I recently delved deep into the HDFC Infinia Metal Card, and discovered that understanding its reward point system requires more than just skimming the brochure. This guide reflects my latest understanding as of February 2025, aiming to help you make an informed decision about this premium card.
I. Earning Reward Points (Minimum Spend: ₹150)
The Infinia Metal Card offers a tiered reward point system with monthly spending caps for accelerated earnings:
- Accelerated Reward Points (Maximum: 15,000 points/month):
- 10x (33%): Reaching the limit requires ₹45,000 monthly spend. Applies to Hotels (MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, Yatra), Medicine/Lab Tests (PharmEasy), Jockey, and IGP Gift Vouchers.
- 5x (16%): Reaching the limit requires ₹90,000 monthly spend. Applies to Flights (Cleartrip, EaseMyTrip, Yatra, Goibibo), Buses (Redbus), Myntra, Nykaa, Zoomcar, Apple (Imagine), and Gyftr Vouchers.
- 3x (10%): Reaching the limit requires ₹1,50,000 monthly spend. Applies to Trains (IRCTC).
- Base Reward Points (Maximum: 2,00,000 points/month):
- 1x (3.3%): Reaching the limit requires ₹60,00,000 monthly spend. Applies to all online/offline transactions after reaching the accelerated points limit for the month.
- Transactions Exempt from Reward Points:
- Fuel transactions.
- EasyEMI and e-wallet loading.
- SmartEMI conversions.
- Rental payments, property management services (rent, maintenance, packers & movers), and government transactions.
II. Redeeming Reward Points:
- ₹1/point (Maximum 70% redeemable via points, 30% payable by card): Flights and Hotels booked via SmartBuy, Apple products via Imagine Store, and Tanishq Vouchers.
- ₹0.5/point: Products and Vouchers via SmartBuy.
- ₹0.3/point: Cash conversion.
III. Transferring Reward Points:
- 1 HDFC point = 1 Partner Point:
- Airlines: Air Canada (Aeroplan), AirAsia (AirAsia Rewards), Avianca (LifeMiles), Finnair, Air France (Flying Blue), Hainan Airlines (Fortune Wings Club), Vietnam Airlines (Lotusmiles), Turkish Airlines (Miles&Smiles).
- Hotels: Accor (Note: Accor points are valued higher, approximately 1.7x-1.8x, depending on the conversion rate), IHG One Rewards, Wyndham Rewards.
- 1 HDFC point = 0.5 Partner Point:
- Airlines: Air Canada (Aeroplan), British Airways (Executive Club), Etihad Airways (Etihad Guest), United Airlines (MileagePlus).
- Redemption Caps:
- Flights, Hotels, and Airmiles via SmartBuy: 1,50,000 points/month (₹1,50,000).
- Tanishq Vouchers: 50,000 points/month (₹16,600).
- Cashback: 50,000 points/month (₹16,600).
IV. Other Card Benefits:
- Hotels: Club Marriott subscription (25% off food, 20% off rooms and spa on weekdays), ITC (2 free nights on 3-night stays, 1+1 buffet).
- Lounge Access: Unlimited global access via Priority Pass, including alcohol and duty-free shopping on the app. Free Be Relax Spas access in select locations.
- Golf: Unlimited golf rounds and coaching in India (availability varies; check the list of participating courses).
- Concierge: 24/7 personal concierge service for golf bookings, travel arrangements, airport VIP meet-and-greet, etc.
- International Travel: 2% forex charge, ₹50L global medical emergency insurance. Global Value Program (opt-in required) offers 1% cashback on international spends, resulting in a net reward rate of +1.94% for international transactions (after considering forex markup and GST).
V. Other Details:
- Minimum credit limit: ₹8L (maximum limit unknown).
- Annual fee: ₹12,500 (waived on ₹10L annual spend).
- Cash withdrawal: 0% charge up to 40% of the credit limit in India.
- Reward points expire after 3 years of inactivity, and all points are nullified if the card is not used for 365 days.
- Add-on cards: Up to 3 free add-on cards with shared credit limit and individual spend tracking. Add-on cardholders receive Priority Pass but not golf privileges.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the HDFC Infinia Metal Card’s features and benefits. Remember to contact HDFC directly for the most up-to-date information and to clarify any specific queries you may have.