Finally INFINIA. It just happened!
So, I never had any history with HDFC whatsoever, neither a bank account (until Oct 2024, last week) nor a credit card. This is my story of how I ended up with one.
TLDR; I got an INFINIA in two months, without any history with the bank.
I recently made a job switch and decided to open my salary account (Preferred banking) with HDFC as I wanted to get my hands on an INFINIA. After opening the account I asked the RM, whether it would be possible to apply for the card with my first salary credit - given it would have the joining bonus and half month's salary extra as arrear, I joined mid October so my first salary credit would be in November end which will include joining bonus and 1.5 months' of salary (15 days Oct + 1 month Nov) - this will be more than 5L post tax, the required threshold (as of Nov 2024). He blatantly said NO, stating that you don't have any history with the bank and neither any credit card from HDFC. I kind of knew this and accepted that I need to wait.
I had also checked the pre-approved cards and all I could see was Tata Neu being offered 😅 (no surprises here!).
My only aim to open an account with HDFC was INFINIA, and if not that then maybe start with DCB and make my way upto it. Keeping this in mind, I asked my current corp representative from HDFC to connect me with the CC department at his branch, and post connecting we came to the conclusion that I can start with DCB (I was eligible for it).
He sent someone to my office to take biometrics for the CC application, which he did and told me that I will get a call from the branch the next day before they start on the application. However, I decided to pause the process.
The last quarter of the FY was about to start from January 2025, and as I had recently made a switch I had to take care of my taxes so decided to wait and apply in April 2025 as I would have peace of mind that all my dues to the govt are cleared.
Well, you never know how things happen - but I get a call from the same guy from the CC department of the branch on 29th January, and he is like "Sir sorry we can't process the INFINIA for you right now, however we can go ahead with the DCB" - and I am like bro! we already talked about this in December and you said the same thing. To which he replies, "Oh sorry sir sorry I forgot" and then disconnects.
He calls me again the next day, 30th January, and I couldn't pick his call as I was in a meeting (thinking in my mind, why is he calling again - probably wants me to get a DCB to justify his monthly quota).
Nevertheless,
-> I call him back and he goes --"Sir! I know I said yesterday that you are not eligible for INFINIA, but I just checked the portal and saw that you are already PRE APPROVED FROM HDFC FOR INFINIA."
-> And I go like "broo! DO NOT KID ME! " 😳
-> He says, "Sir, I am serious, I am sending you the link to apply"
In the meantime, I go to the pre-approved cards myself and see that I ACTUALLY HAVE A PRE APPROVED INFINIA along with others.
So, to benefit the guy as well, I applied with his link so that he gets the staff assistance credit, I applied on 30th January at 1:15pm and the status changed to APPROVED at 5:15PM, got dispatched at 31st January night and I received it today (1st February) morning 11:00AM.
