Infinia Gets Tougher to Keep: HDFC Raises the Bar for Existing Users

In a recent update, HDFC Bank has significantly tightened the criteria for their most premium card – HDFC Infinia, impacting the overall eligibility positioning.

Starting April 2027, Infinia users will have to meet any of the following two conditions in the next financial year, in order to retain the premium Infinia experience privileges:

• Minimum annual card spends of Rs. 18 Lakh on primary and add-on card; or
• Relationship Value (combined average monthly balance) of Rs. 50 Lakh or more maintained across savings account, current account, FD and other deposits with HDFC Bank

What this means?

Infinia was never a mass premium card to begin with. This recent change raises its exclusivity even further.

Infinia has always operated in the super-premium, invite-only space, meant for a very specific set of high-income, high-value customers. Unlike many other premium cards that are accessible to consumers who meet the income thresholds, Infinia has traditionally been about who you are to the bank, not just what you earn or spend.

By introducing the annual spend requirement of Rs. 18 Lakh to retain the card and increasing the relationship value expectation, HDFC is effectively narrowing the pool of users who can hold and benefit from the card.

Now, consumers will not only have to earn their way to Infinia but continuously justify their place.

What Should Infinia Users Do Now?

If you already spend Rs. 15-20 Lakh every year through your card, there is no need to worry as you can easily retain the card without much change in your spending strategy. Continue using Infinia as your primary card – put your high-value travel spends on the card to maximize value.

If you spend Rs. 8-12 Lakh annually, you may need to re-evaluate your card strategy and see whether moving your spends from other cards to Infinia for reaching the spending threshold of Rs. 18 Lakh would be a wise move or not. Here, you need to see if the value-back you earn is justified.

HDFC Diners Club Black: The Closest Alternative

Cardholders who cannot meet any of the two criteria to retain their Infinia Card can move to the next best option from HDFC – the HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card.

In terms of core rewards and travel benefits, Diners Club Black remains closely aligned with Infinia:

• Same base reward rate of 3.33%
• 10X rewards on SmartBuy for Flights and Hotel Bookings – same as Infinia
• Same travel partners as Infinia along with the same conversion ratio of 1:1
• Same forex mark-up fee of 2%

That said, there are a few differences. Diners Club Black offers 3X on Instant Voucher purchase where Infinia gives 5X.

Additionally, Diners Club Black comes with a strong set of lifestyle memberships, including Club Marriott, Times Prime, Amazon Prime, and MMT BLACK Elite, making it a well-rounded premium card in its own right.

However, for existing Infinia users, it’s worth noting that the “Infinia experience” goes beyond just rewards and benefits. It lies in the finer details – priority service, access, and overall positioning – which may not fully translate when switching cards.