In the credit card world, many people regard the HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card as the ‘King of Credit Cards’. So, what makes this credit card so special to earn that title? To start with, it offers an opportunity to earn accelerated rewards of up to 10X on specific categories and multiple redemption options with a value back of up to 33%. It also provides lifestyle rewards like unlimited lounge access for primary and add-on cardholders, complimentary nights and buffet at participating ITC Hotels, golf privileges, concierge service, etc.All these features and benefits, coupled with its exclusive metal construction that offers a distinct premium feel and signals a top-tier lifestyle, make it one of the most sought-after credit cards. In this article, we will do a HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card review, understand its features and benefits, and evaluate whether you should have this card in your wallet.

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HDFC Infinia Metal Credit Card

Joining Fees: 12500

Renewal Fees: 12500

Reward Percentage: 1 - 30%

Best For: Travel / Shopping

Category Of Card: Travel

• Welcome Benefit:

  Welcome bonus of 12,500 Reward Points and complimentary Club Marriott membership for the first year offering 20% discounts on dining and stay in the Asia-Pacific region.

• Renewal Benefits:

  Bonus 12,500 Reward Points on card renewal

• Usps:

  Complimentary Dine Out Passport membership, Low foreign currency markup fee, Access to unlimited complimentary golf games, Complimentary Club Marriott membership

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Pros:

• Earn 4 reward points per ₹150 spent on retail purchases, including insurance, utilities, and education.
• Accelerated 20 reward points per ₹150 spent at select merchants like Nykaa, Myntra, Marks & Spencer, and Reliance Digital.
• Complimentary access to 12 domestic and 6 international airport lounges annually.
• Milestone benefits include vouchers up to ₹16,000 each year.

Cons:

• High annual fee of ₹2,500 plus applicable taxes.
• Reward points capped at 2,000 per month for grocery transactions and 2,000 per day for insurance payments.
• No reward points on fuel, EasyEMI, wallet loads, rent, and government-related transactions.
• Annual fee waiver requires spending ₹4 lakh in a year, which may be high for some users.

Overview Table

Fees & Benefits

The joining fee for the HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card is Rs. 12,500 + Taxes.

The cardholder gets welcome benefits of a complimentary Club Marriott annual membership and 12,500 reward points. The welcome benefits will be given upon joining fee realisation by the bank and card activation.

The annual renewal fee for the card is Rs. 12,500 + Taxes.

The cardholder gets an annual renewal benefit of 12,500 reward points on the payment of the annual renewal fee. If the cardholder spends Rs. 10 lakhs or more in the previous card membership year, the annual renewal fee is waived for the next year.

Rewards Structure

The HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card provides a base reward rate of 5 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent. The cardholder can earn 3X to 10X accelerated reward points through the SmartBuy portal as follows.

On the SmartBuy portal, there is a monthly limit on the amount of gift vouchers of specific brands that can be purchased in a calendar month. For example, a cardholder can buy a maximum of Rs. 1,500 Bigbasket gift vouchers and Rs. 10,000 Amazon Pay gift vouchers in a calendar month. There is a convenience fee on the purchase of gift vouchers of specific brands like Amazon Pay, Amazon Shopping Voucher and Flipkart.

On the SmartBuy portal, the cardholder can earn a maximum of 15,000 accelerated reward points daily and in a calendar month. There is no capping on the 1X base reward rate. The accelerated reward points are credited within 90 working days from the late date of the transaction month.

Limits on earning reward points

There are limits on the reward points that can be earned in specified categories as follows.

• Reward points for insurance transactions will have a maximum capping of 10,000 per month.
• Reward points for utility transactions will have a maximum capping of 2,000 per month.
• Reward points for telecom transactions will have a maximum capping of 2,000 per month.
• Reward points for grocery transactions will have a maximum capping of 2,000 per month.
• Education payments made through 3rd party apps like CRED, MobiKwik, etc., will not earn any reward points. However, education payments made directly through the school/college website or their POS terminals will earn reward points.
• The maximum reward points that can be earned in a statement cycle is 2,00,000.

If a retail transaction is converted into SmartEMI, the reward points accrued will be reversed.

Exclusions

Transactions in the following categories will not earn any reward points.

• Fuel purchases
• EasyEMI
• E-wallet loading
• Property management services like rent, maintenance, packers and movers, etc.
• Government transactions
• Online skill-based gaming

Fees on certain payments

For spends of more than Rs. 10,000 in a month on online skill-based gaming platforms (MCC 5816), like Dream11, Rummy Culture, etc., there will be a 1% fee. The fee will apply on the entire amount spent for the month in this category, and not just incremental spends above Rs. 10,000.

For spends of more than Rs. 10,000 in a month on loading third-party wallets (MCC 6540), like Paytm, MobiKwik, etc., there will be a 1% fee. The fee will apply on the entire amount spent for the month in this category, and not just incremental spends above Rs. 10,000.

For spends of more than Rs. 50,000 in a month on utility bill payments (MCC 4900), like mobile recharges and postpaid bills, electricity, DTH, etc., there will be a 1% fee. The fee will apply on the entire amount spent for the month in this category, and not just incremental spends above Rs. 50,000. Insurance premium payments will not be classified as utility bill payments. Hence, the insurance premium payments will not be charged the 1% fee.

For rent payments, there will be a fee of 1% of the transaction amount.

For spends of more than Rs. 15,000 in a month on fuel transactions, there will be a 1% fee. The fee will apply on the entire amount spent for the month in this category, and not just incremental spends above Rs. 15,000.

The reward points are valid for 3 years from the date of credit.

Reward Redemption

The reward points earned with the HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card can be redeemed in various ways. The cardholder can derive a redemption value of up to Rs. 1 per reward point. Let us look at the redemption options.

Flights and hotel bookings

The cardholder can use reward points to book flights and hotels on the SmartBuy portal. The booking options include domestic and international flights and hotels. The redemption value is 1 reward point = Rs. 1.

Suppose you spend with a merchant like IGP, Jockey, Pharmeasy, or do a paid hotel booking through the SmartBuy platform. You will earn 10X reward points (50 reward points) for every Rs. 150 spent for all these transactions. It means, you will earn 33 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent on these transactions on the SmartBuy platform.

Now, when you redeem these 33 reward points for flights or hotel bookings on the SmartBuy platform, you will get a redemption value of Rs. 1 for each reward point. Thus, your 33 reward points earned on spending Rs. 100 will get you redemption benefits worth Rs. 33. It translates into a 33% value back for flight and hotel booking redemptions through the SmartBuy platform.

For travel bookings (flights, hotels, and experiences), a maximum of 70% of the transaction value can be paid with reward points. The balance must be paid with the HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card. In case of reward points redemption for flight tickets, the cardholder earns 5X accelerated reward points on the balance 30% or higher amount paid with the HDFC Bank credit card. In case of reward points redemption for hotel booking, the cardholder earns 10X accelerated reward points on the balance 30% or higher amount paid with the HDFC Bank credit card.

Transfer to airline/hotel partners

HDFC Bank has partnered with various airlines and hotels for the transfer of credit card reward points. The reward points can be transferred to each partner in a specified ratio as follows.

The cardholder can choose from 19 partners (15 airlines and 4 hotels) to transfer the reward points.

The redemption of reward points for flights, hotel bookings, and transfer to partners on the SmartBuy portal is capped at 1,50,000 reward points per calendar month.

Apple products and Tanishq vouchers

A HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Cardholder can redeem reward points against Apple products or Tanishq vouchers through the SmartBuy portal. The value of 1 reward point = Rs. 1 for these redemptions. For Apple products and Tanishq vouchers, a maximum of 70% of the transaction value can be paid with reward points. The balance must be paid with the HDFC Bank credit card.

The redemption of reward points for purchasing Apple Products is capped at one product for every calendar quarter. The redemption of reward points for purchasing Tanishq vouchers is capped at 50,000 reward points for every calendar quarter.

Gift vouchers and product catalogue

The reward points can be redeemed against products and gift vouchers through the SmartBuy portal or net banking. The redemption value usually ranges from Rs. 0.40 to Rs. 0.50 per reward point.

Cashback

The cardholder can redeem the points as cashback. The value of 1 reward point = Rs. 0.30. The redemption of reward points against statement balance (cashback redemption) is capped at 50,000 reward points per calendar month.

Additional Features

Complimentary Stay and Dining benefit

The card provides a ‘2+1 complimentary night offer’ at participating ITC Hotels. Under this offer, the cardholder pays for 2 nights and stays for 3 nights. The cardholder must book in advance.

The card also provides a 1 + 1 complimentary buffet at participating ITC Hotels. The cardholder must make an advance booking through the Concierge desk. The cardholder can do a maximum of 1 booking per month for one complimentary buffet.

To know all the terms and conditions for both the above offers, check the following link: https://hdfcinfinia-itcoffers.thriwe.com/

Lounge Access

The card provides unlimited complimentary airport lounge access in India and abroad. The access is complimentary for the primary and add-on card members.

The cardholder must swipe the Infinia Credit Card for lounge access within India. A transaction fee of Rs. 2 will be charged per visit for Visa cardholders.

Outside India, the primary and add-on cardholders can get complimentary airport access through Priority Pass.

Golf Privileges

The cardholder can enjoy unlimited complimentary golf games at leading courses across India and select courses across the world. The cardholder can also get unlimited complimentary golf coaching at select golf courses across India.

Fuel Surcharge Waiver

The card provides a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on all fuel transactions. The waiver is applicable on fuel transactions between Rs. 400 to Rs. 1,00,000. The maximum waiver is Rs. 1,000 per statement cycle.

Lower forex mark-up

Most credit cards from most banks have a foreign currency mark-up of up to 3.5%. However, the Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card has a lower foreign currency mark-up of 2%. Thus, the card can help you save a decent amount of money on foreign currency spends during your international trips.

How to Apply

The HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card is an invite-only credit card. You will need to talk to your Relationship Manager (RM) to check your eligibility and how you can get an invite to apply for the card.

Optimal use

A cardholder can get up to a 10X reward rate for specified transactions on the SmartBuy platform. For example, the cardholder can earn 5X reward points (16.67% reward rate) for booking flights and 10X reward points (33% reward rate) for booking hotels through the SmartBuy platform.

Similarly, a cardholder can buy gift vouchers of various online and offline brands from the SmartBuy portal. When a cardholder uses the card directly with these brands, they get a 3.3% reward rate. However, when the cardholder pays these brands with gift cards bought from the SmartBuy platform, they will earn 5X reward points (16.67% reward rate).

Tips to Maximise Rewards

Hit the Fee Waiver Target: Ensure you spend Rs. 10 lakhs in the membership year to waive the Rs. 12,500 renewal fee. This essentially makes the card cost-neutral, and the renewal points (12,500 RP worth Rs. 12,500) become a net gain.

Spread SmartBuy Spends: The accelerated reward point limit on SmartBuy is 15,000 RP per calendar month. Plan your large travel or voucher purchases to stay within this limit each month to continuously maximise your bonus earnings.

Utilise Air Miles Transfer: The 1:1 or 2:1 transfer ratios to key partners like Flying Blue, IHG, Qatar, and others can yield a redemption value higher than Rs. 1 per point if redeemed strategically for premium cabins or peak-season hotel stays.

Pay Education/Utilities Directly: Use the card directly on the school/college website or POS terminal to earn base reward points, as payments through third-party apps like CRED/MobiKwik are excluded.

Eligibility & Documents

The HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card is an invite-only credit card, signifying its exclusivity. Eligibility is typically determined by the applicant’s existing relationship with the bank, income profile, and credit history.

Standard KYC documents include:

• Photo ID Proof: PAN card, Passport, Aadhaar
• Address Proof: Passport, Driving License, Utility Bill
• Income Proof: Latest salary slips or ITR documents

Expert Verdict/Conclusion

The HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card is a complete lifestyle card. It provides an accelerated reward rate of up to 33% along with multiple redemption options, including 19 airline and hotel transfer partners. The card also provides benefits like complimentary stay and dining benefits at participating ITC Hotels, complimentary airport lounge and golf access. With so many benefits, no wonder many credit card enthusiasts call the Infinia Credit Card the ‘King of Credit Cards’. So, if you want a credit card with good travel benefits or an overall lifestyle credit card, you may consider the HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card.

FAQ Section

Q1. How can I get the annual renewal fee waived?

A. The annual renewal fee of Rs. 12,500 + Taxes is waived if you spend Rs. 10 lakhs or more in the preceding 12-month period of the card membership year.

Q2. Is there a fuel surcharge applicable on this card?

A. A 1% fuel surcharge waiver is provided on transactions between Rs. 400 and Rs. 1,00,000, with a maximum waiver of Rs. 1,000 per statement cycle. No reward points are earned on fuel transactions.

Q3. Can I apply for the HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card online?

A. No, the HDFC Bank Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card is an invite-only product. You generally cannot apply for it directly online. You must check your eligibility and request an invite/upgrade through your HDFC Bank Relationship Manager (RM) or by meeting the bank’s internal criteria.

Q4. Do the complimentary golf and lounge access benefits apply to my add-on cardholders?

A. Lounge Access: Yes, unlimited complimentary domestic and international lounge access (via Priority Pass) is available for both the primary and add-on cardholders. Golf Privileges: Complimentary golf games and coaching are generally extended to the primary cardholder only.

Q5. What is the value of the 12,500 welcome/renewal reward points?

A. When redeemed for flights, hotels, or air mile transfers on the SmartBuy portal (at 1 RP = Rs. 1), the 12,500 reward points are worth Rs. 12,500.