HDFC 10X Rewards Program Extended – January 2019 Update

Update: Checkout Smartbuy 10X program Changes from April 2019

HDFC Bank has announced updates to its 10X Rewards program. For comparison, see the previous October 2018 update.

1. Diners 10X Partners

• Extended until: 31st March, 2019
• Upper cap: 2,000 for Diners Rewardz, 5,000 for Diners Clubmiles/Premium, and 25,000 for Diners Black
• Upper cap reset: Statement cycle
• New: SOTC transactions limited to packaged bookings; flights and hotels booked through SOTC are no longer covered
• New exclusions: purchase of gold coins and gift cards are excluded across merchants; international TataCliq and Uber transactions are eligible under this programme
• Points posting: Posted in the next statement cycle

2. Smartbuy Offer

• Extended until: 31st March 2019
• Upper cap: 25,000 points
• Upper cap reset: Calendar month
• Applies to flights, hotels and select e-commerce such as Flipkart and Amazon via Smartbuy
• Also applicable on non-HDFC Diners credit cards like Regalia and Regalia First
• Gold coins and gift cards are excluded across all merchants going forward
• Points posting: Typically posted by the first week of the following month; Amazon transactions can take up to 90 working days

3. International Transactions

The 10X benefit on international transactions has been discontinued for now. HDFC may reinstate it during a future travel or holiday season, as the Diners privileges section still references it.

Bottomline

HDFC Bank’s 10X program remains one of the stronger accelerated rewards schemes for targeted merchants despite these updates. The program continues to deliver good value for those who use flights, hotels and Smartbuy-eligible e-commerce. These changes mainly introduce clearer exclusions and timing for point posting—so plan transactions accordingly through March 2019.

What’s your take on the recent changes to HDFC Bank’s 10X offer? Share your thoughts in the comments below.