HDFC Infinia Rewards Cut from Jan 16: SmartBuy Benefits Reduced

HDFC Bank has announced a reduction in reward benefits on its premium Infinia credit card. The changes will come into effect from January 16, 2026, and mainly impact rewards earned through the SmartBuy platform.

Lower Rewards on SmartBuy Vouchers

Earlier, Infinia cardholders earned 5X reward points on vouchers bought via SmartBuy (Gyftr). This has now been reduced to 3X reward points. As a result, the effective reward rate drops from around 16.5% to nearly 10%.

Impact on Amazon Pay Vouchers

Amazon Pay vouchers, which are widely used by cardholders, will now offer returns of about 5.77%, significantly lower than earlier benefits. This makes voucher-based spending less rewarding than before.

Rewards Now Similar to Other Premium Cards

With this revision, Infinia’s reward structure is now closer to other HDFC premium cards like Biz Black and Diners Club Black, which already offer returns of around 10% on similar purchases.

Convenience Fees Still Apply

Cardholders should also note that convenience fees of up to 4% continue on certain brands. After accounting for these charges, the net reward benefit may drop further to around 6% for some transactions.

Why This Matters for Cardholders

Infinia has long been valued for its high rewards and premium positioning. Many users relied on SmartBuy vouchers to maximise returns. With lower reward rates, the card’s edge over other premium options has reduced.

Also Read: Groww Share Price in Focus: State Street to Invest ₹580 Crore in Groww AMC!

A Broader Industry Trend

Such reward cuts are becoming common across the Indian credit card market as banks adjust benefits due to rising costs and changing market conditions. Despite the reduced rewards, the Infinia card will continue to carry its premium annual fee.

Conclusion

The reduction in SmartBuy rewards significantly impacts the value proposition of the HDFC Infinia credit card. Existing cardholders may now need to reassess whether the benefits still justify the cost, especially if rewards were the main reason for holding the card.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.