Infinia INFINIA Journey, How INFINIA lost it's charm for me & How stupid HDFC RM's are

[bing1309]

Bro 3rd & 4th paragraph isn't for @techstrom007 as he's already earning that much, just the RM & BM created issue for him

Whoever is reading that post also, high net worth customer wont be believed by hdfc due to various reasons, if he approached the bank. but if bank approached them they they will believe. (When new company acc is opened or when he was in central hdfc bank office in a ciry and dicussed and did not open anything) The only other way is get Infiniti account you can directly get infina within a month of account old. Or else only option via upgrade no other way. (I gave itr of 1.5cr they still did not give, i had to come via upgrade route via bizblack here i spent 20l in 4 months and this is reality then they gave me card for infinia)

 

[Bionick]

Whoever is reading that post also, high net worth customer wont be believed by hdfc due to various reasons, if he approached the bank. but if bank approached them they they will believe. (When new company acc is opened or when he was in central hdfc bank office in a ciry and dicussed and did not open anything) The only other way is get Infiniti account you can directly get infina within a month of account old. Or else only option via upgrade no other way. (I gave itr of 1.5cr they still did not give, i had to come via upgrade route via bizblack here i spent 20l in 4 months and this is reality then they gave me card for infinia)

No offense to anyone but I don't get the hype behind this card. I got Infinia as an auto upgrade (LTF) in 2020 and have been using it only sparingly as routing spends through SmartBuy was, is and will always be a hassle for me. My go to cards are still Axis and Amex and I don't see any loss even if I close the Infinia in near future.

 

[theXfactor]

Whoever is reading that post also, high net worth customer wont be believed by hdfc due to various reasons, if he approached the bank. but if bank approached them they they will believe. (When new company acc is opened or when he was in central hdfc bank office in a ciry and dicussed and did not open anything) The only other way is get Infiniti account you can directly get infina within a month of account old. Or else only option via upgrade no other way. (I gave itr of 1.5cr they still did not give, i had to come via upgrade route via bizblack here i spent 20l in 4 months and this is reality then they gave me card for infinia)

Certain cards are not offered to some of the most deserving folks specially in case of HDFC Infinia. Not sure what sort of checks and balances they have in plan to establish the eligibility. I have seen ppl with HDFC relationship satisfying the upgrade criteria were not offered Infinia upgrade.

On a different note- one more so called super premium card failed to displace Infinia in terms of practicality and exclusivity as one of the most sought after card and that’s Times Black.

 

[Bionick]

On a different note- one more so called super premium card failed to displace Infinia in terms of practicality and exclusivity as one of the most sought after card and that’s Times Black.

Times Black was pure marketing. ICICI and Times Group just want to make quick cash and they are very well aware of the situation of their product. The card can't even replace Sapphiro let alone the kinds of Infinia and Amex Plat Charge.

 

[bhanvadia]

Infinia is not so premium anymore.
Also redemption cap of 150k points per month is crazy bad for booking anything for family for overseas travel.

 

[bing1309]

No offense to anyone but I don't get the hype behind this card. I got Infinia as an auto upgrade (LTF) in 2020 and have been using it only sparingly as routing spends through SmartBuy was, is and will always be a hassle for me. My go to cards are still Axis and Amex and I don't see any loss even if I close the Infinia in near future.

You are right before 2020 it was totally different. Like if you have kept even 1cr you can get the card approved and even during that time ltf was also given (before covid) after covid this card was restricted due to lot of awareness in market.

 

[bing1309]

Certain cards are not offered to some of the most deserving folks specially in case of HDFC Infinia. Not sure what sort of checks and balances they have in plan to establish the eligibility. I have seen ppl with HDFC relationship satisfying the upgrade criteria were not offered Infinia upgrade.

On a different note- one more so called super premium card failed to displace Infinia in terms of practicality and exclusivity as one of the most sought after card and that’s Times Black.

Its about the way the card is made, observe carefully hdfc has no issue in loss here, its because of gyftr there card is running, if gyftr shuts down Infinia is just total waste, but realistic matters (multiple option during smart buy flight booking like mmt,yathra, etc ) and capping of mcc for purchases in minimum spends) people have always have issue with reward points where 1=1rs this is why people run for this card, no other card give 1=1 and unlimited airport lounge acess with wide range of lounge and people don't have time to look for a card again and again or keep on changing cards so hence people are fighting, axis had great reward structure redeem but people did not understand when people were aware and now axis is just shit cards and due to multiple unstable devaluation people don't understand why to have such nonsense cards change t&c wherever they want and no compensation for such, hdfc as of now is reasonable and has its stable value, hence people are fighting to get a stable card one or other way, no one now a days cares about which card you have just ensuring is your work done or not. Realistic way hdfc wins hence or else why would people fall behind of Infinia, if biz black had visa option 95% people will not time waste with Infinia and directly go to biz black or dinners black. I also had to change my card just because of dinners network from bizblack to infina this is was forced issue for me or else I myself would have not pursued for Infinia. For me it's just convince to use rather than rejection at stores or online links. Imagine rest of the people who wanted for same reason

 

[bing1309]

Times Black was pure marketing. ICICI and Times Group just want to make quick cash and they are very well aware of the situation of their product. The card can't even replace Sapphiro let alone the kinds of Infinia and Amex Plat Charge.

Whats the rewards points value and lounge is it spend based and restrictions of mcc no minimum capping to earn rewards?

 

[Bionick]

Whats the rewards points value and lounge is it spend based and restrictions of mcc no minimum capping to earn rewards?

Reward Structure/Non-spend benefits:
1. Domestic spends: 2 RP/INR 100
2. International spends: 2.5 RP/ INR 100
3. Accelerated rewards on travel spends (to be announced later). List of partners not available.
4. Unlimited domestic and International lounge access and forex markup of 1.49%P
5. RP value against vouchers, travel booking and points transfer: 1 RP = INR 1. RP value against cash credit 1 RP = 40 Paisa.

Exclusions/Restrictions:
1. No points on fuel and rent payments
2. No points on educational fee payments via third-party platforms like Mobikwik or CRED. Direct payments are eligible for reward points.
3. Reward points capped at 5000 per month against utility, insurance, education, and govt. spends.

Welcome/Annual benefits:
1. INR 10,000 EaseMyTrip Hotel Voucher
2. INR 10,000 One Vasco & Atlys Premium Lounge Voucher for visa appointments (embassy fee not covered).
3. INR 1000 Interflora Floral Gift Voucher.
4.INR 3000 Toni & Guy Voucher
5. Annual Zomato Gold Membership

Charges:
Joining and Annual Fee - 20k + GST.
Fee waiver on 25L spends in a membership year.

 

[Bionick]

Whats the rewards points value and lounge is it spend based and restrictions of mcc no minimum capping to earn rewards?

I am not going into the details of milestone benefits and other stuff they put to make things as complicated as they could. But I want to give a medal to the guy who came up with the idea of Interflora vouchers. In short, this card is a "big bowl of nothing" 🤣🤣

 

[likith_jogi]

Hear this... During diwali i saw a post in here about Tata Neu coming in as LTF. I started the process and didn't complete it. From then I have been trying to apply and it says you already applied and you cannot apply.

Day before yesterday, I dropped an email to CC customer service and Infinia services responds that Infinia customer cannot hold another card.

View attachment 77722

I already hold LTF Swiggy and conversing with the RM for biz card and the support says I cannot hold to which I replied below and awaiting response.

View attachment 77723

Bro, Tata Neu is useless card, my application was rejected by hdfc, then i applied through app. it got approved.
I am using it now, but not much benefits.

 

[Pissant]

Bro, Tata Neu is useless card, my application was rejected by hdfc, then i applied through app. it got approved.
I am using it now, but not much benefits.

Tata Neu Infinity is a pretty damn good card. Especially if LTF. The only problem with it is that if you get it before a Core card kiss the core card goodbye.

 

[theXfactor]

Its about the way the card is made, observe carefully hdfc has no issue in loss here, its because of gyftr there card is running, if gyftr shuts down Infinia is just total waste, but realistic matters (multiple option during smart buy flight booking like mmt,yathra, etc ) and capping of mcc for purchases in minimum spends) people have always have issue with reward points where 1=1rs this is why people run for this card, no other card give 1=1 and unlimited airport lounge acess with wide range of lounge and people don't have time to look for a card again and again or keep on changing cards so hence people are fighting, axis had great reward structure redeem but people did not understand when people were aware and now axis is just shit cards and due to multiple unstable devaluation people don't understand why to have such nonsense cards change t&c wherever they want and no compensation for such, hdfc as of now is reasonable and has its stable value, hence people are fighting to get a stable card one or other way, no one now a days cares about which card you have just ensuring is your work done or not. Realistic way hdfc wins hence or else why would people fall behind of Infinia, if biz black had visa option 95% people will not time waste with Infinia and directly go to biz black or dinners black. I also had to change my card just because of dinners network from bizblack to infina this is was forced issue for me or else I myself would have not pursued for Infinia. For me it's just convince to use rather than rejection at stores or online links. Imagine rest of the people who wanted for same reason

My friend, I believe you are partially right but I feel even without Gyftr Infinia is quite a practical card. I personally would like this to be my primary card for all practical purposes. Now compare Times Black with Infinia (without GYFTR).
On forex it still gives a value back of +1.97% with GVP. Good for international trans. Accelerated rewards on SmartBuy bookings flights, 10x on hotels is good enough for my purposes. Unlimited lounges on Card as well as PP. Normal rewards of 3.33% which itself is by far one of the best. There are several other things - Tanishq, apple etc redemption at 1:1 ratio, ITC 1+1 etc.

I call it a practical card.

Amex Plat is a great card, another practical one barring its acceptability at some places.

Not to undermine Times Black, but I personally would struggle to extract its benefits as except for a couple of vouchers I don’t know what to do with other privileges.

Also, we all understand that if something is given to everyone for a price or otherwise, it won’t remain exclusive any more which simply results into devaluation. Axis Magnus for instance.

 

[bing1309]

Times Black was pure marketing. ICICI and Times Group just want to make quick cash and they are very well aware of the situation of their product. The card can't even replace Sapphiro let alone the kinds of Infinia and Amex Plat Charge.

Whats the rewards points value and lounge is it spend based and restrictions of mcc no minimum capping to earn rewards

My friend, I believe you are partially right but I feel even without Gyftr Infinia is quite a practical card. I personally would like this to be my primary card for all practical purposes. Now compare Times Black with Infinia (without GYFTR).
On forex it still gives a value back of +1.97% with GVP. Good for international trans. Accelerated rewards on SmartBuy bookings flights, 10x on hotels is good enough for my purposes. Unlimited lounges on Card as well as PP. Normal rewards of 3.33% which itself is by far one of the best. There are several other things - Tanishq, apple etc redemption at 1:1 ratio, ITC 1+1 etc.

I call it a practical card.

Amex Plat is a great card, another practical one barring its acceptability at some places.

Not to undermine Times Black, but I personally would struggle to extract its benefits as except for a couple of vouchers I don’t know what to do with other privileges.

Also, we all understand that if something is given to everyone for a price or otherwise, it won’t remain exclusive any more which simply results into devaluation. Axis Magnus for instance.

That is what I said (realistic matters in other words practicality matters) and hence people are coming for this card,

 

[salisburry44]

Did same directly sent form and documents to branch. But rm said need to make account. Will try in another branch.

Another branch accepted the form, informed that it will take 10 days for card to arrive.

 

[sunit123]

In India biggest irony is that those who are traveling in Local Trains are giving financial advice to those who drive Mercedes

 

[drsel]

In India biggest irony is that those who are traveling in Local Trains are giving financial advice to those who drive Mercedes

They have to do that.
it's their job to get commission for the bank.

Smart people who know how to grow their wealth, are smart enough to not pay heed to their advice.
But those who have inherited wealth will follow their advice.

 

[Vinay13]

I have been chasing INFINIA after getting to know the benefits from this forum starting 26th Sept

Sept :-
Started the discussion with RM on 26th Sept and she asked me to close the my 10 yr old Millenia card to apply the Infinia.

1st week Oct :-
After 10 days she reverted that that sir card isn't approved (She was lying and haven't done anything, as per my understanding)
I asked to initiate the account closure, then she asked me to share my salary and ITR to retry. I shared last yr ITR, Current yr From 26AS, Last 3 month salary slips.
Now for next 40 days she kept giving me lame reasons when i ask about the status like Management on Holidays, Diwali Holidays, Someone is off etc etc.

Nov :-
On 12th Nov, I asked if i'm getting the card or not in strong language and then she told me not possible sir.
I mailed her senior same day to close my account

13th Nov :-
Her manager called me and said sir card is approved and you will get in next 10 days.

On 14th Nov, my RM Called me for address verification and then she slept for next 10 days.
On waking her up on 28th for status, She logged the application and my CIBIL check was done on 29th Nov.

Now the application is still stuck today.

Out of frustation a visited a local nearby branch to close the account and here starts the another story :-

1. Watching my TRV with bank ( Over INFINIA new requirement in Cash & FD), he asked to get the card for me in barter of policy of xx Lakhs (Not upfront but it's pretty clear to me, I have read multiple posts around same). I somewhat shown that not interested in anything HDFC provides until i got the card and left.
2. Considering the investment potential i have, BM has done some work on my existing application and called me to update that your card is applied in business category and never going to get approved and pending with Underwriter from 10 days where the UW has a TAT of 48hrs to either approve or reject.
3. Now he took 2 applications form me, 1 for upgrade and 1 for new card and committed me to get the card in next 14 days anyhow.
4. Now, i have some confident on his words that he can get the card but, i know he needs a ULIP from me either today or tomorrow.

Now watching all this circus, i realised it's not worth all the chase / fight / and ULIP definitely.

TRV with bank :-

• 10 Yr old Imperia Account
• More cash than previous INFINIA requirement.
• Combined more cash & deposits then current INFINIA requirement.
• Current CC with Limit 15L
• 3-4% salary miss from current INFINIA requirement
• Family banking with bank including my Wife Imperia with salary satisfying new Dinners Club requirement.

Dropped a mail to regional manager sharing this Circus and see what happens next.
Now 2 applications are logged one by RM supervisor and one by BM (Who is a VP level person as per his conversation)

But, all of a sudden I lost all the interest in the Card & HDFC. All because of the stupid RM who didn't want to work or knows nothing about the bank and his policies. (She is a Imperia RM though)

Now, Planning to move everything to Axis Burgandy account I have to start next chapter of Circus for M4B. 🤣 🤣 (Joking, I will see what happens next, But i'm not giving any business to HDFC and definitely moving away from the bank)

Go with HSBC premier for better customer experience. Instead of M4B get atlas.

 

[technoswan]

Is Infinia worth that much hassle? I thought HNI don't need to hard bargain anything. Banks just roll red carpet to cater them.

 

[theXfactor]

Is Infinia worth that much hassle? I thought HNI don't need to hard bargain anything. Banks just roll red carpet to cater them.

Banks need to know first that you are an HNI. They won't know not thru your Cibil but your TRV with them, spends on the card or the documents you would present to prove your annual income or salary etc. That's exactly what banks would need to upgrade your existing card or approve you their best one.