The Ultimate Guide to Credit Card Travel Portals: Maximizing Your Rewards in 2024
Why did the credit card go to therapy? It had too many points of tension! Now, let's get down to the serious business of making those points work for you.
Table of Contents
Features and Benefits
Reward Point Calculation
Best Cards for Smart Buy
Access Bank Options
Comparison with Smart Buy
MakeMyTrip
Other Options
Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of credit card rewards, choosing the right travel portal can make a significant difference in your points accumulation and overall savings. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various options available and help you make informed decisions for your travel bookings.
Smart Buy Portal
Features and Benefits
The Smart Buy Portal is primarily available for HDFC Bank credit card holders, specifically those with:
Diners Club Black
Infinia
Regalia Gold
DC Black Metal
Reward Point Multipliers:
10x on hotel stays
5x on flights
5x on car rentals
3x on train bookings
10x on bus bookings
Reward Point Calculation
Let's break down the math:
Regular earning: 4 point per ₹150 spent
With 10x multiplier: 40 points per ₹150 spent
Maximum accelerated points: Capped as per card
HDFC Bank Card Type | Maxcap per calendar month | Max per Day |
Infinia (Reward Points) | 15,000 | 15,000 |
Diners Black Metal & BizBlack Metal (Reward Points) | 10,000 | 10,000 |
Diners Black (Reward Points) | 7,500 | 2,500 |
Regalia, Diners Privilege, BizPower (Reward Points) | 4,000 | 2,000 |
Tata Neu (Tata Neu coins) | 1,000 | 1,000 |
Other credit card (Cashback) | 1,000 | 1,000 |
Debit card (cashback points) | 1,000 | 1,000 |
PayZapp Wallet (Cashpoints) | 1,000 | 1,000 |
Example Calculation: For a ₹15,000 hotel booking:
Regular points: 400
With 10x multiplier: 2,000 (4000 but Capped at 2000 for Regalia Gold)
Approximate value:
Regalia Gold: ₹1000 (₹0.50 per point)
For Accor 1 RP = Rs 1.8
Travel Edge Portal
Access Bank Options
Travel Edge is the dedicated portal for Axis Bank cardholders. It offers:
Direct booking without third-party redirections
5x reward points on hotel bookings
Integration with bank's reward system
Comparison with Smart Buy
Example Calculation: For a ₹4,802 hotel booking:
Points earned: 240 (5x multiplier)
Miles conversion: 480 (1:2 ratio)
Approximate value on Accor : ₹864
Return on spending: ~18%
Third-Party Booking Platforms
Booking.com and Other Platforms
When using third-party platforms, consider:
MCC codes matter for reward points
Physical hotel payments may have different MCC codes
More options available but potentially fewer rewards
Potential Issues:
Hotel MCC codes may not match expected categories
Risk of not earning multiplied points
Need to verify reward eligibility
Direct Hotel Bookings {#direct-bookings}
Benefits of booking directly with hotels:
Possible better rates after login
Standard 5x points on hotel MCC codes
Direct customer service
Potential for hotel loyalty points
Comparison of All Options
Pro Tips and Strategies
Maximize Smart Buy Portal:
Use for large bookings to hit reward caps
Combine with card-specific promotions
Strategic Card Usage:
Keep multiple cards for different portals
Track monthly reward caps
Timing Your Bookings:
Book at month start to ensure reward space
Check for seasonal promotions
FAQ
Q: Which portal should I use if I have multiple cards? A: Compare the effective cashback:
Calculate point multipliers
Consider point values
Check current promotions
Q: Are there any hidden catches with these portals? A: Watch out for:
Booking fees
Cancellation policies
Point crediting timeframes
Final Thoughts
Maximizing your credit card rewards for travel requires understanding the nuances of different portals and cards. By strategically choosing the right combination, you can significantly enhance your returns on travel spending. Remember, the best portal for you depends on your specific cards, travel needs, and rewards preferences.
Note: This guide is based on policies as of 2024. Credit card rewards and portal features may change. Always verify current terms and conditions before making bookings.
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