A large number of people in India continue to purchase flight tickets from airline websites or travel sites such as MakeMyTrip without knowing they could save a fortune.
If you're using an HDFC credit card and not using HDFC SmartBuy, you could be overpaying.
In this Blog, I explain how to save money on flight tickets using SmartBuy, and one strategy in the Instagram reel below.
Instagram Reel Reference
Here's a reel on the strategy:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXSW3YgEpjQ/?igsh=NzQ1YnU3Ymk5enJq
What is explained in the reel
The reel highlights a key mistake most users make: booking flights directly at full price. Instead, it suggests using a combination of:
HDFC credit card
SmartBuy portal
Reward points
So the key takeaway from the reel is that you should never book airline tickets at MRP if you have SmartBuy facilities because the combination of these can help you get a ticket at a fraction of the cost.
What is HDFC SmartBuy and How It Works
HDFC SmartBuy is an HDFC Bank booking and rewards program.
It allows users to:
Book flights and hotels
Earn accelerated reward points
Redeem points for travel
Access exclusive credit card offers
The main benefit of SmartBuy is that you can earn more reward points than with the usual program.
Why Booking Flights Directly is Costly
When you book directly from platforms like MakeMyTrip:
You only pay the listed price
You miss out on extra reward points
You do not fully utilise credit card benefits
This results in a higher effective cost compared to SmartBuy bookings.
Step-by-Step Process to Book Cheap Flights Using HDFC SmartBuy
Step 1: Access the SmartBuy Portal
Log in through your HDFC net banking or credit card account and open SmartBuy.
Step 2: Choose the Flights Option
Navigate to the flight booking section.
Step 3: Enter Travel Details
Fill in departure city, destination, dates, and passenger details.
Step 4: Compare Prices
Before booking, compare prices with platforms like MakeMyTrip to ensure you are getting a competitive deal.
Step 5: Apply Reward Points
Use your available reward points to reduce the booking amount.
Step 6: Pay Using HDFC Credit Card
Complete the payment using your HDFC credit card to maximise rewards and cashback.
The SmartBuy Savings Strategy Explained
The core strategy, as shown in the reel, is to combine multiple benefits:
Booking through HDFC SmartBuy
Using an HDFC credit card
Applying reward points
Taking advantage of sales and cashback offers
Opting for EMI if additional discounts are available
This layered approach helps reduce the effective cost of your flight.
Example of Cost Reduction
Flight price: 6,000 INR
Direct booking: You pay the full amount of 6,000 INR
SmartBuy booking: You pay 6,000 INR. You earn reward points worth approximately 1,200 to 1,500 INR
Effective cost: around 4,500 to 4,800 INR
Important Factors to Consider
Reward Point Limits:
Each credit card has a monthly cap on accelerated rewards.
Price Comparison:
In some cases, SmartBuy prices may be slightly higher, so comparison is necessary.
Redemption Value:
The value of reward points varies depending on how you use them.
Additional Charges:
Convenience fees may apply in some bookings.
Tips to Maximise Savings
Use premium HDFC credit cards for better reward multipliers
Book during promotional periods or sales
Combine reward points with cashback offers
Monitor reward caps regularly
Plan your bookings in advance
Who Should Use This Method
This strategy is ideal for:
Frequent travelers
Credit card users
Budget-conscious individuals
People looking to optimise travel expenses
Conclusion
When it comes to cheaper flights, it's not only about the price, but also about knowing how to get it.
Using HDFC SmartBuy, coupled with the rewards and offers of credit cards, rewards points, and promotions, you can save money on travel expenses.
As shown in the video, not booking directly and using SmartBuy to your advantage can ensure you get the best deals on flights and make your money go further.
To know More offers on your HDFC credit card, check our website.
FAQs
What is HDFC SmartBuy and how does it help in flight bookings?
HDFC SmartBuy is a rewards and booking platform by HDFC Bank that allows users to book flights, hotels, and other services while earning accelerated reward points and accessing credit card offers. It helps reduce effective flight costs through points and discounts.
Can I really save money on flights using HDFC SmartBuy?
Yes. By booking through SmartBuy and using HDFC credit card reward points, cashback offers, and promotions, you can reduce your effective flight cost compared to direct booking platforms.
Do I earn reward points on every flight booking?
Yes, but the number of reward points depends on your HDFC credit card type and ongoing SmartBuy offers. Some cards offer higher multipliers (like 5X to 10X points).
Is it cheaper than booking on MakeMyTrip or airline websites?
In many cases, yes. While the base ticket price may look similar, SmartBuy gives additional value through reward points and offers, which reduces your overall cost.
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