The Great Indian Points and Miles Show

🛬💳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:1⃣ Dhimant: Our Cathay Pacific guru who spots award availability faster than you say "free upgrade."2⃣ Ameya: The double-dip maestro and the ultimate Air India card insider.3⃣ Devansh: Strategy consultant by day, points-and-miles ninja by night, straight out of Bangalore.4⃣ 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 flightsTop 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 tipsPro-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 flexibilityBest Beginner Credit Cards for 2025:💳 HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card (Lifetime Free + SmartBuy perks): https://tinyurl.com/ycjhbrde💳 HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card (Instant free night): https://tinyurl.com/23t5efcx💳 IndusInd Avios Credit Card (20K bonus to start): https://tinyurl.com/25cnyx95💳 Axis Atlas Credit Card (Great if you snag approval!): https://tinyurl.com/5954t76eInsider 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 buyReady 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 Redemptions05:55 – Strategic Decision-Making: Burn vs. Earn Framework12:12 – Planning Ahead: Optimal Booking Windows17:21 – Best Uses for Popular Credit Card Programs23:05 – Epic Redemption Story: 19 Unforgettable Days at the Pullman, Maldives30:09 – Round-the-World Magic: Turning 120K Miles into 6 Flights42:44 – Game-Changing Mixed Redemption Strategies47:21 – Real Stories: Finland, Vietnam & Beyond53:52 – Beginner-Friendly Cards You Must Get in 2025Disclaimer: 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

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 & Vivek06:00 - Bangalore’s Café Scene: From Filter Coffee to Flat Whites07:00 - Dhimant's Early Coffee Café Experiences10:00 - Ameya’s Micro-Trends in Bangalore Cafés14:00 - Coffee Economics 101 with Vivek17:00 - Subko Café Special: Pistachio Cookie & Haleem Puff Pastry20:00 - The Journey of a Coffee Enthusiast: Coffee vs. Audiophiles26:00 - Understanding Coffee: Espresso vs. Pour-over Explained30:00 - Top Cafés for Remote Work in Bangalore32:00 - Vada Pav Debate: Bangalore Edition35:30 - Indiranagar’s Best Cafés & Hidden Gems36:00 - Maverick & Farmer’s Burgers & Cold Brews40:30 - Lavonne’s Brunch & Desserts42:00 - Humblebean’s Signature Coffees & Granola Bowls45:00 - Cafés of Jayanagar & JP Nagar: Drip & Drop, Coffee & Talk52:30 - Lazy Suzy’s Hot Chocolate vs. Smoor53:30 - Desserts Worth the Calories: Happy Belly Bakes & Mason du Brownie56:00 - Most Overrated Cafés in Bangalore59:00 - South Bangalore Cafés: Recommendations & Picks1:02:00 - Central Bangalore Cafés & Top Picks1:11:00 - Amintiri’s Epic Cakes and Desserts1:19:00 - Old School Cafés: Matteo, OG Café Coffee Day1:22:30 - Matcha Madness: Best Spots for Matcha Lovers1:26:00 - The Yum Yum Awards 🏆 (Best Coffee, Best Vibe, Overrated & More!)

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 Overview03:05 - Context and Episode Starts10:25 - Why Choose JAL? Pros & Cons13:00 - Accommodation Tips: Marriott vs Accor16:55 - Is the JR Pass Worth Buying?19:45 - Underrated Japanese Towns & Hidden Gems23:30 - Tokyo Must-Dos & DisneySea Foodie Paradise28:00 - Top Japanese Convenience Store Picks31:45 - The Great Indian Yum Yum Show 36:55 - Non-Vegetarian Must-Try Japanese Dishes44:34 - Tokyo Milk Factory, Deserts & More 1:06:05 - Budgeting Food & Daily Expenses1:08:20 - Unique Experiences: Mario Kart, Onsens, & Tea Ceremonies1:16:15 - Ultimate Japan Shopping Guide1:28:45 - 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

Aly Hajiani, a leading points and miles creator with over 600,000 followers, guides listeners on how to travel for free in 2025, even without existing points or credit cards. He shares beginner-friendly strategies, including the best starter credit cards and effective combos to maximize rewards. The conversation dives into avoiding common pitfalls, leveraging creative redemptions, and understanding loyalty programs. The hosts emphasize that luxury travel is more accessible than ever, making it ideal for newcomers ready to embark on their travel rewards journey.

💳 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 Card⁠⁠HDFC Diners Privilege Credit Card⁠⁠HDFC Club Miles Credit Card⁠⁠HDFC Millennia Credit Card⁠⁠HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card⁠⁠Axis Magnus Credit Card⁠⁠Axis Atlas Credit Card⁠⁠Axis My Zone Credit Card⁠ ⁠Axis Privilege Credit Card⁠⁠Axis Select Credit Card⁠⁠ICICI Coral Credit Card⁠⁠ICICI Emerald Credit Card⁠Timestamps:00:00 – What if I can’t get a super premium card? Whats the way forward?04:30 – Meet our special guest: Eswar from Bangalore06:00 – Eswar’s first card story: HDFC Diners Privilege08:00 – How cashback and LTF offers kickstart card journeys in India09:00 – Ameya’s first credit card: ICICI Coral & Diners Black nostalgia10:30 – Throwback to Jet Airways, Kingfisher, and co-branded cards13:00 – Aadil’s first card: Shopper’s Stop Citibank credit card story15:00 – How credit card behaviour evolved for Eswar post his first win17:00 – From Diners Privilege to ClubMiles to Diners Black19:00 – Understanding the credit limit journey and credit upgrades20:30 – 💡 The importance of credit score building for beginners22:00 – How to get your first card if you don’t qualify yet23:30 – Building a ladder strategy with upgradeable card families25:00 – Secured credit cards: FD-based cards for beginners26:30 – How IDFC WOW Card works and why it’s great for beginners27:00 – 🌍 What’s a good starter strategy? Ameya breaks it down28:30 – Why co-branded airline cards can be a smart entry point29:30 – Card recommendations from Ameya: Diners Privilege, ClubMiles, Millennia30:30 – How long to wait before expecting an upgrade?31:00 – HDFC Regalia + Regalia Gold card ladder explained33:00 – 💥 First wins matter: Use SmartBuy sliders to redeem early35:45 – Co-branded cards: Flipkart Axis, Amazon Pay ICICI, etc.36:30 – ROI vs. ROS (Return on Spend): Travel vs Cashback37:30 – Eswar’s card picks for beginners: Marriott Bonvoy & Swiggy39:30 – HDFC Swiggy Card: Earn ₹42K cashback on daily spends40:30 – HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card: Realistic redemptions and multiplier tricks42:30 – 🛏️ Best Marriott redemptions in South India44:00 – 2-card hack: How to get 2 free nights for ₹7,00045:30 – Why Regalia and Regalia Gold are killer value for beginners49:00 – 💡 Get that first win (flight/hotel) fast to stay motivated51:00 – Card-on-card applications: Use strong limits to get better cards55:30 – Domestic, international, or local? Choose your card by goal58:00 – Devaluations are inevitable: plan redemptions early59:00 – Inflation, redemption logic & why simplicity wins01:00:00 – Final Advice from the trio for beginners01:01:30 – Eswar reflects on his experience & favorite TGIPMS episode

Axis Bank Credit Card holders, this one’s for you!In this explosive deep-dive, we break down EVERY major Axis Bank credit card — Magnus Burgundy, Atlas, Select, Privilege, Samsung Infinite, Olyumpus, Vistara Infinite and more — through real talk, real redemptions, and real warnings.We've covered the length and breath of:What’s changing in 2025?Is Magnus Burgundy still numero uno post-devaluationWhy Atlas might be the sleeper hit!How to smartly transfer Edge Rewards & Edge MilesWhat they don’t tell you about lounge access, vouchers & taxes.Which credit cards work best with your lifestyle (travel, cashback, dining and more)Axis Group A vs Group B points — fully decoded.This episode is your guide to mastering Axis Bank Credit Cards in 2025, especially if you’re serious about squeezing the most value from your spends.🎧Whether you’re holding on to Magnus or Magnus Burgundy, considering Atlas, or juggling multiple Axis cards like the Select, Privilege or Vistara Infinite— this episode helps you decide what to keep, what to ditch, and how to maximise.🚀Subscribe, share, and join us on The Great Indian Points & Miles Show to unlock smarter travel, better rewards, and zero buyer’s remorse!Cards mentioned in this episode (some of these are affiliate links):Axis Bank Credit Cards:⁠Axis Magnus⁠⁠Axis Atlas⁠⁠Axis Reserve⁠⁠Axis Privilege⁠⁠Axis Select⁠⁠Axis Flipkart Credit Card⁠⁠Axis Samsung Infinite⁠⁠Axis ACE⁠⁠Axis MyZone⁠HDFC Bank Credit Cards:⁠HDFC Regalia⁠⁠HDFC Regalia Gold⁠ ⁠HDFC Diners Black⁠⁠HDFC Infinia⁠⁠HDFC Marriott Bonvoy Diners Club Credit Card⁠⁠⁠HDFC Swiggy Credit Card⁠⁠⁠⁠Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card (Plus/Infinity)⁠⁠ICICI Bank Credit Cards:⁠ICICI Emeralde Private Metal (EPM) Credit Card⁠⁠ICICI Bank Times Black Credit Card⁠⁠ICICI Bank Emirates Emerlade Credit Card⁠⁠ICICI Bank Amazon Pay Credit Card⁠Other Cards Discussed:⁠SBI Card Elite⁠⁠Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card⁠⁠Small Finance Bank Ixigo Credit Card⁠⁠IDFC First Wow Credit Card⁠⁠IDFC First Bank Mayura Credit Card⁠⁠HSBC Travel One Credit Card⁠⁠HSBC Live Plus Card⁠Timestamps:00:00 - Axis Bank Credit Cards Special from The Great Indian Points & Miles Show05:20 - Sudeep's Axis card stack revealed09:10 - Will future Air India cards still offer status?16:50 - Star Alliance Gold: What benefits truly carry over?18:00 - Our current Axis card stacks – who holds what?20:00 - Atlas vs Olympus: Which card gives better value?22:50 - Why Olympus might come diluted when re-launched27:00 - What if you’re new to Axis? How to build your card journey29:00 - The Privilege + Select combo: underrated but powerful30:50 - Edge Rewards 101: Building long-term value32:40 - The golden age of edge rewards family pooling (RIP)34:30 - Regalia Gold? Still a great place to start36:10 - Best zero Forex cards for international travel38:50 - Forex strategy: Carrying 3 cards, choosing wisely43:00 - Using Amex as a chargeback shield: When peace of mind wins46:10 - Atlas’s 4% Forex fee – the elephant in the room48:10 - Booking woes: Flying Blue, Lufthansa, and Access card failures49:20 - Axis's rewards currency: Edge Rewards vs Edge Miles51:10 - Group A vs Group B explained (and the cognitive load rant)54:00 - Partner limits, redemptions, and optimal transfer planning59:10 - What we transferred last year (and where we’re eyeing this year)01:03:00 - Using group B smartly: ITC, Marriott, and experimenting01:07:40 - Club ITC to ITH: Flights, hotels, cabs with points!01:13:00 - Marrying Axis with Marriott: How to max out Group B annually01:21:30 - Domestic redemptions: Which programs make sense?01:32:50 - Aeroplan’s sweet spot: SF to BLR to SIN – One PNR!01:36:30 - Our Group A & B strategy for 2025: Real talk01:40:00 - Axis GrabDeals 101: The good old 45X multipliers!01:42:50 - Gyftr and Flipkart SuperCoins stacking explained01:48:10 - Final thoughts: Axis stack wisdom from the points and miles crew

Ready to turn your credit card points into Singapore Airlines First Class Suites and Ritz-Carlton Reserve villa stays in Bali? In this episode of The Great Indian Points & Miles Show, we sit down with four power users who’ve mastered the art of luxury travel using Indian credit cards—especially the iconic HDFC Infinia. They’ve cracked redemptions like:✈️ Singapore Airlines First Class Suites 🌴 Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Mandapa Bali on points🚗Business class redemptions to New Zealand on the iconic Singapore Airlines 🍽️ Maximizing SmartBuy 5X and 10X and vouchers to earn 16.5% and 33% returns💳 And we pit Infinia vs. ICICI Emeralde Private Metal in a head-to-head battle of India’s best cards.We also bust myths like:“Is redeeming points for Apple products a sin?”“Should you ever settle for 90K over 58,500 KrisFlyer miles?”“Can cashback cards ever make sense in a miles-first world?”👉 Whether you’re a newbie starting with Regalia or a veteran eyeing the Suites at 35,000 ft, this episode is your blueprint to booking first class experiences without first class prices.Cards mentioned in this episode (some of these are affiliate links):HDFC Bank Cards:HDFC Infinia / Diners Club Black (DCB)HDFC Regalia / Regalia GoldHDFC Swiggy Credit CardTata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card (Plus/Infinity)Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit CardICICI Bank Cards:ICICI Emeralde Private Metal (EPM)ICICI Bank Amazon Pay Credit CardAxis Bank Cards:Axis Magnus Credit CardAxis Atlas Credit CardHSBC Bank Cards:HSBC Travel One Credit CardHSBC Live Plus / Cashback Credit CardOthers:SBI Cashback Credit CardTimestamps:00:00 Flying Business Class on HDFC Infinia03:50 Intro to HDFC Infinia and luxury travel discussion04:25 Prakhar’s introduction and Phuket travel anecdotes07:00 How Prakhar got the HDFC Infinia Credit Card and started using it10:15 Singapore Airlines First Class Suites experience via HDFC Infinia points13:00 Singapore Airlines Saver vs. Advantage fare discussion and value of flexibility17:00 SQ mobile app advantages and booking tips18:05 Top 3 highlights of Singapore Airlines First Class Suites and Private Room dining22:50 Ameya’s journey to Infinia and redemption philosophy24:30 Dhimant's bumpy relationship with HDFC and his Infinia acquisition28:10 How Prakhar and Ameya use Infinia today and their spend strategies32:00 Cashback vs. travel cards: value and tradeoffs35:00 Vouchers, and Amazon stacking tips39:00 HSBC Cashback and SBI Cashback pros and cons43:00 Redemption styles: flights, hotels, or Apple products48:00 The ‘sin’ of redeeming for Apple products50:00 Step-by-step journey from Regalia to Infinia53:00 Income thresholds to qualify for Regalia, Diners Club Black, and Infinia57:00 Wrap up of Apple product redemption debate58:00 Ritz-Carlton Reserve Mandapa, Bali: redemption details and experience1:04:00 5-night stay at Ritz-Carlton Reserve Mandapa using Amex to Marriott transfer1:07:00 Service experience at Ritz-Carlton Reserve Mandapa and property highlights1:13:00 Al Maha Dubai: desert redemption using Amex points1:18:00 JW Marriott Mauritius and luxury redemption reflections1:20:00 New Zealand flights on Singapore Airlines Business Class using HDFC Infinia Credit Card1:23:00 New Zealand trip: hotels, farm stays, and road trip1:24:30 Time vs. value vs. complexity of travel card redemptions1:25:00 Truth bombs:HDFC Infinia Credit Card vs. ICICI Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card1:27:00 Roundtable views on EPM as a challenger to Infinia1:30:00 Final takes and analogy: Infinia vs. EPM = India vs. Pakistan

Ankit Mehrotra, former CEO and co-founder of Dineout, shares his journey of revolutionizing India's dining culture and the innovative HDFC partnership that turned credit card swipes into extraordinary travel experiences. He reveals how to book a lavish honeymoon on miles while unemployed and explains the art of maximizing credit card rewards for luxury stays. With insights into evolving dining trends among Gen Z and strategic tips to avoid hoarding or wasting miles, Ankit provides a treasure trove of information for aspiring points enthusiasts.

Ever dreamed of sipping champagne at 40,000 feet without burning a hole in your wallet? 🥂✈️In this epic episode of The Great Indian Points & Miles Show, we reveal how YOU can travel First and Business Class for (almost) FREE using miles and points!We’re joined by one of India's points game gurus — Jay aka @TheTrickyTrade — who spills insider secrets:How to snag Etihad Apartments and ANA First/Business Class seats using miles ✈️💺The magic of companion vouchers and LifeMiles hacks 🔥Why Marriott, American Airlines, and LifeMiles are pure GOLD for luxury redemptions 🏨🌟How to handle hidden pitfalls like aircraft downgrades like a PRO 🧠If you think luxury travel is only for the rich, think again. It’s for the smart. And it’s YOUR turn. 🎯Credit Cards discussed in this episode:💳 Axis Magnus Credit Card 💳 Axis Atlas Credit Card 💳 HDFC Bank Infinia Credit Card 💳 SBI Etihad Guest Credit Card 💬 Drop a comment: What’s your dream first-class flight? Or tell us if you’d love to be a guest on the show!👇 Hit PLAY to unlock your dream travels!👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and FOLLOW us for more insights, tips, and crazy points stories. Trust us — your passport (and your wallet) will thank you. 💳🌍#FirstClassForFree #PointsAndMilesIndia #TravelHacks #LuxuryTravel #FirstClass #BusinessClass #etihad #avianca #lifemiles