Which Premium/Super Premium credit card to get in 2025?

[slimshady]

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share an update on my credit card journey and get some fresh inputs. I’m primarily not looking for cashback cards; my main goal is to accumulate reward points that I can transfer for hotels or airlines. Additionally, I’d like a card with good lounge access (both domestic and international), preferably without heavy usage conditions. I’m fine paying an annual fee if the card justifies it—LTF usually means minimal benefits, so not chasing that specifically.

Key Updates:
1. My ITR for this financial year will cross ₹50L, so I’m planning to leverage that in May/June 2025 to apply for a higher-tier card (hopefully something like HDFC Infinia/DCB or an equivalent from another bank).
2. My AU Zenith+ was blocked due to a fraudulent transaction, and I’m currently disputing it. So I no longer have that lounge benefit from Zenith+.
3. I have a ₹1L international expense coming up this week. I can’t use AmEx for this (acceptance issue), so I’m considering using my HDFC Millennia. But I’m wondering if I should sign up for a new card that might offer better rewards and/or lounge access for international spend. Also, if I do put this large transaction on Millennia, should I leverage that for an upgrade request with HDFC in a few months (once my new ITR is ready)?
4. I’m no longer interested in the Samsung Axis cards.
5. I can only get Axis Atlas after May 2025 due to a previous application rejection.

My Current Credit Cards:
• American Express Platinum Travel
• American Express Membership Rewards (LTF via milestones)
• AU SF Bank Zenith+ (for no conditions lounge access) (currently blocked due to fraud dispute)
• Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card
• HDFC Millennia (LTF)
• Tata Neu Infinity Rupay HDFC (LTF; regularly used for UPI)
• OneCard South Indian Bank (LTF)
• Amazon Pay ICICI (LTF)
• UNI NX Wave Yes Bank (LTF; mainly for 0% forex)

Given my ITR is going to be above ₹50L, I’m hoping that might improve my chances at some of the super premium options by mid-2025 (like HDFC Infinia/DCB, or maybe something with ICICI). But I’m not sure if it’s better to wait until May/June to apply using my new ITR, or if I should try to get another card right now for the immediate international expense (and potentially to help with lounge access, etc.).

I’m also curious if HDFC will consider upgrading me from Millennia once they see this large international transaction and my improved ITR in a few months. If anyone has experience pushing for an upgrade after big transactions plus a higher declared income, please let me know how that went.

Specific Questions:
1. Immediate International Spend: Should I just use my HDFC Millennia for the ₹1L international transaction, or is there a better option among my existing cards?
2. Timing for a New Card: Is it smarter to wait until May/June 2025 (when my higher ITR is ready) to go for a super premium card? Or should I apply right away if something really compelling (like Scapia LTF) comes along?
3. SBI/HSBC/Kotak Premium Cards: Any recommendations for premium/super-premium cards from these banks?
4. IDFC FIRST Wealth: Is it worth adding to my lineup given my spending patterns and future travel plans?
5. Core Credit Card: I currently have only one core HDFC Bank credit card (Millennia). I’d like to diversify into “core” credit cards from different banks so I can tap into their offers and promotions (e-commerce, offline, etc.).
6. Card Cancellation: I have a handful of LTF cards (OneCard, Amazon Pay ICICI, UNI NX Wave, etc.). Does holding on to many open credit lines affect my chances of getting higher-tier cards or limit my future credit limits? Is it worth closing any of these to improve my approval odds or credit exposure?
7. Pre-Approved Axis Magnus: I still have the pre-approved offer for Axis Magnus. Considering it’s often seen as a solid premium card (especially if you value lounge benefits and rewards), I’m not sure whether to jump on it now or wait until mid-2025 for a super-premium option.

Thanks in advance for the advice! Looking forward to hearing your suggestions on how best to navigate these next few steps.

 

[drsel]

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[abhiaj98]

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[drsel]

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[drsel]

 

[abhiaj98]

Use the search on the top right of your mobile phone

I thought if it was something outside of technofino

 

[pythonlover]

I’m also curious if HDFC will consider upgrading me from Millennia once they see this large international transaction and my improved ITR in a few months.

Since you already hold Millennia, it will be exceptional for HDFC to consider ITR to issue card upgrade (it has happened though). You should spend 8L in 6 months and have ≥ 8L limit for upgrade to Infinia. Even then I doubt whether you will be directly upgraded to Infinia or not. In my view, your best bet will be to close Millennia and apply for DCB on income basis.

Immediate International Spend: Should I just use my HDFC Millennia for the ₹1L international transaction, or is there a better option among my existing cards?

In your list, only Amex Plat Travel is the best option if it helps you reach 4L milestone.

Timing for a New Card: Is it smarter to wait until May/June 2025 (when my higher ITR is ready) to go for a super premium card? Or should I apply right away if something really compelling (like Scapia LTF) comes along?

Since you want to transfer to airlines and hotels, DCB and Atlas combo would be the best. DCB will only be possible with higher ITR. So apply accordingly. If you are fine with revenue booking too, then you can also consider ICICI Emeralde Private Metal, which some people have obtained because of monthly 3L salary.

SBI/HSBC/Kotak Premium Cards: Any recommendations for premium/super-premium cards from these banks?

A big NO from me.

IDFC FIRST Wealth: Is it worth adding to my lineup given my spending patterns and future travel plans?

The card is near useless after massive devaluations. Even railway lounges need monthly spends of 20k.

Core Credit Card: I currently have only one core HDFC Bank credit card (Millennia). I’d like to diversify into “core” credit cards from different banks so I can tap into their offers and promotions (e-commerce, offline, etc.).

Just an advise, I had followed the same strategy. However, offers and promotions have dried up significantly now. I think it is more prudent to hold fewer credit cards and concentrate spends on them.

Card Cancellation: I have a handful of LTF cards (OneCard, Amazon Pay ICICI, UNI NX Wave, etc.). Does holding on to many open credit lines affect my chances of getting higher-tier cards or limit my future credit limits? Is it worth closing any of these to improve my approval odds or credit exposure?

Close the cards which are not used at all be you. And since your ITR is going to be 50L, I don't think it would affect card issuance currently. Private banks usually issue cards up to total credit limit nearly 2-3x annual income.

Pre-Approved Axis Magnus: I still have the pre-approved offer for Axis Magnus. Considering it’s often seen as a solid premium card (especially if you value lounge benefits and rewards), I’m not sure whether to jump on it now or wait until mid-2025 for a super-premium option.

A big NO unless you get Burgundy status. Magnus is now one of the worst premium cards for the fees. Even lounge access requires 50k spends. Don't fall for temptation of premium cards. Just wait and apply when your income is high. You can get ICICI EPM and at least DCB Metal.

 

[slimshady]

Since you already hold Millennia, it will be exceptional for HDFC to consider ITR to issue card upgrade (it has happened though). You should spend 8L in 6 months and have ≥ 8L limit for upgrade to Infinia. Even then I doubt whether you will be directly upgraded to Infinia or not. In my view, your best bet will be to close Millennia and apply for DCB on income basis.

Yes, the reason I have not yet closed Millennia is I have a CL of 12.33L on it, which is my highest. I do know about the 8L spending criteria but it is absolutely useless to spend 8L on Millennia.

In your list, only Amex Plat Travel is the best option if it helps you reach 4L milestone.

Unfortunately, the vendor does not accept AmEx for the immediate 1L spend, so I cannot use Plat Travel.

A big NO unless you get Burgundy status. Magnus is now one of the worst premium cards for the fees. Even lounge access requires 50k spends. Don't fall for temptation of premium cards. Just wait and apply when your income is high. You can get ICICI EPM and at least DCB Metal.

What is the exact criteria for Burgundy status? And will they count a loan for this requirement?

 

[slimshady]

Okay, just saw that I need to maintain 10L monthly average balance for 3 months to be even eligible for Burgundy status, and then to get Magnus for Burgundy Card, I have to pay 30k annually. Wtf, no thanks!

 

[pythonlover]

Okay, just saw that I need to maintain 10L monthly average balance for 3 months to be even eligible for Burgundy status, and then to get Magnus for Burgundy Card, I have to pay 30k annually. Wtf, no thanks!

I would suggest you to apply for DCB Metal and ICICI EPM with 50L ITR. Though you should initially try your luck for Infinia and if rejected, then settle for DCB. But first ask them to upgrade Millennia on basis of ITR. If they continuously reject the upgradation, then only close Millennia to apply for new card.