What if I told you that you could snag a free business class return trip from India to Europe, Australia, or even the US—without selling a kidney, robbing a bank, or suddenly becoming a crypto millionaire?

Sounds like a scam? Well, it’s not. It’s just the magic of the HDFC Infinia Credit Card—aka the card that’s basically printing travel tickets if you know how to play it right.

No, you don’t need to spend crores. No, you don’t need to be a corporate CEO. All you’ve got to do is redirect your everyday expenses—yes, the ones you’re already making—through specific platforms, unlock reward multipliers, and boom: business class flights and luxury hotels practically for free.

HDFC Infinia Monthly Spending Strategy

If you own the invite-only HDFC Infinia Credit Card, you’ve got a premium tool that’s designed to reward you for almost every rupee you spend. But the real power of travelling for free with credit cards comes from strategically spending in categories that offer maximum reward multipliers.

Similar to our guide on Amex cards, this guide shows you how to make the most of your Infinia card using a monthly spending plan that balances everyday expenses with SmartBuy categories offering 5X to 10X multipliers. We’ll calculate your points based on both minimum (5X) and maximum (10X) multipliers for SmartBuy shopping.

Let’s dive in and turn your grocery bills, dining splurges, and online shopping into sky-high luxury.

Your Monthly Spending Plan

Here’s the spending structure we’re working with:

• SmartBuy Shopping: ₹20,000 (with multipliers ranging from 5X to 10X)

• SmartBuy Hotels: ₹20,000 (10X multiplier)

• SmartBuy Flights: ₹10,000 (5X multiplier)

• Base Retail & Other Spending (insurance, utilities, education, etc.): ₹1,50,000 (standard base rate)

This approach helps you optimize both your fixed expenses and discretionary spending.

Calculating the Reward Points: 5X-10X Range

Let’s break down the calculations to see exactly how many points you’ll earn each month.

1. Base Retail & Other Spending (₹1,50,000 at Base Rate)

For everyday expenses like insurance, utilities, and education fees, Infinia offers 5 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent.

Calculation:

1. ₹1,50,000 ÷ 150 = 1,000 transactions

2. 1,000 × 5 = 5,000 Reward Points per month

With this strategy, the base category alone nets you 5,000 points every month.

2. SmartBuy Shopping (₹20,000 with 5X to 10X Multipliers)

Depending on the SmartBuy offers, your shopping can earn between 5X (25 RPs per ₹150) and 10X (50 RPs per ₹150).

At 5X Multiplier:

1. ₹20,000 ÷ 150 = 133.33 transactions

2. 133 × 25 = 3,325 Reward Points

At 10X Multiplier:

1. ₹20,000 ÷ 150 = 133.33 transactions

2. 133 × 50 = 6,650 Reward Points

This way, your SmartBuy shopping earns between 3,325 and 6,650 points monthly.

3. SmartBuy Hotels (₹20,000 with 10X Multiplier)

Hotels booked via SmartBuy come with a 10X multiplier, offering 50 RPs per ₹150 spent.

Calculation:

1. ₹20,000 ÷ 150 = 133.33 transactions

2. 133 × 50 = 6,650 Reward Points

This category consistently earns 6,650 points per month.

4. SmartBuy Flights (₹10,000 with 5X Multiplier)

Flight bookings via SmartBuy come with a 5X multiplier, earning 25 RPs per ₹150 spent.

Calculation:

1. ₹10,000 ÷ 150 = 66.66 transactions

2. 66 × 25 = 1,650 Reward Points

Flights add another 1,650 points to your monthly total.

Total Monthly Reward Points (5X-10X Range)

Now, let’s sum up the points based on both 5X and 10X multipliers for SmartBuy Shopping:

• Base Retail Spending: 5,000 points

• SmartBuy Shopping: 3,325 to 6,650 points

• SmartBuy Hotels: 6,650 points

• SmartBuy Flights: 1,650 points

Total Monthly Points: 16,625 points to 19,950 points

Monthly Accelerated Reward Point Capping

Note that accelerated rewards (bonus multipliers) through Smartbuy are capped at a maximum of 15,000 points in a calendar month, after which you can still continue earning points, but only at the base reward rate of 5 Reward Points (RPs) for every ₹150 spent.

For instance, if you spend ₹50,000 in a month on Smartbuy at 10X multiplier, even though you should ideally earn 16,666 points, your accelerated rewards are already capped at 15,000 points by the time you spend ₹45,000.
So for the remaining ₹5,000, you earn points only at the standard base rate of 5 points per ₹150 spent, which is 166 points, taking your monthly total to 15,166 points.

Unfortunately, this also means that you cannot make a lumpsum spend on an international trip to earn massive amounts of Infinia reward points due to the 15,000 point monthly cap.
A better alternative for such a trip might be the Axis Magnus Burgundy card, which allows accelerated rewards on travel spends upto ₹2,00,000 in a calendar month.

Annual Points Projection

Let’s project these totals for the entire year: 1,99,500 to 2,39,400 Reward Points annually.

In addition to your regular points, you’ll receive bonus points for joining Bonus: 12,500 points

Total Annual Points (Including Joining Bonus): 2,12,000 points - 2,51,900 points

How to Use Your Grand Total of 250,000 Points

Alright, you’ve crunched the numbers, optimised your spends, and stacked up a cool 2,50,000 HDFC Infinia Reward Points. Now comes the fun part—spending them like a boss.

These points aren’t just numbers on a statement; they’re your one-way ticket (literally) to luxury. Think business class return flights from India to Europe, Australia, or even the US—where your seat reclines into a bed, the food tastes like an actual chef made it, and you don’t have to awkwardly battle for the armrest.

Alternatively, turn those points into luxury hotel stays at top-tier properties—think beach resorts in Bali, boutique hotels in Paris, or swanky suites in New York, all without dropping a single rupee.

Quick Summary of HDFC Infinia's Point Transfer Capabilities

Here's a quick summary of the partner airlines, their alliances, the conversion ratio, and time taken for each transfer:

And here's a quick summary of HDFC Infinia's point transfer capacities for hotels:

Let’s break down exactly how to cash in those points for the kind of travel flex most people pay lakhs for.

1. Fly Return Business Class from Delhi to Paris/Amsterdam, Worth ₹3 lakhs / 250,000 points

Transfer Your Infinia Points to Flying Blue (Air France/KLM’s Frequent Flyer Program)

The first move is simple: shift your HDFC Infinia reward points to Flying Blue, the frequent flyer program for Air France and KLM. The beauty of this is the transfer ratio—1:1. That means for every HDFC point you’ve earned, you get one Flying Blue mile. No complicated conversions, no sneaky deductions.

• Transfer Ratio: 1 HDFC Infinia Point = 1 Flying Blue Mile

• What That Means: 250,000 HDFC Infinia points = 250,000 Flying Blue miles

Keep in mind, the transfer from HDFC Infinia points to Flying Blue partner program may take upto 24 hours, so plan accordingly.

With that, you’re armed and ready to book a return business class ticket. Here’s how to cash in those miles for maximum luxury.

Option 1: Delhi to Paris with Air France

• Flight: AF225

• Route: Delhi (DEL) to Paris (CDG)

• Departure: 1:45 AM, Arrival: 7:10 AM

• Duration: 9 hours 55 minutes (Direct flight)

• Aircraft: Boeing 777 (spacious, modern, and designed for long-haul comfort)

• Class: Business (Z4 fare class)

Points Breakdown:

• 120,500 Flying Blue miles one way

• 241,000 miles for a return ticket

• Taxes/Fees: Approximately $94.14 USD (₹7,832 INR) each way

What Makes This Worth It

The moment you step into the cabin, you're welcomed with a glass of champagne, setting the tone for what’s ahead. The seats transform into a fully flat bed with ample space, perfect for stretching out on this nearly 10-hour flight.

The in-flight entertainment system offers an extensive library of over 350 films, including a large selection of French movies, as well as TV series, documentaries, music, and podcasts, all available in 12 languages. The dining experience is a highlight, featuring gourmet French cuisine curated by Michelin-starred chefs, paired with fine wines selected by the airline's sommelier.

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Option 2: Delhi to Amsterdam with KLM

• Flight: KL870

• Route: Delhi (DEL) to Amsterdam (AMS)

• Departure: 5:29 AM, Arrival: 10:20 AM

• Duration: 9 hours 21 minutes (Direct flight)

• Aircraft: Boeing 777 (designed for long-haul comfort with excellent business-class seating)

• Class: Business (Z3 fare class)

Points Breakdown:

• 117,500 Flying Blue miles one way

• 235,000 miles for a return ticket

• Taxes/Fees: Approximately $94 USD (~ ₹7,800 INR) each way

What Makes This Worth It

As you settle into your seat, you're greeted with a welcome drink and an amenity kit filled with essentials to make your journey more comfortable. The seats convert into fully flat beds, offering direct aisle access for every passenger. The in-flight entertainment system features a 16- to 18-inch screen with a diverse selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games, including unique Dutch films with subtitles.

The dining experience is exceptional, with meals crafted by Dutch top chefs, accompanied by an impressive selection of wines. The current menu includes starters like salmon-filled pasta shells topped with lovage cream and tarragon dressing, main dishes such as fried redfish with langoustine sauce, and desserts like speculoos bavarois with mango and ginger.

Interestingly, KLM recently began offering free Wi-Fi onboard its Boeing 777s, with complimentary messaging available to all passengers during the entire flight.

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Alternate Choice: Business Class Return from Delhi to Amsterdam/Milan + Tours, Worth ₹3 lakh / 180,000 points

While transferring your points to Flying Blue is a solid option, there’s another route that’s equally exciting—redeeming your HDFC Infinia points via Aeroplan, the frequent flyer program of Air Canada.

This method lets you save 70,000 of your miles that you can use for free luxury hotel stays if you swap AirFrance/KLM Flying Blue for Air India’s business class to some of Europe’s most iconic cities, like Amsterdam or Milan, for just 180,000 points round-trip.

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown of how to make this happen:

Transfer Your Infinia Points to Aeroplan

• Transfer Ratio: 2:1 (which means for every 2 HDFC Infinia points, you get 1 Aeroplan point)

• What That Means: Transfer 180,000 HDFC Infinia points to get 90,000 Aeroplan points

That’s enough for a return business class ticket with Air India because each one-way ticket to Europe costs just 45,000 Aeroplan points.

Option 1: Delhi to Amsterdam with Air India

• Flight: AI 155

• Route: Delhi (DEL, Terminal 3) to Amsterdam (AMS)

• Departure: 2:00 PM, Arrival: 6:35 PM

• Duration: 9 hours 5 minutes (Direct flight)

• Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

• Class: Business Class

Option 2: Delhi to Milan with Air India

• Flight: AI 137

• Route: Delhi (DEL) to Milan (MXP)

• Departure: 2:00 PM, Arrival: 6:30 PM

• Duration: 9 hours (Direct flight)

• Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

• Class: Business (I1 fare class)

Points Breakdown:

• 45,000 Aeroplan points each way

• 90,000 points for a return ticket

• Taxes/Fees: Approximately ₹3,917

What Makes This Worth It

Post the Tata acquisition, flying Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in business class offers a surprisingly comfortable experience. The lie-flat seats are spacious, with ample legroom, and configured in a 2-2-2 layout, ensuring quick aisle access.

The seats come with plush pillows and blankets to keep you cozy for the entire flight. Air India’s inflight entertainment system, "Thales i3000," offers a decent selection of films, along with popular TV series and music playlists. But the real charm is in the dining—a mix of Indian and continental cuisine, freshly prepared and served with fine wines and beverages.

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Use the Remaining 70,000 Points to Explore Amsterdam/Milan!

After booking your business class flights with Air India, you’ve got 70,000 HDFC Infinia points left. Instead of letting them sit idle, why not put them to work? These points can easily fund some incredible experiences during your trip.

Transfer Your Points to ALL - Accor Live Limitless

• Transfer Ratio: 2:1 (Every 2 HDFC Infinia points = 1 Accor Live Limitless Reward Point)

• What That Means: 70,000 HDFC Infinia points = 35,000 ALL Reward Points

Now, here’s how you can turn those points into memorable activities in Amsterdam.

Activities You Can Book with Your Points in Amsterdam

1. Museum Het Schip: The Best Expressionist Monument in Amsterdam: Dive into the heart of Amsterdam’s architectural expressionism with guided tours showcasing the city’s unique housing designs.

Cost: €16.00 (₹1,432) or 1,600 Reward Points

1. Amsterdam By Night Cruise: Glide through the illuminated canals of Amsterdam, soaking in the magical nighttime views with a cosy, romantic vibe.

Cost: €17.50 (₹1,566) or 1,750 Reward Points

1. The Upside Down: A Unique & Immersive Museum: An Instagrammer’s paradise, this immersive museum flips reality on its head with interactive art installations and mind-bending rooms.

Cost: €26.95 (₹2,412) or 2,695 Reward Points

1. Stedelijk Museum: A Mecca of Modern Art Masterpieces: Home to contemporary art legends like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Mondrian, it’s a must-visit for any art lover.

Cost: €22.50 (₹2,014) or 2,250 Reward Points

Alternatively, you can also book hotels in the city under Wyndham/IHG One (1:1 transfer ratio) or Accor (2:1 ratio). For example, you can sponsor 4 nights at various hotels in Amsterdam under Wyndham (15,000 points/night).
However, we recommend sticking to activities for point redemption as they offer more value per point.

2. Fly Return Business Class from Mumbai to Australia with Singapore Airlines, Worth ₹4 lakhs / 250,000 points

If a trip down under has been sitting on your bucket list, here’s how to make it happen in style—business-class style, to be precise. Thanks to the magic of HDFC Infinia points and a little strategic planning, you can snag a return business-class ticket with Singapore Airlines, one of the world’s top-rated airlines. That means sipping champagne at 35,000 feet, lounging in fully flat beds, and enjoying impeccable service—all funded by your everyday spends.

Transfer Your HDFC Infinia Points to KrisFlyer Miles

Singapore Airlines operates on the KrisFlyer frequent flyer program, and here’s the best part—the transfer ratio from HDFC Infinia is 1:1. That means every point you’ve earned is worth its weight in miles.

• Transfer Ratio: 1 HDFC Infinia Point = 1 KrisFlyer Mile

• What That Means: Transfer 185,000 HDFC Infinia points to get 185,000 KrisFlyer miles

Keep in mind that the point transfer process can take up to 7 days, so plan ahead, especially if you’re eyeing those Saver Award tickets which tend to disappear fast.

Award Ticket Options: Saver vs. Advantage

Singapore Airlines offers two types of tickets when it comes to KrisFlyer miles redemption:

1. Business Saver Award Ticket: Fewer miles required, but limited seat availability, meaning you’ll need to be flexible with travel dates.

Cost from Mumbai to Sydney/Melbourne: 185,000 KrisFlyer miles (92,500 miles each way)

1. Business Advantage Award Ticket: Higher seat availability, giving you better chances of securing your preferred dates and times, but requires more miles

Cost from Mumbai to Sydney/Melbourne: 250,000 KrisFlyer miles (125,000 miles each way)

If your schedule’s flexible, the Saver Award is the way to go. But if you’re locked into specific dates, the Advantage Award might be worth the extra points.

Flight Details: Mumbai to Sydney (via Singapore)

• Total Travel Time: 16 hours 15 minutes (1 stop in Singapore)

First Leg:

• Flight: SQ 423

• Aircraft: Airbus A380 (yes, the double-decker)

• Route: Mumbai (BOM) to Singapore (SIN)

• Departure: 11:35 PM, Arrival: 7:30 AM (5h 25m flight)

Layover in Singapore: 3 hours

Second Leg:

• Flight: SQ 211

• Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER

• Route: Singapore (SIN) to Sydney (SYD)

• Departure: 10:30 AM, Arrival: 9:20 PM (7h 50m flight)

Return Flight: Sydney to Mumbai (via Singapore)

• Total Travel Time: 20 hours 55 minutes (1 stop in Singapore)

First Leg:

• Flight: SQ 242

• Aircraft: Airbus A350

• Route: Sydney (SYD) to Singapore (SIN)

• Departure: 7:10 PM, Arrival: 12:20 AM (8h 10m flight)

Layover in Singapore: 7 hours 25 minutes

Singapore Changi Airport offers a free city tour for transit passengers with layovers of over 5.5  hours, giving you a chance to explore the city without leaving the airport for good.

If you’d rather stay at the airport, Changi airport itself offers plenty to explore, from the stunning Jewel with its indoor waterfall to rooftop gardens, a butterfly park, and luxury lounges—making it a destination in itself.

Second Leg:

• Flight: SQ 422

• Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner

• Route: Singapore (SIN) to Mumbai (BOM)

• Departure: 7:45 AM, Arrival: 10:35 AM (5h 20m flight)

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What Makes This Worth It?

Their ultra-luxurious business-class suites, as well as the inflight entertainment system, known as KrisWorld, are a class apart. The IFE features a massive library of over 1,000 movies, TV shows, music albums, and games. Expect the latest Hollywood releases, popular Netflix series, and a curated selection of international films.

Their "Book the Cook" service allows you to pre-select gourmet meals, from dishes like lobster thermidor to sous-vide beef fillet. Meals are served on fine china, accompanied by premium wines, champagnes, and even a selection of Singapore Sling cocktails if you’re feeling festive.

3. Fly Return Business class From Delhi to San Francisco, Worth ₹5 lakhs / 200,000 points

With just 200,000 HDFC Infinia points, you can book a return business class ticket from Delhi to San Francisco, flying direct with Air India. Yes, we’re talking about lie-flat seats, premium dining, and waking up refreshed after a 15-hour flight, all thanks to points earned from your daily expenses.

Transfer Your HDFC Infinia Points to Aeroplan

To unlock this luxury, you’ll need to transfer your HDFC Infinia points to Aeroplan, Air Canada’s frequent flyer program, which partners with Air India through the Star Alliance network.

• Transfer Ratio: 2:1 (Every 2 HDFC Infinia points = 1 Aeroplan point)

• What That Means: Transfer 200,000 HDFC Infinia points to get 100,000 Aeroplan points

That’s the exact number you’ll need for a round-trip business class ticket, with 50,000 Aeroplan points per leg (when booking through points.me).

Flight Details: Delhi to San Francisco (Non-Stop with Air India)

• Flight: AI 173

• Route: Delhi (DEL) to San Francisco (SFO)

• Departure: 4:00 AM, April 1, 2025

• Arrival: 7:00 AM, same day

• Duration: 15 hours 30 minutes (Direct, non-stop)

• Aircraft: Boeing 777 (Long-range variant for ultra-long-haul comfort)

• Class: Business Class

Return Flight: San Francisco to Delhi (Non-stop with Air India)

• Flight: AI 174

• Route: San Francisco (SFO) to Delhi (DEL)

• Departure: 10:30 AM, April 17, 2025

• Arrival: 2:45 PM (next day)

• Duration: 15 hours 45 minutes (Direct, non-stop)

• Aircraft: Boeing 777-L (Long-range variant)

• Class: Business Class

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What to Do with the 50,000 HDFC Infinia Points You Saved? Explore San Francisco!

After securing your business class flights to San Francisco, you’ve still got 50,000 HDFC Infinia points burning a hole in your pocket. Instead of letting them sit idle, why not turn them into unforgettable experiences in one of the world’s most vibrant cities?

Transfer Your Points to ALL - Accor Live Limitless

• Transfer Ratio: 2:1 (Every 2 HDFC Infinia points = 1 Accor Live Limitless Reward Point)

• What That Means: 50,000 HDFC Infinia points = 25,000 ALL Reward Points

Now, let’s see how far those points can take you in San Francisco.

Activities You Can Book with Your Points in San Francisco

1. Golden Gate Bridge Cruise: Sail under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge while enjoying panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the Pacific Ocean.

Cost: $43 (₹3,577) or ~4,200 Reward Points

1. San Francisco Twilight Cruise: Witness the city lights come alive as you cruise through the Bay at sunset, with breathtaking views of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges.

Cost: $52 (₹4,326) or ~5,000 Reward Points

1. North Beach Culinary Experience: Dive into the culinary heart of San Francisco’s North Beach, tasting authentic Italian dishes and exploring hidden foodie gems.

Cost: $115 (₹9,568) or ~11,138 Reward Points

1. Exploratorium: A hands-on science museum that’s as fun for adults as it is for kids, filled with interactive exhibits that make learning a blast.

Cost: $23 (₹1,913) or ~2,200 Reward Points

1. Monterey Day Trip from San Francisco: Take a scenic drive along California’s stunning coastline, visit charming Monterey, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Cost: $140 (₹11,648) or ~13,500 Reward Points

Alternatively, you can also book hotels in the city under Wyndham/IHG One (1:1 transfer ratio) or Accor (2:1 ratio). For example, you can sponsor 3 nights at various hotels in San Fransisco under Wyndham (15,000 points/night).
However, we recommend sticking to activities for point redemption as they offer more value per point.

How to Bypass 2:1 Conversion Ratio for Qatar Airways to Get 1:1 Ratio

Normally, transferring HDFC Infinia points to Qatar Avios comes with a not-so-great 2:1 ratio, meaning you lose half your points in the process. But here’s the loophole:

• HDFC → Finnair → Qatar Airways Avios

Since HDFC to Finnair transfers happen at a 1:1 ratio, and Finnair is part of the Oneworld alliance, you can then transfer those points from Finnair to Qatar Avios at a 1:1 ratio. Translation? You’ve just bypassed the 2:1 hurdle and secured a clean 1:1 transfer to Qatar.

In our case, it means instead of 125,000 Qatar Avios points, you get 250,000 Avios, which is insane!

Always Stay on The Lookout For Special Promos from HDFC

HDFC frequently rolls out limited-time offers where you can earn bonus miles when transferring points to partner airlines. For instance, until December 29, 2024, they ran a promo offering 20% extra miles when transferring to Etihad Guest.

Transferring 250,000 points to Etihad Guest would usually earn you 125,000 miles (2:1 ratio), but during the offer period, you'd have received an extra 20% (25,000 miles) for a grand total of 150,000 miles. According to point.me, that's enough for two round-trip business-class tickets from India to Europe via Abu Dhabi.

These promotions can be game-changers, helping you unlock premium cabins, luxury hotels, and exclusive experiences with fewer points than usual. So keep an eye out for these deals.

Because with the right strategy, your HDFC Infinia card doesn’t just cover your flight—it elevates your entire travel experience.