HDFC Bank is known for its top-tier credit card, the HDFC Infinia, one of the best credit cards available in India. Many people go to great lengths to get this card, often finding their own "jugaad" to acquire this super-premium metal card. However, its strict eligibility criteria prevent many from obtaining it—you need an annual income of ₹42 lakhs to qualify for Infinia. While the income requirement is high, some individuals manage to get the card without meeting this official criterion. There are a few alternative ways to obtain the card:
● Card-on-Card Basis: HDFC Bank offers the Infinia based on other credit cards you hold and their limits.
● Secured Infinia Credit Card: Available against a fixed deposit of ₹10 lakhs.
● Total Relationship Value (TRV): HDFC Bank also offers the card based on your overall relationship value with the bank. While no official TRV requirement is mentioned for Infinia, having a TRV of ₹3-5 crore can help you qualify.
However, in recent months, HDFC Bank officials have been mis-selling insurance products to customers in exchange for the HDFC Infinia credit card. You might think that purchasing insurance will boost your TRV, and if that increases, the bank can offer its credit cards against TRV. But the problem lies in how they are selling these insurance products—with promises of the Infinia credit card in return. This is mis-selling, and it raises concerns about ethical banking practices. Is this allowed under IRDAI regulations?
HDFC Bank has been offering fixed income plans, ULIP policies, and various other insurance products in exchange for the HDFC Infinia credit card.
For instance, one of our TechnoFino Community members was offered an Infinia card upgrade with a limit enhancement by his relationship manager, but he had to purchase a ULIP policy, premium worth ₹3 lakhs annually, with a five-year payment term to receive the upgrade.
Such practices raise significant ethical concerns. While selling products like ULIPs is profitable for the bank, promising something in return—such as a credit card—makes the process unethical.
My Advice to Consumers:
There are plenty of excellent credit cards available. If you don’t qualify for the Infinia, explore other options that offer similar rewards. Never purchase insurance products solely to get a credit card. If you genuinely need insurance, go ahead and buy it from your bank or directly—but never do so just to receive something in exchange, especially a credit card.
