Debjyoti Pandit reports issues with Swiggy lifetime free credit card & HDFC Bank customer care. Choice4Voice.com highlights complaint, remedies & legal steps.
Complaint Summary : Swiggy HDFC Credit Card Complaint – Debjyoti Pandit
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Complainant Name | Debjyoti Pandit |
| Profession | Senior Software Engineer |
| Not disclosed | |
| Company/Brand | Swiggy, HDFC Bank |
| Complaint Type | Misrepresentation & Poor Customer Service |
| Product/Service | Swiggy Lifetime Free Credit Card |
| Issue Description | Bank falsely claimed multiple applications, refused lifetime free card, provided only bots/IVR support without resolution. |
| Status | Unresolved – No support provided |
| Date of Complaint | 10th September 2025 (approx.) |
| Evidence Provided | LinkedIn complaint & application screenshots |
Full Complaint Write-up
Debjyoti Pandit, a Senior Software Engineer, has raised serious concerns regarding Swiggy (Swiggy Cares) and HDFC Bank over their handling of the lifetime free Swiggy credit card application process.
According to the complainant:
- He applied only once for the lifetime free card via the Swiggy app.
- HDFC Bank wrongly claimed there was a “subsequent application”, despite him not applying multiple times.
- The promise of a lifetime free card was misleading, and no clarity was provided by either Swiggy or HDFC.
The situation worsened when:
- The complainant attempted to cancel his Tata Neu card application before delivery but was not allowed to do so.
- Even after receiving the card, the system failed to process his cancellation request.
- HDFC Bank’s IVR system offered no option to reach a human agent, and only provided repetitive, irrelevant responses.
This highlights a serious customer service gap at both Swiggy and HDFC Bank. A customer applying for a financial product deserves clarity, accountability, and human support, not automated responses and vague excuses.
Choice4Voice.com’s First Stage Action
This case is being featured on Choice4Voice.com after being publicly posted by the complainant on LinkedIn.
This is the first step toward resolution. If Swiggy and HDFC Bank fail to respond with clarity and fairness, Choice4Voice.com’s legal team may assist in filing consumer and regulatory complaints against the concerned institutions.
What Legal Cases Can Be Filed?
If the issue remains unresolved, the complainant has multiple legal remedies:
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019 – Complaint for misleading offer (lifetime free card not honored) and deficiency in service.
- RBI Banking Ombudsman – For unfair banking practices and non-transparent card cancellation process.
- IT Act, 2000 – If digital misrepresentation or fraudulent processes are proven.
- Civil Court Claim – For mental harassment and time lost due to misleading commitments.
- IPC Section 420 (Cheating) – If false promises of “lifetime free” were used to induce applications.
- Complaint to IRDAI & Ministry of Consumer Affairs – For lack of transparency in financial product marketing.
Steps HDFC Bank & Swiggy Should Take
To resolve this issue fairly, the brands must:
- Provide Written Clarification – Confirm why the application was flagged as “subsequent” despite being applied once.
- Honor Lifetime Free Promise – Issue the card as per original commitment without hidden charges.
- Enable Human Support Access – Update IVR systems to allow escalation to a live agent.
- Transparent Cancellation – Allow customers to cancel cards before activation with no penalty.
- Issue Public Clarification – Build trust by explaining corrective measures to avoid repeat cases.
Guidance for the Complainant
Choice4Voice.com advises the complainant to:
- Keep records of application screenshots, IVR recordings, and Swiggy app terms.
- File a written grievance with HDFC Bank’s Nodal Officer.
- Escalate to RBI Banking Ombudsman if no response within 30 days.
- Approach the Consumer Court for misrepresentation of “lifetime free” benefits.
- Seek damages for mental stress and harassment caused.
Q&A Section
Q1: What is the complaint against Swiggy and HDFC Bank?
Debjyoti Pandit alleges misrepresentation in Swiggy lifetime free credit card and poor support from HDFC Bank.
Q2: What does “lifetime free credit card” mean?
It means a card with no joining fee or annual fee throughout its validity.
Q3: Can banks change terms after offering a lifetime free card?
No, unless terms were transparently mentioned upfront. Misrepresentation is illegal.
Q4: What to do if a bank wrongly flags multiple applications?
Seek written clarification and escalate to the Nodal Officer or RBI Ombudsman.
Q5: How to cancel a credit card before delivery?
Submit a written cancellation request via bank branch or email. Banks must honor it.
Q6: Can a bank deny cancellation of a credit card?
No, RBI mandates an easy cancellation process without unnecessary delays.
Q7: What is the role of Swiggy in this case?
Swiggy, as a co-brand partner, must ensure transparency and clarity in card offerings.
Q8: What is the RBI Ombudsman Scheme for Credit Cards?
It addresses complaints regarding mis-selling, hidden charges, and non-cancellation.
Q9: Can a customer claim compensation for mental harassment?
Yes, under the Consumer Protection Act, compensation can be claimed.
Q10: Is an IVR-only support system acceptable for banks?
No, banks must provide direct escalation to human support.
Q11: What documents should customers keep in such disputes?
Application records, offer terms, emails, and call recordings.
Q12: What is Swiggy’s responsibility in co-branded credit cards?
To ensure that offers displayed on its platform are honored by the partner bank.
Q13: What should a customer do if a bank fails to respond?
Escalate to RBI Ombudsman and Consumer Court.
Q14: Can misleading “lifetime free” promises be considered cheating?
Yes, it may fall under IPC Section 420 – Cheating.
Q15: What is the process to escalate to RBI Ombudsman?
File online at RBI’s CMS portal if no resolution within 30 days of complaint.
Q16: Can a co-branded card be canceled anytime?
Yes, customers have the right to cancel before or after activation.
Q17: Are banks allowed to restrict cancellation?
No, RBI mandates cancellation requests must be honored.
Q18: Why are lifetime free cards disputed often?
Because hidden charges, conditional benefits, or unclear terms are used by banks.
Q19: What remedies are available apart from RBI Ombudsman?
Consumer court, civil suit, and Ministry of Consumer Affairs complaint.
Q20: How does Choice4Voice.com support such complaints?
By publishing unresolved cases, pressuring brands, and assisting with legal escalation.
📌 This article will remain on Choice4Voice.com until Swiggy and HDFC Bank provide a written resolution, honoring their commitment and ensuring transparent customer service.
