal for a bank to change the value of reward points?
Banks can modify reward structures, but reducing the value of already earned points is widely considered unethical and unfair.
Q3. What is a Lifetime Free (LTF) credit card?
An LTF card means the bank promised no annual or renewal fees for the cardholder’s lifetime. Any attempt to charge fees goes against this commitment.
Q4. Why is HDFC charging fees for the metal version of Diners Black?
The bank argues that the upgrade to a premium metal version justifies an annual fee, but consumers argue that LTF commitments should remain valid regardless of material changes.
Q5. What should existing Diners Black LTF customers do?
Customers should raise complaints via the RBI Ombudsman, consumer forums, and platforms like Choice4Voice.com to demand fair treatment.
Q6. How does the devaluation of reward points affect consumers?
It reduces the redemption value of rewards already earned, leading to direct financial losses for cardholders.
Q7. Can banks withdraw benefits like 10X rewards?
Yes, banks can revise ongoing offers, but withdrawing them without adequate alternatives can impact customer trust.
Q8. What steps can customers take against HDFC Bank?
They can escalate the matter to:
- HDFC Grievance Redressal Team
- RBI Ombudsman
- Consumer forums
Q9. Is reducing reward points value considered unlawful?
While not strictly illegal, reducing the value of already earned rewards may be seen as an unfair trade practice under consumer protection laws.
Q10. Why is this case important for Indian consumers?
It highlights how financial institutions may change terms after years, affecting loyal customers who trusted lifetime commitments.
Q11. Can RBI intervene in such cases?
Yes. The RBI Ombudsman can review unfair practices in credit card policies and direct corrective measures.
Q12. Are other banks also reducing reward values?
Yes, several banks periodically adjust reward structures, but drastic devaluations are controversial.
Q13. What are consumers demanding from HDFC Bank?
Restoration of ₹1 per reward point value, honoring of LTF promises, and a free upgrade to the Diners Black metal card for existing LTF holders.
Q14. What protections does the Consumer Protection Act provide?
It prohibits unfair trade practices and misleading offers. Customers can approach consumer courts for compensation.
Q15. How do such practices impact brand trust?
They erode customer loyalty, damage brand reputation, and push customers to competitors.
Q16. Is the annual fee on the metal card the same for all customers?
No. Lifetime free holders are being charged despite earlier commitments, while new applicants are offered premium benefits with fees.
Q17. How can customers escalate unresolved complaints?
They can email HDFC’s grievance redressal team, approach RBI Ombudsman, or file a case in consumer court.
Q18. What message does this send to long-term customers?
It suggests that loyalty is undervalued, discouraging trust in the bank’s future commitments.
Q19. What is Choice4Voice.com doing in this case?
We are highlighting Ish Kumar’s complaint to amplify consumer voices and pressurize HDFC Bank for corrective action.
Q20. How can other affected consumers report their issues?
By submitting complaints through Choice4Voice.com, ensuring their concerns are featured and noticed.
Choice4Voice.com Is Here to Help You
If you are facing a similar issue and would like our support in highlighting your concern, we are here to assist.
Simply write a LinkedIn post and tag our official page Choice4Voice.com
Submit your complaint directly : https://choice4voice.com/submit-your-complaint/
Our team will review and feature your case on our website to ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
