HDFC Bank Blocked My Credit Cards Without Notice or Valid Reason – My Detailed Experience

[Mr. X]

Hello,

I’m writing this post to share my recent frustrating and disappointing experience with HDFC Bank, where both of my credit cards were blocked without any prior intimation — no SMS, no email, and no call.

Cards that were blocked:
HDFC Millennia Credit Card
HDFC Swiggy Credit Card


Timeline & What Happened:

April 25, 2025
I noticed that both of my HDFC credit cards were suddenly blocked. I immediately contacted customer care, and they said the cards were blocked by the collection department due to long pending dues. This came as a shock because I had not even used the cards recently, and there were no outstanding payments.

I then called the collection department, and they clearly confirmed that I had no dues, and they had not initiated any block on the cards. They even said they had no idea why the cards were blocked.

Later the same day, I sent an email to HDFC Bank raising my concern.

Bank’s Response

After 2-3 days, I got a reply saying the cards were blocked due to internal policy and repeat outlier usage. No detailed explanation, no proof of any specific misuse or transaction. And definitely no prior notice or warning. I was never sent any so-called dunning letters they later referred to. I escalated to Nodal then,

April 29, 2025
I got an official response saying my issue was being handled on priority and that I would receive a resolution by May 9, 2025.

May 7, 2025
I got another email claiming that they tried calling me but couldn’t reach me. This was completely false — I received no calls or even missed calls from any HDFC number. I immediately responded and told them I was not contacted.

Then, they replied again saying the issue is still under review and that I will now get a resolution by May 18, 2025. This clearly looked like they were just stretching the issue without offering any solution.

The Twist – May 21, 2025

On May 21, I got a call from an HDFC executive. She asked me to visit the nearest branch and submit income proof. I asked her, “Will my cards be unblocked after that?” Her reply was shocking — No, your cards are permanently blocked.
Then why ask for income documents at all?

Final Thoughts

The bank is just passing time with new deadlines, vague replies, and fake reasons.
No one from their support team could give a valid explanation for the card blockage.
There was no due, no misuse, and no warning or communication before blocking.
The internal communication within HDFC seems broken — one department doesn’t know what the other is doing.
The lack of transparency and accountability is deeply concerning.

I’ve raised a complaint to the RBI now, and I urge others to be cautious. If this can happen to a due-clear customer, it can happen to anyone.

If anyone has faced a similar issue or has advice on how to escalate this further, I
’d appreciate your suggestions.

 

[theflash]

Hello,

I’m writing this post to share my recent frustrating and disappointing experience with HDFC Bank, where both of my credit cards were **blocked without any prior intimation** — no SMS, no email, and no call.

**Timeline & What Happened:**

* **April 25, 2025:**
I noticed that both of my HDFC credit cards were suddenly blocked. I immediately contacted customer care, and they said the cards were blocked by the collection department due to “long pending dues.” This came as a shock because I had not even used the cards recently, and there were no outstanding payments.

* I then called the **collection department**, and they clearly confirmed that I had **no dues**, and **they had not initiated any block** on the cards. They even said they had no idea why the cards were blocked.

* Later the same day, I sent an email to HDFC Bank raising my concern.

**Bank’s Response:**

* After 2-3 days, I got a reply saying the cards were blocked due to “**internal policy**” and “**repeat outlier usage**.” No detailed explanation, no proof of any specific misuse or transaction. And definitely **no prior notice or warning**. I was never sent any so-called “dunning letters” they later referred to.

* **April 29, 2025:**
I got an official response saying my issue was being handled on priority and that I would receive a resolution by **May 9, 2025**.

* **May 7, 2025:**
I got another email claiming that they tried calling me but couldn’t reach me. This was completely false — I received **no calls or even missed calls** from any HDFC number. I immediately responded and told them I was not contacted.

* Then, they replied again saying the issue is still under review and that I will now get a resolution by **May 18, 2025**. This clearly looked like they were just **stretching the issue without offering any solution**.

**The Twist – May 18, 2025:**

On May 18, I got a call from an HDFC executive. She asked me to **visit the nearest branch and submit income proof**. I asked her, “Will my cards be unblocked after that?” Her reply was shocking — **“No, your cards are permanently blocked.”**
Then why ask for income documents at all?

**Final Thoughts:**

* The bank is just **passing time with new deadlines, vague replies, and fake reasons**.
* No one from their support team could give a **valid explanation** for the card blockage.
* There was **no due**, **no misuse**, and **no warning or communication** before blocking.
* The internal communication within HDFC seems broken — one department doesn’t know what the other is doing.
* The lack of transparency and accountability is deeply concerning.

I’ve raised a complaint to the RBI now, and I urge others to be cautious. If this can happen to a due-clear customer, it can happen to anyone.

If anyone has faced a similar issue or has advice on how to escalate this further, I
’d appreciate your suggestions.

Seems banks are trying to make odd cases 🫣.

Hope your CIBIL isn't impacted and you get a resolution soon.

 

[sunit123]

My friends cards also blocked...Seems u are not using cards actively...banks are now weeding out inactive users

 

[hender]

My friends cards also blocked...Seems u are not using cards actively...banks are now weeding out inactive users

After how much time of inactivity they blocked ?

 

[sunit123]

After how much time of inactivity they blocked ?

Around a year

Hdfc is big lier in terms of sending communication...they told my friend that they sent 30 days notice, which she never received

 

[sunit123]

I have around 15 cc....I have made a rule, if any credit card bill is zero in any month...i immediately recharge my grocery app wallet with 100 Rs from that card...it keeps all cards active

 

[itzmycard]

Around a year

Hdfc is big lier in terms of sending communication...they told my friend that they sent 30 days notice, which she never received

They are supposed to close cards after 1 year of inactivity with prior notice

 

[Mr. X]

I

My friends cards also blocked...Seems u are not using cards actively...banks are now weeding out inactive users

Thanks for your input. But in my case, the cards were not inactive. I had been using them occasionally, and there were no dues or misuse. Even if the bank wanted to close the cards, they are bound to notify the customer in advance as per RBI guidelines.

Blocking both cards without a single mail, SMS, or call is not weeding out it’s poor practice and lack of accountability. Also, when I asked for the reason, I got multiple conflicting replies from different departments. That’s not how a responsible bank should operate.

 

[SSV]

Hello,

I’m writing this post to share my recent frustrating and disappointing experience with HDFC Bank, where both of my credit cards were blocked without any prior intimation — no SMS, no email, and no call.

Timeline & What Happened:

April 25, 2025
I noticed that both of my HDFC credit cards were suddenly blocked. I immediately contacted customer care, and they said the cards were blocked by the collection department due to long pending dues. This came as a shock because I had not even used the cards recently, and there were no outstanding payments.

I then called the collection department, and they clearly confirmed that I had no dues, and they had not initiated any block on the cards. They even said they had no idea why the cards were blocked.

Later the same day, I sent an email to HDFC Bank raising my concern.

Bank’s Response

After 2-3 days, I got a reply saying the cards were blocked due to internal policy and repeat outlier usage. No detailed explanation, no proof of any specific misuse or transaction. And definitely no prior notice or warning. I was never sent any so-called dunning letters they later referred to. I escalated to Nodal then,

April 29, 2025
I got an official response saying my issue was being handled on priority and that I would receive a resolution by May 9, 2025.

May 7, 2025
I got another email claiming that they tried calling me but couldn’t reach me. This was completely false — I received no calls or even missed calls from any HDFC number. I immediately responded and told them I was not contacted.

Then, they replied again saying the issue is still under review and that I will now get a resolution by May 18, 2025. This clearly looked like they were just stretching the issue without offering any solution.

The Twist – May 21, 2025

On May 21, I got a call from an HDFC executive. She asked me to visit the nearest branch and submit income proof. I asked her, “Will my cards be unblocked after that?” Her reply was shocking — No, your cards are permanently blocked.
Then why ask for income documents at all?

Final Thoughts

The bank is just passing time with new deadlines, vague replies, and fake reasons.
No one from their support team could give a valid explanation for the card blockage.
There was no due, no misuse, and no warning or communication before blocking.
The internal communication within HDFC seems broken — one department doesn’t know what the other is doing.
The lack of transparency and accountability is deeply concerning.

I’ve raised a complaint to the RBI now, and I urge others to be cautious. If this can happen to a due-clear customer, it can happen to anyone.

If anyone has faced a similar issue or has advice on how to escalate this further, I
’d appreciate your suggestions.

First and foremost,
1)what is your usage pattern of the cards in question..
2) which cards do you have??
3) How much money you had spent on each card and how much is the Credit limit..
4) how long ago was the last transaction before they blocked it?? ...

without these it is hard for anyone to be alert on their cards... Thanks for the heads up though...

 

[Mr. X]

Seems banks are trying to make odd cases 🫣.

Hope your CIBIL isn't impacted and you get a resolution soon.

Yes, it really feels like they’re randomly targeting accounts without proper checks or communication. Thankfully my CIBIL is still intact for now

 

[Mr. X]

Around a year

Hdfc is big lier in terms of sending communication...they told my friend that they sent 30 days notice, which she never received

Exactly That’s what they told me too some “dunning letters” were sent, but I never received anything, not even a single email or SMS.

 

[SonyTom]

Which are these 2 cards, were they LTF?

 

[Mr. X]

First and foremost,
1)what is your usage pattern of the cards in question..
2) which cards do you have??
3) How much money you had spent on each card and how much is the Credit limit..
4) how long ago the last transaction was before they blocked it?? ...

without these it is hard for anyone to be alert on their cards... Thanks for the heads up though...

Normally, I use my credit cards only when really needed or if I'm getting a good discount on any product, that's why I used hdfc cards only 2-3 times in last 6 months. I have multiple cards including
SBI Cashback
Axis Ace
Axis Airtel
IndusInd Legend
IDFC Wealth
HDFC Millennia
HDFC Swiggy
BOB Snapdeal
Kotak Zen Signature
Kotak Myntra
IDFC First Power

For UPI, I have 4 Rupay cards but I rarely use cards for UPI payments except for fuel. Also, i don't have any rupay card from HDFC, so it's not possible to use UPI with HDFC cards at all. My HDFC credit limit is 2.36 lakh.

 

[Mr. X]

Which are these 2 cards, were they LTF?

Cards that were blocked:
HDFC Millennia Credit Card
HDFC Swiggy Credit Card

 

[drabhishekladdha]

Shocking , keep us posted about outcome of RBI complaint

 

[Mr. X]

Shocking , keep us posted about outcome of RBI complaint

Sure bro I'll update.

 

[SSV]

Normally, I use my credit cards only when really needed or if I'm getting a good discount on any product, that's why I used hdfc cards only 2-3 times in last 6 months. I have multiple cards including
SBI Cashback
Axis Ace
Axis Airtel
IndusInd Legend
IDFC Wealth
HDFC Millennia
HDFC Swiggy
BOB Snapdeal
Kotak Zen Signature
Kotak Myntra
IDFC First Power

For UPI, I have 4 Rupay cards but I rarely use cards for UPI payments except for fuel. Also, i don't have any rupay card from HDFC, so it's not possible to use UPI with HDFC cards at all. My HDFC credit limit is 2.36 lakh.

You may be right in your point of view of your CC usage , but each bank may have their own policy of deactivating their CCs based on certain non usage policy.. but you may have a case here about prior intimation before deactivation.. all the best with your RBI complaint...

 

[Mr. X]

You may be right in your point of view of your CC usage , but each bank may have their own policy of deactivating their CCs based on certain non usage policy.. but you may have a case here about prior intimation before deactivation.. all the best with your RBI complaint...

Thanks for your input, I'll update here

 

[SJM]

You may be right in your point of view of your CC usage , but each bank may have their own policy of deactivating their CCs based on certain non usage policy

RBI clear directive to consider a CC as inactive is 365 days of non-usage

.. but you may have a case here about prior intimation before deactivation.. all the best with your RBI complaint...

Again clear directive 30 days advance intimation before closing CC

 

[SJM]

Hello,

I’m writing this post to share my recent frustrating and disappointing experience with HDFC Bank, where both of my credit cards were blocked without any prior intimation — no SMS, no email, and no call.

Cards that were blocked:
HDFC Millennia Credit Card
HDFC Swiggy Credit Card


Timeline & What Happened:

April 25, 2025
I noticed that both of my HDFC credit cards were suddenly blocked. I immediately contacted customer care, and they said the cards were blocked by the collection department due to long pending dues. This came as a shock because I had not even used the cards recently, and there were no outstanding payments.

I then called the collection department, and they clearly confirmed that I had no dues, and they had not initiated any block on the cards. They even said they had no idea why the cards were blocked.

Later the same day, I sent an email to HDFC Bank raising my concern.

Bank’s Response

After 2-3 days, I got a reply saying the cards were blocked due to internal policy and repeat outlier usage. No detailed explanation, no proof of any specific misuse or transaction. And definitely no prior notice or warning. I was never sent any so-called dunning letters they later referred to. I escalated to Nodal then,

April 29, 2025
I got an official response saying my issue was being handled on priority and that I would receive a resolution by May 9, 2025.

May 7, 2025
I got another email claiming that they tried calling me but couldn’t reach me. This was completely false — I received no calls or even missed calls from any HDFC number. I immediately responded and told them I was not contacted.

Then, they replied again saying the issue is still under review and that I will now get a resolution by May 18, 2025. This clearly looked like they were just stretching the issue without offering any solution.

The Twist – May 21, 2025

On May 21, I got a call from an HDFC executive. She asked me to visit the nearest branch and submit income proof. I asked her, “Will my cards be unblocked after that?” Her reply was shocking — No, your cards are permanently blocked.
Then why ask for income documents at all?

Final Thoughts

The bank is just passing time with new deadlines, vague replies, and fake reasons.
No one from their support team could give a valid explanation for the card blockage.
There was no due, no misuse, and no warning or communication before blocking.
The internal communication within HDFC seems broken — one department doesn’t know what the other is doing.
The lack of transparency and accountability is deeply concerning.

I’ve raised a complaint to the RBI now, and I urge others to be cautious. If this can happen to a due-clear customer, it can happen to anyone.

If anyone has faced a similar issue or has advice on how to escalate this further, I
’d appreciate your suggestions.

My HSBC card was reinstated by BO order after being permanently closed (was marked as closed in CIBIL) as HSBC could not provide proof of intimation. Unfortunately the new lady BO is not giving compensation.