The HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit Card is a striking addition to the premium credit card market.
Designed to compete with top-tier offerings such as the HDFC Infinia and Axis Magnus, this luxurious metal card promises a suite of features tailored for frequent travelers, dining enthusiasts, and high spenders.
This blog delves deep into the card’s features, benefits, and how it stacks up against competitors. We’ll also share insights into whether this card is the right fit for you.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Fees and Charges
| Fee Type | Amount | Waiver Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹10,000 + GST | N/A |
| Renewal Fee | ₹10,000 + GST | Waived on spending ₹8 lakh annually |
The fees align with other premium cards, and the renewal fee waiver threshold is more achievable compared to the Infinia (₹10 lakh).
2. Welcome Benefits
Upon spending ₹1.5 lakh within 90 days of card issuance, cardholders receive the following complimentary memberships:
| Membership | Benefits | Validity |
| Amazon Prime | Free delivery, Prime Video, and Prime Music. | Annual Membership |
| Club Marriott | Up to 25% off dining and beverages at participating hotels in South Asia and Asia Pacific. | Annual Membership |
| Swiggy One | Free deliveries, up to 40% off on Swiggy Dineout, and discounts on Swiggy Genie services. | Annual Membership |
These benefits add substantial value, particularly for frequent diners and online shoppers.
3. Reward Points System
| Spending Category | Reward Points (RPs) | Limits |
| General Spends | 5 RPs for every ₹150 spent | N/A |
| SmartBuy Platform | 10X RPs (equivalent to up to 33% back in rewards) | 10,000 RPs/month |
| Weekend Dining | 2X RPs (10 RPs for every ₹150 spent) | Included in overall cap |
| Milestone Benefit | 10,000 RPs for ₹4 lakh spent in a calendar quarter | Credited within 10 days of the next quarter |
Reward Redemption Options:
| Redemption Type | Value of 1 RP |
| Cashback | ₹0.30 |
| SmartBuy Flights/Hotels | ₹1.00 |
| Airmiles | 0.5-1 Airmile |
With high reward rates, the card excels for online shopping through SmartBuy, making it a strong choice for frequent travelers and shoppers.
4. Travel Benefits
| Feature | Details |
| Domestic Lounge Access | Unlimited access across airports in India for primary and add-on cardholders |
| International Lounge Access | Unlimited access globally for both primary and add-on cardholders |
These benefits rival those of the HDFC Infinia and are particularly advantageous for frequent travelers who value comfort.
5. Golfing Benefits
- 6 complimentary golf games per quarter (24 annually).
- Can be booked via concierge services.
- Matches other premium cards like Infinia but falls short of unlimited golf offered by the Magnus card.
6. Insurance Coverage
| Insurance Type | Coverage |
| Air Accident Insurance | ₹2 crore |
| Emergency Overseas Hospitalisation | ₹50 lakh |
These benefits ensure peace of mind while traveling, a must-have for premium cardholders.
Comparison with Competitors
HDFC Diners Club Black Metal vs HDFC Infinia Metal
| Feature | Diners Club Black Metal | HDFC Infinia Metal |
| Joining/Renewal Fees | ₹10,000 + GST | ₹12,500 + GST |
| Golf Benefits | 6 games/quarter | Unlimited |
| Rewards Cap | 75,000 RPs/month | Unlimited |
| Renewal Fee Waiver | Spend ₹8 lakh annually | Spend ₹10 lakh annually |
While Infinia offers better golf and unlimited rewards, the Diners Club Black Metal card has a more accessible renewal fee waiver and excellent travel benefits.
FAQs
1. What is the annual fee for the Diners Club Black Metal Credit Card?
The annual fee is ₹10,000 + GST, which can be waived on spending ₹8 lakh in the card anniversary year.
2. How can I redeem my Reward Points?
You can redeem Reward Points for cashback, flights/hotels through SmartBuy, or convert them into Airmiles. The value per point depends on the redemption type.
3. Does the card offer lounge access for add-on cardholders?
Yes, both primary and add-on cardholders get unlimited domestic and international lounge access.
4. What are the income requirements for eligibility?
- Salaried: ₹1.75 lakh/month.
- Self-employed: ₹21 lakh/year.
5. How does the Diners Club Black Metal card compare to Axis Magnus?
While both cards cater to premium users, the Axis Magnus card excels in rewards for high spenders and offers unlimited golfing, whereas the Diners Club Black Metal focuses on lounge access and milestone rewards.
Conclusion
The HDFC Diners Club Black Metal Credit Card is an exceptional choice for those seeking a blend of luxury and functionality. It’s ideal for frequent travelers, dining enthusiasts, and individuals who can leverage the reward structure effectively. While it has some limitations, such as capped rewards for SmartBuy, the overall benefits make it a strong contender in the premium credit card market.
If you’re in the market for a high-end credit card that offers exclusivity, generous rewards, and practical travel perks, the Diners Club Black Metal is worth considering. Evaluate your spending habits and compare it with competitors like the HDFC Infinia or Axis Magnus to ensure it aligns with your lifestyle.
