🎯 Ready to turn your everyday spending into extraordinary adventures? In this epic episode of The Great Indian Points and Miles Show, our hosts dive deep into India's BEST travel credit cards for 2025 - and it gets SPICY!

Watch as Aadil, Dhimant, Ameya, and our special guest Mayank each defend their top pick while the others try to tear it apart. From accessible starter cards to premium powerhouses, we're ranking cards on VALUE, VERSATILITY, EARN RATE, and how easy they are to actually get!

🎯 Key Takeaways:

✅ Best starter card for luxury hotel experiences

✅ Highest reward rates without crazy requirements

✅ Hidden gems most people ignore

✅ Which cards to avoid (and why)

✅ Real approval rates and application hacks

💰 Looking to get the cards we discussed? Check our affiliate links - supporting the show while you score amazing cards!

💳 HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card: The first card discussed, recommended for its low entry fee, valuable Free Night Award (FNA), and access to the Marriott ecosystem

💳 IndusInd Avios Credit Card: Presented as a strong alternative to Axis Atlas, with a great welcome bonus, a solid reward rate in Avios, and a high approval rate.

💳 Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card: Highlighted for its unique airport privileges that offer a high value back on spending, zero forex fees, and being a lifetime-free card.

💳 HSBC Travel One Credit Card: Mentioned for its accelerated rewards on Online Travel Aggregators (OTAs) and access to rare transfer partners like Japan Airlines.

💳 SBI Miles Elite Card: Discussed for its good return rate on OTAs and access to partners like Cathay Pacific.

💳 IDFC Indigo Credit Card: Noted for its decent earn rate across all categories with no exclusions, making it useful for domestic travel on Indigo.

💳 HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card: Recommended as an excellent starter card to learn the credit card ecosystem, with benefits like milestone rewards, SmartBuy portal access, and decent transfer partners.

Like this deep dive? SMASH that subscribe button and ring the notification bell! 🔔 Drop a comment telling us YOUR #1 travel card and which one you'd never touch.

Want more insider credit card strategies? Check out our playlist on maximizing rewards and our beginner's guide to points and miles!

#CreditCards #TravelHacking #PointsAndMiles #India #HDFC #Axis #AMEX #TravelRewards

🔥 Cards Featured & Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro & Setup: The Ultimate Credit Card Roast Battle

05:57 - Dhimant's Pick: HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Card

21:00 - Mayank's Defense: Axis Atlas Card

37:43 - Ameya's Alternative Picks: SBI KrisFlyer Apex & IndusInd Avios

49:12 - Dark Horse: Scapia Credit Card

1:06:33 - Quick Contenders Round

Disclaimer: Credit card features and offers change frequently. Please verify current terms before applying. We may earn commissions from affiliate links.

Most people swipe their credit card and settle for 1 to 3% rewards. But with the right combinations of bank offers, voucher plays, and cashback sites, you can turn every spend into 40% back or more—on flights, hotels, and even utility bills.

In this episode of The Great Indian Points & Miles Show, we reveal the full strategy—step-by-step—so you can travel more, pay less, and never leave points on the table.

What You’ll Learn

✅ The exact credit card + portal combos for max returns

✅ How to make utility bills give you free flights

✅ Amazon Pay vs Amazon Shopping voucher differences

✅ The “voucher loop” that pays you twice

✅ Global cashback sites that work in India

✅ The secret route to Qatar Airways status via hotels

✅ How your teen can have a credit card—legally

Affiliate Portals:

✅ CashKaro: https://pointsmilesshow.com/cards/cashkaro

✅ TopCashback: https://pointsmilesshow.com/cards/topcbus

💡 Pro Tips:

✅ Avoid expiry traps & convenience fees

✅ Double & triple-dip your rewards

✅ The VIP lounge access hack at Bangalore airport

⚠️ Important Disclaimers:

✅ Gift vouchers are subject to market risks, please read T&Cs carefully

✅ Convenience fees may apply and reduce effective returns

✅ Always check voucher validity and usage restrictions

✅ Some offers are time-limited and may change

📍 Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction: The 33% Returns Mystery

2:29 - What Are Affiliate Portals & How They Work

7:49 - HDFC SmartBuy Deep Dive: Flights, Hotels & Gyftr Secrets

15:24 - Gift Voucher Strategy: Amazon Pay, Swiggy & More

22:52 - Common Pitfalls & Pro Tips for Vouchers

30:25 - ICICI iShop: The EPM Advantage

38:47 - Credit Cards for Kids: The 12+ Hack

45:12 - IDFC & Axis TravelEdge: 24% Returns Explained

52:33 - CashKaro & TopCashback: International Opportunities

58:16 - British Airways Hotel Portal Hack

1:02:41 - Wrap-up: Your Action Plan

Like and subscribe if this unlocked a new level of points earning for you! Share your biggest affiliate portal wins in the comments below.

💳Welcome to The Great Indian Points and Miles Show! 🎯

In this comprehensive episode, we rank India's top super premium credit cards for 2025 and help you choose the perfect card for maximum rewards.

🏆 Featured Cards:

💳 Axis Magnus Burgundy Credit Card

💳 HDFC Infinia Metal Credit Card

💳 HDFC Diners Black Metal Credit Card

💳 ICICI Emerald Private Metal Credit Card

💳 HSBC Premier Credit Card

💳 American Express Platinum Charge Card

💳 HDFC BizBlack Credit Card

🧠 We break them down across the things that actually matter:

✅ Reward rates that make your spend work harder

✅ Redemption options for those dream redemptions

✅ App experience (yes, clunky UIs are called out!)

✅ Customer service that makes you feel like a VIP

✅ Real-world stories that’ll make you say “Wait, what?!”

Key Takeaways:

✅ Magnus Burgundy wins overall for versatility and earning potential

✅ ICICI EPM emerges as the surprise contender with 18% flight bookings

✅ Infinia stays strong as the banyan tree of Indian cards — solid, stable, and always there

✅ Real stories of house purchases, family vacations, and business class upgrades

🎙️ If you love free flights, luxe lounges, or just geeking out on points — hit that Subscribe and join our growing tribe of savvy spenders!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction & Host Welcome

02:17 - Meet Our Guest Abhinandan

06:55 - Top 4 Super Premium Cards Revealed

17:46 - What Makes a Card "Super Premium"? Framework Discussion

22:00 - Earning Rates Battle: Magnus Burgundy vs Infinia vs ICICI EPM

25:00 - Redemption Options & Miles Partners Comparison

27:00 - Customer Service Rankings (Best & Worst)

31:48 - App Experience & User Interface Review

37:49 - Card Acceptance & Exclusions Analysis

41:34 - Annual Fee vs Benefits ROI

53:20 - MY CARD, MY STORY - Real Experiences

53:25: Abhinandan's House Purchase with Magnus Burgundy

55: 10 Thailand & Australia Family Trips

01:15:00: Ameya's HSBC Tax Payment Strategy

01:30:40 - Rapid Fire Round: Best Cards by Category

#CreditCards #MagnusBurgundy #HDFC #Infinia #ICICI #TravelHacking #CreditCardRewards #AmericanExpress #ICICIEPM

Disclaimer: Credit card features and offers change frequently. Please verify current terms before applying. This content is for educational purposes only.

Welcome to a brand new flavor drop from The Great Indian Points & Miles Show—say hello to The Great Indian Yum Yum Show 🍩 ☕

We cooked this up thanks to a flood of DMs, comments, and caffeine-fueled requests from you, our incredible community. In this first-ever Yum Yum episode, Aadil is joined by his co-hosts Dhimant, Ameya, and a special guest Vivek (aka the espresso whisperer) for a no-nonsense, all-fun, full-flavor café crawl across Bangalore—the OG coffee capital of India. What’s inside?

• The sexiest flat whites in town ☕
• Cold brews that slap harder than your Monday blues 🧊
• Cafés with vibes, soul, and maybe even Wi-Fi 😅
• Dessert bombs you can’t afford to gatekeep 🍰
• Yum Yum Awards for best cafés by vibe, value, working spot, patisserie, and most overrated spot 😏

Whether you’re a coffee snob, dessert lover, remote worker hunting good Wi-Fi + caffeine combos, or just someone planning your next Bengaluru brunch—this episode has your back.

🆕 This series is a fun experiment—if you love it and want more café, food, and travel chats, drop a comment below telling us where we should go next: Delhi? Goa? Paris?📍

Featured spots include:

• Maverick & Farmer
• Lavonne
• Humblebean
• Subko
• Theobroma
• Amintiri
• Lazy Suzy
• Happy Belly Bakes
• And some seriously underrated gems.

🎧 You can also tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or your favorite podcast platform. ☕️

Don’t just collect points. Burn them. And maybe sip a good pour-over while you’re at it.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to The Great Indian Yum Yum Show 🍰 ☕

03:00 - Meet the Crew: Aadil, Dhimant, Ameya & Vivek

06:00 - Bangalore’s Café Scene: From Filter Coffee to Flat Whites

07:00 - Dhimant's Early Coffee Café Experiences

10:00 - Ameya’s Micro-Trends in Bangalore Cafés

14:00 - Coffee Economics 101 with Vivek

17:00 - Subko Café Special: Pistachio Cookie & Haleem Puff Pastry

20:00 - The Journey of a Coffee Enthusiast: Coffee vs. Audiophiles

26:00 - Understanding Coffee: Espresso vs. Pour-over Explained

30:00 - Top Cafés for Remote Work in Bangalore

32:00 - Vada Pav Debate: Bangalore Edition

35:30 - Indiranagar’s Best Cafés & Hidden Gems

36:00 - Maverick & Farmer’s Burgers & Cold Brews

40:30 - Lavonne’s Brunch & Desserts

42:00 - Humblebean’s Signature Coffees & Granola Bowls

45:00 - Cafés of Jayanagar & JP Nagar: Drip & Drop, Coffee & Talk

52:30 - Lazy Suzy’s Hot Chocolate vs. Smoor

53:30 - Desserts Worth the Calories: Happy Belly Bakes & Mason du Brownie

56:00 - Most Overrated Cafés in Bangalore

59:00 - South Bangalore Cafés: Recommendations & Picks

1:02:00 - Central Bangalore Cafés & Top Picks

1:11:00 - Amintiri’s Epic Cakes and Desserts

1:19:00 - Old School Cafés: Matteo, OG Café Coffee Day

1:22:30 - Matcha Madness: Best Spots for Matcha Lovers

1:26:00 - The Yum Yum Awards 🏆 (Best Coffee, Best Vibe, Overrated & More!)

What if your credit card actually loved travel as much as you do?

Meet Anil Goteti, ex-Flipkart exec and now the brain behind Scapia – India’s first travel-first credit card that’s rewriting the rules of how we earn and enjoy rewards. ✈️

In this candid and deeply inspiring episode of The Great Indian Points and Miles Show, Anil walks us through:

• His early tech adventures (including being one of the first few people on Earth to make 3G calls – no kidding!)
• A road trip from New York to San Francisco that changed his perspective
• Building Scapia from scratch, where Friday biryani lunches, stadium takeovers, and listening to real customers became non-negotiables

👀 If you’ve ever:

• Wondered why most Indian credit cards feel stuck in the past…
• Been frustrated by lounge overcrowding and hidden fees…
• Dreamed of a card that actually understands your travel lifestyle……this one’s for you.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

• ✅Why Scapia ditched traditional lounges for real airport privileges
• How a dual Visa + RuPay card setup unlocks better rewards
• What true customer obsession looks like (Hint: teams flying every Friday to meet users IRL)
• The behind-the-scenes story of that viral RCB partnership
• And why Anil believes travel rewards should be for everyone, not just the ultra-elite💥

This isn’t just a fintech story. It’s a travel revolution. Perfect for: Credit card power users, points & miles junkies, travel hackers, founders, and fintech followers.

Want to apply for Scapia? Click here.

Timestamps:

00:00 Meet Anil & the 3G Legacy

05:39 Scapia - From Idea to Execution

13:40 The Scapia Research Culture

16:17 The Aha Moment

18:39 Travel Styles & Personal Hacks

30:17 Favourite Destinations

41:46 Why Airport Privileges trump Lounges

45:55 Rapid Fire Begins

54:22 Desert Storm, Sachin Tendulkar & more!

🎧 Subscribe for more insider travel & rewards wisdom, straight from India’s top points geeks. New episodes drop every week, and we promise they’re worth your points!

#Scapia #CreditCard #TravelCreditCard #PointsAndMiles #FintechIndia #AnilGoteti #AirportPerks

🛬💳 Planning your big international getaway in 2025 or early 2026? If you're scratching your head about whether to burn those precious points or keep stacking them at eye-popping 18-40% returns, you're not alone!

In this episode of The Great Indian Points and Miles Show, we bring four real-world experts who’ve been there, done that, and now spill their best secrets on how to squeeze maximum value from your credit cards. From round-the-world trips booked entirely on points to the smartest mixed redemption opportunties, we've got your back for smarter travel in 2025.

Meet Your Travel Buddies:

• Dhimant: Our Cathay Pacific guru who spots award availability faster than you say "free upgrade."
• Ameya: The double-dip maestro and the ultimate Air India card insider.
• Devansh: Strategy consultant by day, points-and-miles ninja by night, straight out of Bangalore.
• Aadil: Your host & dost who believes in one life - live it large and naturally gravitates towards Emirates & Singapore Airlines!

Episode Highlights You'll Love:

• ✈️ Burn vs. Earn: How to strategically decide
• 🏨 Proven mixed redemption tactics (that actually work)
• 💳 Best starter credit cards in India for 2025 (Hint: Premium isn’t always the way!)
• 🌍 Booking epic round-the-world trips using Indian credit cards
• 🎯 Real-life case study: How just 120K ANA miles secured 6 business class flights

Top Redemption Tips Discussed:

• ✅ Amex MR: Instant transfers to Cathay Pacific and Marriott sweet spots
• ✅ HDFC Infinia: Domestic flights via SmartBuy and Singapore Airlines transfers
• ✅ Axis Edge Rewards: Unlock Accor stays and JAL rewards
• ✅ Marriott Bonvoy: ANA round-the-world redemption tips

Pro-Tips to Bookmark:

• ❌ Avoid speculative transfers—Hear how just 15K points could cost you dearly in Vietnam.
• ✅ Start with a single program (Avios is beginner-friendly!)
• ✅ Experience beats theoretical value every time—Convenience over CPP!
• ✅ Mixed strategies = Ultimate travel flexibility

Best Beginner Credit Cards for 2025:

• 💳 HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card (Lifetime Free + SmartBuy perks)
• 💳 HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card (Instant free night)
• 💳 IndusInd Avios Credit Card (20K bonus to start)
• 💳 Axis Atlas Credit Card (Great if you snag approval!):

Insider Regional Recomendations:

• ✈️ Finnair Avios for weekend stays at Scandic hotels
• 🏨 British Airways Avios Hotels: Score 20% back
• 🏩 Turkish Airlines transit hotels: Free luxury layovers
• 🛎️ Exclusive heritage experiences money can't buy

Ready to dive in? Comment below and let us know:

• 💳 Which card are you applying for next?
• 🛫 What’s your dream destination?
• 🛩️ When do you plan to fly?

Subscribe and never miss a travel hack again! 🔔 Timestamps:

00:00 – The Big 2025 Dilemma: To Burn or To Earn?

02:18 – Meet the Experts & Their Favorite Redemptions

05:55 – Strategic Decision-Making: Burn vs. Earn Framework

12:12 – Planning Ahead: Optimal Booking Windows

17:21 – Best Uses for Popular Credit Card Programs

23:05 – Epic Redemption Story: 19 Unforgettable Days at the Pullman, Maldives

30:09 – Round-the-World Magic: Turning 120K Miles into 6 Flights

42:44 – Game-Changing Mixed Redemption Strategies

47:21 – Real Stories: Finland, Vietnam & Beyond

53:52 – Beginner-Friendly Cards You Must Get in 2025

Disclaimer: Credit card perks and partners can change often. Always double-check the latest terms before booking! Some of the credit card links on this page are affiliate links. If you click through and apply, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.

#CreditCards #PointsAndMiles #TravelHacks #TravelIndia #HDFC #AmexIndia #AxisBank #BusinessClass #TravelSmart #IndianTravelers #2025TravelGoals

Dreaming of Japan? Get ready for the most comprehensive guide on how to maximize your points and miles to unlock the ultimate Japanese adventure! From choosing the right flights and hotels to savoring the best vegetarian and non-vegetarian eats, exploring hidden gems, must-do experiences, and shopping smartly, we've got you covered.

Join our expert panel as they break down everything you need to know about making your Japan trip unforgettable.

Highlights:

✈️ Best airlines and redemptions for economy and business class to Japan.

🏨 Top accommodation picks: Marriott vs Accor, and why location matters.

🚄 Is the JR Pass worth it? We give you the pros and cons.

🍜 Insider tips on Japanese cuisine—must-try dishes, convenience store finds, and Michelin-level eats.

🎢 Unique experiences: DisneySea food paradise, Mario Kart essentials, Onsen etiquette, and hidden towns.

🛍️ Japan shopping guide: from tech gadgets and sneakers to stationary and must-buy souvenirs.

Full of laughter, practical tips, and delicious insights—this is the episode you don't want to miss!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Trailer & Episode Overview

03:05 - Context and Episode Starts

10:25 - Why Choose JAL? Pros & Cons

13:00 - Accommodation Tips: Marriott vs Accor

16:55 - Is the JR Pass Worth Buying?

19:45 - Underrated Japanese Towns & Hidden Gems

23:30 - Tokyo Must-Dos & DisneySea Foodie Paradise

28:00 - Top Japanese Convenience Store Picks

31:45 - The Great Indian Yum Yum Show

36:55 - Non-Vegetarian Must-Try Japanese Dishes

44:34 - Tokyo Milk Factory, Deserts & More

1:06:05 - Budgeting Food & Daily Expenses

1:08:20 - Unique Experiences: Mario Kart, Onsens, & Tea Ceremonies

1:16:15 - Ultimate Japan Shopping Guide

1:28:45 - Wrap Up & Closing Remarks

📌 Subscribe to The Great Indian Points & Miles Show for more travel hacks, points strategies, and insider guides to explore the world in style!

#JapanTravel #PointsAndMiles #JapanFoodGuide #JapanTravelTips #TokyoDisneySea #MarioKartTokyo #JapaneseCuisine #JRPass #TokyoShopping

What happens when an Indian traveller goes from budget hostels in Vietnam to scoring lounges in Singapore - all powered by credit card points?In this episode of The Great Indian Points & Miles Show, Aadil, Dhimant and Ameya chat with Srijan about real-world travel using rewards from credit cards from the India ecosystem.

They dive into:

🇸🇬 Singapore:✅ Why it’s the perfect playground for first-time redemptions✅ How to enjoy hawker centre food, luxury lounges, and free flights✅ Tips for flying from Indian metros to Changi without cash burn🇻🇳 Vietnam:✅ Why Vietnam is a budget-friendly, high-reward destination✅ Flight recommendations that make Vietnam super affordable✅ What not to do at popular beaches and how to spot tourist traps🇦🇪 Dubai:✅ The importance of planning ahead in dense itineraries✅ Overrated buys and underrated gems✅ A candid look at short-haul redemption decisions for Gulf destinationsPlus:✅ The emotional power of travelling with parents on points✅ Redemption mistakes (and recoveries) that every Indian traveller can learn from✅ The mindset shift from chasing business class to maximizing meaning per mile👉 Whether you’re just getting into points or planning your next big redemption, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and brutally honest travel truths.Credit Cards Discussed in the episode [Some of these are affiliate links]: Axis Magnus Credit Card : https://tinyurl.com/5n6pfw6yAxis Magnus Burgundy Credit Card : https://tinyurl.com/5n6pfw6yHDFC Diners Black Credit Card : https://tinyurl.com/ycjhbrdeHDFC Regalia Credit Card : https://tinyurl.com/ycjhbrdeHDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card : https://tinyurl.com/ycjhbrdeICICI Sapphiro Credit Card : https://tinyurl.com/5yc8bb2dICICI Amazon Pay Card Credit Card : https://tinyurl.com/5yc8bb2dAU Zenith Credit Card : https://tinyurl.com/ykadacv5Timestamps:00:00:00 – Introduction: First International Trips & Travel Stories00:03:00 – Episode Starts: Scoring Your First International Vacation Using Points00:04:00 – Introducing Special Guest: Srijan Shetty & His First Credit Card (Diners Club)00:07:00 – First International Trips: Ameya, Srijan, Dhimant & Aadil Share Stories00:22:20 – Why Your First International Trip Should Be Accessible and Memorable00:23:20 – Key Criteria for Selecting Your First International Trip00:38:20 – Dubai: Why It’s a Great First Destination & Recommended Itinerary00:44:00 – Exploring Dubai: Old Dubai, JBR, Palm, and Downtown Highlights00:50:00 – Essential Dubai Travel Tips: Metro vs Taxi, Where to Stay, and More00:56:10 – Flights to Dubai: Emirates vs Indigo, How to Choose Based on Your Needs01:00:00 – Why Singapore is Ideal for Your First Points Trip01:01:00 – Flights to Singapore: Singapore Airlines, Air India & Indigo Options01:02:30 – Recommended Hotels in Singapore: Accor & Marriott Properties01:04:30 – Foodie’s Paradise: Must-try Hawker Centers, Kaya Toast, Chicken Rice01:13:10 – Best Experiences in Singapore: Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa & Night Safari01:19:00 – Important Travel Tips: Avoid Tourist Traps & Beware of the Weather01:23:00 – Recommended Redemption Strategies for Flights and Hotels01:25:30 – Why Vietnam is a Great Budget-Friendly Destination01:27:30 – Best Cities to Visit: Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City 01:28:40 – Flights to Vietnam: Singapore Airlines & Vietnam Airlines Insights01:31:20 – Recommended Hotels in Vietnam: Accor Properties & Booking Hacks01:33:00 – Ideal Vietnam Itinerary: Exploring Hanoi and Da Nang 01:36:00 – Must-try Food & Drink in Vietnam: Pho, Banh Mi & Vietnamese Coffee Guide01:43:30 – Rapid-fire with Srijan Shetty: Favorite Cards, Mistakes, Travel Hacks01:45:40 – Rapid-fire with Ameya: Card Recommendations, Budget Destinations01:47:20 – Rapid-fire with Dhimant: Best Redemptions, Travel Essentials & Hacks01:49:00 – Final Advice: Making Your First International Trip Unforgettable01:50:10 – Underrated Destinations Worth Exploring Next

❌ No points.

❌ No credit cards.

❌ No airline or hotel status.

🤔 Can you still travel the world for free in 2025?

In this episode of The Great Indian Points & Miles Show, we’ve got the blueprint. 🗺️

We break down the step-by-step 2025 strategy for anyone in India starting from zero — and still dreaming of luxury stays, flight redemptions, and curated travel experiences.

Joining us is Aly Hajiani - one of India’s top points & miles creators with over 600,000 Instagram followers, who shares how he built a lifestyle powered by rewards. Alongside him are Dhimant, Ameya, and Aadil, mapping out real-world travel tips, combos, and practical credit card strategies for beginners.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

✅ The best starter credit cards for 2025

✅ Smart credit card combos to unlock maximum value

✅ How to avoid rookie mistakes (yes, we’ve made them too!)

✅ Creative redemptions that don’t break the bank

✅ Why this ecosystem is more accessible than ever before

Whether you’re just entering the game or looking to reboot your strategy, this episode is your ultimate jumpstart.

🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.

🛫 It’s time to earn smart and travel well.

Cards talked about in this video (some may be affiliate links):

• Axis Atlas Credit Card
• Axis Neo Credit Card
• Axis Magnus Credit Card
• Axis Magnus Burgundy Credit Card
• Flipkart Axis Credit Card
• HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card
• HDFC Moneyback Credit Card
• Swiggy HDFC Credit Card
• HFDC Regalia Credit Card
• HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
• HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card (DCB)
• HDFC Tata Neu Infinity Credit Card

• ICICI Times Black Credit Card

• MakeMyTrip ICICI Credit Card
• ICICI Emerald Private Metal Credit Card (EPM)
• ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card
• IndusInd Avios Credit Card
• HSBC Travel One Credit Card:
• HSBC Live+ Credit Card
• ⁠SBI Cashback Credit Card⁠

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: Can You Start From Zero? The 2025 Beginner’s Dilemma

04:21 - Meet Ali: India’s Top Credit Card Influencer Joins the Show

05:45 - How Would Ali Start From Scratch? First Credit Card Strategy

07:00 - Building Credit: Why The First Card Matters (and Which One)

08:40 - Laddering Up: Card #2, #3, and Monthly Spend Benchmarks

11:40 - Cashback vs Miles: Choosing The Right Beginner Card

13:30 - Why Starting Young Matters: Credit Building & Discipline

14:30 - Early Co-branded Cards: Marriott, Qatar, and Easy Redemptions

15:40 - Learning Values: How to Judge Points, Miles, and Cashbacks

18:50 - The Mistake of Not Planning Ahead for Top-Tier Cards

20:30 - Critical Advice: Pay Your Bills In Full, Avoid Speculative Transfers

22:20 - Dispute Resolutions: How Not Paying Hurts Your Credit Score

26:10 - Early Redemptions: What Should Be Your First Flight & Hotel?

27:40 - Realistic First Goals: Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, and Accor Hacks

30:10 - Hotel Redemptions: Domestic & International Value Sweet Spots

33:00 - Family Travel: Redeeming for Group Vacations in India & Abroad

35:30 - Leveling Up: Year Two—Upgrading Your Card Stack

36:45 - Building The Trio: Atlas, Amex Plat Travel, Flexible Third Card

39:30 - Multi-Country Trips: How The Right Stack Funds Your Vacation

41:10 - Taj Voucher Tips & Best Properties for Upgrades

46:30 - Traveler vs Tourist: Matching Hotel Programs to Your Travel Style

49:00 - Planning Year 2: Optimizing Card Stack for Life Events & Spends

54:55 - Avoiding Overspend: Why Discipline Beats Chasing Rewards

55:20 - Three-Year Framework: Analyze, Optimize, Emphasize

57:10 - Custom Gameplans: 50K/month Spenders—What Cards Should You Use?

1:01:05 - Persona 2: Small Business Owners—Best Cards for Taxes & Business Spends

1:08:05 - Persona 3: Freelancers & Self-Employed—How To Build Without Salary

1:11:05 - Persona 4: High Spenders (2-3L/month)—Magnus Burgundy, Infinia & EPM

1:15:10 - Caution: Why Lifestyle Cards Aren’t For Everyone

1:20:45 - Wrap-up: Summary & Key Takeaways

💳 Ready to travel for free without needing a super-premium credit card? Whether you’re just starting out or still figuring out which card to get, this episode of The Great Indian Points & Miles Show is your roadmap to kickstarting your travel rewards journey — no million-mile flexing needed!

👥 Featuring Dhimant, Ameya, Aadil and our special guest Eshwar, a first-gen points enthusiast from Bangalore, we break down:

🔹 The best starter credit cards in India for points and miles - 2025 Edition

🔹 Real-life examples of redemptions — from Goa to Hong Kong

🔹 The truth about credit score building, card ladders, and upgrades

🔹 Top beginner cards: HDFC Marriott Bonvoy, Regalia Gold, ICICI Sapphiro & more

🔹 How to use reward sliders, SmartBuy, and card-on-card tricks to level up fast

🔹 Pro tips to maximize cashback, lounge access, and international travel – even on a modest salary

🔥 If you’ve been thinking “this game isn’t for me because I don’t have a Magnus or Infinia,” this is the episode you can’t miss. It’s starter-pack energy, but with real ROI.

Credit Cards mentioned in this episode (Some may be affiliate links):⁠

HDFC Regalia Credit Card⁠

⁠HDFC Diners Black Credit Card⁠

⁠HDFC Diners Privilege Credit Card⁠

⁠HDFC Club Miles Credit Card⁠

⁠HDFC Millennia Credit Card⁠

⁠HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card⁠

⁠Axis Magnus Credit Card⁠

⁠Axis Atlas Credit Card⁠

⁠Axis My Zone Credit Card⁠

⁠Axis Privilege Credit Card⁠

⁠Axis Select Credit Card⁠

⁠ICICI Coral Credit Card⁠

⁠ICICI Emerald Credit Card⁠

Timestamps:

00:00 – What if I can’t get a super premium card? Whats the way forward?

04:30 – Meet our special guest: Eswar from Bangalore

06:00 – Eswar’s first card story: HDFC Diners Privilege

08:00 – How cashback and LTF offers kickstart card journeys in India

09:00 – Ameya’s first credit card: ICICI Coral & Diners Black nostalgia

10:30 – Throwback to Jet Airways, Kingfisher, and co-branded cards

13:00 – Aadil’s first card: Shopper’s Stop Citibank credit card story

15:00 – How credit card behaviour evolved for Eswar post his first win

17:00 – From Diners Privilege to ClubMiles to Diners Black

19:00 – Understanding the credit limit journey and credit upgrades

20:30 – 💡 The importance of credit score building for beginners

22:00 – How to get your first card if you don’t qualify yet

23:30 – Building a ladder strategy with upgradeable card families

25:00 – Secured credit cards: FD-based cards for beginners

26:30 – How IDFC WOW Card works and why it’s great for beginners

27:00 – 🌍 What’s a good starter strategy? Ameya breaks it down

28:30 – Why co-branded airline cards can be a smart entry point

29:30 – Card recommendations from Ameya: Diners Privilege, ClubMiles, Millennia

30:30 – How long to wait before expecting an upgrade?

31:00 – HDFC Regalia + Regalia Gold card ladder explained

33:00 – 💥 First wins matter: Use SmartBuy sliders to redeem early

35:45 – Co-branded cards: Flipkart Axis, Amazon Pay ICICI, etc.

36:30 – ROI vs. ROS (Return on Spend): Travel vs Cashback

37:30 – Eswar’s card picks for beginners: Marriott Bonvoy & Swiggy

39:30 – HDFC Swiggy Card: Earn ₹42K cashback on daily spends

40:30 – HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card: Realistic redemptions and multiplier tricks

42:30 – 🛏️ Best Marriott redemptions in South India

44:00 – 2-card hack: How to get 2 free nights for ₹7,000

45:30 – Why Regalia and Regalia Gold are killer value for beginners

49:00 – 💡 Get that first win (flight/hotel) fast to stay motivated

51:00 – Card-on-card applications: Use strong limits to get better cards

55:30 – Domestic, international, or local? Choose your card by goal

58:00 – Devaluations are inevitable: plan redemptions early

59:00 – Inflation, redemption logic & why simplicity wins

01:00:00 – Final Advice from the trio for beginners

01:01:30 – Eswar reflects on his experience & favorite TGIPMS episode