HDFC SmartBuy has long been a trailblazer in the realm of earning accelerated rewards. Since its inception in 2015, this platform has experienced its fair share of transformations, devaluations, and significant enhancements. However, it remains unrivaled when it comes to earning accelerated rewards and cashback on HDFC Bank credit cards. Whether you possess the MoneyBack+ or Infinia/DCB card, this guide will unveil the strategies to maximize your benefits on HDFC Bank SmartBuy.
Exploring Accelerated Earnings Categories on SmartBuy
The key to harnessing the full potential of SmartBuy lies in understanding which purchases qualify for accelerated rewards. Below is a comprehensive list of categories available on SmartBuy:
Flights
SmartBuy offers the flexibility to book both domestic and international flights. Acting as an aggregator, it features flights from prominent OTAs such as EaseMyTrip, Yatra, Cleartrip, and GoIbibo.
Hotels
Similar to flights, you can book both domestic and international hotels through SmartBuy. It aggregates options from Cleartrip, Yatra, and MakeMyTrip, ensuring you get the best deals.
IRCTC Trains
For train enthusiasts, SmartBuy covers IRCTC train bookings, simplifying the ticket booking process.
Redbus
Redbus, a leading bus ticket booking platform, is also part of the SmartBuy portfolio.
Flipkart
Enjoy SmartBuy benefits while shopping on Flipkart, a popular e-commerce platform.
Apple Reseller – Imagine Tresor
If you’re an Apple aficionado, you can make purchases from Apple Reseller – Imagine Tresor through SmartBuy.
IGP Gifting
SmartBuy extends its services to IGP Gifting, making it convenient to send gifts for special occasions.
Instant Vouchers
Instant Vouchers offer a hassle-free way to shop, dine, or pamper yourself, all while earning rewards.
Understanding Accelerated Rewards on SmartBuy
The rewards you receive on SmartBuy are contingent on your debit or credit card variant. Depending on your card, you’ll either earn bonus rewards or cashback. Let’s delve into the specifics:
Credit Cards eligible for Bonus Rewards
Credit Cards eligible for Bonus Cashback
- All other retail credit cards except Tata Neu
Debit Cards eligible for Bonus Cashback
- All debit cards except virtual cards, Jet Privilege Debit Card, and Times Debit Cards
Reward Rates for Infinia and Diners Club Black
Infinia stands out with the highest reward rates on SmartBuy, closely followed by Diners Club Black:
| PARTNER | INFINIA | DINERS CLUB BLACK |
|---|---|---|
| IGP.com | 10X (~33%) | 10X (~33%) |
| Flights | 5X (~16.5%) | 5X (~16.5%) |
| Hotels | 10X (~33%) | 10X (~33%) |
| IRCTC | 3X (~10%) | 3X (~10%) |
| Redbus | 5X (~16.5%) | 5X (~16.5%) |
| Instant Voucher | 5X (~16.5%) | 3X (~10%) |
| Apple Imagine Tresor | 5X (~16.5%) | 3X (~10%) |
| Flipkart | 3X (~10%) | 2X (~6.6%) |
Reward Rates for Regalia and Diners Club Privilege
For Regalia and Diners Club Privilege cardholders, the rewards are equally enticing:
| SHOPPING CATEGORY | REWARDS | VALUE AT 1RP = 50 PAISE |
|---|---|---|
| IGP.com | 10X | 13.3% |
| Amazon | 5X | 6.6% |
| Flights | 5X | 6.6% |
| Hotels | 10X | 13.3% |
| IRCTC | 3X | 3.9% |
| Redbus | 5X | 6.6% |
| Instant Voucher | 5X | 6.6% |
| Apple Imagine Tresor | 5X | 6.6% |
| Flipkart | 3X | 3.9% |
Accelerated Cashback Rates for other Credit and Debit Cards
All other eligible credit and debit cards, including the Millennia credit card, offer cashback on SmartBuy:
| SHOPPING CATEGORY | CASHBACK |
|---|---|
| IGP.com | 10% |
| Flights | 5% |
| Hotels | 5% |
| IRCTC | 5% |
| Redbus | 5% |
| Instant Voucher | 5% |
| Apple Imagine Tresor | 5% |
| Flipkart | 1% |
SmartBuy Offer for Tata Neu Credit Cards
Tata Neu credit cardholders receive a different set of benefits on SmartBuy. Instead of 5% cashback or 5X rewards, they earn bonus NeuCoins at a lower rate:
| CATEGORY | TATA NEU PLUS HDFC BANK CREDIT CARD (NEUCOINS) | TATA NEU INFINITY HDFC BANK CREDIT CARD (NEUCOINS) |
|---|---|---|
| IGP.com | 4% | 6% |
| Flights | 1% | 1.5% |
| Hotels | 4% | 6% |
| IRCTC | 1% | 1.5% |
| RedBus | 1% | 1.5% |
| Instant Vouchers | 1% | 1.5% |
| Apple Imagine Tresor | 1% | 1.5% |
| Flipkart | 1% | 1.5% |
Maximizing Rewards and Cashback on SmartBuy
Now, let’s address the most frequently asked question: How can you make the most of HDFC SmartBuy? The answer is surprisingly simple. Focus your spending on Flights, Instant Vouchers, and IRCTC Trains as needed.
- Flights: Earn an impressive 16.5% reward points on flights. Always compare prices on OTAs and SmartBuy, and opt for SmartBuy when there’s no significant price difference.
- Instant Vouchers: With 5X rewards on Infinia, you can accumulate reward points on nearly every purchase, even offline. Consider purchasing Pantaloons and Shoppers Stop gift vouchers for apparel or BigBasket vouchers for groceries. Other options include Amazon Pay and Amazon Shopping gift vouchers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do we receive SmartBuy rewards/cashback for EMI transactions?
A: Yes, SmartBuy rewards and cashback are applicable to EMI transactions and are calculated based on the EMI amount for the given month.
Q: When are the SmartBuy bonus reward points and cashback credited?
A: SmartBuy bonus reward points and cashback are typically credited within 90 days from the end of the calendar month. Recently, HDFC Bank has expedited this process, with some cases seeing credits in less than a month.
By mastering the nuances of HDFC SmartBuy, you can unlock a world of rewards and cashback that will make every purchase a delightful experience. So, start maximizing your benefits today!