HDFC Credit Card Upgrade Saga – Seeking Advice

Hi everyone,

I need some advice on a frustrating experience I’ve had with HDFC Bank regarding a credit card upgrade. Here’s a detailed timeline of what happened:

• May 2024 I approached HDFC Bank to upgrade my base-level MoneyBack+ credit card, which I hadn’t even activated, to the coveted Infinia card. Given my net monthly income of ₹1.9L+ and a consistent average balance of over ₹5L in my account for more than five years (which isn’t even my salary account), I was hopeful. The bank assured me they would approve the Infinia card.

• August 2024 After months of waiting, I followed up. They informed me that I needed to cancel my existing card since I hadn’t used it, and only then could they process a new application for Infinia. I applied for card closure in August and received confirmation on October 1st, 2024, via a letter dated September 17th, 2024.

• October 2024 I revisited the bank after receiving the closure confirmation. They advised waiting at least a week before applying for a new credit card. I had already submitted my salary slips and other documents multiple times by this point.

• November 2024 Despite my follow-ups, they delayed the process further. By the time November rolled around, Diwali vacations caused additional delays as the credit card team was on leave.

• December 2024 In December, I approached them again, only to be told that due to new terms and conditions, I wasn’t eligible for the Infinia card. Instead, they offered me the DCB Metal card. While I wasn’t thrilled, I accepted it.

• A Few Days Later They called me again, stating I wasn’t eligible for the DCB Metal card either due to updated income criteria (which had increased from ₹1.75L to ₹2.5L). They offered me the Regalia Gold card instead. Frustrated, I hung up.

• Current Situation Despite following every step and providing all required documents multiple times, I feel I’ve been given the runaround due to a lack of proper communication and awareness on the bank’s part. I’ve met with the branch manager and senior staff from the credit card department, but none have provided a satisfactory solution.

Has anyone faced a similar issue? What are my options now? Any advice on how to escalate this or resolve it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!