Infinia Infinia and Atlas points value

[narun2001]

There has been a lot of talk about how Infinia points are valued at 85.7p. However, couldn't find any details about Edge miles or edge rewards points value in the same context. Also, even for Infinia the 85.7p is applicable only if redeemed for flights, it drops if we redeem it for hotels. Thought of creating this thread to explain all these.

Infinia
1. Why 85.7p?
If you're booking a flight for 1500 rupees through smartbuy, you'll get 1500/150*5*5 = 250 points. 250/1500 = 16.66. You are getting 16.66% RPs. Now, if you're redeeming 1500 points for a flight(assume that 1500 is < 70% of the ticket cost so that you can redeem 1500 pts), you're losing out on 250 points. So effectively, to buy 1500 rupee worth of the ticket, you're using 1500+250=1750 points, so each point is worth about 1500/1750=85.7p.
For simplicity's sake, let's do the calculation on a 100 rupee basis. For 100 rupees spent on a flight ticket, you'll get 16.66 points, so while redeeming 100 points, you'll effectively spend 100 points and forsake 16.66 points, so each point is valued at 100/116.66 = 85.7p
So, we can say that 5x rewards on Infinia is equivalent to a 14.28% reward rate. This calculation assumes that you're redeeming it for flights.

2. How much each RP is worth if used for hotel bookings?
For 100 rupees spent on hotels, you'll get 33.33 points, so while redeeming 100 points, you'll effectively spend 100 points and forsake 33.33 points, so each point is valued at 100/133.33=75p.

Now, this assumes that you haven't breached the 15000 accelerated RPs limit that you can reach per month. If you're buying anything above that limit, effectively, all your reward points are worth 96.77p each because you aren't forsaking 16.66 or 33.33, but only base reward rate of 3.33%.

To breach the limit of 15000 accelerated reward points, the following is the calculation.
For 5x categories, x base and 4x accelerated, (x/150)*5*4 = 15000 => (x/30)*4 = 15000 => x = 112500
For 10x categories, x base and 9x accelerated, (x/150)*5*9 = 15000 => (x/30)*9 = 15000 => x = 50000
For a mix of 5x and 10x, let's take f as money spent on 5x and t as money spent on 10x categories, so (f/150)*5*4+(t/150)*5*9 = 15000 => f/30*4+t/30*9 = 15000 => 4f+9t=450000.

Atlas
Similarly, let's take Atlas miles calculations. I'm calculating assuming only Accor in mind. People might be able to get much greater value out of it. I'm doing this because I use edge miles and rewards only with Accor.
For 100 rupees spent, you get 2 miles which converts to 4 accor points. Each accor point is worth Rs. 1.82 now, let's assume Rs. 1.8, so for every 100 spent, you get Rs.7.2 worth accor points. However, similar to how we had to forsake accelerated reward points in Infinia for redeeming points, here also, For every 100 rupee spent in accor hotels, we'll have to forsake 5 partner miles, ie, 10 accor points, that is Rs. 18. Effectively, you're spending 100 rupees worth of points and forsaking 18 rupees worth of points to get 100 rupees worth in value. So, in % terms, it comes to 100/118 = .84. This means, 7.2% reward rate of Atlas via accor translates to 7.2*.84 = 6.048%. If milestone benefits are calculated for 750000 spends, we'll get 15000 base points, 5000 milestone points and 2500 points for paying 5900 fee. Totally, 22500 points, which translates to 45000 accor points. At Rs 1.8 each, value is 81000. If we take .84 of this, we get 68040, subtracting 5900 fee paid, we get 62140. So effective reward rate is 62140/750000=8.28%.


Of course, for people who know how to play the airmiles game, this calculation will be completely different. Unfortunately, I don't know much about it. This is what I'm comfortable with and I optimize my spends based on this.

 

[helloworld]

How about this for simple calculation?

1. 1500 rupees gives 250 points.

358 Rs. purcahse allow 70% redemption 250 points.

total spent: 1858 rupees
total benefit: 250 points

= 13.46%

2. 1500 rupees gives 500 points.

715 Rs. purchase allow 70% redemption 500 points.

total spent: 2215 rupees
total benefit: 500 points

= 22.57%

---

Regarding your forsaken rule:

At some point, reward redemptions should be kept simple. Trying to earn points on redeemed rewards is overthinking it, as the redemption itself is a bonus, something extra you get for free. Once you redeem, there's no need to wonder, “What if I got 10% more by paying?” since, without the redemption, you might not have bought it in the first place.

Think of it like using Sodexo coupons: People always ask for double dip etc. but they already saved up to 30% in taxes, now use it before expiry freely without further spending, dont have to worry whether you loss 10% with some other credit card or not. Sometimes settle with existing options, moreover have to redeem all points sometime, consider that scenario along with if no points, no redemption then no forsake 0% to calculation.

To make it complicate consider this scenario, maybe less price for that hotel or flight in mmt or agoda (say additional 10% instant discount on 5% online card with extra 1% through their premium plan and additional 0.5% through milestone benefits).

How much further We'll calacluate to get accurate value?

Usually, we check 2–3 sites for shopping, pick the best deal, and don’t worry about future price drops. Rewards should be the same—use them in a way that makes sense for you, and don’t stress about every possible option.

---

To further complicate your calculations (warning: not applicable for everyone, its just too much and unnecessary):

- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/opportunitycost.asp
- https://www.technofino.in/community...rs-vs-stan-chart-rewards-360.8471/post-134404
- https://www.technofino.in/community...-fee-a-guide-to-evaluating-net-rewards.25803/

Disclaimer: To those who read this, each person has their own calculations for reward point value, do not assume or compare unless both having same lifestyle. Above is sample illustration and might vary depends on time, season, airline, hotel brand etc.

 

[narun2001]

How about this for simple calculation?

1. 1500 rupees gives 250 points.

358 Rs. purcahse allow 70% redemption 250 points.

total spent: 1858 rupees
total benefit: 250 points

= 13.46%

2. 1500 rupees gives 500 points.

715 Rs. purchase allow 70% redemption 500 points.

total spent: 2215 rupees
total benefit: 500 points

= 22.57%

---

Regarding your forsaken rule:

At some point, reward redemptions should be kept simple. Trying to earn points on redeemed rewards is overthinking it, as the redemption itself is a bonus, something extra you get for free. Once you redeem, there's no need to wonder, “What if I got 10% more by paying?” since, without the redemption, you might not have bought it in the first place.

Think of it like using Sodexo coupons: People always ask for double dip etc. but they already saved up to 30% in taxes, now use it before expiry freely without further spending, dont have to worry whether you loss 10% with some other credit card or not. Sometimes settle with existing options, moreover have to redeem all points sometime, consider that scenario along with if no points, no redemption then no forsake 0% to calculation.

To make it complicate consider this scenario, maybe less price for that hotel or flight in mmt or agoda (say additional 10% instant discount on 5% online card with extra 1% through their premium plan and additional 0.5% through milestone benefits).

How much further We'll calacluate to get accurate value?

Usually, we check 2–3 sites for shopping, pick the best deal, and don’t worry about future price drops. Rewards should be the same—use them in a way that makes sense for you, and don’t stress about every possible option.

---

To further complicate your calculations (warning: not applicable for everyone, its just too much and unnecessary):

- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/opportunitycost.asp
- https://www.technofino.in/community...rs-vs-stan-chart-rewards-360.8471/post-134404
- https://www.technofino.in/community...-fee-a-guide-to-evaluating-net-rewards.25803/

Disclaimer: To those who read this, each person has their own calculations for reward point value, do not assume or compare unless both having same lifestyle. Above is sample illustration and might vary depends on time, season, airline, hotel brand etc.

Actually, your calculation is exactly the same as mine. The reason why you're getting different numbers are because of 358 rupees spent will get the same reward as 300 and the difference tend to go down drastically for higher amounts, which are usually the case for flight tickets. Let's take 600 rupees. For 5x, you'll get 100 points. So if you're buying total 700 rupees worth and burn 100 points, you'll get 100 points for the remaining 600 rupees spent. Effectively, you got 700 rupees worth of goods for 600 rupees. You got a discount of 100 on 700, so 100/700 = 14.28% which is what I had said in my original post. Similarly, for 10x, if you buy 400 rupees worth of stuff and burn 100 points, you'll effectively pay 300 rupees for 400 rupee worth of stuff. 100/400 = 25%. These numbers are good to compare with cashback. Since in these transactions, effectively, your remaining point balance will remain unchanged.

Basically, these values will help you compare against any cashback cards or bank discounts. What you consider "how much further" will always going to be different from one person to another. For example, I do understand opportunity cost and I do apply that also. For 10k worth of stuff, getting a 10% discount vs getting gyftr voucher with 5x rewards paying a premium on top. The way I calculate, I'll end up paying some 1354 extra(1000 forsaken cashback+~350 premium) and get 1750 reward points which is worth 1500 rupees. So effectively, you get a return of 10.7%. How much would 10% now or 10.7% in future compare? Unless you use the points within 6 months or so, it makes no sense. In that case, I prefer 10% instant discount. The thing is, all these computations help you understand what to use when. This can be useful for people who have to compare between multiple available options. Whether you really want to do this or not is completely up to you. As I understand, for you this looks stressful. For me, I don't actually spend much time thinking what card to use when because I've already done this homework and I know what makes sense for me the most and so it isn't stressful at all. Ultimately, to each, their own. I wrote this just because there wasn't any comprehensive material available about this and thought it might help.

 

[helloworld]

Actually, your calculation is exactly the same as mine. The reason why you're getting different numbers are because of 358 rupees spent will get the same reward as 300 and the difference tend to go down drastically for higher amounts, which are usually the case for flight tickets. Let's take 600 rupees. For 5x, you'll get 100 points. So if you're buying total 700 rupees worth and burn 100 points, you'll get 100 points for the remaining 600 rupees spent. Effectively, you got 700 rupees worth of goods for 600 rupees. You got a discount of 100 on 700, so 100/700 = 14.28% which is what I had said in my original post. Similarly, for 10x, if you buy 400 rupees worth of stuff and burn 100 points, you'll effectively pay 300 rupees for 400 rupee worth of stuff. 100/400 = 25%. These numbers are good to compare with cashback. Since in these transactions, effectively, your remaining point balance will remain unchanged.

Basically, these values will help you compare against any cashback cards or bank discounts. What you consider "how much further" will always going to be different from one person to another. For example, I do understand opportunity cost and I do apply that also. For 10k worth of stuff, getting a 10% discount vs getting gyftr voucher with 5x rewards paying a premium on top. The way I calculate, I'll end up paying some 1354 extra(1000 forsaken cashback+~350 premium) and get 1750 reward points which is worth 1500 rupees. So effectively, you get a return of 10.7%. How much would 10% now or 10.7% in future compare? Unless you use the points within 6 months or so, it makes no sense. In that case, I prefer 10% instant discount. The thing is, all these computations help you understand what to use when. This can be useful for people who have to compare between multiple available options. Whether you really want to do this or not is completely up to you. As I understand, for you this looks stressful. For me, I don't actually spend much time thinking what card to use when because I've already done this homework and I know what makes sense for me the most and so it isn't stressful at all. Ultimately, to each, their own. I wrote this just because there wasn't any comprehensive material available about this and thought it might help.

cashback cards, revenue ticket cards, and miles cards aren’t comparable each other as their values and benefits vary widely. Comparing 5% SBI Cashback card with a 14% Infinia isn’t exactly "apples to apples." The purpose of each redemption type really guides how to use it.

Honestly, I’ve done my share of research on maximizing these rewards. But with constant updates and new changes keep on popping up, keeping track takes time. I even set up an Excel sheet to automatically calculate the best card for each spend category, but it needs updating almost every couple of months to stay accurate.

At first, it was fun to try optimizing everything find the value, but eventually, you’ll find banks adding fees or restrictions, like Infinia’s 3.56% charge on Amzn vouchers or a 70% limit on Reserve redemptions, which makes it harder to calculate exact savings. With the ongoing devaluation in the past few years, it’s hard to “set and forget.”

Just my two cents: unless it’s time to redeem, there’s no need to get too caught up in the numbers. Keeping it simple, like 1 RP = ₹1 for easy calculations is often enough. You’ll find out the real value of each card when you redeem it, factoring in any fees and benefits used (3rd link in above shared references).

Until then, happy spending!

 

[narun2001]

cashback card never compared with revenue tickets card which never compared with miles card.

values vary too much between these cards.

5% sbi cashback nevr comapred with 14% Infinia, not apple to apple comparison. Intention of redemption, helps comparison organic.

homework part I also did and I'm done with that road because of frequent changes and additional surcharges these banks kept, its always changing and it eats your time because you need to be constantly upto date with that card benefits and redemption options.

Hence the suggestion to ignore additional calculation, I even had excel which automatically gives best card for spends but that itself outdated if not updated current benefits of those cards in 2 months.

At first it all exciting (I felt that) and apply all places and think once we're done with that card, you'll see Infinia charges 3.56% on amzn voucher or Reserv put 70% limit on redemption, then need to apply calculation. Its never done and dusted especially these last 3 years of devaluation phase.

Anycase, shared my opinion too and don't want any one waste time like me to worry these discounts and calculations. It only worth and paid attention, when its really time to redeem, till then happy spending.

But we need up to date thats for sure and that costs time.

For now, simply 1 RP = 1Rs. and 5x = 16.67% and 10x = 33.3%.

When its redeemed, will know actual value we got for that card w.r.t fee paid till that time, benefits availed etc. (as mentioned in 3rd link above), until then nothing certain, IMO.

I agree. In fact when I look back, I was using only Infinia and was happy. Then though Magnus was good, then M4B and then Atlas and it's never ending. Whenever I feel that i know what I need to do, some devaluation makes me have to work out again. As of now, it's exciting because I'm enjoying this. But I would be lying if I don't admit that I feel that I spend too much time on this especially we can derive a lot more value out of our time. The reason probably why I don't feel stressed is because as i mentioned, it's exciting. But on the long run, i may regret this! Thanks for sharing your opinion.

 

[coolguy1]

Value depends on how people use the card.

Some get lower value for being too choosy.

Some get way higher value for being flexible and open to newer experiences.

 

[infinia_finally]

Can someone give Tl;dr?

 

[coolguy1]

Can someone give Tl;dr?

Here's the tl;dr

How about this for simple calculation?

1. 1500 rupees gives 250 points.

358 Rs. purcahse allow 70% redemption 250 points.

total spent: 1858 rupees
total benefit: 250 points

= 13.46%

2. 1500 rupees gives 500 points.

715 Rs. purchase allow 70% redemption 500 points.

total spent: 2215 rupees
total benefit: 500 points

= 22.57%

---

Regarding your forsaken rule:

At some point, reward redemptions should be kept simple. Trying to earn points on redeemed rewards is overthinking it, as the redemption itself is a bonus, something extra you get for free. Once you redeem, there's no need to wonder, “What if I got 10% more by paying?” since, without the redemption, you might not have bought it in the first place.

Think of it like using Sodexo coupons: People always ask for double dip etc. but they already saved up to 30% in taxes, now use it before expiry freely without further spending, dont have to worry whether you loss 10% with some other credit card or not. Sometimes settle with existing options, moreover have to redeem all points sometime, consider that scenario along with if no points, no redemption then no forsake 0% to calculation.

To make it complicate consider this scenario, maybe less price for that hotel or flight in mmt or agoda (say additional 10% instant discount on 5% online card with extra 1% through their premium plan and additional 0.5% through milestone benefits).

How much further We'll calacluate to get accurate value?

Usually, we check 2–3 sites for shopping, pick the best deal, and don’t worry about future price drops. Rewards should be the same—use them in a way that makes sense for you, and don’t stress about every possible option.

---

To further complicate your calculations (warning: not applicable for everyone, its just too much and unnecessary):

- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/opportunitycost.asp
- https://www.technofino.in/community...rs-vs-stan-chart-rewards-360.8471/post-134404
- https://www.technofino.in/community...-fee-a-guide-to-evaluating-net-rewards.25803/

Disclaimer: To those who read this, each person has their own calculations for reward point value, do not assume or compare unless both having same lifestyle. Above is sample illustration and might vary depends on time, season, airline, hotel brand etc.

 

[infinia_finally]

I have been keeping things very simple so far with Infinia (in my mind)

Buy 10k vouchers (no need to overoptimize by buying in multiples of 150 🙂 )
Get 1650 points.
So 16.5% max

With GST now, pay approx 350 extra
So get effectively 1300 points (1 RP = 1 Re)
So 13% max

Everywhere offline, 3.33%. Let's just say 3% for easy calculation (as you will lose some in multiples of 150)
Now I am pretty confident of redeeming all the points in flights / hotels.

The only change I made recently is
Instead of paying utility and Airtel bills via Amazon Pay and get 13% back as RPs for future use -
I got Axis Airtel and prefer to get 10% cashback directly. In my mind 10% cash right away is better than 13% RPs for future use

I want to know if I should apply for Atlas - but for that
I have a few questions as I am ignorant about Accor and Atlas -

For hotels, I understand
1) 5% RPs -> becomes 10% Accor miles -> Becomes (at 1.8x Rs value) 18% reward rate (keeping things simple - I know by some magic it goes above 20%). And its great for hotels.
But for flights,
1) For buying flights, is travel-edge portal good with 1RP = 1 Re?
(5 RPs / 100 - so 5% reward rate)
2) Accor to airline miles is 2:1 coversion. So flight tickets not good there. Is Edge Miles coversion directly to partner airlines 1:2?
Is that the best way to redeem for flights? And if so, we need to be expert at which airline miles to get. Correct?

Answers to these questions will help me if I should get Atlas as well

Thanks.

 

[helloworld]

I have been keeping things very simple so far with Infinia (in my mind)

Buy 10k vouchers (no need to overoptimize by buying in multiples of 150 🙂 )
Get 1650 points.
So 16.5% max

With GST now, pay approx 350 extra
So get effectively 1300 points (1 RP = 1 Re)
So 13% max

Everywhere offline, 3.33%. Let's just say 3% for easy calculation (as you will lose some in multiples of 150)
Now I am pretty confident of redeeming all the points in flights / hotels.

The only change I made recently is
Instead of paying utility and Airtel bills via Amazon Pay and get 13% back as RPs for future use -
I got Axis Airtel and prefer to get 10% cashback directly. In my mind 10% cash right away is better than 13% RPs for future use

I want to know if I should apply for Atlas - but for that
I have a few questions as I am ignorant about Accor and Atlas -

For hotels, I understand
1) 5% RPs -> becomes 10% Accor miles -> Becomes (at 1.8x Rs value) 18% reward rate (keeping things simple - I know by some magic it goes above 20%). And its great for hotels.
But for flights,
1) For buying flights, is travel-edge portal good with 1RP = 1 Re?
(5 RPs / 100 - so 5% reward rate)
2) Accor to airline miles is 2:1 coversion. So flight tickets not good there. Is Edge Miles coversion directly to partner airlines 1:2?
Is that the best way to redeem for flights? And if so, we need to be expert at which airline miles to get. Correct?

Answers to these questions will help me if I should get Atlas as well

Thanks.

Atlas (for idea purpose, high level): https://www.technofino.in/community/threads/axis-atlas-vs-hdfc-regalia-gold-vs-axis-horizon.26500/

 

[infinia_finally]

Atlas (for idea purpose, high level): https://www.technofino.in/community/threads/axis-atlas-vs-hdfc-regalia-gold-vs-axis-horizon.26500/

Thanks but that table is too much info for me. Went over my head.

 

[helloworld]

Thanks but that table is too much info for me. Went over my head.

If you're just looking to understand the basics of the Atlas rewards table, then that table information may be helpful. We’re discussing some deeper insights here that might seem more confusing if you're not already familiar with how the reward system works.

But here’s a quick rundown for those interested (better understanding do refer the table again before following this thread):

(e.g., 5.4% to -4.2%)​

This range in the rewards table represents the possible return on your spending after factoring in joining fees, renewal perks, and milestone bonuses for specific spending levels.

• Left Value (e.g., 5.4%)
  • This is the maximum reward rate achievable through optimal usage, like earning on Travel Edge purchases and redeeming at a high value (e.g., 1 mile = 2 INR). This rate takes effort but can be reached with strategic spending.
    
• Right Value (e.g., -4.2%)
  • This represents the minimum achievable rate through regular spending and basic redemption (e.g., 1 mile = 1 INR). This is straightforward and attainable for all cardholders.

So, for any given spending amount, you can expect a reward rate between these two values. The lower end is your minimum return, while the upper end is achievable with careful planning.

---

Once you’re comfortable with the basics in the rewards table, feel free to dig into this thread for a more nuanced understanding of Atlas rewards.

 

[helloworld]

The only change I made recently is
Instead of paying utility and Airtel bills via Amazon Pay and get 13% back as RPs for future use -
I got Axis Airtel and prefer to get 10% cashback directly. In my mind 10% cash right away is better than 13% RPs for future use

btw, for airtel with utility payments max 8% with fee 😉 its never 10% and never ever 25% with fee.

- https://www.technofino.in/community...k-credit-card-maximizing-your-cashback.31701/

 

[kvndsz512]

btw, for airtel with utility payments max 8% with fee 😉 its never 10% and never ever 25% with fee.

- https://www.technofino.in/community...k-credit-card-maximizing-your-cashback.31701/

but it was being offered first yr free for a long time and even waiver is at 2L which is easily reachable

so for me it's like 10% ez

 

[helloworld]

but it was being offered first yr free for a long time and even waiver is at 2L which is easily reachable

so for me it's like 10% ez

If you spend 2L, the effective cashback rate will be around 5%. I’ve provided the calculation at the end in that link; check once and let me know if any changes.

The 5% rate is due to limits on cashback categories: you get 10% and 25% cashback only up to specific spending limits. Beyond those, you’ll have to spend on categories with just 1% cashback to reach the full 2L, which reduces the overall return percentage.

Example:​

• Monthly Purchase: 5K for 12 months = 60K spent on a 10% cashback category.
  • Cashback at 10%: 6K.
    
• Remaining Spend: 1.4L at 1% cashback.
  • Cashback at 1%: 1.4K.

Total Spend: 2L
Total Cashback: 7.4K
Effective Return Rate: 3.7%

Achieving 10% return isn’t feasible or easy with this card due to category limits.

 

[kvndsz512]

If you spend 2L, the effective cashback rate will be around 5%. I’ve provided the calculation at the end in that link; check once and let me know if any changes.

The 5% rate is due to limits on cashback categories: you get 10% and 25% cashback only up to specific spending limits. Beyond those, you’ll have to spend on categories with just 1% cashback to reach the full 2L, which reduces the overall return percentage.

Example:​

• Monthly Purchase: 5K for 12 months = 60K spent on a 10% cashback category.
  • Cashback at 10%: 6K.
• Remaining Spend: 1.4L at 1% cashback.
  • Cashback at 1%: 1.4K.

Total Spend: 2L
Total Cashback: 7.4K
Effective Return Rate: 3.7%

Achieving 10% return isn’t feasible or easy with this card due to category limits.

but i only use it for accelerated things where i get my 10% and 25% max limits and apart from that i only use for instant discount ... so instant discount again gives me 1% extra over the instant now if there is instant discount on no other card i have to anyway use axis so i save much more than ur calculation .. bcuz im not paying full by using other card and getting my instant discount

 

[kvndsz512]

If you spend 2L, the effective cashback rate will be around 5%. I’ve provided the calculation at the end in that link; check once and let me know if any changes.

The 5% rate is due to limits on cashback categories: you get 10% and 25% cashback only up to specific spending limits. Beyond those, you’ll have to spend on categories with just 1% cashback to reach the full 2L, which reduces the overall return percentage.

Example:​

• Monthly Purchase: 5K for 12 months = 60K spent on a 10% cashback category.
  • Cashback at 10%: 6K.
• Remaining Spend: 1.4L at 1% cashback.
  • Cashback at 1%: 1.4K.

Total Spend: 2L
Total Cashback: 7.4K
Effective Return Rate: 3.7%

Achieving 10% return isn’t feasible or easy with this card due to category limits.

11.5k approx spends on airtel broadband recharge
60k on grocery etc
rest i spend on electricity bills so around 1-1.25L is spent on accelerated points

remaining 75k or so is easily used on instant discount so u can get good value from the 2L spends ... and 2L is easily achievable.. (for this i dont even care for 1% bcuz thats like a bonus bcuz im already saving in instant discount, like recently helped a friend get product from amazon at 4k discount some 40-50k purchase amt)

 

[helloworld]

Just to clarify and make sure we’re on same page:

Here, we're discussing about finding actual value of redemption (note this and this is the entire point to start this thread by narun2001 (#1)).

Instead of paying utility and Airtel bills via Amazon Pay and get 13% back as RPs for future use -
I got Axis Airtel and prefer to get 10% cashback directly. In my mind 10% cash right away is better than 13% RPs for future use

Infinia_finally mentioned about the 10% on Airtel Axis card, but it's essential to remember that on-paper cashback rates aren’t always what you receive in practice. Many people assume they’re getting a full 10%, but in reality, annual fees and spending requirements on specific categories can reduce the actual return significantly. So, it’s helpful to understand the real value you’re getting from these cards. So, mentioned same in to make us realize actual value we're getting from these cards (#13).

11.5k approx spends on airtel broadband recharge
60k on grocery etc
rest i spend on electricity bills so around 1-1.25L is spent on accelerated points

remaining 75k or so is easily used on instant discount so u can get good value from the 2L spends ... and 2L is easily achievable.. (for this i dont even care for 1% bcuz thats like a bonus bcuz im already saving in instant discount, like recently helped a friend get product from amazon at 4k discount some 40-50k purchase amt)

Spend on 25% Airtel Payments + 10% Utilities + 10% Preferred App

Spend: 102000
Get cashback: 12000

after fully utilized above categories, spend remaining to get fee waiver

Spend: 200000
Paid annual fee: 0
Get cashback: 12980
Return: 6%

so for me it's like 10% ez

Even if it feels like a straightforward 10%, the actual return is closer to 6% after category limits and waivers are applied. This 6% rate is still a strong return, but knowing the actual numbers provides a more realistic view of the card's benefits.

Check this thread, it has all combinations and respective cashback return %, and tips for optimization:

Thread 'Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card: Maximizing Your Cashback'

Sep 10, 2024

Key Features​

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• 25% Cashback on Airtel Payments 📲
  • Categories: Airtel (Prepaid, Postpaid, Wi-Fi, Black, DTH) bills via airtel app.
  • Cashback Cap: ₹250 per statement (limit reached if spent ₹1000).

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• 10% Cashback on Utility Bill Payments
  • Categories: Electricity, Gas, Water etc. via airtel app.
  • Cashback Cap: ₹250 per statement (limit reached if spent ₹2500).

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• 10% Cashback on Zomato, Swiggy...

• helloworld
• Replies: 90
• Forum: Axis Bank Credit Card

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[infinia_finally]

btw, for airtel with utility payments max 8% with fee 😉 its never 10% and never ever 25% with fee.

- https://www.technofino.in/community...k-credit-card-maximizing-your-cashback.31701/

True.
Using Airtel Axis, I pay 1 Broadband (1000) and 1 electricity bill (2500) and get 500Rs per month
Rest Airtel and utilities via Amazon Pay

25% CB of 1000 =250
10% CB of 2500 = 250
500pm x 12 = 600pa
So 6000 - 590 fees = 5410 per year cash in hand
else if paid via Amazon pay, it is 13% Infinia RPs. So 3500 x 12 = 42000 and 13% of that is 5460.
So from the choices I have - looks a no brainer 🙂 (as of now - touch wood)

 

[infinia_finally]

but it was being offered first yr free for a long time and even waiver is at 2L which is easily reachable

so for me it's like 10% ez

Decision should vary person to person depending on other cards
I don't spend more than the necessary 42000 on it.
For rest 158000 to get waiver, if I spend on Infinia, I will get 5214 RPs vs 1580+590 savings on Axis

In general, for 500 per year, who cares about optimizing so much?