My Credit Card Journey
Till Dec 2023
I was of the view - like many people around me - that credit cards are really a vice, merely disguised in the form of virtue. Even though I had many friends and relatives who had credit cards, however, I was somehow not convinced to take the plunge. So, I had only debit cards (since Sep 2004) and cash till 2020. Then, in 2020, courtesy Covid pandemic, cash too became quite a difficult proposition. So, I graduated to net banking in July 2020 and then PhonePe in Nov 2022. This state of affairs continued till 2023 end.
Jan - Feb 2024
Finally, after discussing some more with some of my friends and colleagues - who all praised the numerous benefits of credit cards - I decided to take the plunge. I had savings accounts in PNB and HDFC Bank. Since PNB was a public sector bank, I assessed that their response would be as usual - lethargic and bureaucratic. HDFC Bank appeared a better choice between the two. So, I spoke to my HDFC Bank RM and he said that he will revert.
Mar - Apr 2024
He informed me in 2-3 days that I am eligible for Infinia Metal Credit Card. At that time, I was not aware of this card and that it was one of the best credit cards in India. So, I asked in brief about the card and he explained to me that it is the best credit card from HDFC. So, without further ado, I said yes. Later on, I did some research on Infinia credit card and compiled a comprehensive guide on Infinia - which I have shared on this forum, and it can be accessed and read here. My eligibility was possibly based on these factors - I have an ITR of Rs 50 L plus and have an Imperia account since June 2019. It is not my salary account. I have some FDs in the bank and some savings. I never had any credit card ever in my life and was using mainly debit cards, cash or PhonePe for my daily transactions. I had taken two loans - one a home loan way back in 2010 which finished in 2015 due to pre-payment by me. The other was a car loan again way back in 2014 which again finished in 2021. My CIBIL score (which I checked on 7th May 2024 after getting the Infinia) showed NH (i.e. No History). I also have a demat account in HDFC Securities with a portfolio of about Rs 6-8 L (it keeps on fluctuating based on the market upheavals). This will give an idea to the readers on the eligibility requirements for Infinia.
* May 2024. Finally, I received the 1st credit card of my life - Infinia Metal - and activated it on 1st May 2024. Along with it, I received two Priority Pass cards and one Add-on card. The Add-on card holder is also having an HDFC Imperia Account with some savings in it and a demat account in HDFC Securities with a portfolio of about Rs 4-5 L. The Add-on card had a different number and CVV from the primary card. My Infinia Metal Credit Cards - Primary and Add-on both were based on Mastercard World. My 1st transaction was to find a shop for prasaad for Rs 101 for offering to my personal deity - it was always in my mind. So, I searched for a few shops for some time who could give me the prasaad and accept Infinia at their POS. Finally, I located one.... and well, did my 1st ever credit card transaction of Rs 101.
June 2024 - June 2025
After getting Infinia Metal as the 1st credit card of my life, I also applied for SBI BPCL Octane in May 2024 and received it in June 2024 (a comprehensive guide on the Octane that I have compiled and shared on this forum can be accessed here). Then, having grasped some more benefits of the credit cards, I applied for American Express Platinum Travel credit card in Jan 2025 and received it in a few days' time in Jan 2025 itself (a comprehensive guide on Amex Plat Travel that I have compiled and shared on this forum can be accessed here).
Status Today
So, today I have these 3 credit cards - Infinia Metal, BPCL SBI Octane, and American Express Platinum Travel. These are meeting my requirements adequately.
So, this has been my credit card(s) journey - not only of the 1st credit card but also two more subsequently - all within one year (Feb 24 - Jan 25).
Let us see, what the future beholds. 🙂
PS. There are two threads on this topic. The other one is here. So, I have posted my journey in both the threads. 🙂
