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HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card VS ICICI Bank Platinum Chip 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

HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal charges ₹12,500 + GST for unlimited global lounge access, golf, and a Club Marriott membership - reserved for high spenders, typically by invitation. ICICI Bank Platinum Chip is entirely free with a 15% dining discount via Culinary Treats and general Reward Points on retail. For the vast majority of applicants who don't meet INFINIA's high-spend eligibility bar, Platinum Chip's free dining discount is the realistic everyday option; INFINIA only makes sense if you're already positioned for its invite-only premium tier.

Fees & Charges

Joining Fee₹12,500 + GST
Joining FeeLifetime Free
Renewal Fee₹12,500 + GST
Renewal FeeLifetime Free
Spend Based WaiverRenewal fee waived on ₹10 lakhs or more spend in preceding 12 months for Metal Edition.
Spend Based WaiverNot applicable as the card is Lifetime Free.
Foreign Transaction Fees2% + GST (~2.36%) on all foreign currency transactions.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.5% on all international transactions.
Interest Rate (APR)1.99% per month (23.8% annualized) on the due amount.
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% per month (45% per annum) on overdue amounts, ATM withdrawals, and if only the minimum due is paid.

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome BonusComplimentary Club Marriott membership for 1st year & 12,500 bonus Reward Points on activation.
Welcome Bonus
Rewards RateEarn 5 RP for ₹150 retail spends; up to 10X RP on SmartBuy travel & shopping.
Rewards RateEarn 2 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on retail transactions; 1 Reward Point for every ₹100 on utilities and insurance.
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward Redemption FeeNil
Reward Redemption Fee₹99 + GST per redemption request.

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge AccessUnlimited complimentary airport lounge access in India for primary and add-on cardholders.
Domestic Lounge Access
International Lounge AccessUnlimited complimentary airport lounge access globally via Priority Pass for primary & add-on.
International Lounge Access
Travel BenefitsComplimentary Club Marriott & ITC Hotels stay offers; Redeem RP for flights/airmiles on SmartBuy.
Travel Benefits
Movie Benefits
Movie Benefits
Dining BenefitsComplimentary Club Marriott membership; 1+1 buffet at ITC; FLAT 10% EXTRA OFF on Swiggy Dineout.
Dining BenefitsUp to 15% discount at over 2500+ restaurants in India through the ICICI Bank Culinary Treats Programme.
Golf BenefitsUnlimited complimentary golf lessons and games at leading courses across India and worldwide.
Golf Benefits
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver on transactions ₹400-₹1,00,000, capped at ₹1,000 per statement cycle.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions done at HPCL fuel stations. This waiver applies to fuel transactions worth ₹400 to ₹4,000.

Security & Other

Insurance BenefitsAccidental Air Death ₹3 Cr, Emergency Overseas Hospitalization ₹50 L, Credit Shield ₹9 L.
Insurance Benefits
Cash Advance ChargesNIL, but interest charges are applicable from the date of cash advance.
Cash Advance ChargesHigher of ₹500 or 2.5% of the amount withdrawn.
Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card

ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

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.

The ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card is lifetime free with no joining or annual fees.

Earns valuable reward points on everyday retail, utility, and insurance expenditures.

Enjoy significant savings with up to 15% discount on dining via the Culinary Treats Programme.

Benefit from a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at HPCL pumps for transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000.

Conveniently convert your large purchases into easy and manageable EMI options.

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.

A redemption fee of ₹99 + GST is applicable for each reward point redemption request.

The card levies a relatively high foreign currency markup fee of 3.5% on international transactions.

High interest rates of 3.75% per month apply to overdue amounts and cash advances.

Significant cash advance fees are charged, which can be costly for emergency withdrawals.

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.