As the title stats, HDFC has offered to upgrade my existing Diners Club Privilege card to HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Card. I am on edge about this upgrade as I have had a decent experience with DCP but I think I could use the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy card as it offers straight forward conversion to hotels and other perks. I travel frequently. Also, HDFC is offering a first year free card.
I also have an AMEX card and I transfer the points to my marriott bonvoy account (I have accumulated over 120000 points during the last 2 years). My annual spends are around 10 lakhs and most of that is on travel.
My diners club points will be transferred in a 2:1 ratio, i.e. I will get 50% points in Mariott Bonvoy account after the upgrade. Should I transfer these points somewhere else before the upgrade?
I have read at places about the bias of HDFC around core cards and co-branded cards. I just want to ensure if I will still be able to get other premium cards from HDFC like Diners Club Black, DCB Metal or infinia post this?
Looks like HDFC has been sending the same offer to many people lately. I have gotten a similar email too. I currently hold DCP, UPI Rupay CC and HDFC Swiggy. My travel related spends are limited and I am confused whether I should opt in for MB or stay with my current set.
I have decided not to accept the upgrade. I am reading a lot about it not being a core card and HDFC has rejected so many applications for upgrade when a user is holding a co branded card and not a core card. I do not want to hamper my chances of getting a better card in future, provided I already have amex for marriott bonvoy points.
I did consider upgrading to Regalia Gold, but both DCP and regalia gold seem very similar in terms of perks. So I’m sticking with this for now. I might cancel my UPI CC and take the Tata Neu infinity at a later date. For now I’m sticking with my cards. I did get a credit limit increase offer as well yesterday, I took that up as it might help in upcoming travel.
If you’re a frequent traveler and already invested in the Marriott ecosystem, the upgrade to the HDFC Marriott Bonvoy card can be worth it, especially since it’s free for the first year. You’ll earn points directly into your Bonvoy account, which is great if you regularly stay at Marriott properties.
However, the 2:1 conversion of your existing Diners Club Privilege points is not ideal. If you have a good stash of points, it’s smarter to transfer them to airline partners like Singapore Airlines or Turkish before upgrading to avoid losing value.
One thing to keep in mind is that HDFC tends to favor users of core cards like Diners Club Black or Infinia when offering future upgrades. Once you switch to a co-branded card like Bonvoy, it may be harder to move back to a premium core card later.
So if Marriott is a big part of your travel and you’re okay focusing on hotel rewards, it’s a solid option. Just move your DCP points first if you want better value and flexibility.
I have also been offered an upgrade from Diners Club Privilege to Marriott Bonvoy card and I am considering to take it because it offers me marriott points on all my spends. Slowly and slowly, I think I will accumulate enough points to have a vacation in one of the best marriott properties internationally