HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card Review, Eligibility Criteria and Features

My brother in law who recently got a job in a multinational company got his first credit card and it is none other than HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card. When I went to his place last month, I asked him a few questions about this card. I stayed at his place for almost a month and during this time, for all our expenses, we used HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card. In this post I am going to share my experience with this credit card, and at the end I am going to share my views on whether this card is a good one or not. I hope you read my last review of HDFC Infinia Metal Edition Credit Card. If not, I highly suggest you to read it now.

Anyways, now that you have read the Infinia Credit card’s review, let us have a look at comprehensive review of the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card, a premium offering that comes packed with an array of rewards and benefits.

This credit card aims to provide a delightful experience to its customers by offering numerous perks right from the moment they join. As a welcome benefit, cardholders gain access to complimentary memberships with exclusive partners, ensuring a warm and inviting start to their credit card journey.

With the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card, earning rewards is a breeze. For every Rs. 150 spent, cardholders earn 4 Reward Points (RPs), allowing them to accumulate points quickly. Dining on weekends is particularly rewarding, as it offers 2x reward points on these expenditures. These reward points can be later redeemed for a diverse range of options, including flight and hotel bookings, products and vouchers, as well as cash credit, all at a highly competitive rate.

This credit card not only enhances your dining experiences but also helps you save significantly. With savings of over 10% on dining spends, you can indulge in your favorite culinary delights while keeping your expenses in check.

When it comes to travel benefits, the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card truly stands out. Cardholders enjoy complimentary access to over 1,000 lounges worldwide, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious journey wherever they go. Additionally, achieving milestone spends grants you a monthly BookMyShow voucher, allowing you to enjoy the latest movies and entertainment experiences.

The card’s benefits extend beyond rewards and entertainment. With features such as a spend-based annual fee waiver and fuel surcharge waiver, HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card provides a seamless and cost-effective payment solution for your everyday needs.

In this review, we will delve into the details of these remarkable features and benefits, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of why the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card is a top choice for discerning customers.

HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card Features and Benefits

Welcome Benefits of HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card

As a privileged cardholder of the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card, you are entitled to a range of complimentary memberships with renowned partners. These memberships include Swiggy One (3 months), Amazon Prime, Times Prime Smart, and MakeMyTrip Black Elite Tier, all valid for 12 months. To avail these benefits, you have two options. You can either achieve an annual spending of Rs. 75,000 within the first 3 months of card issuance, or pay a renewal fee of Rs. 2,500. Upon fulfilling either of these conditions, you will receive the relevant subscription information via SMS or email within 30 days.

Milestone Benefits

Beyond the welcome benefits, milestone spends on your HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card bring additional advantages. On reaching an annual spend of Rs. 5 lakhs, you can avail the same complimentary membership subscriptions offered during the welcome benefits at the time of your card anniversary. Furthermore, by spending Rs. 40,000 in a calendar month, you can choose one monthly benefit from a selection that includes a 1-month subscription of Ola Select, Cure Fit Live, BookMyShow vouchers worth Rs. 500, or TataCLiQ vouchers worth Rs. 500. Details about your chosen benefit will be communicated to you via SMS or email in the following month.

Dining Benefits of HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card

Indulge in a delightful dining experience with the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card. Enjoy a complimentary Swiggy One membership for 3 months, allowing you to savor a range of culinary delights. Additionally, earn 2X reward points on every Rs. 150 spent on dining during weekends, exclusively at standalone restaurants with a minimum transaction of Rs. 150. The maximum limit for this benefit is 500 Reward Points per day, applicable on Saturdays and Sundays within the offer period.

HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card for Airport Lounge Access

Travel in style and comfort with access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide. As a cardholder, you are entitled to 8 complimentary lounge visits in a calendar year, applicable at domestic and international airports. This benefit extends to both primary and add-on cardholders, ensuring a relaxing start or a well-deserved break during your journeys.

To qualify for the complimentary lounge access, card members need to have made eligible purchases totaling at least Rs. 15,000 in the previous quarter. Once this spending threshold is met, they can enjoy access to airport lounges at no additional cost.

Golf Privileges

For golf enthusiasts, the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card offers an exclusive perk. Enjoy 8 complimentary rounds of golf every year, with a maximum limit of 2 rounds per quarter. This feature allows you to refine your swing and enjoy the sport at premier golf courses.

Insurance Benefits:

oHDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card provides you with valuable insurance coverage. In the unfortunate event of accidental air death, you are covered for Rs. 1 crore. Additionally, there is a medical emergency cover of Rs. 25 lakhs, delayed baggage coverage of Rs. 50,000, and credit liability coverage of Rs. 9 lakhs. These insurance benefits offer peace of mind during your travels.

Fuel Surcharge Waiver

Say goodbye to fuel surcharges with the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card. Enjoy a waiver of the 1% fuel surcharge on all transactions worth Rs. 400 or more. The maximum fuel surcharge waiver is capped at Rs. 500 per calendar month, helping you save on your fuel expenses.

Spend Based Renewal Fee Waiver

Make your credit card experience even more rewarding with a renewal fee waiver. If you spend Rs. 3 lakhs or more in the previous anniversary year, the renewal fee of Rs. 2,500 is waived off, allowing you to continue enjoying the benefits of your HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card at no additional cost.

Low Foreign Markup Fee

When traveling abroad, you can benefit from a low foreign markup fee with the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card. Compared to other credit cards that charge around 3.5% as a foreign markup fee, this card offers a reduced markup fee of approximately 1.99% on the converted amount. This feature makes your international transactions more cost-effective and convenient.

HDFC Bank Diners Club Fee and Charges

Joining and Renewal fee

HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card offers a host of exclusive benefits and privileges to its cardholders. The Joining and Renewal Membership Fee for this credit card is Rs. 2500/- plus applicable taxes.

Cash Advancement fee

The HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card offers cardholders the convenience of accessing cash in emergencies through ATMs, both in India and abroad. However, it’s important to note that a cash advance fee is applicable for such transactions.

When a cardholder withdraws cash using the HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card, a transaction fee of 2.5% of the withdrawn amount (excluding Infinia, Infinia Metal Edition) or ₹500, whichever is higher, will be levied. This fee is in addition to the withdrawn amount and will be included in the cardholder’s next statement.

For example, if a cardholder withdraws ₹10,000 as cash, the transaction fee would be calculated as follows:

Transaction fee = 2.5% of ₹10,000 = ₹250 (assuming 2.5% is higher than ₹500)

In this case, the cardholder would be billed ₹250 as the cash advance fee in the subsequent credit card statement.

It’s important to carefully consider the cash advance feature of the credit card due to the associated fees. Cash advances usually attract higher interest rates as well, so it is advisable to utilize this option only in genuine emergencies and explore other alternatives for regular cash needs.

Charges on Overlimit Account

If a cardholder exceeds the assigned credit limit on their HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card, a fee of 2.5% of the overlimit amount will be applicable. This fee is subject to a minimum charge of ₹550.

For example, if the overlimit amount is ₹5,000, the fee would be calculated as follows:

Overlimit charge = 2.5% of ₹5,000 = ₹125 (since 2.5% is lower than ₹550, the minimum charge is applied)

In this case, the cardholder would be billed ₹550 as the overlimit charge in their next statement.

Payment Return Charges

If a cardholder’s payment towards their HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card is returned due to insufficient funds or any other reason, a payment return charge will be applicable. The charge is 2% of the payment amount, subject to a minimum of ₹450.

For example, if the payment amount is ₹10,000, the payment return charge would be calculated as follows:

Payment return charge = 2% of ₹10,000 = ₹200 (since ₹200 is lower than ₹450, the minimum charge is applied)

In this case, the cardholder would be charged ₹450 as the payment return fee.

Cash Processing Fee

If a cardholder chooses to make a payment for their HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card by depositing cash at an HDFC Bank branch, a cash processing fee of ₹100 will be applicable. This fee is charged for the convenience of depositing cash directly at the bank.

HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card Rewards

Earn Reward Points

With the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card, you have the opportunity to earn reward points on your everyday purchases. For every Rs. 150 you spend, you will receive 4 Reward Points. These points add up quickly, allowing you to accumulate rewards for a variety of redemption options.

Exclusions

While most transactions are eligible for earning reward points, there are a few exceptions. Fuel transactions, EasyEMI (Equated Monthly Installment) transactions, and e-wallet reload transactions will not be eligible for reward points. It’s important to note these exclusions when planning your spending.

Reward Points Validity

The reward points earned on your HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card have a validity period. They will be valid for a duration of 2 years from the date of accrual. It’s recommended to keep track of your reward points and utilize them before they expire to make the most of your card’s benefits.

Insurance-related Spends

When it comes to insurance-related transactions, there is a maximum limit to the reward points you can earn. You can earn a maximum of 2,000 reward points per transaction on insurance-related spends. This limitation ensures that you can still earn rewards on insurance transactions while maintaining a fair balance within the rewards program.

The HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card offers a rewarding experience through its robust reward points program. By earning points on eligible transactions and being mindful of the exclusions and limitations, cardholders can make the most of their spending and enjoy the benefits and redemption options available to them.

HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card Reward Redemption

SmartBuy Reward Portal

The reward points you earn with your HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card can be redeemed at the SmartBuy reward portal. This platform offers a convenient way to redeem your points for flight bookings and hotel reservations. With a conversion rate of 1 reward point = Rs. 0.5 on the SmartBuy reward portal, you can use your accumulated points to offset the costs of your travel expenses.

Net Banking for Air Miles

Another redemption option available to cardholders is the conversion of reward points into air miles. Through HDFC Bank’s net banking facility, you can convert 1 Reward Point into 0.5 Air mile. This provides an excellent opportunity to enhance your travel experiences by utilizing your reward points for discounted or even free flights.

Exclusive Product Catalog

HDFC Bank offers an exclusive product catalog specifically designed for reward redemption with the HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card. With this catalog, 1 reward point is valued at Rs. 0.35. This opens up a wide range of products and merchandise that you can choose from, allowing you to redeem your points for desirable items.

Cash Redemption

If you prefer the flexibility of cash, HDFC Bank enables you to redeem your reward points for cash. When opting for cash redemption, 1 Reward Point is equivalent to Re. 0.20. This feature allows you to convert your reward points into monetary value, providing you with additional financial freedom.

Booking Limit for Hotel and Flight Redemption

When using your reward points for hotel or flight bookings, it’s important to note that there is a maximum limit set at 70% of the booking value. This ensures that you can still enjoy substantial savings by utilizing your points while leaving some portion of the payment to be made through other means.

Eligibility Criteria of HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card

To be eligible for the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card, you need to meet certain criteria. These criteria vary based on your employment status. Below are the eligibility requirements for both salaried employees and self-employed individuals:

For Salaried Employees

• Age: You should be between 21 years and 60 years of age.
• Income: A minimum monthly income of Rs. 70,000 is required.

For Self-Employed Individuals

• Age: The age range for eligibility is 21 years to 65 years.
• Income: Self-employed individuals need to have a minimum annual income of Rs. 8,40,000 as per their Income Tax Return (ITR).

Meeting these eligibility criteria is an essential step towards acquiring the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card. It’s important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval for the credit card. The final decision is subject to the bank’s internal assessment and policies.

Is the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card Worth Considering?

Considering the features and benefits offered by the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card, it becomes essential to evaluate whether this card aligns with your financial needs and preferences. Here are some key points to help you determine if this credit card is right for you:

• Affordable and Decent Benefits: If you are seeking an affordable credit card that provides decent benefits across various categories such as travel, dining, and lifestyle, the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card is worth considering. The card offers rewards, complimentary memberships, airport lounge access, golf privileges, and comprehensive insurance coverage, enhancing your overall experience as a cardholder.
• Lower Forex Markup Fee: For individuals frequently engaged in foreign transactions, the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card stands out with its lower forex markup fee. With a reduced fee of approximately 1.99% compared to other credit cards’ 3.5% fee, this card allows you to make international transactions more cost-effective and convenient.
• Lifetime Free Option: Another appealing aspect of this card is the opportunity to make it lifetime free. By activating any of the mentioned facilities on your card, such as SmartPay, One Assist, General Insurance, or Balance Transfer, you can waive the annual renewal fee. This feature adds to the card’s value proposition and ensures long-term cost savings.

Also read:

• HDFC Bank Ltd Stock Price Target: 2023, 2024, 2025 to 2030: Can HDFC reach 5000INR?
• HDFC Bank Savings Account Interest Rates: What You Need to Know
• HDFC Credit Card Login – How to Pay HDFC Bank Credit Card Bill?
• HDFC Home Loan Login – Know All About HDFC Bank Loan Account

FAQs

How can I make the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card lifetime free?

By activating any of the mentioned services within the first 90 days of card activation and renewing it annually, you have the option to enjoy a lifetime free card. These services include SmartPay, One Assist, General Insurance, and Balance Transfer.

How can I earn reward points with the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card?

You can earn 4 Reward Points on every Rs. 150 spent on eligible transactions. However, fuel transactions, EasyEMI, and e-wallet reload transactions are not eligible for reward points.

Can I waive off the annual renewal fee for the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card?

Yes, you can waive off the renewal fee of Rs. 2,500 by spending Rs. 3 lakhs or more in the previous anniversary year.

How long are the reward points valid with the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card?

The reward points are valid for a period of 2 years from the date of accrual.

How to redeem HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card reward points most profitably?

The profitability of redeeming HDFC Diners Club Privilege Credit Card Reward Points (RPs) depends on individual preferences and requirements. However, considering the available redemption options, the following strategies can maximize the value of your RPs:

Flights and Hotel Bookings via Smartbuy

If you frequently travel or plan to book flights and hotels, redeeming RPs for these purposes can be a profitable choice. With a redemption value of 1 RP = Rs. 0.5, you can utilize your RPs to significantly reduce your travel expenses.

Exclusive Privilege Dining Catalogue on Select Restaurants via Smartbuy

If you enjoy dining out at the participating restaurants, redeeming RPs through the Privilege Dining Catalogue can provide good value. The redemption value of 1 RP = Rs. 0.50 allows you to save on your dining expenses and enjoy exclusive privileges.

Exclusive Reward Redemption Catalogue for HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card

Explore the exclusive reward redemption catalogue designed specifically for HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Cardholders. While the redemption value is lower at 1 RP up to Rs. 0.35, you may find valuable rewards or merchandise that align with your preferences and needs.

Cashback

If you prefer immediate monetary benefits, redeeming RPs for cashback can be a straightforward option. However, keep in mind that the redemption value is lower at 1 RP = Rs. 0.20, which means you’ll receive less value compared to other redemption options.

To determine the most profitable way to redeem your RPs, assess your personal priorities and consider which redemption option aligns best with your preferences and requirements. It’s also advisable to periodically review the available redemption offers and terms provided by HDFC Bank, as they may change over time.

Conclusion

The HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card offers an extensive range of benefits across various categories, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking a card with reasonable annual fees and exclusive rewards. This card presents the opportunity to convert it into a lifetime free card simply by activating one of the mentioned facilities.

In addition to providing access to both domestic and international lounges, the card’s low foreign currency markup fee further enhances its appeal. By choosing this card, you can save significantly on your international transactions, making it a suitable choice for frequent travelers or individuals engaged in global commerce.

You should get this credit card if you frequently travel or plan to book flights and hotels. Redeeming Reward Points for travel bookings can be advantageous, as it allows you to significantly reduce your expenses. The dining privileges and exclusive rewards offered through the Privilege Dining Catalogue and the exclusive reward redemption catalogue can also be appealing if you value unique experiences and merchandise.

Author: Vedanti KiranVedanti is a female finance writer, currently pursuing her studies at Hansraj College. She has a passion for writing and travelling, and her articles on the stock market, finance, investment, and cryptocurrency are well-researched and informative. With her unique perspective on the world of finance, Vedanti is a go-to source for those seeking insights into the world of finance.