Frustrated with HDFC Infinia Criteria – Exploring Alternatives

A

ansh_SmartSpender360

KF Ace
Hi All,

I'm frustrated with my search for the Infinia card. Despite having an HDFC salary account (~₹4L/Month), a home loan, and a Demat account and with a 750+ credit score, my RM still expects either ₹1 Cr in combined FDs and savings or a ₹5L/Month salary . It seems like they're rejecting applications unless some investment is made through their branch, which I don’t find worthwhile. I'm exploring alternative credit cards that offer similar benefits.
Currently, I have the following cards:
  • Axis Indian Oil
  • Axis Rewards
  • HDFC Tata Neu Infinity
  • ICICI Amazon Pay
  • IDFC First Select Power+
  • IndusInd Legend
  • SC Ultimate
Please suggest which card will be a good alternative for HDFC Infinia.
 
Skylar

Skylar

KF Master
ansh_SmartSpender360 said:
Hi All,

I'm frustrated with my search for the Infinia card. Despite having an HDFC salary account (~₹4L/Month), a home loan, and a Demat account and with a 750+ credit score, my RM still expects either ₹1 Cr in combined FDs and savings or a ₹5L/Month salary . It seems like they're rejecting applications unless some investment is made through their branch, which I don’t find worthwhile. I'm exploring alternative credit cards that offer similar benefits.
Currently, I have the following cards:
  • Axis Indian Oil
  • Axis Rewards
  • HDFC Tata Neu Infinity
  • ICICI Amazon Pay
  • IDFC First Select Power+
  • IndusInd Legend
  • SC Ultimate
Please suggest which card will be a good alternative for HDFC Infinia.
Click to expand...
Check out - ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card which is offering upto 36% return using iShop portal by ICICI
 
A

ansh_SmartSpender360

KF Ace
Looks good , Thanks @Skylar for the suggestion.


The ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card and the HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card are both super-premium offerings tailored for high-net-worth individuals, providing an array of exclusive benefits. Here's a detailed comparison to help you understand their features:

Annual Fees and Waivers:

  • ICICI Emeralde: Annual fee of ₹12,499 plus applicable taxes, waived upon spending ₹10 lakh or more in the card anniversary year.

  • HDFC Infinia: Annual fee of ₹12,500 plus applicable taxes, also waived on spending ₹10 lakh or more in the preceding year.
Reward Structures:

  • ICICI Emeralde:
    • Earn 6 reward points per ₹200 spent (~3% reward rate).
    • Accelerated rewards of up to 12X (~36% reward rate) on hotel bookings through select platforms.
    • Redemption options include flights and hotels (1 RP = ₹1), shopping e-vouchers (1 RP = ₹0.60), and cash/statement credit (1 RP = ₹0.40).
  • HDFC Infinia:
    • Earn 5 reward points per ₹150 spent (~3.3% reward rate).
    • Accelerated rewards of up to 10X (~33% reward rate) on travel and shopping via the SmartBuy platform.
    • Redemption options include flights and hotels (1 RP = ₹1), product vouchers (1 RP = ₹0.50), and statement credit (1 RP = ₹0.30).
Travel Benefits:
  • Both Cards:
    • Unlimited complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges via Priority Pass for primary and add-on cardholders.
    • Comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
  • ICICI Emeralde:
    • Complimentary Taj Epicure membership.
      icicibank.com
    • Up to 12X reward points on hotel bookings through select platforms.
  • HDFC Infinia:
    • Complimentary Club Marriott membership and benefits at ITC Hotels.
    • Up to 10X reward points on hotel bookings via the SmartBuy platform.
Lifestyle Benefits:

  • ICICI Emeralde:
    • Unlimited complimentary golf games and lessons at select courses worldwide.
      cardexpert.in
    • Complimentary 12-month EazyDiner Prime membership, offering discounts at top restaurants.
      cardexpert.in
    • Buy-one-get-one-free offer on BookMyShow tickets, up to ₹750 off on the second ticket, twice a month.
      cardexpert.in
  • HDFC Infinia:
    • Unlimited complimentary golf games and coaching sessions.
    • Exclusive dining privileges, including a monthly 1+1 buffet at ITC Hotels.
Additional Features:
  • ICICI Emeralde:
    • 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions below ₹4,000, with a maximum waiver of ₹1,000 per statement cycle.
      cardexpert.in
    • 24×7 concierge services for travel, dining, and entertainment needs.
      cardexpert.in
  • HDFC Infinia:
    • 2% foreign currency markup fee.
    • Access to 16 airline transfer partners, enhancing travel flexibility.
Eligibility Criteria:
  • ICICI Emeralde: Primarily offered to ICICI Bank Global Private Client customers.

  • HDFC Infinia: An invite-only card, typically extended to high-income individuals or those with a strong banking relationship with HDFC Bank.
In summary, both cards offer a suite of premium benefits. The ICICI Emeralde stands out with its higher accelerated rewards on hotel bookings and diverse lifestyle perks, including movie offers and dining discounts. Conversely, the HDFC Infinia offers a slightly higher base reward rate, extensive airline transfer partnerships, and exclusive dining privileges. Your choice between the two should align with your spending habits, travel preferences, and existing banking relationships.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
A

abhimanthor

KF Rookie
ansh_SmartSpender360 said:
My HDFC RM is offering HDFC diners black card(reward rate is 3%) . Any feedback as compared to above cards ?
Click to expand...
I am using the diners black since 9 months now and I have to say it's an exceptional card if you are looking for an alternative to infinia and EPM as both of those are very hard to get.

DCB Metal gives a 3.3% base reward rate. 3x on purchasing vouchers, 5x on booking flights, 10x on booking hotels. Monthly accelerated points capping is at 10k points as compared to 15k of infinia. It also has a quarterly milestone which infinia doesn't have i.e. 10k bonus points on spends of 4L. Fee waiver is set at 8L per annum.
 
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