3 Super Premium Aspirational Credit Card

In my previous article, I have discussed about 3 must have free credit cards. Readers found it so useful that there were 10 conversions with my referral.

In this piece, I will discuss about must have Super premium credit cards. A premium credit card gives you the opportunity to earn better reward points. It provides more travel benefits and lounge access than regular credit cards. Also, they offer a higher discount on dining, hotel and flight bookings. In addition to that, certain co-branded premium credit cards offers you world class returns.

Super premium cards comes with super premiums to ensure that it is possessed by few deserving ones. Most of these cards have spent based annual fee reversal offers. Hence, the return is fabulous if your annual spent qualifies that criteria.

If you are looking to upgrade for a best premium credit card then the article can help you find your next best premium credit card. I am rating each feature (highlight) on a scale of 1-5 (5 being the best) based on their importance and usability.

1. HDFC Diners Club Black

HDFC Diners Club Black is THE most premium credit card in India, so you would need to have a monthly salary Rs 1.75 Lakh or an income of 21 Lakh per annum to get the approval. This has unique 14 digit card number and stands at par with HDFC Infinia. While Infinia is powered by MasterCard or visa, Diner’s club black is powered by Diners club international itself, the first independent credit card company in the world to issue credit cards and charge cards. Diners Club Black is my favourite credit card because it offers 10X reward points and free unlimited domestic and international airport lounge access.

Highlights –

· Joining & Annual fee of 10000/- + taxes. Reversed if you spend 5 lakhs in a year

· 10X reward points program. That means, you can get back 33% return on your shopping spends. It is temporary program and has been there for the past 2 year atleast

· It comes with default 3.3% reward rate on all retail transactions. The Points can be redeemed for flights, recharges, etc.

· Unlimited airport lounge access – both domestic & international (on Add-on cards also)

· One-year complimentary membership from Amazon Prime, Zomato Gold, Club Marriott, Forbes Digital subscription, MakeMyTrip Double Black, Times Prime

· Complementary benefits gets renewed if you spend 8l in a year

· Higher credit limit of atleast 5 lakhs

· Air accidental death coverage: Rs. 2 Crore

Downside –

· Low acceptability – Unlike MasterCard or Visa, Diners Club has a low acceptance in India. Hence, you need to keep a backup card handy

Simply put, this is a must own credit card. Despite having acceptability issues, there can’t be a card better than this in India.

2. Axis Bank Vistara Infinite

The Axis Bank Vistara Infinite Credit Card is ideal for frequent fliers. The benefits of the Vistara Infinite Credit Card include a complimentary business class ticket, complimentary Club Vistara Gold Membership, as well as CV points on your spending. On achieving your spend milestones, you will receive three business class tickets. This is my second favourite premium card after HDFC diners club black.

Highlights –

· Income based Joining criteria – Minimum annual salary of 6 lakhs

· Joining & annual renewal fee of INR 10000. There is not provision for spent based reversal of fees

· Complementary business class air ticket as welcome gift. One ticket free on paying renewal fee

· One can earn 4 more business class tickets if you achieve certain spent milestones of 2.5l, 5l, 7.5l and 12l

· Complementary Club Vistara membership

· Higher returns in terms of loyalty points (6 CV points)

Apart from 4 business class tickets, this card doesn’t offer anything exceptional. This card is good if you want to have royal air travel experience and can achieve at least 2 required spent milestones.

3. HDFC Bank Infinia

HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card is a super-premium offering from HDFC Bank targeted towards high net-worth individuals. Being an invite only card, one can’t lay hands on it unless invited by HDFC Bank. This is the reason why I have placed diners club black before imperia. The benefits provided on this card are unparalleled in the industry and matches the luxurious lifestyle of ultra-rich Indians. As the name signifies, it denotes limitless (infinite) possibilities in every aspect.

Highlights –

· Invite based card. You need 45 lakhs ITR to get a fresh card.

· Joining & Annual fee of 10000/- + Taxes. Renewal fee is reversed if you spend 8l in a year

· 5 reward points for every 150 rupees spent anywhere and everywhere (excluding wallet & fuel), ie; 3.3% return

· Accelerated Reward Rate: 6.6% (2X on Dining/airvistara/hdfcbankinfinia)

· Accelerated Reward Rate: 33% (10X with limited partners)

· Unlimited Lounge Access – Domestic as well as international

Simply put, HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card is indeed one of the best credit cards one can get in India due to higher return in terms of rewards and airport lounge access. If you get invited for this card by HDFC Bank, just accept it without giving a second thought.