featured 8376

HDFC Bank 10X Rewards Program Changes – October 2019 Update

  • Update 1: Extended further through November 2019
  • Update 2: Updated article is here

HDFC Bank’s Credit Card 10X rewards program on SmartBuy has been extended again for October. The prior notable update was in August 2019. After that update, HDFC removed Payzapp from the Diners 10X lineup by September. Below are the details for October.

img 8376 1

SmartBuy – 10X Rewards

  • Extended until 31 October 2019
  • All other terms remain unchanged
  • Offer T&C apply

Diners – 10X Rewards

  • Valid until 31 December 2019
  • New participating merchants: Ola, FirstCry
  • Transactions made at both offline stores and the online websites of FirstCry and Godrej Nature’s Basket are eligible for 10X
  • Ola post-paid bill payments cannot currently be processed with Diners cards, and are therefore not eligible for 10X
  • EMI transactions are not eligible for this offer
  • The incremental 9X rewards will be posted within 30 days from the end of the calendar month
  • Offer T&C apply

The Diners 9X posting turnaround is noticeably faster than SmartBuy. I have personally received 9X points for Payzapp transactions made in August 2019.

Additional tips:

  1. Earn 10X reward points on Uber Premium rides during 1 September – 31 December 2019. Offer T&C apply.
  2. SmartBuy ran a short promotion from 1–6 October 2019 that allowed triple benefits: 10X points + ₹250 cashback to the card + ₹500 additional cashback via Payzapp on minimum spends of ₹3,000.

Bottom line

Adding Ola to the 10X lineup is beneficial for both the bank and cardholders. Small rides under ₹150 do not qualify for 10X or regular reward points, so those micro-payments won’t earn extra rewards.

For customers who spend more on Ola services—such as outstation trips or airport transfers—this extension can deliver meaningful savings.

While Payzapp’s rapid removal from the 10X program is understandable from the bank’s perspective, it would be welcome if it returns with limited exclusions, for example excluding utility payments.

What’s your view on the HDFC 10X program extension? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Thanks to Shawn for sharing the updates on 10X.