HDFC Bank has just added Air India as a transfer partner. It took them five months to join hands. So, if you were waiting for HDFC to add Air India as a transfer partner, it is over—and it is actually over.
HDFC to Vistara Transfer Ratio
Earlier, when you could transfer HDFC points to Vistara, the transfer ratio was as follows:
- Infinia/ Infinia Metal: 1:1
- Diners Black/ Diners Black Metal: 1:1
- Regalia Gold: 2:1
The transfer ratio was decent.
HDFC Air India Transfer Ratio
The transfer ratio between HDFC and Air India is not the same as Vistara One. The transfer ratio has turned from good to bad. Here is the transfer ratio:
- HDFC Bank Infinia/ Infinia Metal: 2:1
- HDFC Bank Diners Black/ Diners Black Metal: 2:1
- HDFC Bank Regalia Gold: 3:1
Transfer Time
The HDFC points will be credited to your Air India points within 48-96 hours. I just transferred my HDFC Points to Air India to test the time. So, I will update you in real time once I receive points. Unlike other partners, the transfer is not instant.
Should you transfer HDFC Points to Air India?
No. The simple answer is no. Air India points, in the economy cabin, are valuable for domestic and International routes. Also, if you try to book an Air India award flight close to your travel date, you will be paying more points.
In the real world, it does not make a lot of sense to transfer HDFC points to Air India because:
- The transfer ratio is 2:1 for HDFC premium cards. The HDFC Infinia & Dinners Black points are worth ₹ 1 per point. If you had to book a low-point needed Air India flight, you would need around 8K HDFC points. The better option will be to redeem HDFC Points on smartbuy to book Air India. You will also earn Air India points on this flight.
- For example, I was looking for a Delhi to Hyderabad Flight. The minimum requirement for an economy cabin for this route is 7500 points. I happened to find a premium economy flight for approximately ₹ 7500. If I transferred HDFC points to Air India, I would fly economy in place of premium economy by paying double. So, you should not transfer HDFC Points to Air India without checking the flight price.
The reasons I think you may transfer HDFC Points to Air India will be:
- Small Top-up: The prime reason for transfer to Air India could be small top-ups.
Bottomline
HDFC adds Air India as a transfer partner. However, the transfer ratio is 2:1 for premium cards like Infinia and Dinners Black, whereas Regalia Gold gets a 3:1 ratio. The transfer ratio doesn’t make HDFC points worth transferring to Air India in most cases.
