SBI Aurum Vs. HDFC Infinia: Which Premium Card is better?

SBI Aurum and HDFC Infinia are premium offerings from SBI Card and HDFC Bank. The cards cater to the lifestyle of the ultra-elites via high-end privileges across multiple categories, such as travel, shopping, golf, movies, etc. But which one is better for you? Read on to find out in our detailed comparison below:

Reward Rate: A major differentiating factor for HDFC Infinia

HDFC Infinia is widely known for its high reward rate of 3.33% (up to 33.33% on spends across Smartbuy) on redeeming points for 1:1 redemption across airmiles, Apple and Tanishq vouchers and travel bookings. In comparison, Axis Aurum offers a very low reward rate for a premium credit card at just 1%. While the earnings are decent, the value rolls down due to a very low redemption value of Rs. 0.25.

• SBI Aurum: 4 points per Rs. 100 with a maximum redemption value of Rs. 0.25
• HDFC Infinia: 5 points per Rs. 150 (50 points per Rs. 150 on Smartbuy spends) with a maximum redemption value of Rs. 1

In comparison to SBI Aurum, HDFC Infinia outshines not only due to a higher reward rate, but also due to the flexibility to redeem rewards across multiple redemption options that can benefit the diverse needs of consumers, whether frequent travelers or shopping lovers. Here are the details:

How Beneficial is the Miles Conversion Program on the Cards?

The accumulated reward points on SBI Aurum or HDFC Infinia can be used for direct travel bookings with the partner airlines or hotel chains.

For instance, for a one-way flight from Delhi to Doha, you need 13,000 Avios points for an economy-class ticket (as quoted from Qatar Airways rewards calculator on 20 May for a flight on 22 May). This means that spending around Rs. 16 Lakh on SBI Aurum in a year can fetch you one free economy class ticket to Doha (Rs. 16 Lakh= 64,000 points = 12,800 points basis conversion of 5:1). However, spending the same value on HDFC Infinia can fetch you around 53000 Avios points-enough to book 4 economy tickets, 2 business class tickets (with 26,000 Avios each) and 1 first class ticket (with 39,000 Avios points).

Note: Miles conversion value and points for flight bookings may change from time to time.

Activation Benefits: Both offer a Good Start but Aurum Puts Forward Better

To compensate for the high joining fee of Rs. 9,999 and Rs. 12,500, both SBI Aurum and HDFC Infinia offer activation benefits on payment of the joining fee.

• Infinia offers a bonus of 12,500 worth the equivalent value of the fee (when redeemed across 1:1) and Club Marriott membership for the first year.
• Aurum offers 40,000 bonus points with a value of Rs. 10,000. Plus, it offers Club Marriott memberships, digital subscriptions to The Wall Street Journal and Mint and Complementary Access to Angel Investment Network via membership to Inflection Point Venture(IPV), worth Rs.29,382.

Clearly, Aurum offers way more than the first year fee by a wide margin. Considering the card is targeted towards the affluent, high-end memberships offer a good start for such users. But unlike the bonus points on Infinia, none of these benefits are renewed on payment of the joining fee.

Milestone Benefits on Aurum: Enhanced Savings for High Spenders

Apart from the bonus of 12,500 points on renewal, HDFC Infinia does not offer any spend-based milestone benefits. In comparison, SBI Aurum offers multiple milestone benefits up to a spending threshold of Rs. 20 Lakh as follows:

• Tata Cliq Fashion voucher worth Rs. 1,500 on spending Rs. 1 Lakh every month.
• Tata Cliq Luxury voucher worth Rs. 5,000 on spending Rs. 5 Lakh
• Taj experience voucher worth Rs. 10,000 on spending Rs. 10 Lakh
• Apple voucher worth Rs. 20,000 on spending Rs. 20 Lakh

Based on such benefits, heavy spenders can derive a good return on SBI Aurum. Though spend-based, these features bridge the gap between the card’s low reward rate and its premium tag. Users, especially those who spend big and put the maximum spends on the card, can grab a decent return. Here is a detailed savings table for the same on how much moderate and high spenders save on the card.

How much do you save with these cards?

Note: Bonus points on Infinia are subject to payment of renewal fee/ Value-back on reward earning is derived basis the highest redemption value (in Rupees). Actual value-back may vary across other redemption options and miles conversion. 

Other Comparable Benefits

Considering that both Aurum and Infinia are high-annual fee premium credit cards, it is better to derive the total savings potential on the cards based on all-round lifestyle categories and not just the rewards. To compare the cards basis these, here are a few points to consider:

• If you frequently travel internationally, both cards are worth considering due to unlimited lounge access, DreamFolks/Priority Pass membership and low forex markup fee.
• Aurum offers extended guest visits of up to 4 every year, while no complimentary guest visits are allowed on Infinia. This might be an important consideration for people who like traveling with a partner.
• While Infinia offers unlimited access to domestic airport lounges, Aurum restricts these to 16 a year – surprising for a premium credit card. Here, examine if you frequently travel within India and if the frequency is sufficient for you.
• Both cards offer benefits at Club Marriott, but Infinia also offers hotel stay privileges with ITC hotels, giving users more options to explore instead of restricting stay options.
• For lifestyle benefits, analyze your preferred spending category. Infinia can be a good choice for those who frequently dine out and play golf. On the other hand, Aurum is good for those seeking all-rounder benefits and has diverse preferences across spa, movies and golf in moderation.
• SBI Aurum offers a unique benefit- AURUM’s Secretarial Access. Through this, cardholders can authorize a secretary or an executive assistant to interact with SBI Card on their behalf for limited interactions.

Which card is better for you?

Choosing the right card for you is a subjective basis of your spending preferences. To decide, here are a few points to consider:

1. Identify your preferred issuer and your existing relationship if any (existing relationships lead to higher chances of approval)
2. Examine your potential annual spend with the card- if you will be able to maximize savings on Aurum via milestone benefits or on Infinia via a high reward rate
3. Understand what redemption options match your spending preferences
4. Know your diverse lifestyle preferences around movies, golf, dining, etc.

Note: SBI Aurum comes with a high income eligibility of Rs. 40 Lakh per annum. HDFC Infinia is an invite-only card. If you are unable to get HDFC Infinia, you may avail HDFC Diners Club Black, which offers very similar benefits and an equivalent reward rate.