HDFC Bank Infinia Metal vs IDFC FIRST Bank Gaj (Metal)
A field-by-field comparison of fees, reward rates, accelerated categories, caps, exclusions, lounge access and forex markup, using each issuer's own published terms. Affiliate payout never decides the verdict.
Short answer
HDFC Bank Infinia Metal and IDFC FIRST Bank Gaj (Metal) differ first on recurring cost: HDFC Bank Infinia Metal has an annual fee of ₹12,500 + GST against ₹12,500 for IDFC FIRST Bank Gaj (Metal), so holding cost is identical. On rewards, HDFC Bank Infinia Metal earns 5 Reward Points per ₹150 on eligible retail spend, awarded in complete ₹150 multiples while IDFC FIRST Bank Gaj (Metal) earns 5 RP/₹150 on eligible spends. IDFC FIRST Bank Gaj (Metal) has the lower forex markup at 0%. Neither card wins outright: the better choice depends on which accelerated categories match your spend, the monthly caps, the exclusions and issuer approval fit.
Source: CardMasters issuer-evidence catalogue, release 2026-08-01. Confirm final terms with the issuer.
| Feature | HDFC Bank Infinia Metal | IDFC FIRST Bank Gaj (Metal) |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | HDFC Bank | IDFC FIRST Bank |
| Joining fee | ₹12,500 + GST | ₹12,500 |
| Annual fee | ₹12,500 + GST | ₹12,500 |
| Fee waiver | ₹10,00,000 annual eligible spend | No waiver recorded |
| Base rewards | 5 Reward Points per ₹150 on eligible retail spend, awarded in complete ₹150 multiples | 5 RP/₹150 on eligible spends |
| Accelerated routes | Up to 10X through eligible SmartBuy routes; accelerated rewards capped at 15,000 RP/month, including 3,000 RP/month for GyFTR/Woohoo brand vouchers · 5 Reward Points per ₹150 on grocery, capped at 2,000 RP/month · 5 Reward Points per ₹150 on utility and telecom, with each published category capped at 2,000 RP/month | hotels via IDFC FIRST app · flights via IDFC FIRST app |
| Reward exclusions | fuel, rent, property management, wallet load, easy emi, smart emi, government, cash advance, fees | fuel, emi, fees, loan, balance transfer, cash withdrawal |
| Forex markup | 2% | 0% |
| Domestic lounge | unlimited | 4 visits/quarter |
| International lounge | unlimited Priority Pass (primary + add-on) | 4 visits/quarter |
| Card networks | Visa Infinite, Mastercard World | Visa |
| Best suited to | travel, online shopping, high spender | travel, premium, forex free |
| Issuer evidence | Checked 2026-07-30 | Checked 2026-07-16 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the HDFC Bank Infinia Metal better than the IDFC FIRST Bank Gaj (Metal)?
Neither is universally better. HDFC Bank Infinia Metal charges ₹12,500 + GST a year and earns 5 Reward Points per ₹150 on eligible retail spend, awarded in complete ₹150 multiples; IDFC FIRST Bank Gaj (Metal) charges ₹12,500 and earns 5 RP/₹150 on eligible spends. The better card is the one whose accelerated categories, caps and exclusions match your actual spending, after subtracting the annual fee and GST.
Which of the two has the lower annual fee, HDFC Bank Infinia Metal or IDFC FIRST Bank Gaj (Metal)?
Both cards carry the same recorded annual fee of ₹12,500 + GST, so the decision rests on rewards, caps and exclusions rather than holding cost.
Which is better for international spending, HDFC Bank Infinia Metal or IDFC FIRST Bank Gaj (Metal)?
IDFC FIRST Bank Gaj (Metal) publishes the lower forex markup at 0% versus 2%. Also confirm whether international transactions earn rewards, since some issuers exclude them.
Can I hold both cards together?
Yes, provided each is approved on its own merits and you can pay both statements in full. Holding both makes sense only when their accelerated categories do not overlap; otherwise the second card adds an annual fee without adding rewards.