After 8 months of ban on HDFC BANK, RBI finally gave a nod to resume the card issuance. RBI says that it’s a partial ban on HDFC where the ban on new launches of business generating activities planned under Digital 2.0 remains.
Here’s what HDFC said in its media statement:
So now as HDFC Bank is back in game, here’s what we could expect in coming months:
Table of Contents
Lifetime free cards
By now HDFC Bank would already be ready with pre approved list of customers to whom HDFC will likely send lifetime free credit card offers. Super premium cards may see First year Free or even LTF with some spend linked condition just like they had so before the ban. These are going to sell like anything – no doubt about that.
The LTF offer is already up as we speak, along with nice Rs.1500 amazon voucher.
New credit cards
In the coming months, we will aggressively go to the market, with not just our existing suite of credit cards but also new offerings in the form of co-brands and partnerships – Sashidhar Jagdishan – CEO, HDFC Bank
Given that “Diners Black” can’t be issued right now as diners ban is still in place, and also because it’s been too long since they launched the super premium products, I’m pretty sure we’ll see a super premium product within next few months.
As co-brand cards business too is dull as Indigo cards are affected by mastercard ban, we may likely see more co-brand cards, like the emirates card as discussed in the upcoming credit cards in India for 2020 & 2021 – get ready for some surprises.
Aggressive offers
HDFC Bank is already known for its aggressive credit card offers and it’s no wonder that we would see even more of these, perhaps aggressive promotions for such offers.
If I assume right, this Diwali HDFC would be preparing a sketch to capture the maximum possible pre-festive & festive spends in the country. While last two years their Diwali promos were not exciting enough, I’m sure they’ll do something “phenomenal” this time.
I wish they bring back those happy hours promo and some serious direct cash-back/voucher promos. Let’s see how it goes.
Bottom line
Overall HDFC is expected to be back with a “bang” just as they mentioned in the media statement. But how they’re about to execute it is what we’re gonna wait and watch.
HDFC will leave no stones unturned to pull back the market state that it lost in part few months. Your ability to stay within your regular spends in the presence of such offers will be tested. 😀
What we need to know out of all these is that next ~1 year or maybe even longer is going to be one of the best years for beginners getting new credit cards because with HDFC running LTF offers other banks too will follow the path.
LTF excluding DCB and Infinia has already started. I can see banners on the offers page already.
Could see offer for LTF Card under offers section of Net banking.. have applied for Regalia..hope to convert to Infinia some day.. I have been a HDFC Imperia customer with salary account for past 7 years and have a LTF DCB issued under the program for alum of select institutes..used to have Jet Privilege Visa signature card as well but closed that recently to avoid renewal fees.. applied today itself and now waiting for application to get processed
You mentioned you are holding DCB card, then why did you apply for regalia again? HDFC does not allow a person to hold 2 credit cards as per my understanding
I could see the offer and applied…and received in principle approval..final approval still awaited
I have 2 HDFC cards, DCB (via IIM) and Regalia both with healthy credit limit. I want to get upgrade Regalia to Infinia. My RM keeps changing so not sure when it will happen
“LTF DCB issued under the program for alum of select institutes”.. Do you know what all institutes are considered for this? And how to get this?
IIMs and IITs get covered plus some other B schools…not sure of the full list.. branch guys should know. I am from MDI Gurgaon
Any hope of they making existing Infinia card LTF for those who have paid version?
I doubt.
They are offering LTF against opening saving account. Select few HDFC brances are doing that. even 5000 rewards points extra
For Infinia as well?
Yes, i have utilized the benefit.
Can you elaborate on the offer? I would want to avail for Infinia LTF
They are offering LTF against opening saving account. Select few HDFC branches are doing that. even 5000 rewards points extra
I still hold 2 HDFC CC and both are LTF (Infinia and Intermiles Signature card). 😊
Hi Siddharth,
I am not able to find the offer which you have mentioned. Can you please share the link ?
Sid any clarity on upgrade offer?
Last time I got a FYF Infinia but my wife got a Clubmiles to Dinners Millennia downgrade offer from hdfc 😛 This time hopeful for a better option since spent a lot via her card.
I don’t think they would go aggressive on upgrades for now. New customers is what they want at the moment!
Hi Sid,
I have a regalia with 9.5 lac limit (with recent limit enhancement) and 16 lac ITR. Is there any chance for infinia upgrade. I have a preferred savings a/c. Any tips to get hold of infinia please.. Thanks in advance.
Shankar
Siddharth, do you think by this new ltf cc offer, existing card holder get another new hdfc credit card? I mean 2 hdfc credit cards?
Hope hdfc bring more discount offers…
Signed up immediately after seeing this. At least this online application is finally allowing me to get Regalia. 😛
where is the link for The LTF offer with nice Rs.1500 amazon voucher.
Follow the links on website.
I can’t find my company name under EMPLOYER NAME tab while applying for this offer. Do they exclude central govt employees?
Is there a chance they revert to the original 10X, 100% points redemption in Travel for Infinia/DCB, SB 9X limit to 25K/15K?
Recently all my 3 accounts (self, spouse and mother) were upgraded to Preferred. As per the benefits mentioned, both my spouse and mother should be eligible for premium card (Infinia?). My BM and RM requested me to wait for few days and also they’re working on it. As of today, it’s showing that both of them are pre-approved for the basic cards only (any one of Millenia, IOCL, Intermiles & Moneyback).
100% points redemption – I don’t think this will return anytime soon. This at-least helps fewer redemptions which will help to keep the value of the points intact for a longer period.
Hello
@ Pranab
Only the main Holder of Preffered is sometimes or main Holder of Imperia is entitled for Regalia, rest others are are eligible for millennia, post devaluation I think Millennia is better than Regalia if you don’t worry about lounge access. Regalia cashback is 0.8% whereas Millennia is 2.5% for online transactions above 2000 whereas 1% for all other transactions.
3-4 years ago a friend of mine had Regalia and missed multiple payments. As a result his card was permanently blocked. He later paid entire amount. He tried alot to apply again but was declined.
But suddenly today he got pre-approved offer for Money back card
Hello Pramtesh,
Can you please share where did your friend see this pre-approved offer?
Back in 2013 my HDFC card was permanently closed after settlement. And I have applied couple of times in last 3-4 years but it gets rejected.
Would like to get 1 this time.
See Regalia in the list when entering the Customer ID details. Will this be a LTF card? When I click on more details, it says I have to spend 1 lc in first 90 days to make it a LTF card. Is this spend limit applicable?
Yes, spend requirement is there to make it LTF.
One can make regalia LTF by signing up smartpay and add atleast one bill and allow autopay for atleast 3-4 months…My Regalia became LTF by doing so
This offer is closed now. The card will stay LTF till Smartpay is active.
No i didnt find spending conditions in T&Cs i read it says to make it LTF application process needs to be done without any assistance from HDFC excutive. It also ask you to choose Smart Pay or Card Sure to make it LTF. Anyone plz clarify who has already applied ?
Kindly note. For some customers eligibility is not showing in ‘Cards’ tab, they need to check in ‘offers’ tab
The offers page shows the static banner for all. So will have to wait and see how they process the application for already existing cardholders.
HDFC needs to improve this. Even to Infinia holders they show ad of Regalia!!
Spoke to an account manager at the bank. The bank has created a DB over the last few months to target new card customers first and this backlog is their priority over the next two to three weeks (since it’s mostly a digital process it will get done). Post that the existing customers will get looked into.
My friend got a credit card upgrade offer from Indian Oil Card to Vis Millennia. I upgraded his card, but this is really amazing that his credit limit is only 10 thousand (10k). Card successfully upgraded to Millennia and reached his home, but still now also his limit is 10k (Ten Thousand only). Occasionally he maintains good balance between 25k to 1.5 lakhs
Hi
I had closed my HDFC Gold Card in 2013 without paying my annual fee. They had waived and invalidated my card. They did issue a NDC as well, but I remember them telling me that I may not get a HDFC card in future. In the last couple of years every time I have applied for their credit card it gets rejected.
I have a savings account with HDFC, fixed deposit as well and my credit score is 800+. Any suggestions on how can I get a card from them?
I have tried getting in touch with their customer care, offline sales team, branch. No standard response from them.
Application getting processed??
mine application says In Progress since last 2 days…
this offer is to manually apply for cc, when can we expect pre approved on card section of hdfc netbanking
Since I am already having card. So it didn’t showed any offers. But it shows offer to my cousin, who doesn’t have card
Hi all,
Is getting a regalia as my first credit card a good choice, or should I go for an entry level card?
Spend about 1L+ a year on bills, other than this, pretty low spends and travels.
Thanks
Is this online application system only for existing account holders of hdfc or for all. Last I remember one of my friend applied via hdfc website and after a few days he got call from customer care and they asked about his hdfc savings account no. When he said he doesn’t have any account with HDFC. They said contact branch they can’t process it further.
HDFC had offered me an upgrade to Regalia from Millennia on LTF basis, but since I use the Payzapp option on No Broker to pay rents, I stuck to Millennia, though it used to be a pain to get the points credited. Last 4 5 days, I am getting alerts on mail and SMS repeatedly, urging me to take the upgrade offer. Is Regalia really worth it?
Why can’t you use regalia to pay rent? you just have to link your new card in payzapp. I am paying rent using my infinia in Red giraffe.
How one can get HDFC LTF offers if not HDFC customer ? I have other credit cards.
Found these on a forum:
Terms & Conditions
The gift voucher and Life-time Free offer (if any) are eligible only and only if –
1. the application is completed end-to-end digitally using the ‘Apply’ link given here, and
2. the application is completed without any support/assistance from our bank representative either verbally or in-person, and
3. the application is completed successfully in one-go, and you receive the application reference number on the last screen
To avail the gift voucher, you have to do minimum 3 debit transactions within 30 days of card issuance and the voucher code will be triggered within 90 days of card issuance month. For example – customer applying between 1-31st Jan will receive the voucher code by 31st March.
On fulfilling criteria no. 1, your card will be converted to LTF within 90 days of card issuance month. Please note – LTF offer is not applicable on Infinia, Diners Black and other co-brand retail cards (e.g. variants of Indigo, Times and Intermiles card)
Gift Voucher offer is time bound and is subject to change. HDFC Bank reserves the right at any time, without prior notice to add, alter, modify, change or vary all or any of these terms and conditions or to replace wholly or in part, the above offer by another offer, whether similar to above offer or not, or to withdraw it altogether.
Issuance of the credit card virtually is subject to completeness of verified customer data and approval on the credit card application.
what hdfc should do is to allow more than 1 credit card per customer.
dear Sid,
i have infinia along with add on card on my wife name..Having salary account and recently joined in hdfc classic banking.. Mt wife also having hdfc savings account..One of Classic banking benefits are premium credit cards for my family members who is having hdfc savings account..will my wife too get premium credit card like infinia ? is that possible…
How many cards can one hold from hdfc.
Their official stance is you can hold only one.
I had Intermiles platinum card, I closed it in Feb this year.
Now I have applied for Business Moneyback as that was the only option showing, is it worth it?
Wanted Regalia but I guess there is an income criteria.
Has anyone got new card after the ban lifted?
Anyone getting LTF for Infinia. I am getting FYF basis spend of 3L in 90 days. Is it possible to get a sweeter deal like LTF if I speak with RM.
No one is getting LTF infinia after the ban. Only FYF.
What’s the income criteria for Infinia card?
I applied for Business Regalia as it was pre approved for me. It is a paid variant as applied through a HDFC salesperson. Please note that LTF is only applicable to applications without the help the help of a bank representative. LTF is spend based for me in 90 days which 1 lakh rupees. I won’t spend that instead call customer care and ask them to make my card LTF after 2 months.
What is the criteria to make the money-back credit card LTF?
So it’s lifetime free for selected customers, link should be seen in cards tab of netbanking.
Some conditions:
Application needs to be completely online.
It should be done without verbal/in-person support of hdfc executive.
It should have been done in one-go.
DCB, Infinia and corporate cards are not included.
Also by doing any 3 debit transactions in 30 days after issuance, 1500 rs voucher.
If all the above is followed, card is converted LTF and voucher is issued in 90 days of card issuance.
I got Regalia, applied, approved and waiting for the delivery.
Is it the final approval or e-approved in principle
Turns out, it was approved in principle. Today, the application was declined. No idea why, I have 20+LPA return, 791 CIBIL.
Ah well, such is life.
Yes, HDFC seems to do such a thing. Last year I applied for a CC online but it was rejected after a few days due to City Mismatch. It could be due to my work location and the current residence being in different states. Work from home. This time I am wary to apply online and get rejected again.
Did something similar happen to you too?
Actually, yes.
My work location in in Jaipur and WFH from surat.
Last year at least they called and asked. This time they didn’t even ask, just after 7-8 days, declined without any intimation.
Highly likely , that’s the case though.
Regalia is now being offered on RuPay platform. I expect them to issue Infinia and others on RuPay too.
Did you find any option to apply specifically for Regalia RuPay Credit Card?
I am not getting any offer for a new card.
Btw, MakeMyTrip has been added in Smart Buy
Sid, I received this offer but I’m being offered Millenia, Intermiles or Moneyback as pre-approved cards. I wanted to get Regalia as I meet all the criteria and have had a salary account with them for the past 1 year. I have currently set my mailing address to a Tier 3 town, does this play a role in cards that they ship to these locations?
Do you think I should wait until I’m offered Regalia (or move back to Bangalore)? Or should I avail myself one of these three offered as LTF and wait for an upgrade?
Lovely informative website. For Siddharth and his knowledgeable readers, I have a question: In 2019, HDFC called and gave me a LTF Regalia card (4L limit) because all my spends were on a HDFC-JetPrivilege card (and I have a preferred savings account). I never used the Regalia card much and I subsequently started using an Axis-Vistara card. After 2 years, I realize that Vistara’s network is too limited for me and I closed the Axis card. I am now interested in moving all my spends to the Regalia with the aim to upgrade. What is the best way to get to an upgrade to either DCB (if the ban ever lifts) or an Infinia ? Thank you
which is better business regalia or regalia for a salaried person?
I have got business one because of family banking history, not because of my monthly salary/ITR. shall i switch to regalia or keep it as it is?
Can a person hold more than 2 credit Cards from HDFC bank?
@krishna
NO you cannot have more than 1 card with hdfc. Previously I guess around 3 years before they were doing but in 2019 itself they said policy changed for 2 cards.
Thank you for your reply Rohit.
Hi Siddharth,
Is joining fees applicable in case of LTF Regalia Credit Card ?? Any Idea
Makemytrip has been added as a 10x partner on Smartbuy.
That’s only hotel.
Getting messages and mails from a week for Regalia to Indigo XL and yes mention that un conditional LTF. Feel its a downgrade instead of upgrade.
Is joining fees being charged on LTF Regalia offer??
How Non-HDFC bank customers can get HDFC credit cards ? Card to card basis is available ?
For all cards, there is a spend requirement within 90 days for LTF offer.
Also, there are 2 lines post that which are a bit concerning. It states that ‘annual fee waiver’ is subject to smartpay registration, and that every year, the smartpay should remain active for the annual fee waiver.
I hope this should be an LTF in the true sense even with or without smartpay registration in the future.
If we cross the spend threshold within the first 90 days for LTF activation, will this still require us to be smartpay users to be under the LTF offer?
LTF with smartpay bill registration offer was ongoing when RBI ban was announced. If you apply through branch or salesperson, you have to register smartpay to have LTF card. If you cross spends limit in stipulated time, no need for smartpay, it becomes LTF in 90 days.
If you apply through the link in “cards” tab in netbanking, complete the application in one-go and do the whole process without any official help, the card becomes LTF without doing anything (no smartpay, no spends criteria).
AS far as I have read t&c and I think I’ve read all the docs related to this.
If anyone disagrees, pls share the link of the source.
there was no such link in cards tab. Had to apply seperately after logging out of netbanking by clicking on the banner as seen in this post.
The link in “cards” tab is for selected customers (as I found out during a talk with RM). You can apply on the website with smartpay or spends based LTF. The banner in the “offers” tab is static.
Was hoping for a reply to this..
Will HDFC provide additional or a 2nd card to the same customer.
ie I currently hold an HDFC card but the lTF offer is showing up in my account so if I apply will they provide me a new card.
I have a HDFC DCB but saw the link and applied…have been offered Regalia. Application was submitted and received a mail for in principal approval. Checked my CIBIL today and HDFC had done a CIBIL check on me…called customer care who mentioned my application is still under process.I am assuming if HDFC had a strict 1 card policy, my application wouldn’t have been approved in principle in the first place.
Maybe they’re in a mission to issue as many new cards as possible and relaxed the rule temporarily. Let’s conclude on that soon depending on how many of these lead to card dispatch.
Last year my application was approved in principle but later rejected stating that you already hold HDFC credit card
I hold DCB, got e-approval on mail but after 4 days I see the status as ‘declined’. So I am guessing they aren’t issuing second card any longer.
HDFC Bank is very quick in making CIBIL enquiries and giving in principle approvals. As I thinks it’s a basic system check on predefined parameters and gives approval immediately if they are met but real enquiry starts afterwards and it takes time. Sometimes they don’t even process these applications. most probably they will catch this in detailed analysis and a good chance they will turn down this application. But let’s wait for their response.
last time when the same offer was there I applied for my second card and after one week it got rejected saying Application did not meet internal criteria of the bank, Please confirm once your application is completed then I would try again and see 😀
I used to carry two HDFC cards till a few months back..the other was Visa Intermiles signature card..which i have now closed as didn’t want to pay renewal fees as I didn’t see value..the card that I currently hold was also issued in Spetmeber last year, as my second card and they just split my credit limit across the two cards..anyways right now with the card cancellation my credit limit with HDFC is lower than what I had last year so there maybe some headroom there..
Btw received a targeted email from HDFC today again to apply for a LTF card, so maybe their credit card team isn’t very smart
Getting second card is tough, targetted email does not mean u will get it.
It was a mistake to close the 2nd card.
I have a diners black card, any tips on how to get the Infinia?
Hi Siddharth, I Am a self employed individual. Last year I had opened an account with hdfc, got preapproved offer for business money back card last year with 60k limit. Today I asked my RM and I’m approved for same business money back card, but with 1.5L limit. What are my chances to get upgraded to business regalia first in the near future? (I’m not being offered any other type of cards because I’m self employed)
Any update on Card on Card applications? No mention of it on the page….
Also, what is the deal with the 2 conditions below the spend based offer for LTF. It requires Smartpay registration and keeping it active year after year for annual fee waiver. Does this still apply if we fulfill the spend criteria for LTF (for e.g. 50K in 90days)
I’ve a SBI SimplyClick CC with 1lac 15k limit, it’s few years old. I don’t have salary slip or ITR. Cibil is around 780 with 100% payment on time. Which HDFC cards can I expect to get on the basis of card to card? One thing I would like to mention is that the Diwali offer was better last year when they’re offering LTF+2k amazon voucher. Shall I apply now or wait for better offer during Diwali season? I’m in no hurry at all.
Card on Card basis is starting on September 1. As per HDFC Sales Executive. This MID is not going for another year.
Will card to card have the same LTF + 1.5k rs amazon voucher offer?
You can get it on FD as well
For getting LTF card we need to spend 1 Lakh in 90 days.. Apart from this I see a clause for enabling 2 smartpay payments.. Is smartpay mandatory to keep it LTF ?
Yes, 2 smartpay payments are needed if you want it to be LTF. And you can get away with it if you have a salary account with HDFC. (I currently hold regalia LTF without any smartpay debits)
Same question
Applied for Regalia on 20th August. It was pre-approved. Haven’t got the final approval yet. Has anyone got the final approval?
Applied on 22nd. The application is e-approved in principle. It allowed me to apply for a new Infinia card in spite of me having a DCB. The status through chat bot EVA is in progress.
I too have a DCB and have applied for Infinia. Please Let me know if you get final approval. Thanks
Checked the status today -1st sept and it is declined now. So no two cards fron hdfc 🙁
Yes, I recvd the final approval within 48hrs of applying. Applied on 23rd, card dispatched on 25th Aug.
Do you have existing card with Hdfc bank. Whether the offer to you was for upgrade of card?
There has been cibil check, addr verification for my application. But I already have an existing credit card.
In case, I close my exisiting card today, will they approve my regalia if they stick to one card policy only
Hi Siddharth,
Here is a major update from HDFC(official account)
HDFC Bank announced that it aims to add 5 lakh new Credit Cards to its monthly portfolio starting February 2022. This initiative will aid in positioning the bank as a leader & allow it to regain its market share. With a total of 5.1 crore credit cards, debit cards, & prepaid cards, the bank is among India’s largest facilitators of cashless payments. This means that every third rupee spent on cards in India happens on HDFC Bank cards. In the next 6-9 months, HDFC Bank will launch co-branded cards with various corporate sectors that will cater to the mass market and the ultra-premium segments, including Pharma, Travel, FMCG, Hospitality, Telecom, Fintech. The bank is also ready with strategic partnerships with new companies.
Here are a few words on the Credit Card initiative by Parag Rao, Group Head- Payments, Consumer Finance, Digital Banking & IT, HDFC Bank.
Applied on 21st. Still did not get any confirmation about application completed either.
Same here mate, applied on 29th, no update at all, no mails nothing, it the credit card status check, it simply shows under process, have dropped an mail to hdfc customer team, lets see.
In the same boat. Good to see HDFC being as clueless after the ban as they were before.
Thanks
Applied for infinia on 20th …Approved on 24th.
1st Credit card with the bank …paid version
Hi Darshdeep,
The ‘Main holder’ in my case is my wife’s account as I maintain high balance in that account only.
Coming to Regalia/Millenia comparison, IMO Regalia is better than Millenia. I’m not concerned on lounge access as I’ve too many cards for that. But the problem with Millenia is the cashback limitation. That 750 pm limit is NOTHING for me. Also Regalia have bonus points as well.
I was holding regali card but in net banking I got the offer to upgrade to Infinia with a 10,000 fees I approve the offer with 10000 fees immidiately but even after using the card for two months the 10,000 fees has not been leieved. will this mean it is LTF or will the fees be leieved in coming months.fingers crossed 😜😜😎😎
It’s usually FYF.
In my case the first year fee was charged after 3 months. Unless you have FYF, it will be charged after 3 months of card acquisition.
Joining fee is charged after 90 days(won’t be charged if you meet the spend creteria for FYF).
Can you explain features of uni 1/3 card, am holding regalia with 15lac limit and Imperia customer, but still I didn’t get infinia credit card. Am holding regalia credit card from last 4 years
I have HDFC Speciale Gold Preferred account. I slightly miss the income criteria for the Regalia Card. Is there any other way to get this card? Is HDFC too keen on the income requirement?
If you miss the income criteria, try to maintain balance in your account and go for Imperia Banking. Main holder of Imperia Banking gets Regalia on High Networth Basis. But before doing this, go to branch and ask if you have a pre approved offer.
HDFC has added Makemytrip as a 10x reward partner!
Only for Hotels !
Thats good but its only for Hotels.
If you want to use MMT for anything and still earn 10x , use instant voucher route, but max 3 vouchers in 1 transaction
HDFC is not issuing two cards if you already have one.
I have a DCB and online it’s was showing Infinia which I immediately applied, today the application is shown as declined. So they have not relaxed the one card policy.
Hi Siddharth,
I am being rejected by many banks saying I am high risk profession. I am police from TN. How to get card?
You may have to explore Secured cards.
Hello Sir,
In which bank do you have a salary account. Open a Government Salary Account with HDFC Bank, My father is Deputy Collector, all security personnel with him have HDFC Salary account and HDFC Credit Cards along with.
Hello,
I got an offer to “upgrade” from DCB LTF to Infinia FYF. (1st yr free only)
Is it worth taking ?
Absolutely, if you can structure your spends, you can earn more than 15000/month, so 10000/year fees is nothing in comparison. If you need help hit me up, even with DCB I’m making more than 10000/month, wish I had Infinia.
Well, when you receive 15000 points (I think you meant SB bonus), you’re spending 50K/m alone in SB. So it’s 6L/year. It’s not very hard to spend 2L (17K/m) more to get the annual fees waiver.
Hi Sahil
Can you provide more insight on structuring spend on Infinia enabling one to earn around 15k month and the monthly amount to be spent to earn the same.
Hi Sahil, sorry for the long message. I have the same question as other person. I recently got an upgraded infinia card and would like to utilise as much as possible. Even though not the fullest at least to an extent I would like to make use of it.
Can you provide more insight on structuring spend on Infinia enabling one to earn around 15k month and the monthly amount to be spent to earn the same.
Yes in my opinion
They still aren’t issuing addon cards. Option doesn’t work in netbanking
I was able to apply add on card.
Delivered in 3 days.
T&C for LTF
TO MAKE THIS CARD LIFE TIME FREE: Spend 100,000 within 90 days of card Opening date (for regalia, starts from 30k)
Annual Fee waiver basis active smartpay
Annual Fee shall be levied forthwith if cardmember discontinues, temporarily or permanently, the subscription to Smart Pay or fails to comply with conditions required for enjoying non-levy of Annual Fee.
Only CSC Small Business MoneyBack has Annual Fee waiver basis active smartpay & no spend requirement.
Did not get Infinia LTF offer, did anybody else got it?
There’s a h*ck (verified) to use even the ‘MMT Hotel Voucher’ for ‘Anything’ on MMT. Also, there’s no limitations on maximum vouchers. The most important and significant part is: You can’t use any promocode while using the GVs, but in the h*ck, you’re free to use the promocode (except bank specific like HDFCDOM, AMEXEMI). Also there’s NO expiry date like GV.
Looks like MMT is following the forum. Till yesterday, the trick was applicable, now it’s not!
The comment was approved ~20 mins ago though.
Has anyone not having any savings account with HDFC Bank applied for hdfc CC on website via online application and got the card approved as LTF
Hello, are HDFC card applications getting processed. I applied for mine on 20th Aug. The status still says In Process. Not sure how long it generally takes. I was eligible for Regalia and opted for the same
My application is still INPROCESS since 22nd Aug. I doubt it will be approved as I’m already holding Millennia. After checking my credit report today, I found that HDFC Bank has done a Hard Enquiry on 22nd Aug. I was not aware of HDFC Bank’s single card policy otherwise I wouldn’t have applied for Regalia.
My application is also still under process..I also hold an existing card..maybe they want to process for newer customers first
HDFC said they’ll be back with a bang however they had unconditional LTF (no biller required) + 2k rs amazon voucher last year before ban, now they came with conditional LTF (biller required) + 1.5k rs voucher which isn’t as good as last year. Will they come with a better offer during Diwali festive season? Or shall I apply now? I’m in no hurry.
You may get an option to select add-ons such as SmartPay / Card Sure/ Prepaid Card / FASTag in this application form.
Our special offer of Life Time Free card will be given to you, even if you choose not to take these add-ons.
T&C for Lifetime free are shown below.
The gift voucher and Life-time Free offer (if any) are eligible only and only if –
the application is completed end-to-end digitally using the ‘Apply’ link given here, and
the application is completed without any support/assistance from our bank representative either verbally or in-person, and
the application is completed successfully in one-go, and you receive the application reference number on the last screen, and
It is not mandatory to select SmartPay/Card sure / Prepaid Card/ Fast tag to avail Lifetime free card.
To avail the gift voucher, you have to do minimum 3 debit transactions within 30 days of card issuance and the voucher code will be triggered within 90 days of card issuance month. For example – customer applying between 1-31st Jan will receive the voucher code by 31st March.
On fulfilling criteria no. 1, your card will be converted to LTF within 90 days of card issuance month. Please note – LTF offer is not applicable on Infinia, Diners Black and other co-brand retail cards (e.g. variants of Indigo, Times and Intermiles card)
Gift Voucher offer is time bound and is subject to change. HDFC Bank reserves the right at any time, without prior notice to add, alter, modify, change or vary all or any of these terms and conditions or to replace wholly or in part, the above offer by another offer, whether similar to above offer or not, or to withdraw it altogether.
Issuance of the credit card virtually is subject to completeness of verified customer data and approval on the credit card application.
Smartpay condition has also changed.
The gets chargeable again if we remove billers temporarily or permanently.
I applied for the card on 27th.
For some reason I haven’t received any SMS/Mail regarding my application.
The final screen did show that the card was approved in principle and generated a Application Reference Number that is showing inprocess when I check online.
Up until now don’t see any inquiry on CIBIL, any advise as to how to proceed?
Should I reach out to the branch?
I applied on 22 still its in process how much time it takes to approve?
I want to start a thread – is Infinia really worth it when one has a DCB ?
The reward rate is the same for both DCB and Infinia, but the DCB has some advantages
1. Lower spend requirement for fee waiver ( 5L vs 8L for Infinia )
2. Special benefits for target monthly spends ( about 1k vouchers for 80k spend)
3. Annual benefits on 8L spend ( Amazon Prime, Times Prime, Club Mariott, MMT Double Black memberships)
On the flip side, the biggest drawback of DCB is acceptance, both offline & online. You always need to have a backup card.
Any other thoughts from card experts here?
My take on this is that Infinia scores over DCB in the following:
1. Acceptance outside India
2. Higher Priority pass acceptance as compared to Diners for lounges outside India
3. Ability to earn accelerated reward points in a rare month where the quota of 7,500 bonus points is not enough
4. Infinia gives reward points equal to fees so only loss is the GST amount if one is not able to meet fee waiver criteria in Infinia vs DCB
However, I believe DCB scores in the fact that waiver is much easier ( as you pointed out) and having much more partners for incremental 1x/ 4x/9x awards and vouchers on achieving 80k in a month. For someone spending 8 lakhs or more DCB would score in this regards as both DCB and Infinia holders will not have to pay any fees while the DCB holder will get the renewal benefits as well.
For very high spenders, spending significantly over 8 lakhs with high spends on reward multiplier categories and frequently exceeding 7,500 points cap Infinia would make more sense
Very nicely written. 👌thank you
The additional points you’ve mentioned are very accurate.
From my personal perspective
1 & 2 hardly matter now due to COVID-19 (atleast in the near term)
3. is a good point too. Whether it is a good enough reason to switch to Infinia ? I doubt.
4. is a non-issue because I’m able to get to 5L
Have been offered Infinia Paid version after a lot of effort on trying to convince my RM that i need a Visa card for foreign travels and Diners may fall short in that respect.
Sticking to my demand for LTF as my DCB is LTF so dont want to pay fees for Infinia.
I have been offered FYF Infinia. My DCB is also LTF and tried hard to get LTF Infinia but no luck.
I think Infinia LTF is a bit hard to get. I had got it this year beginning after lot of follow ups with the grievance cell. RMs won’t do anything here. So don’t believe that you will get it with their support. I am an imperia customer, so after lot of mails, they approved LTF infinia for me. But they will only do it if you have a case. Lot of people at that time were rejected LTF infinia even after reaching out to grievance cell. Good luck
To me the only issue I had to face with the DCB card was the acceptance specifically Offline ones where am from and so had to get infinia if not I would have easily held onto my DCB for the foreseeable future.
I always had to see if the machine was an HDFC one and then pull out the DCB card if not always use a back up Visa/MC card as Amex acceptance was even more pathetic at my place although I still hold on to all my AMEX cards.
For a person soley using the card at major Online websites DCB is much more rewarding with the monthly vouchers, additional 10x partners (whcih no includes Swiggy) as well as the Memberships on crossing 8Lakh yearly.
Hello Sri,
My first CC was a DCB, I have an Amex plat! Have These 2 CC Only!
I am still happy with the DCB card and with the annual benefits and monthly vouchers.
For me Online acceptance is good but Offline is poor (in Tier-2 city)
As you said I experienced Acceptance issue. (DCB acceptance is better than AMEX at-least at Coimbatore-Tamil Nadu area)
DCB has INTL. lounges at most of the airport as PP. and have accessed it. No issues on that and Intl. Acceptance OF DCB is also good.
Had word with my RM and before the renewal period I am planning to shift to Infinia (just for the acceptance issue and to make Infinia as a back up for AMEX since that also has acceptance issue)
My thoughts would be if you have a VISA/Mc Cc as a backup DCB is preferred or else go with Infinia.
My HDFC regalia credit card was approved last year on 2.12.2020 and card details are still showing in my bank account.
But the RBI banned HDFC on the next day. So the physical card was not Dispatched at that time and I got a message from HDFC that for safety purposes your credit card is temporarily blocked. we will send you a new card once we get clearance from RBI to resume
Now, RBI has removed ban but still not despatched. Local branch saying no card is shown in system and customer care not understanding.
How to proceed now. Pls help
If you are still able to see card details in NetBanking. Try to hotlist the card there if it’s allowing and take reissue.
CARD IS STILL SHOWING BUT HOTLIST NOT possible.
cc replied that ur application didnt meet internal policy etc , so card blocked and email sent.
if application didnt meet criteria why card is still showing active in my netbanking. any other email or ways to clarify.
shall i reapply ?
Is there any of your family member defaulted payment in past? Since I am an ex employee of HDFC credit card department. Usually as your cibil score etc fulfills the criteria bank approves the card but holds the issuance of card and block the card due to any family member defaulted.
Internal policies:Bank places various blocks, so ask the bank which block has been placed between A-Z.
No such payment default. Its 1st credit card in my family. Though i dont have any cibil score. My card was got approved on bm request. Now bm had changed.
Do they tell which block A-Z etc to customers as no one knows this info except bank employees.
Better take screenshots from NetBanking. And send it to grievance
What if you select the lost and replacement option. Maybe you will get a new card to your home?
Anyone booked a hotel with points recently? Smartbuy is showing only 1 hotel in all of Cochin.
Sometimes it doesn’t work properly, try to refresh 2-3 times or call the concierge.
I have faced same issue many times.
You can now use MMT from Smartbuy to book Hotels.
Using points? How?
Instant Vouchers via Smartbuy now will fetch only 5X RPs from 1st Sep 2021 :—(
At morning 6 am it was showing 10x and checked after reading your comment and it is 5x. That’s a huge disappointment coz many would not be flying and using hotels yet. Atleast extra savings day they should make it 10x.
10x by 6am? Could have been loaded from cache.
Coz it was 5X from 30th itself. It’s cleverly implemented as some spends even on 30th gets posted on 1st and creates issues for some.
I checked in android smartbuy app and it was 10x. Still it’s a big disappointment and hdfc is really smart and they know how to restrict points. 10x on flights and hotels during pandemic and once it’s gone and travel opens even that would become 5x. Now there might be more people who would cancel dcb which makes no sense to hold unless you fly international.
I beg to differ. While I agree that 10x on vouchers and 10x (unlimited) on Amazon, Flipkart etc. was amazing while it lasted. But it was clearly unsustainable for both HDFC and Diners. I haven’t been able to find a card, which can match the amount of benefits that we will get even with 5x value on vouchers. So I don’t see why people will cancel DCB? Is there anything worthy to migrate to?
I think HDFC is playing it smart. They did habit forming and now they know people won’t move anywhere, so they are slowly reducing the rewards to sustainable levels.
But good thing is now they have increased amazon limit to 10K
I think thats not much of use because, if you buy from amazon via smartbuy you are anyways going to get 5X points. So why bother generating voucher now. May be can be still used for flipkart.
5x vouchers still good enough for bill payments
Could see 10x today morning in smartbuy Android app and purchased Amazon voucher..could also see the detailed calculation of what points will come as 1x and bonus 9x…now see on Android app that this is 5x
As many people discussing reward point reduction on the instant vouchers from 10x to 5x.
Be cautious while buying Flipkart vouchers and adding them to the Flipkart account. Nowadays Flipkart is very aggressive to block accounts if you ask for a return and there is no way to get your money back.
My friend lost 8K in gift vouchers because his 10 years old Flipkart plus account was blocked when he requested a return of a clothing item. Flipkart denied to return/refund gift vouchers stating “you haven’t bought these gift cards from Flipkart. We can’t refund vouchers sold at a discounted rate.”
One shouldn’t be losing hard-earned money because of 5x reward points.
Oops, bad for flipkart to do so!
Is returns % high on that ac by any chance?
Not many returns on his account. He placed the return 3 times for the same order. The weirdest part is that Flipkart doesn’t respond to Email, Social Media, or phone.
I think we all return 1-2 products out of 10. The same was with him as well.
I just posted this incident here so the readers of this blog can avoid it. Only add the gift vouchers to your Flipkart account when you want to use them.
happened to me also… they mainly block accounts which has gift card added to the account, plus if it has frequent returns. i had 4k balance in an account and the moment i clicked return for an item, the account got logged out immediately and then it was blocked. after fighting with them on twitter and customer care for 2-3 months i got the money transferred to my bank account.
We can still buy vouchers and add them in final page while ordering. that will help keeping both the account and gift cards safe
@siddarth
In hyderabad I guess one person has cheated flipkart of Rs 25 lakhs plus by ordering and returning with duplicate product. He pulled it of very cleverly until once he got caught. I got multiple refunds back to my gift card but that was due to out of stock from flipkart side and I never had issues. I guess now flipkart considers every customer has fraud who places multiple returns. That’s a very bad way doing business.
Yes, keep away from Flipkart as much as possible. My 5k voucher was disabled without any reason and there is no way to contact them. It is all just a formality and no solid reason/resolution was provided. 5k to waste.
It seems Flipkart has borrowed a leaf from Amazon.
Amazon blocked my account and all associated balance last year (70k) for using voucher bought on Cansell website – reason given was Amazon GVs can’t be transferred for value. I told them to sue Cansell then as how am I to be aware of this rule – buying from Gyftr is ok but Cansell not!
But they stopped responding despite escalating to multiple levels including Jeff Bezos and even RBI Ombudsman.
Worse they even banned my other account citing that it was a related account to a banner account (another 20k gone).
There is absolutely nothing one can do in such cases and the high-handedness of Amazon will only continue to grow further.
I have since then stopped Amazon purchase altogther – my wife uses her account for bill payments but she makes sure that no balance is left in the account nor does she make any high value payments anymore.
Lesson learnt a hard way that we are funding Amazon, Flipkart, Reliance etc for own grave in years to come.
OMG
We should be careful. Till now i was believing them blindly.
were they physical vouchers or e vouchers ? as far as i know , the selling conditions of these kind of vouchers are that they are bearer vouchers , who so ever puts the code and pin , gets the value….best would be not to load the vouchers till a purchase/payment needs to be made
Many of us buy vouchers in advance and load..there is a fix quota of bonus points that once can get in a month, so you want to maximise your points earning every month..plus there is a milestone benefit in DCB so makes sense from that perspective to buy vouchers if one is close to the 80K target and the voucher helps you meet that.
But agree with you on the fact that voucher is supposed to belong to whoever had the voucher code and pin. Such actions by ecommerce sites are definitely not in the right spirit
These were e vouchers.
Below is the text of email I received from Amazon when they closed the account.
“We took these actions because either the Amazon Gift Card or the Amazon Gift Card balance you are using is in violation of our Terms and Conditions. We cannot reissue the gift card or reimburse you for these funds. For further details, we suggest that you contact the party who sold or gave you the gift card.
Please note that buying Amazon.in gift cards by unauthorized third parties, and sold or transfer-for-value of Amazon.in gift cards is a violation of our terms.
You can find more information on the Amazon.com. Help page: amazon.com/gc-legal “
got surprised seeing this, just checked in Twitter and saw many people tweeted regarding their account getting blocked while initiating a refund, seems like now its not a good idea to accumulate GV balance in Flipkart
I applied for Millennia card on 21st August but the status is showing as “The application is Delivered”.
What does it mean?
Is it rejected or in process?
I applied for regalia just to try out my luck although I currently have infinia.
The application was in Delivered status until today since the 23rd of August.
I got an eMail today stating the application is rejected due to internal policies, probably since am already holding another HDFC card
So you still have time until they take up your application and is being processed.
I applied on 21st August..application is still in delivered status..maybe there is rejection coming up in the future….stupid of HDFC give offers and then to unnecessarily do a CIBIL check if they do not intend to give a second card
Whats is a “application is still in delivered status”
If its approved, the status should be approved. If delivered, wont it mean that card is delivered to you? Did you try contacting Customer care?
The exact status is ” Your application is delivery”. I have been seeing the same status since the day of application…called customer care who don’t know what it means and give only templated answers…
One of the customer care guys also gave his opinion on what he thinks it means which is essentially that application has been received and will be taken up later with the caveat that its as per his understanding
HDFC Smart buy Extra Savings days starting tomorrow.
Even with the 5x on Instant Vouchers Amazon Vouchers are good for DCB/Infinia holders as it can be used for Bill Payments
Any idea on which platform the regalia card is being issued? Visa or RuPay?
Visa, received mine today
I only see 2 cards as per the eligibility : Infinia & Intermiles…
I am looking for Regalia & even If I apply directly via Apply Online… still shows Infinia or Intermiles as options ?
Any workaround to apply for Regalia or just approach the bank.
Did it gave option to input income manually? If yes. So mention your income little lesser
Infinia is a better card than regalia.
On SmartBuy Home page, while highlighting on Instant Vouchers tab- it shows 15x Points (3 Days offer*)..
However, when placing the Voucher order, it shows 5x
Any clarity on this?
As HDFC has confusing T&Cs most of the times!
May be a bug. This time the terms are pretty detailed (Although may feel a little confusing with lot of calculations) Instvouchers are still 5X points.
It says upto 15x. Some sort of scam coz there is no 15x in voucher at any stage. Can anyone confirm is there any 15x for instant voucher like some condition? I did not find it in terms
They have rectified the homepage error for Vouchers, its finally updated to 5x points- 365days offer*
Its quite disappointing, but, all good things must come to an end 😛
Can I get 10% cashback for buying Amazon e-voucher under Amazon offer in HDFC smartbuy extra saving day? Or this offer is only for buying physical products. Because I couldn’t find anything related to it in T&C.
If anyone has done this before, then please respond.
That was expected as new CC users are getting added by HDFC. Expect more cut downs of benefits in coming days…
In amazon store, vouchers, prepaid gift cards , gold are excluded from this offer.
This is clearly specified in their TnC
No, you cannot. Read Terms & Conditions – it is a clear NO
Although the 10x options are removed for insta voucher, the Extra Savings Days in smartbuy looks better than previous ones (the 10x points on instavoucher which was reduced) if you can plan your purchase for the month. Not sure if the same offers will be there every month.
If we place an order on Amazon through Smartbuy, cancel it, and get the refund into the Amazon Pay wallet.. do we still get the 5x/10x points on that transaction? Technically there’s no refund coming to the card, so the transaction still holds from Diners’ perspective.
Valid for small value transaction. Any transaction above 10k will return to card.
No it’s not happening. Let me know how to get it done. I tried to call Amazon customer care. They say it will be refunded to original source. It can’t go to Amazon pay wallet.
If anyone knows how to do it please let us know
It works for large value also provided you cancel the order within 15 min.
I tried it a few days back but it didn’t work. Refund was initiated directly to card and no option came for wallet transfer.
No
Ideally you will get the points. Since the refund is not to the card, the card wont know about the cancellation.
So finally HDFC has declined my application today as I’m already holding Millennia. Ideally they should not have shown the Regalia card eligibility for me and rejecting it later. But HDFC is weird as always.
@ Siddharth:
Starting September 1, 2021:-
– Infinia and DCB smartbuy instant vouchers rewards points reduced to 5X from 10X.
– 5k Amazon GV limit increased to 10k per month. You can share the limit between your credit and debit card too.
10x rewards on SWIGGY through DCB was on minimum order of INR 300 before and seems from 1st Sep its on any order value as in the new terms they have not mentioned minimum INR 300 anymore
It’s 500 INR now, reflects on diners T&C.
Did anyone received the Smartbuy bonus reward points for Aug?
Last 8-9 months, I used to get the points latest by 2nd of next month (available on netbanking on or before 3rd). But not this time.
Last month i received the bonus points by 3rd of the month. Hope to get it in a few days this time also. Let’s see.
How do you guys get to know of bonus points on netbanking. On my screen, I’m only able to see the total points available on the card. Is there a way to check transaction wise points details on netbanking. Mine is a DCB and get the details only with the statement every month
I haven’t received bonus points for August credited yet , whereas until July it’s used to be credited by end of month or within the 1st 2 days of next month.
No Smartbuy cashback received for August month till today.
they are back to the 90 days delayed period
I have done multiple refunds on flipkart and always I got the refund on gift card without any issue. I am really confused how come flipkart blocked account. It’s a clear case of fraud and a cyber case could have been filed. No court direct FIR.
They have written T&C very cleverly. No FIR or court case will work against Flipkart or Amazon. Many people losing their money to these e-commerce platforms just because of few people who do wrong.
Even getting money back to Amazon Pay after canceling an order is not advisable. If you are caught, your money will be gone.
it may seem philosophy but remember two things –
1. NOTHING IS FREE in this world
2. GREED IS EVIL
@ps
Lol it doesn’t mean you put in terms and you can do anything. It is not flipkart or Amazon to decide to overrule even court. If your money is gone then you have every rights to file and action would be taken. I am confidently telling this because I have interacted with the cop who caught the famous TCS 75 lakh rupee
Fraud which happened.
Hi Sid,
HDFC has rolled out 40% CL for select customers yesterday.
No upgrade in sight yet for me.
“Ye kaun si meeting hai jaha mujhe nhi bulate” – Everytime i see LE/Card upgrade from HDFC
Same applies to me.
I have same limit since my last 2 years.
But within this period 3 times my card got upgraded.
Regalia 1st- Regalia – DCB -Infina
Can in know your current Limit? And spending per month from CC.?
100% payment on time till date.
Spend not even 1 lk in month.
Have they upgraded you to LTF Infinia from DCB? My RM clearly denied upgrading me from DCB to Infinia.
As you mentioned, “But within this period 3 times my card got upgraded”.
How many months did it take for 3 upgrades? I am stuck with DCB for 2.5 years.
I have a 10 years relationship. Started with Platinum card. Limit was 15k
Later I got Titanium Edge then Platinum edge, Money-back, All miles.
Then in 2018 it got upgraded to Regalia 1st after a year I got regalia. And 2020 I got DCB.( Mostly all my upgrade and LE offers came during Diwali)
So I did certain follow up with the bank.
And got INFINIA ( during the ban)
All cards were LTF
The last limit enhance was in 2018 with regalia 1st <5LK.
If you check the other views in this cardexpert.in for DCB and Infinia. There are many who has upgraded to Infinia from DCB
My RM is useless. She even didn’t knew the difference between smartpay/ register n pay.
Last year bank withdrew the service of register n pay.
Do some follow up with nodal officer
Hint: Acceptance of diner.
Frankly speaking I started with regalia LTF first in oct 2019 and limit was decent 2.5 lac n then LE in 2.5 to 3.5
in december 2019
Then March 2020 to 5.70
Then 6.80 in aug
Then sudden bump to 8.80 in Jan 2021 and within 3 days of it LTF infnia was offered. But after that till date there is no LE 😂
No saving account, only CC and they offered me. I believe I didn’t spend more than 4-5 lac during the whole time, I belive I was lucky that I got 😃
@Siddharth
This comment from Pramtesh clearly looks like a troll.
3 upgrades, in 2 years, the last of which is near impossible (DCB-Infinia), plus the user states that they started off with Regalia First which doesn’t have a very high limit. Either they consistently hit the ceiling of the limit, thus causing the bank to upgrade (and completely ignore a possibility of a CLE) or they started off Regalia First with more than 8L limit.
Why would I write incorrect information?
It is totally depended on the reader to believe or not to believe.
Here we all read and write the post just to help eachother. So that everyone can get maximum utilisation of cards
I don’t think there is any requirement of fake troll
Whatever I have written is 100% accurate
It’s not impossible to move from DCB to Infinia. I myself got it done in Feb 21. You will need to have a good relationship with bank and do follow ups with Customer care / escalate.
One mistake people regularly make here is believing that HDFC or any other Indian bank plays by a rulebook, and upgrades/CLIs are deterministic. They aren’t. There is no consistency in how they do things, because they can’t do things consistently. Their backends just aren’t strong enough.
There have been multiple people who have commented that they were able to change from DCB to Infinia, many who said that it wasn’t allowed according to their RMs.
Upgrades and CLIs have no rhyme or reason (or at least they aren’t very transparent). I myself started with 1L limit on a Moneyback card mid-2019, and got an 8x CLI and a free upgrade directly to LTF Infinia within two years. I didn’t even spend much on the card; I don’t think my usage crossed 25% of my limit; I just paid my bills frequently and on time. No idea why the upgrade happened, but it did. I wouldn’t have even taken the upgrade if not for it being LTF; i prefer cashback with no annual fees.
IMHO people should just concentrate on getting their financial basics right: earn and save/invest prudently as much as legally possible, don’t play credit card points games and stop trying to get upgrades/CLIs. If you get the fundamentals correct, worst case you’re still in a great position financially; best case banks like HDFC will start throwing goodies at you which hopefully fit your spending patterns.
I am getting cc upgrade offer from money back to iocl rupay card. Showing membership fees as zero.
Glad atleast one person (@Mahesh) has used the correct word here “move” instead of “upgrade” , for those who want to change from DCB to Infinia.
I applied for Infinia via netbanking on 1st Sept, got approved on 2nd and card got delivered on 3rd Sept.
Congrats Nishan! Was it pre-approved? What relationship are you maintaining with HDFC?
Infinia was not pre-approved. Regalia and Intermiles were pre-approved, I talked to my Virtual RM he in turn talked to credit card team and then i started seeing Infinia as pre-approved.
I have only HDFC salary account, no other relationship with HDFC Bank.
How do I find out who the Virtual RM is for HDFC?
Whenever your account is eligible for a VRM, Bank will automatically sent you messages and emails about the name and contact details.
How u got as pre-approved? Any existing card or relations?
Hi Sid any update on next card to Infinia? Learnt there is a 50k fee card.. any chance you got the details?
Nothing new, except that someone called it as Infinia Reserve/metal.
I’ve covered what I know on: Upcoming credit cards article.
Thank you. Waiting to know more on Infinia Reserve!
Lol are you serious 50k never bro 15k fees card I heard
That would be good if it’s 15 and within reach to get !
The devaluation of Infinia/DCB July last year https://www.cardexpert.in/hdfc-limits-reward-redemptions-to-70-percent-of-booking-value-on-infinia-and-diners-black-credit-cards/ itself indicated (add the too many easy issuance of these 2 cards) that there’s an upcoming Ultra Premium Card above these two. Then the ban happened and HDFC had to postpone their plan. Now, after the ban is lifted, HDFC took no time to further devalue these 2 cards again (by reducing instant voucher bonus). So we can expect the new card very soon. The only holding may be due to MC/Diners ban.
True 😊 looking for 15-20x and 100% on voucher redemption etc 😬
But sure who all can get!
When Infinia is said to by Invite.. not sure how reserved would be Infinia Reserve!
fees will be main thing if around 15-29k then it will be nice
Can someone let me know how to avail this 1500 Amazon voucher ? It says 3 debit transactions within 30 days. Let me know what debit transaction means here (is it about withdrawal from ATMs?). And also is there any limit for these debit transactions to avail that voucher. I’m beginner to credit cards and a I got my LTF millenia card arrived today.
Debit Transaction means that you need to use your credit card at least 3 times for any amount within 30 days.
Also, ATM withdrawal may not be considered as debit transaction to avail the vouchers.
Even if cash withdrawal was considered as Debit transaction.
I don’t think you would have still withdrew
Would you pay unnecessary 2.5% or 500 whichever is higher of the amount withdrawn. Plus the ROI ?
Lots of new T&Cs were added for Smartbuy Amazon. Now HDFC can deny the bonus points mentioning any one of the hundred clauses!
@pranab
It’s been almost one plus year I ever purchased from flipkart or Amazon using 10x coz got duped once by bank. I am with bank for 10 plus years and I know most of the things what they do so I always take screenshot. Funny part was when it did not record that I did a 10x transaction I said bank that I have screen shot and they said it’s waste sending coz what matters is in their system it should reflect. I did not escalate that matter coz it was like 2 or 3k transaction. After that what I made sure is I buy through 10x voucher.
Same thing I am sure many would loose points with this 15x extra sale days 😁.
@Rohit,
I was never denied any bonus points till now. But received some extra few times (double in Flipkart EMI) over and above the monthly limit of 15K.
HDFC back to previous practice of delayed reward points/cashback. Very soon Infinia/Diners will become only as good as competition. I will be relying more on my SC Ultimate from now on.
‘5. Reward points or Cashback will be posted within 90 working days from the last date of transaction month.’
I am not sure how may of you have noticed this in the terms and condition tab for 10x program details in smartbuy.
Transaction is eligible only if
— Customer clicks through Amazon tab on SmartBuy and has not visited any other affliate in the past 24 hours. If so, customer is required to clear the cache / cookies / cart and reintiate the journey
— During a single Session that the customer adds a Product to his or her shopping cart and places the order for that Product no later than 89 days following the customer’s initial click-through;
— The Product is shipped to, and paid for by, the customer.
A “Session” Starts when customer clicks through Amazon via SmartBuy and Ends upon the first to occur of the following:
— 24 hours elapses from that click
— The customer places an order for a Product
— The customer clicks on any other affliate program (of Amazon) other than SmartBuy
This is now getting tricky. Not sure how many people can do this correctly. And not sure why does a customer has to do some thing a developer of the software has to do. 🙂 Not sure how many of us will get points now.
What’s going on at HDFC?
First they say-place the order within 89 days..
Then they say- A session ends automatically after 24 hours !!
Do they even read before posting such weird conditions..
Am still confused about what this 89 days clause imply !!!
Aug Smartbuy Bonus points update:
Travel 9X and Amazon 4X are credited on 7th Sep. Didn’t have any other SB transactions.
Amazon rest 5X +5X (of 10X and 15X respectively from Extra Savings Days sale) would be credited after 90 days.
Right Pranab.
I checked mine. Have got 4X for the Amazon transactions till now. Smarbuy 9X have been credited.
Has anyone received the 9X for MMT transactions in August. It seems that they are not credited which is strange. I even received the message when i booked that i didn’t qualify for 9X but i thought that their system isn’t updated yet for MMT 9X.
I had applied for Regalia on 21st August. Application has still not either been accepted or rejected….anyone else who has similar experience.
I already have a card with HDFC Bank
It will be declined ultimately. I already have DCB and was allowed to apply Infinia online but application got declined after a week.
Yes. Application has been declined…just surprised that it took 20 days for them to do this
One card per user, so it’ll be declined. In special cases user can have 2 cards.
I have DCB, and I applied for regalia taking a chance. After more than a week I got a message that millenia card has been approved
Interesting. Wondering what the criteria is for having a second card
Is the limit combined ?
Sid – I currently hold a Diners Black with a substantial amount of points. Would you recommend moving to HDFC Infinia ? The only thing holding me back is the additional promotions that come with Diners Black – 2X on rent, milestone benefits etc. Please suggest.
I think now it’s no use since smartbuy is devalued for Amazon and other voucher to 5x.
If you buy lot from Amazon greater then 20-30k then you should go for infinia. Smartbuy point limit is 7500 for diners and 15000 for infinia.Diners always have good partners and good offers. Milestone benefits for 1000₹ is awesome as well.
Only issue is acceptability which is improved alot now. Major Mall and shopping complex have no issues
2X on rent is removed from this month.
@Varun Raj
Depends on your useage. If you fly a lot International then infinia is must. Since there is no much travel I am sticking with DCB or would ask for infinia. Advantages of DCB is easy to achieve 5 lakh spend making it free for the year.
Dear Siddharth, does Diners Black earn rewards points on Insurance payments? Which card is best to make utility payments for rewards?
You’ll get reward points for insurance payments on Diners black, there also 2x(upto 2K) promo running for HDFC cards.
Diners black on payzapp gives 3x for all transactions(above 2K), so it’s ~10% as reward points.
Yes but has upper limit for points. Hdfc does not give points for fuel and emi transactions.
Already own DC Clubmiles and Infinia. No other card has reached the glory of Infinia yet.
Waiting for the Clubmiles to be upgraded to Privilege (post ban lift).
Great article btw Siddharth!
Cheers!
Applied on 29th August, received no confirmation at all, no mail no principle confirmation, simply nothing !
I don’t hold any credit card from HDFC too, and checked credit report, no enquiry by hdfc has happened in last 30 days.
so what’s the issue ? I applied for Regalia.
And their customer care is fool, just simple keep saying check status.
status is under process since 17 days now.
Did you give a different address instead of the address that is in your bank records. If so then the application will be on hold. Same thing happened to me. Got to know after emailing customer care. But no communication from banks side at all.
I finally received my Millennia CC after 20 days of waiting- Applied on 30th August and delivered on 20th Sept.
I have imperia account and asked my RM for infinia card. She fwd to credit card department. They asked me to apply card via website. I applied via the ltf scheme with 1500 amazon vouchers. I was eligible for regalia. Got the card in 2 weeks. Asked customer care if mine is ltf n 1500 vouchers is valid or not. CC tells me I have to register for smartpay and keep it active for 3 months then it will be converted to ltf. No mention of 1500 amazon vouchers. I replied saying T&C clearly states smartpay is optional. The 2nd CC tells me, urs is a charged card pay 2500 if you don’t use for 3L prev year. No mention of smartpay or Amazon vouchers. I feel imperia customer categorization is a farce. CC itself giving different answer each time. I escalated again and today I got a call from my RM’s manager. He tells me mine is a charged card despite applying via the ltf scheme, some loophole in internal process. I was told to use my regalia card for 1L in 3 months to convert it to LTF. This is a new 3rd answer I got from bank. Totally frustrated with bank. Don’t know what these guys are smoking lately.
Your card will be a charged card as you involved your RM. It clearly states that your card should be applied without the help of a HDFC Bank employee. You have either keep using smartpay or spend 1 lakh in first 90 days. HDFC is very poor at keeping their promise as my mother’s credit card was issued as LTF last year in July but they still put on the charges this. Called the customer care and reversed the charges but had to pay GST. Spend 1 lakh in first 90 days and get and email regarding the same as proof.
Hi Darshdeep,
I have kept all communication emails as proofs. I will do as they say and use these proofs later.
Thank you. 🙂
You would be eligible for the 1500 GV only if you have not mentioned any branch code, or bank employee code while filling the application online.
RM has just suggested you.
Since you have RM. Ask him to follow up and make your card LTF
2 years ago my friend had also applied on LTF basis. 2 conditions were there at that time. Smartpay for 3 months or activation of PAYZAPP.
He activated PAYZAPP and did 1 transaction
But charges were applied. And neither his card was converted as LTF.
So I guided him to send email to grievance.
Not only his card became LTF but the annual fee applied in first-year was also reversed including GST
No, I did not enter any employee code or anything. I will check with my RM and follow the steps you mentioned. Thank you. 🙂
@Siddharth An off topic question. Are you aware if what will happen to our existing HDFC credit cards if our status becomes NR (Non Resident) One executive was saying that bank will close the existing credit card and tell us to apply for a new card in lieu for Fixed deposit. This is weird. That means all the LTF status on credit cards will be lost too.
Don’t think any bank can do this think. You can’t ask millions of customers to reapply for card.
The only way a bank comes to know of your tax residency status is when the person himself does and declares to the bank , till you dont declare it , its all good… even in income tax , its the assesse’s declaration that matters about the tax residency
I received INFINA upgrade from regalia with 8.4 lakh limit. Applied through the branch without much hassle. But didn’t receive any reply from HDFC for a month. So lodged a complaint with HDFC. Within 3 days card was approved and delivered today. One query is how come HDFC still issues a card on the MasterCard platform even though it is banned in India. My regalia was on the MasterCard platform.
I think that’s because these are considered as upgrades / replacements as per bank, only new customers cannot be issues Master card 🙂 Not sure behind the logic, may be a loophole in the rule 😀 Same thing happened for me with my yes bank card upgrade, they are issuing master card too
@MT yes you are right. But if you have account with HDFC, you will any ways have to change it to NRO account and bank will anyways come to know about it I guess?
Ban on Diners Club is lifted by RBI with immediate effect.
Anyone request/upgrade DCB after ban? Can we ask LTF DCB from regalia?