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HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card VS ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card

A detailed, side-by-side look at 2 leading credit cards. Analyze the features that matter most to you and make an informed choice.
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Last updated: 18 July 2026

Both HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card and ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card suit premium-focused spenders, but they earn and cost differently. HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card costs ₹12,500 + GST and earns 5 RP for ₹150 retail spends; up to 10X RP on SmartBuy travel & shopping. ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card costs ₹12,499 + GST and earns 6 ICICI Reward Points on every ₹200 spent (3% reward rate) on eligible retail transactions. HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card also brings unlimited complimentary airport lounge access in India for primary and add-on cardholders, while ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card counters with unlimited complimentary domestic airport lounge access for primary and add-on card members. If premium spending matters more, go with HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card; if travel is the priority, ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card fits better.

HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card
HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card
ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card
ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card

Fees & Charges

Joining Fee₹12,500 + GST
Joining Fee₹12,499 + GST
Renewal Fee₹12,500 + GST
Renewal Fee₹12,499 + GST
Spend Based WaiverRenewal fee waived on ₹10 lakhs or more spend in preceding 12 months for Metal Edition.
Spend Based WaiverAnnual fee waived for the next year on spending ₹10 lakh or above in the card anniversary year.
Foreign Transaction Fees2% + GST (~2.36%) on all foreign currency transactions.
Foreign Transaction Fees1.99% of the total transaction amount.
Interest Rate (APR)1.99% per month (23.8% annualized) on the due amount.
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% per month (45% per annum).

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome BonusComplimentary Club Marriott membership for 1st year & 12,500 bonus Reward Points on activation.
Welcome BonusComplimentary Taj Epicure Plus & EazyDiner Prime Memberships, plus 12,500 bonus Reward Points.
Rewards RateEarn 5 RP for ₹150 retail spends; up to 10X RP on SmartBuy travel & shopping.
Rewards RateEarn 6 ICICI Reward Points on every ₹200 spent on eligible retail transactions.
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward Redemption FeeNil
Reward Redemption FeeNil

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge AccessUnlimited complimentary airport lounge access in India for primary and add-on cardholders.
Domestic Lounge AccessUnlimited complimentary lounge access for primary and add-on card members at select airports in India.
International Lounge AccessUnlimited complimentary airport lounge access globally via Priority Pass for primary & add-on.
International Lounge AccessUnlimited complimentary Priority Pass for primary & add-on card members, 1,800+ lounges worldwide.
Travel BenefitsComplimentary Club Marriott & ITC Hotels stay offers; Redeem RP for flights/airmiles on SmartBuy.
Travel BenefitsUnlimited domestic & international lounge access, low 1.99% forex markup, and EaseMyTrip vouchers.
Movie Benefits
Movie BenefitsBuy One Get One (BOGO) offer up to ₹750 off on BookMyShow, twice a month.
Dining BenefitsComplimentary Club Marriott membership; 1+1 buffet at ITC; FLAT 10% EXTRA OFF on Swiggy Dineout.
Dining BenefitsComplimentary EazyDiner Prime Membership with 25-50% off at 3,000+ restaurants.
Golf BenefitsUnlimited complimentary golf lessons and games at leading courses across India and worldwide.
Golf BenefitsUnlimited complimentary golf rounds or lessons every month at top courses globally.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver on transactions ₹400-₹1,00,000, capped at ₹1,000 per statement cycle.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver on fuel transactions up to ₹4,000, max ₹1,000 per statement cycle.

Security & Other

Insurance BenefitsAccidental Air Death ₹3 Cr, Emergency Overseas Hospitalization ₹50 L, Credit Shield ₹9 L.
Insurance Benefits₹3 Cr Air Accident, ₹1 Lakh Credit Shield, ₹25K Baggage, ₹1.4 Lakh Purchase Protection & more.
Cash Advance ChargesNIL, but interest charges are applicable from the date of cash advance.
Cash Advance ChargesNil (subject to 3.75% interest per month on ATM withdrawals).
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Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card

ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card

Who is it for?

The HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card is a super-premium, invite-only offering designed for high-net-worth individuals. It provides luxurious benefits like unlimited global lounge access, complimentary golf, a 24x7 concierge, and high reward earnings. With its low foreign currency markup and comprehensive insurance, it caters to an uncompromising lifestyle.

Who is it for?

The ICICI Bank Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card is a super-premium, invite-only offering for high-net-worth individuals. It provides unmatched luxury and exclusivity with unlimited airport lounge access, complimentary golf, and exclusive memberships like Taj Epicure Plus and EazyDiner Prime. With a competitive reward rate and low foreign currency markup, it's ideal for frequent travelers and those indulging in premium experiences. This card offers an elite experience for those who prioritize lifestyle and convenience.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Unlimited lounge access globally for primary and add-on cardholders via Priority Pass membership.

Enjoy unlimited complimentary golf games and coaching at premier courses across the world.

Highly rewarding with 5 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent, up to 10X on SmartBuy.

Valuable welcome & renewal benefits, including bonus RPs & complimentary Club Marriott membership.

Comprehensive insurance benefits, including air accidental death cover and overseas hospitalization.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Exceptional Travel Benefits: Unlimited lounge access, golf, low forex markup.

Generous Welcome & Milestone Benefits: Taj Epicure, EazyDiner, bonus points, EaseMyTrip vouchers.

Strong Reward Rate: Competitive 3% reward rate with good redemption value for premium brands.

Comprehensive Insurance: Extensive coverage including air accident and purchase protection.

Unique Cancellation Cover: Refund up to ₹12,000 on flight/hotel cancellations twice yearly.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

The card is strictly invite-only, making it inaccessible to most potential applicants due to rigorous criteria.

Significant joining and renewal fees, though a waiver is possible with very high annual spending.

Reward points have monthly caps on grocery, telecom, and utility transactions, limiting earning potential.

Low cashback redemption value (₹0.30 per point) compared to higher value redemptions for travel.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

High Fees: Substantial joining and annual fees of ₹12,499 + GST, though waivable.

Reward Point Value Discrepancy: Redemption value varies significantly, lower for general catalogue.

Invite-Only: Card is not readily available, requiring an invitation or Relationship Manager contact.

Milestone Partner: Some users might prefer a more prominent travel partner than EaseMyTrip.

How We Compare These Cards

Every comparison on CardsForYou is built from the same verified data set we use across the site - joining and renewal fees, reward rates, forex markup, lounge access, and insurance benefits - sourced directly from each issuer and refreshed regularly. We highlight the lower-cost option on fees automatically, but "best" always depends on your own spending pattern: a card that wins on annual fee may lose on reward rate for a heavy spender, and vice versa. Use the table above alongside your own typical monthly spend to judge real value, not just the headline numbers.

Ready to Choose?

Based on your comparison, select the credit card that best matches your spending habits and financial goals.
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