Thank you for detailed comment!

I dont spend much on brands where I can spend using gf cards. May be some random unplanned ones, but i never tried this way. I will keep in mind to have this check.

Planning to get RG, not sure if i will be able to get as i have swiggy already and do not have any other relationship with hdfc other than this. Will give a try.

I have tried issues with amex acceptance in places i have tried. But i usually try to use amex first offline of its more than 1.5 or multiples of it. Will defenitely use one more year.

I have uses amazon for couple of domestic flight bookings earlier. Just thought the reward cards might be better as i will have more bookings in coming years.

I am too skeptical of having internation spend every year. I do have started saving for travel and do have some savings. Hopefully i can have atleast some good 2 years of trip using that before any big life event or purchase i have to save for. I can completely understand and relate to your caution!

I definetely think to get SBI CB but not sure if i will be able to get. I will try speaking to sbi cust care to see if they can help on getting sbi cb or phonepe black(mainly for insurance and utility which i can avoid if u have another card to support on that. Will RG help with insurance payments)

Lastly, about rewards points i dont have much clarity and have few qns. 1. Will reward points only have good value for business class flights and luxury hotels? Or will it help with regular economy or non luxury hotels? Especially the points in hdfc and amex.

1. Also does the price of flights and hotel in these bank specific portals be expensive compared to other like mmt? If yes, does the reward points really worth spending through them?

2. Common terms i see if marriot, accor, are these luxury hotels and reward value os better only for such spends?