Highlights
- Take a look at the difference between HDFC Infinia vs SBI Elite Credit Card.
- Check all their features and benefits before you apply for any card.
- Make sure that you go through the fees and other charges of both the cards.
The HDFC Infinia Credit Card and SBI Elite Credit Card are premium offerings given by two of the most reputed banks in India, each providing an unique suite of rewards and privileges curated for the discerning high-net-worth individual. While the HDFC Infinia commands a higher annual fee of Rs. 12,500 plus GST compared to SBI Elite's Rs. 4,999, both cards deliver exceptional value through their comprehensive travel benefits, impressive reward structures, and exclusive lifestyle privileges. The Infinia card, available by invitation only, is renowned for its unlimited international lounge access and substantial insurance coverage of up to Rs. 3 crores for air accidents. Meanwhile, the SBI Elite distinguishes itself with competitive reward rates on dining and grocery purchases along with complimentary Club Vistara membership. This comparison explores how these premium offerings measure up against each other, helping you determine which aligns better with your lifestyle and spending patterns. After choosing the card that aligns most with your choices, check your CIBIL score for free on the Wishfin portal, since your credit score is a very important eligibility criterion.
Comparison of HDFC Infinia and SBI Elite Credit Card
| Feature | HDFC Infinia Credit Card | SBI Elite Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
|
Annual Fee |
Rs. 12,500 + Applicable Taxes |
Rs. 4,999 + Applicable Taxes |
|
Welcome Benefits |
12,500 reward points upon fee realization |
E-Gift voucher worth Rs. 5,000 from selected brands |
|
Reward Rate |
5 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent |
5X reward points on dining, departmental stores, and grocery; 2 reward points per Rs. 100 on other spends excluding fuel. |
|
Reward Redemption Value |
1 RP = Re. 1 (for flight/hotel bookings), 1 RP = Up to Rs. 0.50 (for products/vouchers) |
4 reward points = Re. 1 |
|
Milestone Benefits |
Not applicable |
|
|
Renewal Fee Waiver |
Renewal fee waiver on spends > or = 10 lakhs in the preceding 12 months |
Spend Rs. 10 lakhs or more in the preceding year |
|
Foreign Currency Markup |
2% (one of the lowest in market) |
1.99% |
|
Airport Lounge Access |
Unlimited complimentary access in India and abroad |
2 complimentary domestic visits per quarter 6 complimentary international visits per year, outside India (With a maximum of 2 visits per quarter) |
|
Priority Pass |
Complimentary membership with unlimited visits |
Complimentary membership worth $99 with 6 visits annually. |
|
Travel Insurance |
Accidental air death cover worth Rs. 3 crores, emergency overseas hospitalization up to Rs. 50 lakhs |
Not specified in detail |
|
Golf Benefits |
unrestricted complimentary golf games at premium courses across India |
4 complimentary green fees rounds and 50% off on golf games (Mastercard variant only) |
|
Hotel Benefits |
Complimentary Club Marriott membership for first year, Book 3-nights-pay-for-2 at ITC hotels |
Benefits across 900 luxury hotels (Visa variant) |
|
Movie Benefits |
Not applicable |
Complimentary/discounted tickets worth Rs. 6,000 per year |
|
Concierge Services |
Global personal concierge - 24×7 |
Dedicated assistance on Gift delivery, flower delivery, online doctor consultation. |
|
Fuel Surcharge Waiver |
1% waiver at all fuel stations (transactions between Rs. 400 - Rs. 1,00,000) |
1% waiver across all petrol pumps (transactions between Rs. 500 - Rs. 4,000) |
|
Credit Shield |
Up to Rs. 9 lakhs |
Rs. 1 lakh fraud liability cover |
|
Card Type |
Metal card |
Regular plastic card |
|
Accessibility |
By invitation only |
Available upon application |
Which Card Is Better?
The HDFC Infinia Credit Card is positioned as a more premium offering with higher rewards for travel, unlimited lounge access, and superior insurance coverage. However, it comes with a significantly higher annual fee and is available by invitation only. The SBI Elite Credit Card offers excellent value with its milestone benefits, movie benefits, and a lower annual fee. It also provides decent travel benefits with its lounge access and low forex markup.
Choose HDFC Infinia if:
- You're a frequent international traveler who needs unlimited lounge access.
- You prioritize comprehensive travel insurance.
- You're an avid golfer who would use the unlimited golf benefits.
- You spend heavily (More than Rs. 10 lakhs annually) to justify the fee waiver.
Choose SBI Elite if:
- You want a premium card with a more affordable annual fee.
- You frequently dine out and shop at departmental stores and grocery shops.
- You're a movie enthusiast who would utilize the movie ticket benefits.
- You want to earn milestone rewards as your spending increases.
Both cards offer excellent premium features, but your choice should depend on your specific spending habits, lifestyle needs, and whether you can maximize the benefits to offset the annual.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What are the annual fees for the HDFC Infinia and SBI Elite credit cards?
The HDFC Infinia Credit Card comes with a higher annual fee of Rs. 12,500 + GST for the current Metal Edition (Rs. 10,000 + GST for cards issued before October 18, 2021). In contrast, the SBI Elite Credit Card charges a more modest annual fee of Rs. 4,999 + GST.
2. What are the welcome benefits offered by the HDFC Infinia credit card and the SBI Elite Credit Card?
The HDFC Infinia Credit Card provides welcome benefits including 12,500 reward points upon fee realization and card activation, plus a complimentary Club Marriott membership for one year that offers up to 20% discounts for dining and stays across the Asia-Pacific region. The SBI Elite Credit Card offers a welcome e-gift voucher worth Rs. 5,000 from brands like Bata, Hush Puppies, Yatra, Aditya Birla Fashion, Shoppers Stop, or Pantaloons.
3. What insurance benefits does the HDFC Infinia Credit Card offer?
The HDFC Infinia Credit Card provides substantial insurance coverage :
- Accidental air death cover worth Rs. 3 crores
- Emergency overseas hospitalization coverage up to Rs. 50 lakhs
- Credit shield cover for up to Rs. 9 lakhs.
4. What fuel benefits do the HDFC Infinia and SBI Elite credit cards offer?
The HDFC Infinia Credit Card provides a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between Rs. 400 and Rs. 1,00,000 at all fuel stations in India. The SBI Elite Credit Card offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps with a maximum surcharge waiver of Rs. 250 per month, per statement cycle.
5. Amongst the HDFC Infinia credit card and the SBI Elite Credit Card, which one is easier to acquire?
The HDFC Infinia Credit Card is available by invitation only and is typically offered to high net-worth customers of HDFC Bank. The SBI Elite Credit Card has more accessible eligibility criteria with a minimum age requirement of 21 years, stable income, and a CIBIL score of 750 and above.
