For those who’ve worked their way up the ladder—long work hours, closed deals, and earned milestones—rewards often come in quiet, luxurious forms. Two such forms are the SBI Aurum and HDFC Infinia credit cards. Both invite-only, they’re not just plastic; they’re privileges reserved for a very select few.
SBI Aurum: A Touch of Quiet Luxury
Imagine receiving a sleek black envelope from your bank. No flashy sales pitch—just a note welcoming you to a world few enter. That’s how SBI introduces Aurum. Tailored for the bank’s most valued clients, this card doesn’t scream luxury; it whispers it. With unlimited lounge access, personalized concierge support, and memberships to Taj Epicure and Club Marriott, Aurum isn’t about points—it’s about moments. From a table at your favorite restaurant to a weekend stay at a heritage property, the card opens doors without you asking.
Features at a glance:
- Unlimited airport lounge access (Domestic & International via DreamFolks & Priority Pass)
- 24×7 concierge for travel, dining, and reservations
- Complimentary Taj Epicure and Club Marriott memberships
- Curated lifestyle and fine-dining experiences
- Luxe Reward Points with premium redemption options
- Who gets it? You don’t apply; SBI calls you. Generally offered to High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) with strong banking history.
- Documents needed: PAN card, address proof (Aadhaar/Passport), income documents (ITR/Form 16), and active SBI relationship.
HDFC Infinia: When the Sky Isn’t the Limit
Now picture this: you’re flying business class, sipping coffee in a quiet airport lounge while your inbox clears itself. If you hold the HDFC Infinia, this scene is more routine than rare. Known as the crown jewel in HDFC’s lineup, Infinia is for those who travel often, spend freely, and value rewards. What makes it powerful is 10X reward points on the SmartBuy portal, complimentary golf, and Club Marriott access that brings hotel luxury right to your doorstep. The metal version of the card feels as solid as the benefits it offers.
Features at a glance:
- Unlimited lounge access worldwide (DreamFolks & Priority Pass)
- 10X reward points on flights, hotels, and more via SmartBuy
- Complimentary golf games in India and abroad
- Club Marriott: stays and dining at top hotels
- Low forex markup of 2% and premium travel insurance
- Who gets it? By invitation only. Generally offered to individuals with ₹45 lakh+ annual income or elite HDFC clients.
- Documents needed: PAN, Aadhaar, income proof (ITR/Form 16), and HDFC relationship proof.
Also read: Top 10 Business Credit Cards in India for 2025- Rewards, Cashback & Perks Inside!
Side-by-Side Look: SBI Aurum vs. HDFC Infinia
| Aspect | SBI Aurum | HDFC Infinia |
| Who Can Get It | You can’t apply directly—SBI usually offers it to its top-tier or long-time customers | Same deal here. HDFC generally reaches out to high-income clients or trusted long-term users |
| Lounge Access | Unlimited entry to airport lounges (both in India and abroad) through DreamFolks and Priority Pass | Also unlimited lounge access worldwide via the same networks |
| Rewards | Points earned under the Luxe Rewards program—mainly useful for travel, luxury items, etc. | Massive reward potential, especially with 10X points via SmartBuy platform |
| Hotel Perks | Comes with Club Marriott and Taj Epicure memberships—good for hotel stays and dining | Includes Club Marriott, but no Taj tie-up |
| Golf Access | Not included in the benefits | Includes free rounds of golf at select courses across India and globally |
| Concierge | 24/7 assistance for bookings, travel help, dining reservations, and more | Offers a similar white-glove concierge experience |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | Around 1.99% on international spends | Slightly higher at 2% |
| Annual Fee | ₹10,000 plus taxes (waived in some cases depending on spends) | ₹12,500 plus taxes (can also be waived off based on usage) |
| Spending Power | High limit, though based on your profile with SBI | No fixed limit—based on how you’ve used the card and relationship with the bank |
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, it’s not just about which card has more bells and whistles—it’s about how you actually use it. SBI Aurum feels like that perfectly tailored suit you wear to a quiet, upscale dinner. It’s subtle, not flashy, but it makes sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes—concierge help, premium hotel perks, and lounge access when you travel. It’s for someone who values elegance without needing attention.
HDFC Infinia, meanwhile, is more like an all-access pass. If you’re someone who travels a lot, books flights and hotels online, and likes to earn serious rewards on your spending, Infinia has more firepower. The 10X points on SmartBuy can rack up fast if you use it smartly. So, if you lean towards exclusivity, Aurum might feel more personal. But if you’re after maximum benefits and heavy rewards, Infinia probably gives you more bang for your buck.
Written by Roshni Mohinani
