One of the simplest ways to enjoy premium travel on Vistara was the complimentary Vistara Gold or Silver tier membership offered with HDFC Infinia and Regalia credit cards. This benefit provided useful travel privileges that enhanced the overall flying experience for cardholders.
Even Silver tier on the Regalia card delivered practical perks such as priority boarding and extra baggage allowance, while Gold tier members enjoyed even greater advantages, including higher chances of complimentary upgrades to Vistara Business Class. For frequent flyers, these benefits made a noticeable difference in convenience and comfort.
However, HDFC and Vistara have ended this partnership effective 20th March 2019. A short grace period was provided, and the last date to register for the benefit was 30th March 2019. Cardholders who did not register by that deadline would no longer be eligible for the complimentary tier membership through their HDFC cards.
Bottomline
While this change feels like a devaluation of certain HDFC credit card perks, it likely reflects a strategic partnership term between HDFC and Vistara that has reached its conclusion. Such tie-ups are often time-bound and tied to broader customer acquisition plans. That context doesn’t make the loss any easier for affected customers, but it helps explain why the benefit is ending.
Looking forward, it would be reasonable to expect HDFC to seek alternative ways to add value to their premium cards—either by introducing new benefits or forming partnerships with other airlines or travel providers. Vistara may also pursue partnerships with different card issuers to reach other customer segments. Only time will reveal how both companies respond to this change.
What are your thoughts about the Vistara benefit being removed from HDFC credit cards? Share your views in the comments below.