HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card Review

Welcome to our comprehensive review of the HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card, a co-branded offering from HDFC Bank in partnership with intermiles.com. This credit card is designed to provide an array of travel and dining benefits to its customers, making it an attractive choice for frequent travelers and food enthusiasts alike.

With the HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card, you can enjoy exclusive spend-based InterMiles offers, allowing you to accumulate rewards while making your everyday purchases. Additionally, this card offers a range of travel perks, including 16 complimentary airport lounge accesses every year through the VISA Lounge Program or the MasterCard Lounge Program, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing start to your journeys. Furthermore, you can enjoy access to 5 International Lounges through the Priority Pass, adding to the convenience and luxury of your travel experiences.

In the realm of dining, the HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card provides its customers with the exclusive Dineout Passport membership, opening doors to exciting dining offers and culinary adventures. Whether you are a food connoisseur or simply enjoy dining out, this card offers a range of benefits to enhance your gastronomic experiences.

Considering the financial aspect, the HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card has a joining fee of Rs. 2,500, but it comes with attractive welcome benefits of up to 8,000 bonus InterMiles based on your spending patterns. Moreover, this card offers various other advantages, including a spend-based renewal fee waiver, fuel surcharge waiver, and much more, making it a valuable addition to your wallet.

To delve into the detailed information about the InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature credit card, including its fees and charges, and to explore all the benefits it has to offer, continue reading the following sections of our review.

Features and Benefits

• Welcome Benefits: Upon receiving your HDFC Intermiles Signature Credit Card, you are greeted with a range of exciting welcome benefits. These include InterMiles Silver Membership for the first year, allowing you to unlock exclusive privileges. Additionally, you can earn 3,000 bonus InterMiles by spending Rs. 6,000 within 30 days, and an additional 5,000 InterMiles for spending over Rs. 90,000 within 90 days. As a cherry on top, you receive flight discount vouchers worth Rs. 750 and hotel discount vouchers worth Rs. 2,000 for the first year.
• InterMiles Rewards: With every retail purchase you make using your InterMiles Signature Card, you earn InterMiles that can be redeemed for exciting rewards. You earn 6 InterMiles on every Rs. 150 spent on retail purchases. For flight and hotel bookings made through intermiles.com/flights, you earn an impressive 12 InterMiles for every Rs. 150 spent. However, purchases below Rs. 150 and transactions such as fuel purchases, e-wallet reloadings, and EasyEMI are not eligible for InterMiles. Additionally, the maximum InterMiles you can earn on insurance categories is capped at 2,000 miles per day.
• Travel Benefits: The HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card elevates your travel experiences with an array of benefits. You gain access to 16 complimentary domestic lounge visits every year through the VISA Lounge Program or MasterCard Lounge Program. Furthermore, as a primary cardholder, you can enjoy 5 free international lounge visits annually via the Priority Pass. Please note that lounge visits within India using Priority Pass incur charges of US $27 + GST, and the same charges apply for international lounge visits beyond the 5 complimentary visits. Moreover, you can enjoy exclusive perks when booking Etihad Airways tickets through flights.intermiles.com, such as 15 InterMiles, a 5% discount on Economy Class tickets, and a 10% discount on Business Class tickets. As an added bonus, you receive complimentary one-year InterMiles Silver Tier membership.
• Dining Benefits: Indulge in a delightful dining experience with your InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature Credit Card. You can avail yourself of up to a 35% discount on dining at partner establishments. Additionally, you gain access to the exclusive Dineout Passport Membership, offering an assured 25% discount at over 2,000 premium restaurants. When using your InterMiles Signature Credit Card, you enjoy an additional 10% discount. Furthermore, you can relish the benefit of 1+1 on the buffet at more than 200 restaurants and gain early access to various events and festivals.
• Other Benefits: The HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card continues to impress with its renewal benefits. Each anniversary year, upon paying the renewal fee, you receive 6,000 InterMiles by spending over Rs. 6,000 within 30 days. Additionally, you receive flight and hotel discount vouchers worth Rs. 750 and Rs. 1,000 respectively. Furthermore, if you spend Rs. 3 lakhs or more in the previous year, the renewal fee of Rs. 2,500 will be waived off.
• Low Foreign Markup Fee: When using your HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card for foreign transactions, you benefit from a low foreign markup fee of just 2%. This is significantly lower than the standard markup fee charged by banks, which is typically around 3.5%.
• Zero Liability Protection: The HDFC Bank prioritizes the security of its cardholders. In the unfortunate event of a lost or stolen card, you are protected by the zero liability policy. This means that if you report the lost or stolen card to the bank promptly, you will not be held liable for any fraudulent transactions made on the card.

Reward Points Redemption

• Flexible Redemption Options: The InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature Credit Card offers a convenient and flexible way to redeem your accumulated InterMiles. These reward points can be easily redeemed against flight and hotel bookings through the dedicated website intermiles.com.
• Seamless Redemption Process: Redeeming your InterMiles is a hassle-free process. Simply visit intermiles.com and navigate to the flight or hotel booking section. From there, you can select your desired itinerary and proceed to the payment page.
• Reward Redemption Fee: Please note that a reward redemption fee of Rs. 99 is applicable on every redemption request made using the InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature credit card. This fee covers the processing and administration costs associated with redeeming your InterMiles for travel bookings.
• Maximize Your Rewards: By using your InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature Credit Card for your everyday expenses and eligible purchases, you can accumulate a significant number of InterMiles. This provides you with the opportunity to enjoy discounted or even free flights and hotel stays, making your travel experiences more affordable and rewarding.
• Keep an Eye on Redemption Offers: Periodically, InterMiles and HDFC Bank may offer special promotions or discounts on reward point redemptions. Stay updated with the latest offers to maximize the value of your InterMiles and make the most out of your credit card benefits.
• Plan Ahead for Redemption: It’s a good practice to plan your travel and hotel bookings in advance, allowing you to make the most strategic use of your InterMiles. By planning ahead, you can take advantage of better availability and potentially secure better deals when redeeming your reward points.

InterMiles HDFC Signature Credit Card Fees and Charges

• Annual Fee and Waiver: The InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature Credit Card carries an annual fee of Rs. 2,500. However, you have the opportunity to waive off this fee if you have spent Rs. 3 lakhs or more on your credit card in the previous year. This provides an incentive to actively use your card and benefit from the waiver of the annual fee.
• Interest Rate: The credit card carries an interest rate of 3.6% per month, which translates to an annual interest rate of 43.8%. It is important to manage your credit card usage responsibly to avoid accumulating high-interest charges. Paying your outstanding balances in full and on time can help minimize interest expenses.
• Foreign Currency Markup Fee: For international transactions made in a currency other than Indian Rupees, the InterMiles HDFC Signature Credit Card charges a foreign currency markup fee of 2%. This fee is calculated based on the transaction amount and helps cover the costs associated with currency conversion. It’s worth considering this fee when using the card for international purchases.
• Cash Advance Charges: If you find yourself in need of cash, you can withdraw it using your InterMiles HDFC Signature Credit Card. However, cash withdrawals come with charges. The cash advance fee is 2.5% of the withdrawn amount, subject to a minimum of Rs. 500. It’s important to note that cash advances often attract higher interest rates compared to regular credit card transactions, so it’s advisable to use this feature sparingly and in emergency situations.

Eligibility & Documentation

Age and Income Requirements: To be eligible for the InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature Credit Card, applicants must meet certain criteria regarding age and income. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

Salaried Employees

• Age: 21 years to 60 years.
• Income: Minimum monthly income of Rs. 90,000.

Self-Employed Individuals

• Age: 21 years to 65 years.
• Income: Minimum annual income of Rs. 12,00,000 as per Income Tax Return (ITR).
• Good Credit Score: In addition to meeting the age and income requirements, having a good credit score is also crucial for getting approved for the InterMiles HDFC Signature Credit Card. A credit score reflects your creditworthiness and helps the bank assess your ability to manage credit responsibly. Maintaining a good credit score by making timely payments, keeping credit utilization in check, and managing debts prudently enhances your chances of approval.
• Internal Eligibility Criteria: Apart from the basic eligibility requirements mentioned above, the bank may have additional internal criteria that influence the approval or rejection of your credit card application. These internal factors are evaluated by the bank to assess your overall financial profile, stability, and creditworthiness.
• Documentation: To support your credit card application, you will typically be required to provide certain documents. The specific documentation requirements may vary, but commonly requested documents include:
  • Proof of identity (e.g., PAN card, Aadhaar card, passport, or driver’s license).
  • Proof of address (e.g., utility bills, bank statements, or rental agreement).
  • Proof of income (e.g., salary slips, income tax returns, or business financial statements).
  • Recent passport-size photographs.
  • Completed application form.

How To Apply For The InterMiles HDFC Signature Credit Card?

Applying for the InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature Credit Card is a simple process that can be done online or offline. Whether you prefer the convenience of online applications or the personal touch of visiting a branch, HDFC Bank offers options to suit your preference. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the InterMiles HDFC Signature Credit Card:

Online Application

• Visit the HDFC Bank Official Website: Start by visiting the official website of HDFC Bank, which can be easily accessed through any web browser.
• Navigate to Credit Cards: Locate the section labeled “Borrow” on the website’s main page. Within this section, click on “Credit Cards” to explore the range of credit card options available.
• Select the InterMiles HDFC Signature Credit Card: Within the credit card category, look for the travel segment and specifically choose the “InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature Credit Card.”
• Click on “Apply Online”: Once you have selected the InterMiles HDFC Signature Credit Card, click on the “Apply Online” button to initiate the application process.
• Provide Required Information: Begin the application process by entering your mobile number and completing the captcha verification.
• Fill in the Application Form: Provide all the necessary details requested in the application form. Ensure that you enter accurate and up-to-date information to facilitate a smooth application process.
• Submit Your Application: Once you have filled in all the required information, review the form to ensure its accuracy. Finally, submit the completed application form for further processing.

Offline Application

• Visit a Branch: If you prefer the traditional approach, you can visit your nearest HDFC Bank branch to apply for the InterMiles HDFC Signature Credit Card.
• Obtain and Fill the Physical Application Form: At the branch, request a physical application form for the InterMiles HDFC Signature Credit Card. Fill in all the necessary details as instructed.
• Submit Your Application: After completing the application form, submit it along with any required supporting documents to the HDFC Bank representative present at the branch. They will guide you through the next steps of the application process.

By following these steps, you can apply for the InterMiles HDFC Signature Credit Card seamlessly, whether online or offline. Remember to provide accurate information and fulfill any additional requirements as specified by HDFC Bank to increase your chances of approval.

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FAQs

How can I earn InterMiles with the HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card?

By utilizing the HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card for your retail purchases, you have the opportunity to accumulate InterMiles. On every Rs. 150 spent on retail purchases, you can earn 6 InterMiles, and for every Rs. 150 spent on flight and hotel bookings through intermiles.com/flights, you can earn 12 InterMiles.

What is the foreign currency markup fee for international transactions with the HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card?

The foreign currency markup fee for international transactions made with the HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card is 2% on the transaction amount.

How can I redeem my InterMiles earned with the HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card?

You can easily redeem your InterMiles earned with the HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card by visiting the intermiles.com website. You can redeem your InterMiles against flight and hotel bookings.

What are the lounge access benefits offered by the HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card?

The HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card provides 16 complimentary domestic lounge access per year through the VISA Lounge Program/MasterCard Lounge Program. Additionally, the primary cardholders can access 5 free international lounges per year through the Priority Pass.

Can I waive off the annual fee for the HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card?

If you spend Rs. 3 lakhs or more in the previous year, you have the option to have the annual fee of Rs. 2,500 for the HDFC InterMiles Signature Credit Card waived off.

Conclusion

The InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature credit card offers a multitude of advantages, particularly appealing to frequent travelers. While its travel benefits are noteworthy, it’s important to highlight that this card offers more than just travel perks. With its enticing reward offers, dining benefits, and additional advantages, it stands as a strong contender in the credit card market. One standout feature of this card is its remarkably low foreign currency markup fee of just 2%. Moreover, the welcome benefits associated with the card are truly captivating.

If you’re seeking a credit card that encompasses a wide array of benefits, including exclusive travel and dining advantages, the InterMiles HDFC Bank Signature credit card is definitely worth considering. Its comprehensive package of offerings makes it an appealing choice for individuals looking to maximize their rewards and enjoy an elevated experience.

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.