u/forprivatepurpose

Flying from Delhi to Johannesburg. Have a 8 hour layover in Singapore. Can I visit the jewel area and the shopping outlets there without a visa ?

I recently applied for the HDFC DCB Metal card through my RM and completed the physical application process. I am a practicing lawyer and receive my professional income through salary credits from my firm.

I file my returns under ITR-3 and opt for presumptive taxation under Section 44ADA. As a result, I do not have the detailed salary slips with salary component bifurcations that banks typically ask for. Further, while my gross professional receipts exceed ₹30 lakh, my taxable income after claiming the benefit of Section 44ADA does not meet the income threshold reflected in the ITR.

My RM informed me that he checked with the backend team, and they were not satisfied with the income reflected in the ITR, so the application could not be processed further. He also mentioned that since I do not have any significant TRV/investment relationship with HDFC, there is little he can do from his end(although I have my salary account in HDFC).

He did, however, suggest investing in one of HDFC’s investment products, which I chose not to pursue.
My question is: I have seen several people mention that they received the DCB Metal card despite not meeting the stated salary criteria. In my case, my gross income is well above ₹30 lakh, yet my application is being declined because of the way income is reflected under Section 44ADA.
Has anyone faced a similar situation? Is there any alternative route for approval, such as escalation to the Nodal Officer or a manual review? Any guidance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Also, in case if there’s no way, what alternate cards from HDFC I can seek. I already hold Axis Atlas and Amex Plat Travel and will apply for Travel One.

I am planning a trip to South Africa in September this year. Have almost 120,000 MR points, roughly 50,000 Accor points and some Mariott points too. Would be travelling from Delhi and was thinking to take Qatar Airways (can also change flights if a good suggestion comes in). Please suggest how can I use and transfer the least Avios points to redeem my flights. Don’t have an experience in the Oneworld ecosystem or skywards. Would be going with a group so won’t be looking for hotels. If anybody has any recommendations/suggestions, please help.

I am planning a trip to South Africa in September this year. Have almost 120,000 MR points, roughly 50,000 Accor points and some Mariott points too. Would be travelling from Delhi and was thinking to take Qatar Airways (can also change flights if a good suggestion comes in). Please suggest how can I use and transfer the least Avios points to redeem my flights. Don’t have an experience in the Oneworld ecosystem or skywards. Would be going with a group so won’t be looking for hotels. If anybody has any recommendations/suggestions, please help.