HDFC Adds New Transfer Partner: Radisson Rewards (1:1) – But Should You Transfer?
In the dynamic world of Indian credit card rewards, a new transfer partner is always exciting news. HDFC Bank has quietly added Radisson Rewards to its list of hotel partners for its premium Infinia and Diners Club Black cardholders.
The new transfer ratio is 1 HDFC Reward Point = 1 Radisson Rewards Point.
On the surface, a 1:1 ratio seems appealing. It matches other HDFC partners like IHG One Rewards and Wyndham Rewards. But as any savvy points collector knows, the transfer ratio is only half the story. The real question is: what is the redemption value?
The Math: What is a Radisson Point Worth?
Before transferring a single, valuable HDFC point, we must establish a baseline. Radisson Rewards, as a program, offers a redemption value that is generally estimated to be in the range of ₹0.15 to ₹0.20 per point.
This means that for every Radisson point you redeem, you are, on average, getting only 15 to 20 paise in value.
The HDFC Value Benchmark: What is Your HDFC Point Worth?
To see if this is a good deal, we must compare it to the “gold standard” for HDFC premium cards:
- HDFC Smartbuy Portal: When you redeem your HDFC points for flights or hotels on the Smartbuy portal, you get a fixed, reliable value of 1 HDFC Point = ₹1.
- “10x” Earning (within caps): Even when you pay cash, the Smartbuy portal offers accelerated rewards, further solidifying the high value of the HDFC ecosystem.
So, your baseline is ₹1.00 per point.
The Verdict: Is the Radisson 1:1 Transfer a “Value Trap”?
Let’s do the simple, direct comparison:
- HDFC Smartbuy: 1 HDFC Point = ₹1.00
- HDFC → Radisson Transfer: 1 HDFC Point → 1 Radisson Point = ₹0.15 – ₹0.20
This is a clear-cut “Value Trap.”
By transferring your HDFC points to Radisson Rewards, you are willingly accepting an 80% to 85% loss in value. You are essentially trading a ₹1 coin for 20 paise.
How Does This Compare to Other HDFC Hotel Partners?
- IHG One Rewards (1:1): IHG points are often valued around ₹0.40 – ₹0.50. This is still a 50% loss.
- Marriott Bonvoy (1:0.5): Marriott points are valued around ₹0.60 – ₹0.70. This means 1 HDFC point gets you ₹0.30 – ₹0.35 in value. Also a significant loss.
- Club ITC (1:0.5): ITC Green Points are valued at ₹1. This means 1 HDFC point gets you ₹0.50 in value. A 50% loss.
Conclusion & Strategic Recommendation
While it’s encouraging to see HDFC Bank expanding its list of transfer partners, this new addition is one that savvy cardholders should avoid at all costs.
The value proposition is exceptionally poor and falls into the category of a “value trap” designed for those who don’t run the numbers. The only scenario where this might make sense is if you are just a few hundred points short of a specific, urgent Radisson redemption, but even then, it’s a painful “cost.”
The strategic recommendation remains unchanged:
The best and most valuable way to redeem your HDFC Infinia and Diners Black points for travel is, and continues to be, by using them directly on the HDFC Smartbuy portal at the 1:1 redemption rate. Do not be tempted by new, shiny 1:1 transfer ratios without first checking the value of the currency you are buying into.
