HDFC Bank
HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card
Rewards
Rs. 10000 + GST
Rs. 10000 + GST
Card Details
- 1-year complimentary Club Marriott membership.
- 12,500 Reward Points as an introductory benefit.
- Unlimited access to airport lounges across the globe for both primary as well as add-on cardholders.
- Get 5 Reward Points on every Rs. 150 spent (except fuel transactions) with your HDFC Bank Infinia Card.
- 24×7 global concierge service.
- Unlimited golf games at leading golf destinations in India and abroad.
- Low foreign currency markup of 2%.
- Dining benefits with the Good Food Trail program.
- 1+1 complimentary buffet on weekends at participating ITC hotels.
- 2+1 complimentary night stay at participating ITC hotels.
- Spend-based waiver annual membership fee.
- Get a 1% fuel surcharge waived at all fuel stations.
Reward Details
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Base Reward Rate: Earn 5 reward points (RP) per ₹150 spent, translating to a 3.33% return (1 RP = ₹1 when redeemed for travel via SmartBuy). This is a solid base rate for a premium card.
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Accelerated Rewards via SmartBuy:
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Up to 10X RP (33.3% return) on hotel bookings and select partners (e.g., Jockey, PharmEasy, IGP).
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5X RP (16.6% return) on flights, bus tickets, and certain partners (e.g., Myntra, Nykaa).
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3X RP (10% return) on train tickets, gift vouchers, and Apple purchases.
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Cap: 10,000 bonus RP per month on SmartBuy spends (an improvement over the plastic version’s 7,500 monthly cap).
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Weekend Dining: 2X RP (10 RP per ₹150, capped at 1,000 RP/day) on standalone restaurant spends.
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Caps: Total RP capped at 75,000 per statement cycle; 5,000 RP/day on insurance; 2,000 RP/month on utilities, telecom, and groceries.
Best Suited For
You will get high Reward Points as compared to other credit cards
Milestone Details
Earn 10,000 bonus RP per quarter (40,000 annually) by spending ₹4 lakh each calendar quarter (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec). This adds a 2.5% reward rate on milestone spends, making it a standout feature.
Reward Redemptions
- Best value: 1 RP = ₹1 for flight/hotel bookings on SmartBuy (up to 70% of booking value via RP, rest via card).
- Airmiles: 1 RP = up to 1 airmile with partners like British Airways, Etihad Guest, and Accor.
- Vouchers: 1 RP = ₹0.50; Cash: 1 RP = ₹0.30 (less value).
Excluded Spend Categories
You wont get any Reward Points for following spend types
Pros of HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card
High Reward Potential: The 3.33% base rate, up to 33.3% via SmartBuy, and 40,000 annual bonus RP make it one of India’s most rewarding cards for travel and lifestyle spends.
Travel-Centric Benefits: Unlimited lounge access, low forex markup, and generous insurance covers cater to frequent travelers.
Premium Perks: Golf games, concierge services, and complimentary memberships enhance the luxury experience.
Cons of HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card
Acceptance Issues: Diners Club cards face lower acceptance compared to Visa/Mastercard, especially offline in smaller cities or with non-HDFC/Axis/Pine Labs POS machines. Online acceptance is better but not universal (e.g., Emirates and Adidas India don’t
High Fee Waiver Threshold: ₹8 lakh annual spend for fee waiver is steep, though justifiable for heavy spenders.
No Fuel Rewards: No RP on fuel, wallet loads, or rent payments, limiting its utility for some everyday expenses.
Why We Like It
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This card is ideal for:
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Frequent Travelers: Unlimited lounge access, airmile conversions, and travel insurance make it a top pick.
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High Spenders: Those spending ₹4 lakh+ quarterly can maximize the 40,000 bonus RP and justify the ₹10,000 fee.
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Lifestyle Enthusiasts: Golf, dining discounts, and premium memberships appeal to luxury seekers.
It’s less suited for those prioritizing universal acceptance or fuel/wallet spends. -
Application Process
Card Eligibility
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Salaried: Minimum income of ₹1.75 lakh/month (or ~₹21 lakh/year).
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Self-Employed: ITR > ₹21 lakh/year (some sources suggest ₹30 lakh/year).
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Existing HDFC Cardholders: Easier upgrades with a credit limit above ₹5 lakh and a strong banking relationship.
Conclusion
The HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Metal Edition Credit Card is a powerhouse for rewards and travel benefits, offering exceptional value for high spenders who can navigate its acceptance limitations. Its quarterly milestone bonus (40,000 RP/year) and unlimited lounge access stand out, making it a compelling alternative to the Infinia for those who don’t mind carrying a backup Visa/Mastercard. If your annual spends exceed ₹8 lakh and you redeem points strategically via SmartBuy or airmiles, this card delivers a premium experience worth the price tag. However, its Diners Club network may require planning, especially offline or abroad.
