HDFC has relaunched its 10X/5X rewards program that previously ran for an extended period. The good news: this offer has been extended through 31st Mar 2018, giving cardholders more time to take advantage of Makemytrip promotions. For those who experienced issues using SmartBuy to book flights and hotels, the revived Makemytrip promotion provides an alternative for the next several months.
Makemytrip 5X/10X Reward Points – HDFC Credit Card Offer
It is somewhat surprising that HDFC reintroduced this offer, since it may reduce transaction volume through the SmartBuy channel. Regardless, the deal is now visible on both the Makemytrip portal and HDFC SmartBuy offers section. Below are the details and terms you should know before booking.
Makemytrip 5X Reward Points on HDFC Credit Cards
Summary of the offer terms:
- The offer applies only to transactions where the deal code HDFC5X is entered at checkout.
- Offer validity: 6th June, 2017 to 31st Mar 2018, inclusive of both start and end dates.
- Earn 5X reward points on eligible purchases made with HDFC retail credit cards.
- Eligible categories: Domestic flights, international flights, domestic hotels and international hotels booked via Makemytrip.
- Not applicable for multi-city flight bookings, holiday packages, bus bookings or rail bookings.
- Reward points cap: Not specified in the promotion terms.
There are a few important limitations to keep in mind. Some of these were present in earlier iterations of the program, though previous versions occasionally had relaxed enforcement. The exclusion of multi-city bookings is notable, since many travelers use those itineraries. How strictly Makemytrip and HDFC enforce that exclusion remains to be seen.
Another practical consideration is the requirement to apply the HDFC5X coupon code at checkout. If the code must be entered to trigger the bonus, that creates room for errors or missed credit if the code is omitted. Also, while hotels are eligible, hotel rates on Makemytrip may not always be competitive compared to other channels. Paying a higher room rate solely to capture 5X points may not make sense unless the points value outweighs the extra cost.
Card-type exclusions are also noteworthy: Diners cards are reportedly no longer eligible for the 10X benefit on Makemytrip, so verify your card’s eligibility before relying on the promotion.
For frequent travelers, Makemytrip paired with HDFC reward benefits can deliver meaningful savings when the conditions are met. Always confirm the final price, verify the HDFC5X code is applied, and check whether your specific card is eligible before completing the booking. If you have experience using the offer or tips for maximizing value, sharing those insights can help other travelers make the most of the promotion.
Makemytrip remains a popular platform for travel bookings, and the return of the 5X/10X HDFC reward offer is welcome news for cardholders who travel often. Be sure to review the terms and monitor confirmations to ensure the bonus points post as expected.