Infinia My First Credit Card Infinia Metal and Comprehensive Guide on How to Use It

Dear TF Family,

1. My Infinia Metal Credit Card Journey. I have received the 1st credit card of my life - Infinia Metal - and have activated it on 1st May 2024. My Infinia journey was quite short and sweet. The process started when I finally decided to go in for a credit card which I was so far avoiding due to various reasons. I just requested my RM to give me the Infinia Metal and he took about 2-3 days and then informed me that I was eligible, and the process started. My eligibility was possibly based on these factors - I have an ITR of Rs 50 L plus and have an Imperia account since June 2019. It is not my salary account. I have some FDs in the bank and some savings. I never had any credit card ever in my life and was using mainly debit cards, cash or PhonePe for my daily transactions. I had taken two loans - one a home loan way back in 2010 which finished in 2015 due to pre-payment by me. The other was a car loan again way back in 2014 which again finished in 2021. My CIBIL score (which I checked on 7th May 2024 after getting the Infinia) showed NH (i.e. No History). I also have a demat account in HDFC Securities with a portfolio of about Rs 6-8 L (it keeps on fluctuating based on the market upheavals). This will give an idea to the readers on the eligibility requirements for Infinia. With due procedures, I finally received the card along in a few days' time along with two Priority Pass cards and one Add-on card. The Add-on card holder is also having an HDFC Imperia Account with some savings in it and a demat account in HDFC Securities with a portfolio of about Rs 4-5 L. The Add-on card had a different number and CVV from the primary card. My Infinia Metal Credit Cards - Primary and Add-on both were based on Mastercard World.

2. How to Use Infinia. In the time period between the start of the issue process and receipt of the card, I scoured numerous sites to see how to use Infinia in the best possible manner. I also came across numerous threads on the TF site wherein numerous facets of Infinia were discussed thread bare. So, I decided to compile a comprehensive guide on how to use Infinia. Accordingly, I collated all relevant aspects of Infinia from myriad sites and compiled all the data in a guide.

3. Contents of the Guide. The contents of the guide are tabulated below:-

Chapter​	Topic	Page
1	Earning Reward Points (RPs)	3
2	Cappings on Earning RPs	14
3	Redeeming RPs	16
4	Cappings on Redeeming RPs	23
5	Transferring RPs	24
6	Card Offers and Benefits	26
7	Add On Cards	36
8	Priority Pass (PP) Cards	37
9	Lounge Access	39
10	Other Card Details	42
11	Fees and Charges	45
12	Credit Card Statement	49
13	Bill Payments	51
14	Miscellaneous Tips	57
15	Customer Support	71
16	References	72​

4. References. I have used numerous websites and my own personal experiences in the last 2-3 months for making this guide. Some important references are given below:-

• https://www.cardmaven.in/hdfc-bank-infinia-credit-card-review/
• https://www.cardexpert.in/hdfc-bank-infinia-credit-card-review/
• https://www.creditgyani.com/credit-cards/hdfc-infinia-metal-credit-card-review/
• https://www.cibil.com/blog/new-to-credit-heres-how-to-maintain-a-healthy-cibil-score
• https://www.etmoney.com/learn/loans/credit-bureaus-in-india/
• https://www.etmoney.com
• https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/credit-card/reviews/hdfc-infinia-credit-card-review/
• https://www.fincards.in/hdfc-bank-infinia-credit-card/
• https://www.financesrule.com/hdfc-infinia-credit-card-metal-edition-review/
• https://www.hdfcbank.com/ (various threads/links)
• https://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/pay/cards/credit-cards/infinia-credit-card
• https://www.manikarthik.com/blog/hdfc-infinia-card-review/personal-finance/credit-card-reviews/
• https://www.moneymint.com/hdfc-bank-infinia-credit-card-review/
• https://www.moneycontrol.com/ (various threads/links)
• https://www.onemileatatime.com/mastercard-international-exchange-rate/
• https://www.paisabazaar.com/credit-card/hdfc-infinia-review/
• https://www.paisabazaar.com/hdfc-bank/infinia-credit-card/
• https://www.prioritypass.com/
• https://www.select.finology.in/credit-card/hdfc-bank-infinia-credit-card
• https://www.specials.priceless.com/en-in/ (various threads/links)
• https://www.technofino.in/community/ (various threads/links)
• https://www.technofino.in/hdfc-infinia-credit-card-metal-edition-review/
• https://www.reddit.com/r/CreditCardsIndia/comments/ (various threads/links)
• https://www.technofino.in/hdfc-infinia-credit-card-metal-edition-review/ (various threads/links)
• https://www.thinmargin.com/blogs/visa-vs-mastercard-who-gives-better-exchange-rates
• https://www.visa.co.in/en_in/visa-offers-and-perks/?redemptionCountry=103
• Most Important Terms and Conditions (MITC) of Infinia CC available on HDFC Bank website (Version 2.3, 15 July 2024 edition)
• Others

5. My Own Infinia Experience. As my Infinia Metal Credit Card was activated on 1st May 2024 coupled with the fact that it is the 1st credit card ever of my life, I am still learning to optimize its usage, as I am new to this realm. However, based on my research so far, Infinia is definitely an excellent card even today, despite its devaluation over the years. Some experts on the subject may have a different perspective, based on their personal usage and experiences.

6. Comprehensive Guide on Infinia Metal Credit Card. I am attaching the PDF format of the guide. It is having about 72 pages. This guide is updated as on 1st July 2024. This guide may be of some use to some people who are using Infinia or planning to obtain Infinia. I have tried my best to include all aspects of Infinia and have also included some related issues like MCC, MDR, Credit Score, et al. I have used only information available on various websites/open sources available and have spiced up some aspects based on my personal experiences. I have not re-worded the information and have merely copy - pasted the same with some minor editing. I have given the references at the end of the guide.

7. Disclaimer. All the data in this guide has been sourced, collected and collated from open sources like various blogs, articles, threads, news, bank websites, etc. and/or through Infinia concierge/customer care/personal experiences. These details/data may change from time to time. All information in this guide is for mere reference and user guidance only for Infinia Metal Credit Card users.

I am sharing my own perspectives through this thread and am also attaching the comprehensive guide on Infinia Metal Credit Card in the PDF format for easy reference. I sincerely hope that it is of some use to the reader i.e. you.

Best wishes. 🙂

 

[Virtual King]

1 primary + 4 add on's so total 5.

Nice.
1 primary + 3 add-ons are not chargeable. What about the 4th add-on..? Is the 4th add-on chargeable...?

 

[Sobirvs]

Nice.
1 primary + 3 add-ons are not chargeable. What about the 4th add-on..? Is the 4th add-on chargeable...?

Nope, it's free. Using it from past few months.

 

[sri_cc]

IDK abt 5 but i managed 4 add on's easily by just calling imperia support. 1 primary + 4 add on's so total 5. Works amazingly well at GYFTR.

you are having these add-ons to bypass the monthly capping of accelerated rewards?

 

[Sobirvs]

you are having these add-ons to bypass the monthly capping of accelerated rewards?

These add on's were there in prev cards too (regalia gold), 3 addon's under father, mother and wife name. Once infinia came, so did the add on's too with it. I called imperia support and asked for another add on under brother's name and they didn't argued or anything, they said done sir you will receive another add on in 3-4 days.

And yes, I use primary + all add on's for bypassing monthly capping. All GYFTR has different phone numbers also. And all add on's card holders have HDFC savings acc. Also all add on card holders are under family imperia banking too.

I use the infinia and add on's basically for AGV, blinkit, lifestyle, zomato, myntra and swiggy gv's.

 

[superstar@123]

These add on's were there in prev cards too (regalia gold), 3 addon's under father, mother and wife name. Once infinia came, so did the add on's too with it. I called imperia support and asked for another add on under brother's name and they didn't argued or anything, they said done sir you will receive another add on in 3-4 days.

And yes, I use primary + all add on's for bypassing monthly capping. All GYFTR has different phone numbers also. And all add on's card holders have HDFC savings acc. Also all add on card holders are under family imperia banking too.

I use the infinia and add on's basically for AGV, blinkit, lifestyle, zomato, myntra and swiggy gv's.

So basically you can purchase 40k worth of Amazon Pay Vouchers using different mobile and Gyftr account?

 

[Sobirvs]

So basically you can purchase 40k worth of Amazon Pay Vouchers using different mobile and Gyftr account?

50k actually lol. 10k primary and 40k(10k each) from add on.

 

[Manny@11]

Hi everyone. I have recently got the Infinia Card and I have a query. I went through a lot of posts on the forum, but couldn't find any specific information.

So, my fuel spends are very high, more than 20k per month. I know there are no reward points on fuel purchase by infinia. However, do these fuel spends count for annual fee waiver criteria of 10 Lacs? If it counts, it may help me in getting to the fee waiver.

 

[Virtual King]

However, do these fuel spends count for annual fee waiver criteria of 10 Lacs? If it counts, it may help me in getting to the fee waiver.

Yes, they do.

In fact, even the IT payments count for the annual fee waiver.

Hope this helps. 🙂

 

[Virtual King]

So, my fuel spends are very high, more than 20k per month.

You can go in for a fuel-specific card. There are many available in the market.

Apart from Infinia, for my fuel-specific spends (approx. Rs 7-10K per month), I am using SBI BPCL Octane credit card (Visa) for the last one year plus. I think it has many positives including fuel spends. Some of these are as under:-

• Fuel Reward Rate - Good rewards rate of 6.25% on fuel spends + 1% fuel surcharge waiver.
• Base Reward Rate - Excellent base reward rate of 2.5% for Groceries, Departmental Stores, Movies & Dining.
• Welcome Benefits - 6,000 bonus RPs which are equivalent to Rs 1,500 (@ 4 RPs = Rs 1) after the payment of joining fee.
• Gas Reward Rate - 6.25% rewards on gas cylinders of Bharat Gas through their app.
• Domestic Lounges - 4 complimentary visits per calendar year (1 per quarter) to domestic Visa lounges in India (no spend criteria).
• Milestone Offer - Worth Rs. 2,000 from Aditya Birla Fashion, Yatra, Urban Ladder, Hush Puppies or Bata on annual spends of Rs. 3L.
• Annual Fee Waiver - Annual fees of Rs 1,499 + 18% GST (=Rs 269.82) = Rs, 1,768.82 are waived off on spending Rs. 2L in a year.
• Late Payment Charges - Nil, for late payments up to Rs 500.
• New SBI Card - Another new SBI card can be processed within 4 days without further documentation.
• Add-on Cards - Up to 3 add-on cards, free of cost (for your spouse, parents, siblings and children over 18 years of age).

So, as I see it, Octane has much more to offer than mere fuel rewards. You can take your considered call. Some more insights on this card are available on this thread here.

You can also see some other threads, inter alia, Best card for Petrol spends? and Single Best Card for Movies and Fuel spends.

Hope this helps. 🙂

 

[Manny@11]

Yes, they do.

In fact, even the IT payments count for the annual fee waiver.

Hope this helps. 🙂

Thank you so much!

 

[Manny@11]

You can go in for a fuel-specific card. There are many available in the market.

Apart from Infinia, for my fuel-specific spends (approx. Rs 7-10K per month), I am using SBI BPCL Octane credit card (Visa) for the last one year plus. I think it has many positives including fuel spends. Some of these are as under:-

• Fuel Reward Rate - Good rewards rate of 6.25% on fuel spends + 1% fuel surcharge waiver.
• Base Reward Rate - Excellent base reward rate of 2.5% for Groceries, Departmental Stores, Movies & Dining.
• Welcome Benefits - 6,000 bonus RPs which are equivalent to Rs 1,500 (@ 4 RPs = Rs 1) after the payment of joining fee.
• Gas Reward Rate - 6.25% rewards on gas cylinders of Bharat Gas through their app.
• Domestic Lounges - 4 complimentary visits per calendar year (1 per quarter) to domestic Visa lounges in India (no spend criteria).
• Milestone Offer - Worth Rs. 2,000 from Aditya Birla Fashion, Yatra, Urban Ladder, Hush Puppies or Bata on annual spends of Rs. 3L.
• Annual Fee Waiver - Annual fees of Rs 1,499 + 18% GST (=Rs 269.82) = Rs, 1,768.82 are waived off on spending Rs. 2L in a year.
• Late Payment Charges - Nil, for late payments up to Rs 500.
• New SBI Card - Another new SBI card can be processed within 4 days without further documentation.
• Add-on Cards - Up to 3 add-on cards, free of cost (for your spouse, parents, siblings and children over 18 years of age).

So, as I see it, Octane has much more to offer than mere fuel rewards. You can take your considered call. Some more insights on this card are available on this thread here.

You can also see some other threads, inter alia, Best card for Petrol spends? and Single Best Card for Movies and Fuel spends.

Hope this helps. 🙂

Thank you for the detailed write up. Actually, I primarily use HP Pay - IDFC Fastag - Amazon Pay method for fuel purpose. But sometimes, I have to use other fuel stations/other payment modes due to HP Pay limits.

I wanted to use infinia in such exceptional cases, just as a back up. But yes, if one is able to get the fee waiver without such fuel spends, it is much better to have a fuel card.

 

[ccent]

Thank you for the detailed write up. Actually, I primarily use HP Pay - IDFC Fastag - Amazon Pay method for fuel purpose. But sometimes, I have to use other fuel stations/other payment modes due to HP Pay limits.

I wanted to use infinia in such exceptional cases, just as a back up. But yes, if one is able to get the fee waiver without such fuel spends, it is much better to have a fuel card.

Can you please help us understand "HP Pay - IDFC Fastag - Amazon Pay method" and how one can use it? thanks

 

[Manny@11]

Can you please help us understand "HP Pay - IDFC Fastag - Amazon Pay method" and how one can use it? thanks

I recharge my IDFC Fastag through Amazon Pay Balance. As one can save anywhere between 5%(SBI Cashback) to 12%(infinia) while gettting the amazon pay vouchers. HP Pay has the option to link IDFC Fastage or ICICI Bank Fastag. Once the fastag is linked, it is very simple process to pay through HP Pay app by simply scanning the QR code at any HP petrol pump. We also get 1% value back in form of Happy Coins, which also can be further utilised while refuelling.

So, effectively, one can say 6% to 13% by combining a good card with fastag recharge and HP Pay.

 

[Sobirvs]

I recharge my IDFC Fastag through Amazon Pay Balance. As one can save anywhere between 5%(SBI Cashback) to 12%(infinia) while gettting the amazon pay vouchers. HP Pay has the option to link IDFC Fastage or ICICI Bank Fastag. Once the fastag is linked, it is very simple process to pay through HP Pay app by simply scanning the QR code at any HP petrol pump. We also get 1% value back in form of Happy Coins, which also can be further utilised while refuelling.

So, effectively, one can say 6% to 13% by combining a good card with fastag recharge and HP Pay.

I am aware of this. Quite a neat trick and quite old. But I have icici's fastag which I got from amazon. It's not a standlone fastag but it is a fastag given by amazon via icici. I believe my fastag can't be used for this right?

 

[Sriim]

I am aware of this. Quite a neat trick and quite old. But I have icici's fastag which I got from amazon. It's not a standlone fastag but it is a fastag given by amazon via icici. I believe my fastag can't be used for this right?

I have a ICICI fastag from Amazon and I'm using it. New Apay ICICI fastag issued in the last year or two (don't exactly remember since when) can't use it.

PS - you have to enable fuel payments by emailing customer support. Details here - https://technofino.in/community/threads/hp-pay-app-wallet-load.2503/

 

[Saral]

I have a ICICI fastag from Amazon and I'm using it. New Apay ICICI fastag issued in the last year or two (don't exactly remember since when) can't use it.

PS - you have to enable fuel payments by emailing customer support. Details here - https://technofino.in/community/threads/hp-pay-app-wallet-load.2503/

Does it work for kotak fasttag too?

 

[Sriim]

Does it work for kotak fasttag too?

Nope. Only ICICI and IDFC works with HP pay

 

[Sobirvs]

I have a ICICI fastag from Amazon and I'm using it. New Apay ICICI fastag issued in the last year or two (don't exactly remember since when) can't use it.

PS - you have to enable fuel payments by emailing customer support. Details here - https://technofino.in/community/threads/hp-pay-app-wallet-load.2503/

I have the one where any payments by default get's deducted from apay gv bal.

 

[Dazzwilliams]

PS - you have to enable fuel payments by emailing customer support. Details here - https://technofino.in/community/threads/hp-pay-app-wallet-load.2503/

Email customer support of Amazon or ICICI Fastag or HP pay?

 

[Sriim]

Email customer support of Amazon or ICICI Fastag or HP pay?

ICICI . .