Quick Verdict

  • The Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend with a higher base reward rate and strong category bonuses.
  • For travel and lounge access, the Tata Neu card also leads with multiple complimentary lounge visits both domestically and internationally.
  • The CUB CSK Mastercard Platinum Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold but offers a much lower return on spend.
  • Choose Tata Neu if you spend heavily on online, grocery, or travel and value lounge access. Pick the CUB CSK card if you want a low-fee dining-focused card and do not prioritize lounges or high rewards.

Side by Side

DetailCUB CSK Mastercard Platinum Credit CardⓘTata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 1,000Rs 1,499
Joining feeRs 1,000Rs 1,499
Fee waiver on spendRs 3.00 lakh
Reward rate0.6% (base)1.5% (base)
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic loungeNone8 per year
International loungeNone4 per year
Forex markup2%
Best suited forrewards, dining, loungeupi-rupay, shopping, rewards, grocery, travel, lounge

Rewards Compared

On a spend of Rs 10,000, the CUB CSK Mastercard Platinum Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 60 at the base rate of 0.6%. However, if your spend is in dining, this doubles to Rs 120, reflecting a 1.2% return. This card is clearly tailored for dining rewards but offers no premium benefits for other categories.

In contrast, the Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ delivers Rs 150 at the base 1.5% rate on the same Rs 10,000 spend, making it more rewarding overall. Its category rates significantly boost returns, 5% on online and grocery spends yields Rs 500 back per Rs 10,000, while UPI payments give a 1.5% return or Rs 150. If your purchases fall within these categories, Tata Neu offers a much higher reward potential.

Fees Compared

The CUB CSK Mastercard Platinum Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 1,000 each for joining and annual fees, with no waiver option. You must spend about Rs 1,66,667 annually to cover the fee via its base reward rate.

The Tata Neu card has higher fees of Rs 1,499 for joining and annual charges. However, these are waived if you spend Rs 3,00,000 annually (Rs 25,000 per month). The break-even spend to cover the fee at base rate is Rs 99,933, much lower than CUB CSK’s. The difference in annual fees is Rs 499, which Tata Neu compensates for with its higher rewards and fee waiver option at a reasonable spend level.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the CUB CSK Mastercard Platinum Credit Cardⓘ if you want a low-fee card focused on dining rewards and you do not require lounge access or premium travel benefits. It suits those with moderate spends who prefer simplicity over numerous perks.

Opt for the Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ if you frequently shop online, buy groceries, or use UPI payments, and value lounge access for domestic and international travel. Its higher reward rates and fee waiver on Rs 3 lakh annual spend make it better for heavy users and travelers.

Overall, Tata Neu is the more versatile and rewarding card but at a higher cost unless you meet the waiver criteria. Those who do not spend enough to waive fees or prioritize dining only should skip Tata Neu and consider CUB CSK instead.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm category caps and exclusions to ensure you get the expected reward rates on dining, groceries, or online spends.
  • Check the redemption value and process for points as both cards reward points but do not specify exact redemption options here.
  • Be aware of the fee waiver math on Tata Neu: you must spend Rs 25,000 per month to avoid annual fees.
  • Tata Neu charges 2% forex markup on foreign currency spends, while CUB CSK does not specify any forex fees.
  • Verify airport lounge locations and access rules, especially for international lounges on Tata Neu.

FAQ

What is the forex markup on these cards?+
The Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card charges a 2% forex markup on foreign currency transactions. The CUB CSK Mastercard Platinum Credit Card does not specify any forex markup.
Can the fees be waived on both cards?+
Only the Tata Neu card offers an annual fee waiver if you spend Rs 3,00,000 annually. The CUB CSK card has no fee waiver on spend.
How many lounge accesses come with each card?+
The Tata Neu card provides 8 domestic and 4 international lounge accesses per year. The CUB CSK card does not offer any lounge access.
Which card offers better rewards on grocery and online spends?+
Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card offers 5% rewards on grocery and online spends, compared to CUB CSK’s 0.6% base rate with no special category for these spends.
Is the joining fee refundable or credited back?+
Neither card specifies any joining fee refund or credit back. The Tata Neu card does provide a welcome benefit of 1,499 NeuCoins on the Tata Neu app.