HDFC Bank recently re-launched the entry level credit cards by late Sep 2021 and along with it HDFC Infinia metal card was also supposed to be launched. The same was delayed by ~2 weeks for unknown reasons but now the Infinia Metal Edition is finally up.
The Infinia metal edition comes with below features/changes/additions
- New metal card design
- Ability to redeem points for Apple products/Tanishq vouchers at 1:1 (70:30 applies here as well)
- No 2X rewards on dining (Same will be discontinued for Non-Metal cards effective 1st Dec’21)
- Fee: 12.5K+GST (you get 12.5K points)
- Fee waiver: 10L spend (instead of 8L)
- Complimentary Club Marriott membership for first year
- Complimentary nights (2+1) & weekend buffet (1+1) at participating ITC hotels
- and ofcourse all other features of the existing plastic Infinia.
- Visit HDFC Infinia Metal Edition on HDFC Bank website for more details.
The surprising point here is this t&c:
All Product Features (excluding Welcome/Renewal Reward Points) captured in ‘Features’ tab are also applicable for Infinia cards sourced before 18th Oct’21
Which ideally means that your current plastic Infinia is as good as the metal Infinia, except that it’s not a metal.
This is true because I can see the Tanishq voucher at 1:1 redemption already with my plastic Infinia on the smartbuy (under smartbuy>privileges>infinia>login>rewards). So it seems they simply replaced Infinia with Infinia metal.
First impressions
Design:
Existing design on plastic version looks LOT better than the metal edition.
Benefits:
- It’s sad to see the 2X on dining go.
- ITC benefits are good and maybe useful for some.
- Good to see Apple/Tanishq redemptions, but sad to see the 70:30 rule there.
Overall, the updates & design are not exciting enough for me. However, if you’re in the game of accumulating rewards, Infinia still remains as the “King of credit cards” in India .
How to upgrade?
The upgrade eligibility is likely to be sent in a phased manner, probably to the high spenders to begin with. Expect a smooth upgrade process if you intend to upgrade from plastic to metal.
For now some Infinia cardholders have received the email for upgrade and they are able to see their upgrade offer on net-banking already, as below:
That aside, most likely the existing plastic Infinia would remain at 10K fee for those who want to stay, because they legally agreed only for 10k fee and this is why it complicates the process.
This Infinia plastic/metal upgrade is approached similar to how they did with HDFC new diners 3610 series upgrades.
To sum up, if you upgrade, all you get is the metal card with FYF pricing and a higher renewal fee. Rest benefits appear to be same for all. It’s basically a cosmetic upgrade!
Now get updates on your email instantly as soon as I get know the changes/updates on the new Infinia Metal Edition.
Hi Sid,
Any thoughts/clarity on what will happen to the reward points which will be added within 90 days to the card on Smartbuy purchases of August or September (especially Extra Savings Days purchases of 30000 reward points). Will they be added to the new metal card or since the CC number changes, we lose them?
BTW, I can see this upgrade on my HDFC net banking
Where in the net banking should I check?
Go to Cards Tab > Request (on the left side of the page) > Credit Card Upgrade
Hi Raghu,
If you don’t mind, please share your CL and last year spend numbers. I want to understand the qualification criteria for the upgrade.
All,
Called customer care for the below queries and their clarification:
1. Bonus reward points: They will be credited to the new card as and when applicable
2. Membership fee: No charges when the card is applied (will be charged at the end of 12 months if 10L is not spent)
Nothing happens to your accrued reward points for any offers. Card variant or number does not affect it all. I upgraded from Regalia to Infinia & all my old 5x/10x were indeed credited & I got 1:1 benefit on those too so it was rather beneficial for me to upgrade. So do not worry for any HDFC upgrades.
Thank you Sid for the update.
Will there be another metal card above Infinia Metal? There were talks earlier about a high end metal card, Galaxia with 20k annual fees, 7 points/150 spend etc.
Will there be another metal card above Infinia Metal?
Definitely – 100%
Will it be Galaxia with said rumours?
I’m 0% sure of it. We will need to wait.
Galaxia is kind-of confirmed.
Fees details added in HDFC most important terms and condition document. Features etc are just a guess work
I can’t see the fees for Galaxia. Is anyone able to see?
Eligible for upgrade via HDFC Net Banking
any eligibility updates? like 3L/Month last time?
I am eligible for upgrade as per net banking but as I am traveling right now, wont be able to receive card. So will wait for a while.
I think Galaxia will come in Diwali time
Hi Sid,
Will it be available for LTF Infinia Card Holders?? Not showing option to Upgrade via Net banking, yet.
Same for me. I have the LTF Infinia and I don’t see the upgrade option on my net banking. I called the customer care and they said that they’ll check. If I’m eligible, I’ll receive an SMS/e-mail in about 5 days.
I have LTF infinia and also got an offer to upgrade it to metal but i don’t think it will remain LTF as it shows the fees as well in the upgrade window in netbanking
I have received LTF Infinia just few months ago. I think I will have to wait for long to get upgrade
I have a LTF Infinia Card – got the Lifetime free upgrade last year.
Just got upgrade offer for the Infinia Metal. I think the upgrade offer is based on year spending rather on some time factor
@Jagan : Is your metal upgrade LTF as well? Also what is the approximate spend you think during the year? I feel the spend is not the only criteria. It also depends on factors like when your card was upgraded. It may require atleast 1 year after your upgrade
Hi Sid
One quick question
Say I will redeem 1L voucher from the portal, I will end up in paying 30k, and for that 30k, will I be earning 5x rewards or 10x rewards?
TnC simply says:
“Redeem up to 70% on Apple products and Tanishq vouchers using Reward Points. The balance amount will need to be paid via Credit card.”
No clarity on 5x or 10x on balance 30% payment.
@Sid: any comments on this please.
This is more of a cosmetic upgrade for current Infinia card holders. Do you think if we opt for this metal upgrade, it would put us at back of the line when the HDFC Galaxia launches in coming days.
Can see 1:1 redemption (70% limit) for Apple products on smartbuy already, but sucks that iPhone 13 models are not available. As someone that was counting on this particular feature for getting their hands on a new phone, this is somewhat disheartening.
The big question would be for the life time free infinia card holder? Will it be offered to them as free as well ? I spoke to my RM and he said, they won’t offer metal card LTF to anyone.
I hold a Regalia card for 2 years now. Waiting for the upgrade to Infinia. Spent 7-8 Lacs on my card last year and recently received a mail for credit limit increase to 15L. Took the limit increase offer, now waiting for getting the upgrade.
Do you think I have chance to get the upgrade offer from Regalia to Infinia ?
HDFC doesn’t have a clearly defined methodology here. I had a credit limit of 12.55L for about a year on my DCB but never saw the upgrade offer in my netbanking. I had to write to them and then they asked me for some docs and then rejected it saying they cannot offer it to me right now. Then my credit limit got increased to 14.55L and still for almost a year I didn’t see any upgrade offer. I thought of writing to them again and they asked me to send a filled out upgrade form they’d attached. Then it got upgraded to Infinia FYF.
Does anyone know how to upgrade from Dinners black to Infinia, the only issue with Dinner black is the acceptable rate where I live so any pointers on upgrade would be appreciated.
If you have good limit. You can send upgradation forn to Chennai.
I just got upgraded from LTF diners black to chargeble infinia metal…spike to some seniors in card division at the bank and as per them there is No visibility of a ultra premium card as of now…!!!
Didn’t you try to convince them for LTF Infinia as you had LTF DCB already?
I also hold LTF DCB. Not sure if I can be migrated to LTF Infinia. I would prefer to wait for any LTF Infinia upgrade offer in future.
Anyone here migrated from LTF DCB to LTF Infinia ?
Hi,
I know quite a few people in the HDFC Hierarchy as I’m a private banking customer with them.As of now INF Metal is strictly chargeable but if there is an amendment in future they will make mine LTF.I have on the contrary requested them to allow me to retain my DCB LTF alongwith chargeable INF metal since I can easily meet the spends for both.Since my spends are pretty high so I don’t really bother about the 10 lacs criteria as ill complete that in a Qtr itself.They also informed me as of now there are no plans for a Reserve/Galaxia and if that happens ill be upgraded based on my spends.They also said that they are being very choosy and selective while doling out invites for the metal variant and will make getting INF bloody tough going ahead as they have finally realised that way too many people have got it the easy way and don’t do justice to the card in terms of spends.
It’s not that people have got it the easy way. It’s the bank which has given it to so many the easy way! That’s what they wanted and that’s what they did.. And it isn’t an outcome they wouldn’t have known!
@Anshul : Exactly. The market teams will have clear reasons on why it was given. Its never easy way with HDFC. I am also a premium customer. RMs will never help in any of these cases.
An update for DCB LTF customers expecting a free upgrade to INF/Metal.Thats not happening as DC is back and the RBI restrictions are gone so DCB will continue as it is.As for INF plastic holders they will continue to get plastic renewals unless invited for/upgraded to metal via RM.
Hi Sid, thanks for this update.
What would be the ITR/existing limit required for metal version?
Will existing card holder who have just paid the annual fee of 10000+GST be charged again for upgrading to metal in the current year?
As per email for the first year, card is free, if you don’t spend 10 lacs in a year you will be charges annual fees+gst
Thanks for the reply…
I received upgrade offer, opt in, let’s see how many days they will take it to deliver…
Holding LTF infinia on mastercard platform. Chances of metal upgrade very rare due to mastercard ban. My addon card request also turned down due to the same reason.
Any master card can be upgraded by bank. There is no ban on upgrading, ban is on new card issue. I got my card upgraded from Regalia Mastercard to Infinia Mastercard.
I got my lyf infinia mastercard changed to visa. Just call the customer care
I have LTF Infinia, I see no reasons to switch to metal version. If I get offered with LTF then only will proceed.
I checked with my RM. He says metal version won’t be given LTF to anyone. Also HDFC won’t issue PVC version anymore. That means existing PVC user whose card will expire in future/replace will be converted into paid users. But lets see, HDFC have habit of degrading a product after launch. Very soon they will start offering metal version also as LTF.
Existing Infinia PVC LTF will be renewed as it is. It will not be converted to metal and it would be LTF also, unless you want it to convert in metal.
Most likely, they won’t issue PVC infinia anymore in case of renewal/replacement, otherwise it would become confusing to have 2 version of same product.
Not mostly, it’s for sure renewal and reissue of existing LTF Infinia will continue to be LTF, HDFC is legally bound to do this. To renew/reissue it on PVC or metal card is on wish of HDFC.
@Siddarth Your following comments does not hold true with HDFC antics. They did raise the fees for Diners Black from 5000 to 10000 for all users despite they having agreed or joined at different level.
“That aside, most likely the existing plastic Infinia would remain at 10K fee for those who want to stay, because they legally agreed only for 10k fee and this is why it complicates the process.”
What I don’t like is they issue cards as super premium to few at paid basis & then make it general by offering LTF. They shall make it LTF for all to keep sanity or keep it paid for all. As such they degraded it by offering it to one & all. It’s no more premium.
One thing i noticed they were offering me mastercard metal and to some they are offering Visa Metal.
This is an upgrade so they can offer metal card on master platform for those already holding Infinia pvc master card.
Master card ban is lifted Rahul or they are just re-issuing same card number Plastic in Metal?
Its not matter of card number. No new credit card account can be added with master card. For existing accounts on master platform, upgrade/reissue is just change of card number, account remains the same.
Its better for the existing LTF Infinia Card holders to not upgrade to metal edition as the fees will be charged from 2nd year.
Can someone share their experience of redeeming Tanishq vouchers at their outlets?
1. Any exclusions, other than gold coins, which is already mentioned on their portal?
2. Limit of no. of vouchers in a single bill? Suppose, I plan to buy some bangles to the tune of 2.5L, I’ll need to redeem 25 x 10K vouchers. Will it be possible?
3. Any other points we need to know?
Hi Saurabh ,
I was just looking for this did u get any reply.
I had redeemed 60K worth of vouchers for Tanishq.
Just add multiple vouchers till you reach the limit.
You can use them at once too. No issues there, very straightforward.
Tanishq is the best redemption for the reward points IMHO (Given limited Apple products).
What is the validity of the redeemed Tanishq vouchers? Is the validity applicable from the date of redemption?
I’am going to hold on to my current plastic infinia for a little longer as both have the same benefits.
Does it make sense to get the Metal version for an additional 3K including GST?
Not at all…
I also don’t find any reason for upgrading from my paid version of plastic Infinia to metal Infinia.
More so, i have to spend 10L per year as compared to just 8L per year.
I have already completed 8L in 10 months.. why would i reset my annual cycle again..
Having the offer to upgrade to metal, will skip.
Has anyone tried ITC 2+1 booking through the concierge today?
I checked for ITC Grand Goa and the rates quoted are way higher (25-30%) than those mentioned on ITC’s own website.
Also, they are only offering base category rooms with breakfast option only, while ITC is offering 100% resort credit option at a nominally higher price both directly and through OTAs.
Overall, the 2+1 package didn’t make much sense to me at least for my current requirement.
Hoping it will work out well sometime.
This is what I have seen usually with free nights options, you get the free night but pay the rack rate or a higher rate for the remaining 2 nights, so these offers are usually moot.
I’ve heard the club marriot rewards are decent though when it comes to upgrades etc.
This is most likely an error but I tried redeeming for Tanishq vouchers through Smartbuy on my Diners black card (I have Infinia too) today and even there I could see 1:1 value.
Funnily, there was no 70% requirement and it allowed me to redeem entire amount through points.
I didn’t go ahead then and now it seems the error has been corrected.
But it has raised hopes for me that DCB also will get this feature at some point of time.
Did Not Take it. No Change in Credit limit and they are converting my LTF Card to Paid basis 12500 + GST. Not Worth it Just to have a metal Card. ( BTW Have a One Card Metal with 10L limit) So the novelty has worn off.
Good business strategy by HDFC
1) First give bulk LTF Infinia to everyone then bring upgrade metal and discontinue old card
2) Now you either have to upgrade paid version in coming month after your card expire or stop using premium cards (forgot about 10X offers)
3) same business strategy by jio first give free data people to get habitual of 1 GB data per day then charge money
You are not correct. Think it in legal perspective.
Mark my words, NO WAY HDFC CAN FORCE AN LTF FREE INFINIA USER TO TAKE PAID METAL VERSION. EXISTING LTF INFINIA WILL CONTINUE TO BE LTF. IT’S UPTO BANK TO RENEW/REISSUE IT ON PVC OR METAL CARD.
Your assumption is wrong here, if the product itself is discontinued, then bank is not bound to offer you another LTF product in lieu of it. Happened with axis bank earlier, Lets wait, if someone is able to renew PVC then it will be more clear.
Product is not discontinued but just being offered on metal card with some extra feature. Its a kind of relaunch. Extra fee is for metal.
+1 @Nikhil
Brother looks like you don’t have idea about LTF works. LTF do not means it will work for Life time.
what if HDFC Discontinued PVC infina and only options left for you is either upgrade to metal(Paid) or downgrade to DCB/Regalia then you can’t do anything here. They will not make one card specially for you. Its a part of business cards will comes and go. No service is not permanent
Please look into this article for more info: https://www.cardexpert.in/the-truth-about-your-lifetime-free-credit-card/
LTF generally means just the three year life of the card.. And not like some decades. And at the time of renewal if product doesnt exist, they cant give you new product on LTF
@raghu
Mine was worst in 2019. I got diners black signed an agreement for 5k fee because all my cards were LTF previous to dcb. Probably bank wanted to make sure that I don’t create issue after getting the card. Then within a month they have hiked the fee to 10k. If it was USA hdfc would have got sued terribly 😂. Anyways from past 2 years my spends has been more than 5 lakhs so never been billed for annual fees. I will not opt for infinia metal because still there is no International travel and no point in paying 14750 for additianl 7500 points. Already I am breaking my head how to burn my existing 2 lakh points. Other good thing I noticed is whenever my bill is around 50k bank has been generous to give me minimum 750 gift voucher and I have earned more than 15k in gift vouchers in 2 years plus fee waiver of 12500 😊. Plus dcb still has 2x for dining which I don’t use anyways.
Why in the world I should get infinia metal now? And people who are saying it’s illegal bank cannot do this or that with more than 10years of banking the bank can literally do anything. They can even cancel your card and force you to get metal and simply say it’s company policy. You can still complaint to rbi but you would loose 10x so no one will do it.
One question Sid? is it really worth to upgrade (I’ve not received any option on NetBanking yet though :))
Also, in case of not achieving 10L, 12.5+GST being paid for renewal charges, would we get 12500 rewards?
I too got the upgrade offer in NB.. however pausing to click the button as may miss the galaxia if introduced soon… Atleast hdfc takes a year to provide next upgrade..if any downgrade on rewards for infinia plastic card holders soon?
Received a call today (18th) from Mumbai (VRM) and offered me the upgrade. He clarified the following additional points.
*It’s FYF (for upgrade).
*I’ll get the MC variant (not Visa) as my existing card is MC.
*RP transfer will be 100%.
*The card will be with better packaging (than the plastic Infinia).
The card has been processed, as I can see my credit limit is ‘0’ now (just like previous upgrades). For those who are unaware, I can still spend up to my credit limit.
The ITC redemptions are once every month for buffet and maximum one day per booking for hotels. All the bookings have to be done through HDFC concierge.
I see no reason of loosing LTF status just for piece of metal and I don’t know why they launched this card without any new features. As per customer care they will not give LTF this metal card to anyone. The only reason to upgrade could be excitement and nothing else.
“The only reason to upgrade could be excitement and nothing else” – True for most.
@Sid can you throw some light on the matter of what will happen post expiry of PVC cards will we have to get 12k metal cards or will we be reissued 10k pvc cards or will we get metal cards for 10k?
Pvc or metal, both are one product, INFINIA. Its just you are paying extra for a piece of metal to satisfy your senses. Bank may going forward issue new cards only on metal. Existing LTF Infinia has to be LTF, either with PVC or metal cards its upto bank. Paid Infinia can very well be forced to renew with metal version, bank has this right to do so (Legally its just change of fee).
Has a word with DVP Card S&M HDFC Mr Gill about my INFINIA. The cards which are LTF will remain LTF and after expiry they will be issued again as LTF. The card which is FYF “My card” will come again as a PVC card post expiry or I will be asked for permission for fee adjustment.
My INFINIA will expires in 2023 and was thinking of getting the metal card earlier but the 3k extra is not worth it so will continue with the current PVC card till 2023 and see what comes up non the less great news for LTF holders that the card will be reissued post expiry as a LTF card.
I opted for the upgrade as I usually get the fee waived due to the spend criteria. It is first year free for now and the ITC 2+1 night offer, 1+1 buffet (Saturday and Sunday) once a month are the only new things. The booking has to be using Infinia concierge before Thursday for the weekend buffet. Hopefully can upgrade to Galaxia (or whatever it is going to be called) whenever they launch.
Yes the weekend dining 2x offer is discontinued from all Infinia cards from 1st Dec’21
The card’s design looks very generic for a metal card. Agreed the metal feels different but they could have designed the card a bit better. This is plain Jane!
Any non infinia person got metal infinia upgrade?
Possible Correction: Diners Black New Series is 3610 and not 3601.
updated, thanks.
For someone who travels as much as me , the metal card/cards beep while under going security checks at the airport and one has to drop em in the bag / tray .
Not a biggie to most but still …
Don’t we need to keep our wallets in tray/bag anyway?
I can see the first 6 and last 4 digits of new card in NetBanking. First 6 are same (MC) as old card, last 4 are different.
I believe the metal variant may eventually have a different max 10x points earning than the 15,000 (or drop plastic variant to 7,500 like they did to DB) to lure people to move to this new version. If they do not differentiate between plastic amd metal holders, I am sure they are smart enough to understand that people would not migrate. Presently the redemption rate for vouchers is 1:1 for Tanishq and Apple – To differentiate probably it may role out to all other vouchers as well.
We will have to wait and watch, but at the moment it’s just the excitement for change.
Less likely, because they’ve declared that all features are same for both cards. But yes, they should have actually done that from business perspective.
New issuances only on metal card. Existing LTF Infinia cannot be touched by them, will continue to be LTF after renewal.
For existing paid infinia its not a case for them to force immediately to metal, most probably its going to happen automatically after renewal.
New issuance can be PVC as well. My DCB got upgraded to Infinia FYF. Its PVC card with old fees and old spend annual spend needed (8L) for next year fee waiver.
Want to know about 70:30 redeeming for apple products
Hey Siddharth,
I guess updates are not available for high spenders as of now since they might be eligible for Titanium Card! Please confirm whether you have received the metal edition update or not?
Request other bloggers to confirm their spent amount in last 6 months!
My monthly bill on Infinia is in excess of 1 lakh and six months would be 10 lakhs for sure.. Got the upgrade option to metal
Spent 27L in the last 12 months and 13L in the last six months.. got the NB upgrade.. holding Infinia for about 2 yrs..
Hello Guys, I need an advice. I have opted for HDFC Infinia Metal Edition yesterday using net banking, as I had received the offer. I have the Mastercard variant. Do I continue with it or get my vendor changed to visa. I avail international lounges sometimes. Is there any benefit of continuing with Mastercard?
Thanks in anticipation.
Where is the option to redeem tanishq voucher on hdfc smart buy for infinia or diners black.
Thanks for the FYI. I just upgraded mine via Net Banking 🙂
Hey Sid,
Tanishq vouchers can be used in stores and are they physical or digital ones like Amazon?
Thanks
How they can be used in Stores and enforce 70:30 rule at the same time? Redemption is going to be online just like flight booking until n unless Tanisq updates their billing system to pay no more than 70% of the bill value using vouchers.
You redeem the Infinia points to buy Tanishq voucher from the SmartBuy portal (under Privileges -> Infinia -> More -> Luxury Vouchers section). If you buy a 10K voucher, you would be expected to pay 3K on the portal then itself using your HDFC card (7K points will be deducted). This 10K eVoucher then can be used at physical tanishq outlets (can’t use online) to buy anything worth 10K. Not sure still if there is a cap on how many such gift vouchers can be clubbed in a single purchase.
There is no cap on no of gift vocuhers, In My case, cashier was happy to redeem 50 vouchers each of 2K. It took some time to redeem, but he helped to redeem.
i am on Infinia (lifetime free card), will i be able to see the upgrade?
i checked few minutes back, and it wasn’t available for me.
Yes you might see the upgrade anytime soon but on a paid basis.
I have been a long standing Infinia user hence my points never expire, will I lose this advantage if I upgrade to metal? I believe people that got Infinia over the past few years have an expiry date of 3 years to use their points.
My netbanking is showing the upgrade possible however need to be sure of the above as I am sitting on a good amount of points too.
Lastly, my spends are high so should i just skip this and jump straight to Galaxia if it is going to launch this year? Or does it make sense to take the metal then jump to Galaxia?
Just wait.
I had recently applied for infinia card. But RM refused to make it LTF. On what basis people have got LTF infinia card
?
There is no basis but the business you do with them. Still possible on case to case basis but most of the RMs are useless.
No need for this cosmetic upgrade if you already hold a LTF Infinia.
Just upgraded to the metal edition (visa).. 😊 my spendings are usually high so 12.5k fee won’t be applicable. 👍
@Sid: Will my add on cards also be replaced?
Yes, all your add-on’s will be converted to metal as well.
@sid: Thanks
I do not see the upgrade to metal offer in Netbanking. Wonder why!
I did however call Customer Care and they took a request and said its subject to approval. Lets see how it goes.
I see my card is now swapped to Infinia V Metal based on my request to CC.
PVC – Tony Stark
Metal – Iron Man
Lol. I would put it this way instead:
Metal – Iron Man (without any new abilities)
Metal looks more like Tin Man than Iron Man
I have a LTF Diners Black Card with limit >10L. How can I upgrade to Infinia Metal? Or is there still a way to get LTF Infinia? Metal or Plastic doesn’t matter to me.
Are all new Infinia applicants getting the metal card directly?
Also ones that are due for renewal in coming few months would get metal or plastic again?
All New applicants will get metal. No say from bank yet on renewal/reissue.
Does anyone have redeemed points against apple products? If so how do we apply apple care on that product?
Trying to find apple/Tanishq vouchers on Smartbuy>Privileges>Infinia>Login>Rewards
Can only see Tanishq at 0.5 redemption and apple products at inflated points.
Am I missing something or have they changed the offer?
I have been receiving upgrade offers from my Regalia first to Millenium.
Is this really an upgrade ?
Should I go for it or wait for another updgrade offer
what is tha highest limit of this metal card
Hi siddharth,
I received the Metal Variant today.
With the new priority pass and supplementary cards as well(in metal).
It is looking Rich over the predecessor.
I guess the infinia members who havent received the update are eligible for the upcoming Super Premium card! I havent received the update though my CL is 10.6L and my spents in last 10 months were 33 Lakhs.
Please confirm whether the above theory is consistent with you if you havent received any update?
For me never in my life the upgrade option worked in netbanking. I used to always call customer care and then get my card upgraded. Is it possible to get a metal card if existing card limit is more than 1o lakhs ?
Has anyone received the new card? Unboxing article would be interesting.
Also if upgrade to metal gets a club mariott or not for existing Infinia.
My Infinia Metal Card is coming tomorrow. 🤩🤩
Customer care is taking requests to upgrade to Infinia metal if spends in the previous year is 8L+. Managed to get mine upgraded.
Customer care told me the spends need to be 15 Lacs+ in previous year to be eligible for metal card.
Did you call to the number listed back of your infinia card ?
Just a thought, what if I block my card or report lost card, what will hdfc do? Still they give me free metal card or will give me same plastic card. Can try this though. Naugty thought.
You will get plastic
I received metal card On 21/10. Look and feel was OK not great.
I have Infinia (PVC). I applied for add-on for my sister today.
Confused as to whether the add-on will be PVC or metal?
My Infinia (non metal) card came with FYF offer on spending 3L with 90 days and Renewal fee is waived off if i spend 8L in a year .
My question here is to get the Renewal fee waived off do i need to spend 8L within First card anniversary year or in between First card anniversary and Second card anniversary?
Have opted for metal upgrade and as my old card transaction limit was set as zero,now iam unable to do any transaction on the old card .new card is showing in NB but that’s yet to be despatched.. even can’t use points as well.. Infinia coinceirge too could not do anything.. Technical issue !!
There is one major difference I found to metal card as compared to plastic one . The metal one gives complimentary lounge access to add on member as well. I checked with Infinia cc on existing plastic card and as per them only primary member gets complimentary lounge access on plastic infinia. If anyone has tried and got complimentary lounge access on plastic infinia please do share
It is there on plastic Infinia. Both via card as well as priority pass. Used them all when we fly with family. We get 4 swipes 2 cards and 2 pp when needed.
Not true. Even addon card members get lounge access and PP card as well. I have used this often and can confirm that it works flawlessly.
Complimentary lounge access to add-on members is even for plastic version of infinia. All my add-on cards have separate priority pass card.
Thats not correct. Even previously with PVC Infinia, Add on memebers had access to lounges. They even get their own Priority Passes as well.
Plastic Infinia does have unlimited access for add-on cards as well.
Now only 4 per quarter in domestic lounges
Finally got the metal card its rich, heavy and solid and feels luxury .
You can feel royal when u handover to swipe it 🙂
I was finally able to get up DIners black card upgraded to Infinia.
Not sure if I will get the metal or plastic one, but hardly matters.
It has been a dream to get the infinia card and finally it’s coming true.
It was a bit hard as I don’t have savings bank A/C or any other relation with HDFC
Could you kindly let me know how did you get the card without any banking relationship? I too am trying to get an Infinia from diners black but it seems stuck
Hello
Kindly let me know how did u get the upgrade. I hold Diners black since last 2 years and now I would like to upgrade to Infinia. Is there any particular way or something needs to be done for this upgrade.
You advice will be really helpful
Apparently the card doesn’t fit into ATM machines? So it’s tough to set a PIN for add-on cards? Typical screw up from HDFC
@varun
Let us know how did you set up pin then for primary and add-on card 😁
Check OTP in your mobile…so u should change pin for addon with OTP.
I wish i had checked this comment before making a useless trip to ATM. Yes the card is too thick for the card slot. Will have to utilize the IVR setup or use the PIN shared by the bak (which I highly don’t recommend)
I was able to insert 3 add-on cards into the ATM card slot and set a new PIN. I used the HDFC ATM in Bangalore.
Not sure from where this card is thick idea came from. It’s actually exactly same in thickness with usual plastic cards. or, does someone getting different thicker versions?
Actually, the issue is not the thickness, it’s the stiffness… The thickness is same as plastic. but, as metal won’t bend easily, if inserted in an angle, it won’t go in. Just align it straight and won’t be any issue in any ATM…
People experiencing the issue, just need to wiggle the card a little to align the slot to get inserted..
Just received my Infina metal and also addon metal card with 2 priority pass
For everyone who are proceeding for metal upgrade.. pause ⏸️ and read below before pressing submit button ✅
1.Please keep enable your existing card for online /offline transaction with good transaction limit
2.If you have disabled card for online/offline use for safety reasons,you can’t use ur old Infinia card till you receive your new card
3.My bad luck ,i had to travel immediately on the very next day of giving upgrade request and neither customer care nor Infinia coinceirge could do anything to unblock your old card..
Neither u can set any transaction limit to more than zero
Thought to share my experience to one and all here to alert you..
And hope hdfc fixes this technical glitch soon
Received Infinia day before yesterday but not metal…
@vyom aggarwal : I think Older issues, card replacement and add on cards will continue to be pvc for existing users. They will still have PVC cards in their stock which for sure they will try to finish if the customer is not upgrading by agreeing with new fees.
I think most banks follow it, Yes bank upgraded my card to Yes Exclusive LTF eventhough I was not using the card for 1 year. I think they had lot of Master cards in stock and after ban they can’t give it to new users. So they wanted to some how clear the stocks and upgraded existing users. For me at these times there is no logic or relationship values checked :P. It will be till stock lasts. Now i remember the HDFC LTF upgrades early this year to may users who were actually spending low.
There is no logic in this assumption.
@Sandeep : I have stated points i had experienced and I am the one who received both these cards. I don’t understand why you found this illogical. What do you think that bank will do with these cards if the ban is not lifted. This is logic. Anyways i cant force any one to agree with my view 🙂
Please share what you did as I have a yes preferred LTF which I want to get upgraded to exclusive LTF.
Whether anyone with MC PVC has received their upgraded metal card? It’s showing as Active in Netbanking but the card is not yet delivered.
Also, RP on Smartbuy is showing 0 balance, whether we can redeem RP before the next bill generation?
This has been an issue for me too, points and everything is showing 0 for the last 2 days while the new card has not shipped yet. Did your problem resolve, Sankalp?
Yes this is a common issue. MC metal is somehow taking more time to issue.
Finally its in my Hand, The First in my Town to received. Comes with Priority Pass, Its Lovely and looks Premium in Metal
Is it LTF ? If yes, how did you manage ?
Is infinia metal fyf waiver applicable or we have to pay 14750 as soon as we receive card ?
By the way covid outbreak is back in Russia and China so there are chances of again blocking International travel. I think I will keep my card on hold till things gets cleared.
I have received options of getting a Business Regalia & Infinia Metal card from my Bank. I currently use StanC Ultimate & Axis Vistara Infinite cards. My spending was approx. 12-15L Pre Covid and I hope to return to that net year. I’m satisfied with the rewards and privileges I have with my cards. The only thing which urged me to look towards cards is my card Limit of 3L. Recently I faced issues booking a flight ticket north of 3L.
Both the Regalia & Infinia gives me starting 8L limit.
I can very easily get LTF on Regalis, but I maybe have to pay fees in the second year (will get 3L spend in 90days ) on Infinia metal.
Can someone suggest if it is worth considering Infinia in my situation?
If you fly frequently, use Smartbuy portal for booking flights using Infinia. That is no brainer. Infinia is 110% worth it.
How to get Infinia life time free as i have paid version of card and my renewal is near.i came to know that many people got infinia as lifetime free card.Any chance for people who got upgrdation to infinia previous lifetime offer?
A question to all who got metal card upgrade in netbanking? Is there any one with the credit limit less than 10 Lakhs and still got the offer? May be considering the yearly spend to wave off Annual fee is 10L, they might also give this upgrade or card with a limit of 10L only
I got my infinia master metal card to get add on card visa was mandatory so through call I reapplied for visa and I got the card now visa infinite I think I should loose nothing right from master card variant to visa infinite infact I get one known advantage of add on card on visa infinite
Hi Sid,
There are lots of wrong/fake information posted here by few members which only ruining your reputation.
Latest being ‘The metal card is so thick that ATM machines aren’t accepting it’! It’s a blatant lie!!! When one member posted and another one confirmed that, I was convinced. Had a long conversation with CC and mentioned repeatedly that I’m not able to change PIN of my add on cards due to this issue.
Today visited my nearest HDFC ATM without much hope and the card was inserted without any issues.
Shame on these liars!!!!
Thanks for the feedback. Will try to verify these negative aspects before making it live in future.
Got an email from HDFC on upgrade on Metal from existing plastic Infinia. Looks like . It says no change in membership fees will be there . Mine is LTF Infinia . Does it Infinia Metal is also going to be LTF for me ?
Hdfc is known for not sending customised emails per user. Check carefully the upgrade terms and conditions including fee and also confirm with CC as well before proceeding.
Is there anyone whose LTF Infinia is getting expired in December?
I wonder it would be PVC or metal for renewal
I just noticed that one of the hotels which costed 3084 in make my trip including taxes same room and hotel is priced at 3743 😳. I have done lots of international travels but this is the first time I am seeing such a huge price difference. Generally price difference would be 50 to 100 max. I will just Chek with other cities too. If this is the case then no point in having infinia or dcb. Or I guess hdfc is deliberately doing coz they don’t want people to use points for domestic travel. Very disappointed with this.
This is very common. Generally hotels price is more in hdfcsmartbuy always with a huge difference….best is to book hotels which are international chains for which prices in almost all sites are same like Hilton, Marriott. Else only flight booking is better, even though for that also we get in MRP wherein in other sites like mmt we get some card offers too, but I think it is still ok. So in no case we get 100% reward value, but something is better than nothing.
This can happen. The same room can have different prices on different booking portals. It should not be related to smartbuy portal alone.
Hi guys
Need some help urgently.
I am trying to buy Tanishq vouchers from my Infinia points. I have total of 84k points. I intended to buy 1.2L worth of vouchers, 84k through points and rest 36 through card. But it doesnt allow me as I can buy maximum of 80k vouchers, out of which 56k through points. So once I am done with this transaction, Can i again attempt to buy 25 k vouchers, again out of which 17.5k would be through points ans rest through credit card?
Or will I be allowed to buy only once i.e 80k vouchers as I hold 84k points only?
Dont know what will happen in future but currently they are giving 2x on dining on metal.
Likely they will discontinue it together for all. From T&C it looked like pvc will get it till nov end while metal gets discontinued immediately.
Anyone ordered apple products from smartbuy rewards. How much time does it take??
I am planning to order ipad
Upgrades from non-infinia to infinia are pvc cards with, FYF, old fees and old annual spends needed for next year free (8L).
Has anyone redeemed points for any of the Apple products?
Wanted to know the details of invoice they generate?
As in, when we redeem for flights/hotels, invoice for total amount is received. I had claimed it once for LTC Exemption without any issues.
Would be great if Sid or anyone else can clarify this.
Hi, 1) Is Infinia Metal worth by paying Rs 12,500 joining fee now?
2) How to get it LTF free like other users?
3) How to get atleast First year free?
Thanks in Advance
4) Will 12,500 RP be credited only by paying joining fee?
Hi Sidharth, following recent devaluation of DCB to 3x on smartbuy etc, does it make sense to upgrade a LTF DCB to paid Infinia?
It depends how much you will spend
Infinia does make sense if your annual spent is more than 10 L
Today i received an upgrade to Infinia Metal FYF.
I was holding PVC Infinia LTF.
I know there is no difference in Infinia both cards.
I am wondering if Infinia PVC will be downgraded in future when compared to Infinia Metal. Any thoughts ?
It’s too difficult to predict but anything can change going forward.
I’m not expecting that to happen.
One difference i noticed is with respect to the buffer limit on Infinia Metal.
When i was holding Infinia PVC, initially there was buffer limit.
But later in few months they removed buffer limit specifying that offer no longer exists for me.
After upgrading to Infinia Metal, they added buffer limit again.
Though it’s not a feature which works for all, Just an observation..
Hdfc infinia is degrading benefits day by day…..they used to give unlimited 15% off without any capping on dineout…..now they have restricted that amount to Rs 1000 per month. Now receiving continuous calls to upgrade to paid version of metal instead of Ltf non metal card which I have. I suspect that they might reduce their point structure too.
Mee to getting the mail for upgradation from infinia to metal infinia. No difference for both. But free for upgradation , next year onwards payable.
@shiv
What reason is the bank giving to upgrade to paid infinia? First they give free upgrade to infinia for regalia users then now this.. Bank has devalued a lot and many started cancelling. My father has been just offered with LTF regalia at age 80 years. Bank is loosing lots of costumers and I have read that many cancelled their dcb too.. Just stick to LTF infinia.
Still surprising, why is infinia metal introduced? Why not an upgraded card with different name.
Not sure what’s the strategy behind it.
HDFC has the habit of strengthening their existing products. So they did the same this time too, by converting plastic to a stronger metal. 😉
Are there any other products which offer complimentry 1 year Amazon Prime membership ?
Before a year completion of launching Metal Infinia. Bank might start converting Metal Infinia to LTF.
I see 1+1 weekday buffet in ITC Hotels till may 31, 2022.
Not sure if it was discussed in these parts.
Cheers !
S&S
I got Infinia card last week along with Priority Pass. Wanted to check if we have enable/activate the priority pass or I can straight away use it. Also there is no PIN?
There’s no need to enable/activate as it’s preactivated. Lounge executive will take (and add-on cardholders, if any) sign to authenticate.
Note: All those who aren’t aware, you can use your PP (which comes with ‘Infinia only’) at domestic airports as well, unlimited including all add-on card holders.
All apple products are not at 1 point = 1 Re , all the latest ones are at 1 point = 50p , not sure why.
Got my Infinia Metal card today after upgrade from LTF Regalia. But like few guys here I am also not able to use the metal card in ATM machine.
Tried in 2 different HDFC ATM’s in Chennai. Not sure whether its the card thickness or some other issue.
And an important thing. pls Dont call me too a liar just like few comments above. The issue is real for me and not sure whether I have to request for replacement card.
The metal card is compatible with only select new ATM machines. Call Infinia customer care and tell them your location/PIN code and they will tell you nearby compatible ATM machines. Or try at any newly opened branch, they’d typically have newer ATM machines which will be compatible with metal card.
I’ve used 5-6 ATM (old & new) and 15-16 POS terminal (dipped every time, not swiped), never had any issue. My card was among the very first lot. Received a call from Mumbai on the launch day itself and didn’t waste a second to accept it.
Mine is a MC variant, probably because my plastic card was MC.
Thanks for the reply Pranab. I didn’t have any issue with the POS terminals till now. But my only issue is not able to use in ATM machine.
As Anshul told above. will try to sort it out with Infinia CC and will keep you guys posted on the response from CC
There is 1+1 weekday buffet offer (till July 31 2022) with participating ITC hotels.
Not received regular RP yet on rent payment through Infinia
platform : NoBroker
rent – 34k
Any one experienced the same or otherwise ?
Yes. Same – no points yet for payment made thru Cred
Got the Metal Infinia for my Imperia Account after six months of its opening…It feels good to hold a metal card but 10L spend might be a challenge…I took it because it was FYF. Do we get points for fuel payments and is there any exclusions for reward points? How many add on cards can be applied and is it free?
No point for fuel.only surcharge will come back.
I think 2 to 3 add on card ypu can get it.
It’s a life time free card? Or chargeable.
It is not Life Time Free. It is only First Year Free and need to spend Rs. 10L to get waiver for second year else renewal fees will be charged and 12500 reward points will be credited after fee realisation. I will apply for the add on cards as Priority Pass with unlimited access will come free…
Ajay,
I have a DCB CC (not LTF). I have a large number of points expiring over the next few months (thanks to pre-COVID travel and 10x SmartBuy – good old days!). I am thinking of upgrading my card to Infinia to redeem those on Tanishq / Apple. Would my existing points carry over to the new card if I get upgraded?
I did an international transaction in CAD and at the time of the transaction, CAD to INR was around 61.18 (according to Xe) but I was billed at 61.99. Not sure what is the case but this is a huge difference, especially considering that they are yet to add Forex Fees and GST. Not sure if it is because of MasterCard
(Infinia Metal Mastercard) because last month I made a similar transaction using my mother’s regalia(visa) and the conversion rate was very comparable to the rate displayed on Xe.
Any comments regarding the same would be extremely helpful.
VISA/MC/AMEX have their own published rates for the day , they follow that and not XE
Do you know where to find these ? I see on HDFC website only for Bank’s conversion rate not for cards.
Hi,
I currently hold a Diners black card and have met the 8 lakhs milestone benefit spend criteria for this anniversary year.
My question is that if I upgrade my card to Infinia Metal prior to the end of the anniversary year will I still receive the milestone benefits or not? My card anniversary is sometime towards the end of November.
Today i was checking Card Upgrade option in my credit card login, have PVC MC Infinia old design.
It showed up 2 options
1) MC Regalia
2) Ka ching 6E Rewards XL
Wow, Funny but not funny.
Now i feel, WE WILL BE BACK SOON (X) banner was looking better than this.
Showing Same here, I’ve PVC LTF Infinia Visa Variant. An option to downgrade the card with Paid Variant.?? Why ?? I think, now it’s time to switch to Axis Magnus.
Same here. Today I also saw those 2 options when I tried upgrading online my old PVC based Infinia. How on earth those 2 options are an upgrade from Infinia? Looks like a bug and quality control issue at HDFC’s end!
I m also getting Regalia and Indigo 6E credit card upgrade offer on Infinia card (Internet banking portal). I think, this must be some error in system.
I got a call from someone claiming he was from HDFC bank yesterday.
He said I’m eligible for upgrade to metal infinia from my existing regular infinia.
FYF. Post which annual fee waiver on meeting spend threshold.
The speaker sounded too dubious for me to accept the offer on a call.
I logged in a while back.
I see i’m eligible for upgrade to metal infinia and regalia (lol).
Points will be transferred at 1:1 or some such thing it said.
The scary part was the last line on the on screen notes.
It said something about points being converted .20P for every Re .1.
With a reference to some Indigo card & cashback.
India’s top banks’ digital comms is quite sad.
The upgrade offer doesn’t take into consideration the current card you have. It just provides options based on what you input
Think they are providing Regalia/6E upgrade all around. Received FIF upgrade offers with both options for my Millennia. The Millennia is a better card for me than the 2 upgraded offers for me, its LTF to start with, and think the cashpoints work better for me than the reward points that would give decent returns only on travel returns… So not bothering to upgrade. But HDFC is not willing to give up just yet, I have been receiving SMS after SMS and mail after mail encouraging me to upgrade!
Few days back saw banner in HDFC netbanking about new credit card offer. I just have saving account with good amount and locker with them. Just to see what cards I will be offered, I started the process. In that saw Infinia, DCD and regalia. I applied for that and within 5 days got the card.
Hi there was an issue for setting up the pin for add on cards since the atm machine were not accepting infinia metal cards. Any idea if the issue has been resolved? Is there an alternate way of setting up the pin for add on cards? Thanks.
I had a similar issue and the customer service gave me a list of ATM’s that accept metal cards. Another option is to request a physical pin which they send through courier.
Long back , but visit branch based ATMs , if your nearest branch doesn’t offer , try a bigger branch.. or rely on physical provided pins via hdfc
Some machines don’t accept it, but some do. Try some other atm and see if it works. You cannot set up the pin in netbanking as the cards have same number.
You can request physical pin or you need to check atm which support infinia metal
There are special ATMs which accept infinia metal cards. Call HDFC to locate one near you.
I guess you are talking about the smaller ones.
I am avoiding that machine. I tried withdrew from that. Trnx was declined 2 times. I share the error code with Infinia customer care. They said the code reffers as Fraudulent trxn.
This happened 2-3 occasions. So now i use in other machine
If I elect to stay with Infnia Plastic (Paid) and decline upgrade to Infinia Metal (Paid), do you see any challenge?
The important question is are you fulfilling the spend threshold
Yes, I cross the spend threshold for the Metal card comfortably . My doubt is more on – how would the bank look at it when I refuse the upgrade even when offered and when I meet the spend threshold.
Maybe not immediately.. let me explain.
HDFC is not issuing new Infinia plastic – so they want to discontinue it.
One option with the bank is they may give you choice of “upgrade” to metal or downgrade when it’s time for renewal.
The other option is they may make plastic less attractive relative to the metal either by enhancing the benefits on the metal card or reducing benefits on the plastic
I think no issues. During card renewal time new metal card will come.
Today i have got the mail for spend basis voucher 1750 for Rs.2,04000/- to my Infinia plastic version.
Earning reward points on Infinia has gone diving South. No RPs on NPS, none on Traffic chalan payment, even reversal of RPs for Payzapp loads. How the hell RPs will be earned.
Hi SIddharth,i have one quiry, i want to purchase a mobile worth 20k from flipkart, flipkartis giving 1000/-instant discount for hdfc cards, i just want to kow how to get maximum value in terms of reward points and discount using my infinia credit card…your reply would be appreciated..thanks in advance..
Purchase the 10k Flipkart instant vouchers from smart buy and get the 5x rewards. For balance 10k order through hdfc smart buy Flipkart to get the 3x rewards and Rs.1000 instant discount also.
Total rewards 1665 +900
Thanks for response as per flipkart terms and conditions for 1000 instant discount we can not use gift voucher for partial payment through gift card
If you can wait for 3 more days to buy your phone, then buy 10K Flipkart instant Vouchers through Smartbuy portal today itself
and buy the balance 10K instant Vouchers on 1st May. Thereby giving you total reward points 1650+1650= 3300Points
I have a ltf Infinia pvc that is expiring in Jan 2024. Did anyone get a ltf metal / ltf pvc post expiry?
You will get PVC with new design which will continue to be LTF
You’ll get the PVC one only with same card number, with new updated design & It will remain LTF having a new expiry date and CVV.
If you prefer the metal variant just for the looks/feel, then it will be 12500+taxes.
My advise- if your yearly spends are less than 10L , then stick with PVC
As far as I have observed and heard. We will be getting PVC.
Even mine is LTF and getting renewed after few months
same here, mine is also expiring and bank is offering me Metal Edition infnia but LTF card would be turning to paid one for 12,500/- thus didnt opted for it.
seems that bank is trying to trick customers with upgrade into paid cards. even my wife and brother got the same offer and they didnt opted for it.
same here, mine is also expiring and bank is offering me Metal Edition infnia but LTF card would be turning to paid one for 12,500/- thus didnt opted for it.
seems that bank is trying to trick customers with upgrade into paid cards. even my wife and brother got the same offer and they didnt opted for it.
Hi Sid – pls compare Infinia Metal to newly lauched Diners Black Metal.
I am upgrading my DCB Black – which one would be better upgrade – DCB Metal or Infinia Metal ?
Comparatively, I would stick to dcb. DCB has a milestone benefit for spending around 4 lakhs each quarter which is not offered with Infinia. The reward point system and reward redemption is the same. If you cannot spend more than 10LPA for fee wavier on Infinia and can spend around 8LPA, stick to dcb. If you can spend only around 5LPA, stick to pvc dcb.
Unfortunately, spending 4 lac in a quarter on Diner’s platform is a big ask as few payment gateways don’t support Diners. It is easier to spend that much on Visa platform.
DCB Metal has a significantly lower daily/monthly cap on Smartbuy points. It is 10,000 points cap per day, compared to 15,000 for Infinia. With DCB Metal, you’re very likely to hit this cap for any major international flight booking. Just something to keep in mind for this decision.
I finally upgraded to Infinia Metal as my spends will cross 10 lacs pa. Thanks everyone for comments.
Now the new add on cards on Infinia are coming with a different number and not the same as the main card.
The OTP for online transactions on the add on cards will be sent to add on members mobile number.
It’s similar to IDFC add on now.
It’s a great advancement by HDFC.
But wait replacing the present add on cards having same numbers as main card will be tricky. They say to close the card and send a manual request to Chennai with filled up form.