HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card: Full Review & How to Apply
The HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card is widely recognized as one of the most premium choices available in the Indian credit card market. Celebrated for its unparalleled benefits, exclusive privileges, and a highly rewarding loyalty program, this card is specifically designed to cater to the needs of high-net-worth individuals. It offers a seamless blend of travel perks, lifestyle enhancements, and a robust rewards system, making it an ideal choice for those who desire a superior banking experience. Below, we delve deeper into the features of this exceptional card along with a detailed overview of the application process.
Key Features
1. Reward Points Program
- Earn 5 reward points for every ₹150 spent on retail transactions (except fuel).
- 10X reward points on international and domestic partner brands like Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, and more (as per the merchant partnerships active at the time).
- Reward points are redeemable for air tickets, hotel bookings, and exclusive gifts through the HDFC rewards portal.
- 1 Reward Point = ₹1 for redemption on flights and hotel bookings.
2. Travel Benefits
- Complimentary international & domestic airport lounge access at 1,000+ lounges worldwide via the Diners Club network.
- Complimentary membership to premium travel programs like Priority Pass.
- Annual travel vouchers worth ₹15,000 on achieving annual spends of ₹8 lakhs.
3. Lifestyle Privileges
- Complimentary golf games/lessons at leading courses across India and worldwide.
- Exclusive dining discounts and privileges at partner restaurants.
- Complimentary memberships to subscription services such as Zomato Gold (or equivalent).
4. Insurance Coverage
- Air accident cover of ₹2 crore.
- Emergency overseas hospitalization cover of ₹50 lakh.
- Travel insurance for baggage loss, flight delays, and more.
5. Annual Fee
- Joining Fee: ₹10,000 + GST.
- Renewal Fee: ₹10,000 + GST (waived off on annual spends of ₹5 lakhs).
6. Milestone Benefits
- Spend ₹5 lakh in a year to get a renewal fee waiver.
- Spend ₹8 lakh in a year to receive travel vouchers worth ₹15,000.
7. Foreign Exchange Markup
- Competitive forex markup fee of 1.99%, making it a great choice for international travelers.
Pros of HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card
- High reward points earning potential, especially through the 10X rewards program.
- Comprehensive travel and lifestyle benefits.
- Competitive forex markup fee.
- Complimentary lounge access globally.
Cons of HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card
- High annual fee (though justified by the rewards and benefits).
- Limited acceptance of Diners Club cards in some regions.
- Eligibility criteria may be stringent compared to other cards.
Eligibility Criteria
- Salaried Individuals: Minimum monthly income of ₹1.75 lakh.
- Self-Employed Individuals: Minimum annual income of ₹21 lakh.
- Good credit score (typically 750 and above) is preferred.
How to Apply for HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card
1. Online Application
- Visit the official HDFC Bank website.
- Navigate to the credit cards section and select “HDFC Diners Club Black.”
- Fill in your personal details, income information, and contact details.
- Submit the application form and upload the required documents (ID proof, address proof, income proof).
- Once approved, the card will be dispatched to your registered address.
2. Offline Application
- Visit the nearest HDFC Bank branch.
- Request the Diners Club Black Credit Card application form.
- Submit the completed form along with the required documents to the bank representative.
- The bank will process your application, and you will receive updates via SMS/email.
3. Through HDFC Relationship Manager
- If you are an existing HDFC customer, you can contact your relationship manager to initiate the application process.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport.
- Address Proof: Utility bill, Aadhaar card, or passport.
- Income Proof: Salary slips (last 3 months) or IT returns (last 2 years) for self-employed individuals.
Who Should Get the HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card?
This card is best suited for individuals who:
- Frequently travel and want complimentary lounge access.
- Spend heavily on dining, shopping, and international transactions.
- Are looking for premium lifestyle privileges like golf access and exclusive memberships.
Final Verdict
The HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card stands out as an exceptional choice for individuals seeking unparalleled privileges and rewards designed to complement their upscale lifestyles. Specifically tailored for high-income earners, this premium card offers an impressive range of benefits, including exclusive travel perks, luxurious experiences, and a highly lucrative rewards program. Although the card carries a substantial annual fee, its extensive offerings such as complimentary airport lounge access, accelerated reward points on purchases, and robust insurance coverage make it a worthwhile option for those who can leverage its features to the fullest. Potential applicants should carefully assess their eligibility and spending patterns to ensure they can fully capitalize on the card’s remarkable benefits.