Many cardholders were disappointed when HDFC removed Amazon from its 10X partners list in the November update, but the bank also introduced changes that kept the Diners cards attractive to retain. HDFC moved the 10X earning to SmartBuy for most HDFC credit cards (excluding JP cards) and launched a special 10X program for international transactions on Diners cards. That international benefit is an exclusive Diners Club International offer that rewards extra points on overseas purchases.
HDFC has now extended the 10X program for international transactions, SmartBuy and partner merchants through 31 March 2018. This extension preserves the enhanced earning potential on eligible spends for several more months.
HDFC Diners 10X Program Extended through March 2018
The 10X program recently added two new merchants: Domino’s and TATA Cliq. The full list of current merchants eligible for 10X points now includes:
- Domino’s (new)
- TATA Cliq (new)
- Lifestyle
- Bigbasket
- Uber
- BookMyShow
- Swiggy
- redBus
- Luxehues
- CaratLane
The 10X offer was already extended through 31 March 2018 for the traditional partner merchants. HDFC has now extended 10X via SmartBuy and the 10X benefit on international transactions as well, until 31 March 2018.
What this means for cardholders
Cardholders can continue to earn 10X reward points on eligible purchases. According to HDFC, points are generally posted after 90 days. However, some users report that 10X points for international spends appear much sooner—sometimes within the same month or by the first day of the following month—suggesting the posting process can be faster for cross-border transactions.
Be aware that 10X points for conventional partner spends made between 1 November 2017 and 31 December 2017 may not have been credited immediately. HDFC introduced a rule that delays posting for those transactions: points for spends in that period are credited only after 90 days following the billing cycle in which the transaction occurred. If you have qualifying transactions from that window, expect a delayed posting and keep track of your statement activity until points appear.
One practical tip to maximize the international 10X benefit is to use PayPal Checkout for international merchants that don’t accept Diners Club cards directly. Many overseas websites support PayPal, and PayPal will process payments using your Diners Club card on file. Using PayPal where accepted is a convenient way to capture extra points on merchant categories that otherwise would not accept Diners.
Note: Keep records of your eligible transactions and monitor reward postings. If points are delayed beyond the expected waiting period, contact HDFC customer service with transaction dates and supporting statements to request reconciliation.
If you want the most current information on the program, refer to the latest official updates from HDFC or your card’s terms and conditions.
Share in the comments how you plan to use your Diners card during the extended 10X period and which merchant categories you’ll target to maximize rewards.