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HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card VS ICICI Bank Sapphiro 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: 21 July 2026

Both HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card and ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card suit travel-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 Sapphiro Credit Card costs ₹6,500 + GST and earns 4 RP/₹100 on international, 2 RP/₹100 on domestic, 1 RP/₹100 on utility & insurance. HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card also brings unlimited complimentary airport lounge access in India for primary and add-on cardholders, while ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card counters with 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses per calendar quarter on spending ₹75,000. If premium spending matters more, go with HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card; if travel is the priority, ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card fits better.

Fees & Charges

Joining Fee₹12,500 + GST
Joining Fee₹6,500 + GST
Renewal Fee₹12,500 + GST
Renewal Fee₹3,500 + GST
Spend Based WaiverRenewal fee waived on ₹10 lakhs or more spend in preceding 12 months for Metal Edition.
Spend Based WaiverRenewal fee waiver on spending ₹6 lakhs or more annually in the preceding year.
Foreign Transaction Fees2% + GST (~2.36%) on all foreign currency transactions.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.50% + GST
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 purchases, ATM withdrawals, and minimum due payments.

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome BonusComplimentary Club Marriott membership for 1st year & 12,500 bonus Reward Points on activation.
Welcome BonusWelcome vouchers worth over ₹13,000 (Tata CliQ, EaseMyTrip, Da Milano, Croma) & 3 months EazyDiner Prime membership.
Rewards RateEarn 5 RP for ₹150 retail spends; up to 10X RP on SmartBuy travel & shopping.
Rewards Rate4 RP/₹100 on international, 2 RP/₹100 on domestic (excl. fuel), 1 RP/₹100 on utility/insurance.
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward Redemption FeeNil
Reward Redemption Fee₹99 + GST

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge AccessUnlimited complimentary airport lounge access in India for primary and add-on cardholders.
Domestic Lounge Access4 complimentary visits/quarter, subject to ₹75,000 spend in preceding quarter. Primary cardholder only.
International Lounge AccessUnlimited complimentary airport lounge access globally via Priority Pass for primary & add-on.
International Lounge Access2 complimentary visits/year with Priority Pass/DreamFolks membership. Primary cardholder only.
Travel BenefitsComplimentary Club Marriott & ITC Hotels stay offers; Redeem RP for flights/airmiles on SmartBuy.
Travel BenefitsComprehensive travel privileges including lounge access, insurance, and concierge services.
Movie Benefits
Movie BenefitsBuy One Get One Free movie ticket offer via BookMyShow (up to ₹500 off, twice a month), subject to ₹25,000 spend.
Dining BenefitsComplimentary Club Marriott membership; 1+1 buffet at ITC; FLAT 10% EXTRA OFF on Swiggy Dineout.
Dining Benefits15% saving on bills at over 2,500 restaurants via ICICI Bank Culinary Treats Programme.
Golf BenefitsUnlimited complimentary golf lessons and games at leading courses across India and worldwide.
Golf BenefitsComplimentary rounds/lessons (up to 4/month), subject to ₹50,000 spend in preceding month.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver on transactions ₹400-₹1,00,000, capped at ₹1,000 per statement cycle.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver on transactions up to ₹4,000 (max ₹250/billing cycle) at all fuel pumps.

Security & Other

Insurance BenefitsAccidental Air Death ₹3 Cr, Emergency Overseas Hospitalization ₹50 L, Credit Shield ₹9 L.
Insurance Benefits₹3 Cr air accident, ₹50k credit shield, baggage, travel document, flight delay, and fraud protection.
Cash Advance ChargesNIL, but interest charges are applicable from the date of cash advance.
Cash Advance Charges2.5% of transaction amount (minimum ₹500).
Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

HDFC Bank INFINIA Metal Credit Card

ICICI Bank Sapphiro 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.

Generous welcome benefits worth over ₹13,000, significantly offsetting the initial joining fee.

Extensive complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access for globetrotters.

Attractive Buy One Get One Free movie ticket offer and exclusive dining discounts.

Comprehensive insurance coverage, including high air accident and various travel benefits.

Milestone rewards and annual fee waiver enhance long-term value for high spenders.

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 joining and annual fees, though welcome benefits and waivers can mitigate costs.

Lounge, movie, and golf benefits are subject to significant spend-based eligibility criteria.

Reward points value is relatively low at ₹0.25 per point, with an additional redemption fee.

High foreign currency markup and interest rates make it less ideal for specific uses.

Movie benefit eligibility changes to a spend-based model from April 1, 2026.

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.