HDFC Bank Diners Club Black vs. American Express Platinum Reserve: Which Credit Card Reigns Supreme?
When it comes to choosing a credit card, the decision can often be overwhelming due to the plethora of options available in the market. Two such popular options are the HDFC Bank Diners Club Black and the American Express Platinum Reserve. Both cards offer a range of benefits and features, but which one reigns supreme? Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Annual Fee and Welcome Benefits
The HDFC Bank Diners Club Black card comes with an annual fee of INR 10,000, which is waived off if the annual spend exceeds INR 5 lakhs. The welcome benefits include a membership to Club Marriott, Forbes, Amazon Prime, Zomato Pro, and more. On the other hand, the American Express Platinum Reserve card has an annual fee of INR 10,000 plus taxes, with no waiver. The welcome benefits include 11,000 bonus membership rewards points.
Reward Points and Redemption
The HDFC Bank Diners Club Black card offers 5 reward points for every INR 150 spent, and these points can be redeemed for air miles, hotel stays, and more. The American Express Platinum Reserve card offers 1 membership reward point for every INR 50 spent, excluding fuel, insurance, utilities, and cash transactions. The redemption options include travel bookings, dining, shopping, and more.
Travel Benefits
The HDFC Bank Diners Club Black card offers unlimited access to over 700 airport lounges worldwide, along with a low foreign currency markup of 1.99%. The American Express Platinum Reserve card offers complimentary access to select airport lounges in India, and a higher foreign currency markup of 3.5%.
Insurance Coverage
The HDFC Bank Diners Club Black card provides an air accident cover of INR 2 crores, emergency overseas hospitalization cover of INR 50 lakhs, and credit liability cover of INR 9 lakhs. The American Express Platinum Reserve card provides an air accident cover of INR 1 crore, overseas medical insurance of INR 50 lakhs, and no credit liability cover.
Conclusion
While both cards offer a range of benefits, the HDFC Bank Diners Club Black card seems to have an edge over the American Express Platinum Reserve card in terms of reward points, travel benefits, and insurance coverage. However, the final decision should be based on your spending habits, lifestyle, and preferences.
Remember, a credit card is not just a payment tool, but a financial instrument that can help you manage your finances effectively if used wisely. So, choose a card that aligns with your financial goals and spending habits.
