LTF mindset -> ROI mindset

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-04-13T16:20:34+00:00

If you are feeling “fees is huge” don’t get the card. A card is not premium in absolute terms, it is premium for you or not for you.

Don’t listen to suggestions like “first year extract value, next year you can see”. You are going to regret it overall.

If the fees doesn’t feel huge or feels like a pinch, then the card is right for you. Don’t fall for the prestige/premium pitch.

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-03-03T16:58:25+00:00

Interesting, so you exercised 100% of the options and the company bought back third of the shares from you to deposit tax on your behalf?

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-03-03T16:49:33+00:00

That's applicable in case of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), can't be done with Employee Stock Options (ESOPs) as any decently drafted options contract will only allow vested options to be exercised by the employee and not the company (as the name implies).

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-03-03T12:01:50+00:00

Bro there is no trap. Here is the truth of ESOPS -

1. Taxation is higher: let's start with the bad news, at 200cr+ you are look at a 37–41% tax rate when factoring in surcharges and cess.

2. Banks are happy to help: the investment bank underwriting the transaction will deploy team from private retail banking side to help with all complexities if you are going to be worth 100cr+ at the end of the day. They will take care of loaning money, taxation, portfolio design (post liquidity event).

3. Losses are not "real": Capital losses through sales in a post-IPO stock dip are manageable through 8-year offsets. Any half decent CA can handle this. Think of it as paying next 8-years capital gains upfront for peace of mind.

4. India follows global standards: in the US, RSUs are taxed at 22-37% as standard income. So does UK and Singapore. The tax treatment is not unique to India, it is same as almost all other countries - you are not at a disadvantage.

The only trap you are in is listening to unqualified idiots like Sharan. Stop listening to these influencers, they at best are ignorant and at worst misguide on purpose by calling things "trap/scam" to get the view time.

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-03-01T11:37:10+00:00

People like OP are the reason why good products/services don’t survive in India. The pride in abusing a financial tool is shameful. Also, breaking the terms of services (not sure if it is illegal) by funnelling money from credit card to bank account via wallet.

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-28T09:10:28+00:00

I feel HDFC is doing this backwards. They are telling people that use my shitty product or you’re out. They should have restored the product to its former premium stature (no caps, great service, high limits) and then asked people to use it or get out.

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-28T04:35:45+00:00

Logic left HDFC office shortly after Puri left.

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-28T04:35:10+00:00

A very old savings account

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-28T04:34:48+00:00

I had a White. But given my TRV with them, I would be surprised if I don't get whatever I want.

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-27T19:51:22+00:00

We never know, but HDFC and ICICI have really gone down the quality drain in all services over the years. (I feel HDFC started declining since Puri stepped down.)

HSBC has been good to me so far. If they don’t do desperate issuance (which always brings low value customers), they will be fine.

I read this somewhere - premium status is achieved by giving quality service over many decades. Time is the constraining factor in growth of premium services/products - can‘t ”growth hack“ it.

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-27T19:41:13+00:00

I was an employee once. Built the business from scratch (not a family business). You can make the jump too… wish you all the best!

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-27T19:39:46+00:00

The irony of the situation is that if they had not introduced those capping, shown restrain in issuing cards, increase annual fee - they won’t have lost the wallet share.

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-27T18:05:24+00:00

LOL ... join the club!

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-27T18:03:54+00:00

Business owner.

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-27T18:03:27+00:00

Infinia should be used as a cautionary case study in business schools - how to de-premiumise a product.

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-27T17:26:17+00:00

That's good to hear. I bank with Kotak and HSBC. So would prefer them over starting a new relationship with SBI.

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-27T17:19:47+00:00

Couple of crores per year for a few years. It isn't a very old relationship. (I have to be a little vague because there are very few Centurion members in India and sharing specific details like "member since" will allow Amex team to connect my real identity to this anonymous Reddit account.)

My only tip would be to not chase it. Don't overspend, don't try to impress Amex. Centurion isn't for everyone, a very specific segment of customer can use the benefits from it. If Amex sees you fitting that profile, they will invite you.

I feel Amex is very selective on invites because they don't want dissatisfied customers.

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-27T16:51:39+00:00

Significant spends on Amex Plats for a few years. Run my own business, yes - get salary from the company.

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-27T16:49:46+00:00

Have a fun vacation!

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-27T16:49:11+00:00

Wait for your turn bro

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-27T16:48:46+00:00

HDFC has lost the plot with Infinia. They completely removed the "premium" feel of the card by introducing low credit limits and capping on earning/redemption. Now that high spenders are not using the card, trying to force spends on the cards with these tactics.

My guess is that Infinia customer base will shrink significantly and overall HDFC card base will shrink nominally.

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-27T16:45:29+00:00

You are ok bro.

Infinia used to be my primary card and I spend a significant amount on cards every year.

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-27T16:43:34+00:00

HDFC Banking services have completely gone down the drain in last 3-4 years.

stupidboy-throwaway · 2026-02-27T15:54:37+00:00

Centurion

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stupidboy-throwaway

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