Quick Verdict

  • The CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday UPI spend with an impressive 7.5% return, making it ideal for frequent digital payments.
  • For travel and lounge access, the IDFC First Wealth Credit Cardⓘ offers international lounge access and golf privileges, edging ahead for globetrotters despite a lower base reward rate.
  • The IDFC First Wealth card is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fees, while the CUB card charges Rs 500 for both.
  • Choose the CUB card if you prioritize high rewards on UPI and domestic lounges; opt for the IDFC First Wealth card if you want lifetime free fees, international lounges, and golf access.

Side by Side

DetailCUB SalarySe Level UP Credit CardⓘIDFC First Wealth Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 500Nil (lifetime free)
Joining feeRs 500Nil (lifetime free)
Fee waiver on spendNot recordedNot recorded
Reward rate1% base, 7.5% on UPI0.375% base, 0.125% on utilities
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge12 per year, Rs 10,000 monthly spend gate4 per year, Rs 20,000 monthly spend gate
International loungeNone2 per year
Forex markup1%1.5%
Best suited forrewards, travel, upi-rupay, loungelifetime-free, rewards, forex, travel, shopping, lounge

Rewards Compared

The CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Cardⓘ delivers Rs 100 back on Rs 10,000 of generic spend at its 1% base reward rate. However, it shines on UPI transactions, offering a 7.5% effective return or Rs 750 per Rs 10,000 spent. Other categories like rent, insurance, education, utilities, and travel yield a modest 0.2% or Rs 20 per Rs 10,000. This makes it a strong choice for users who heavily utilize UPI payments.

In contrast, the IDFC First Wealth Credit Cardⓘ offers a base reward rate of 0.375%, translating to Rs 38 per Rs 10,000 spent. Its category-specific enhancement is limited to utilities at 0.125%, yielding Rs 12 per Rs 10,000. While the reward rates are lower overall, the card compensates with additional benefits like welcome vouchers and cashback on EMI transactions. For pure reward rate comparison, the CUB card is superior, especially on UPI spends.

Fees Compared

The CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 500 as both joining and annual fees. There is no explicit fee waiver on spend mentioned, so the Rs 500 fee is effectively fixed. The card’s derived data shows a break-even spend of Rs 50,000 at the base reward rate to cover the annual fee, but due to its higher UPI rewards, the effective break-even could be lower if most spend is on UPI.

The IDFC First Wealth Credit Cardⓘ has no joining or annual fees, making it a lifetime free card. This removes any break-even spend considerations and makes it a low-risk option for those wary of fees. The trade-off is a lower base reward rate and fewer lounges domestically.

The head-to-head data points out that the CUB card’s higher base reward rate comes at an extra Rs 500 annual fee, and you would need to spend an additional Rs 80,000 to justify that cost purely from rewards.

Which One Should You Pick

Pick the CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Cardⓘ if you are a salaried professional who frequently uses UPI for payments and values domestic lounge access. Its strong UPI rewards and reasonable forex markup of 1% make it suitable for moderate travel and everyday digital transactions. However, if you rarely use UPI or want international lounge access, this card may not be ideal.

Choose the IDFC First Wealth Credit Cardⓘ if you want a no-fee card with some travel benefits including international lounge access and golf privileges. It suits lifetime free card seekers who prefer a lower forex markup than many premium cards and want a simple rewards structure with occasional category bonuses. Avoid it if you seek high returns on everyday spends or heavy UPI usage.

Overall, the CUB card is best for reward maximizers focused on UPI and domestic lounges, while the IDFC Wealth card is better for fee-conscious travelers wanting international lounges and golf access. Those not interested in UPI rewards or who travel abroad often should lean towards the IDFC card.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Verify if the UPI category rewards on the CUB card have any monthly or annual caps that could limit your earnings.
  • Check the redemption process and value of points on both cards to ensure rewards convert efficiently to cash or vouchers.
  • Confirm the exact monthly spend needed to qualify for lounge access to avoid surprises at the airport.
  • Consider the forex markup differences: 1% on CUB versus 1.5% on IDFC First Wealth when planning foreign currency spends.

FAQ

What are the joining and annual fees for these cards?+
The CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 500 for both joining and annual fees. The IDFC First Wealth Credit Cardⓘ is free for life with no joining or annual fees.
Which card offers better rewards on everyday spends?+
The CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Cardⓘ offers a higher base reward rate of 1% and an exceptional 7.5% on UPI spends, compared to 0.375% base and 0.125% on utilities for the IDFC First Wealth Credit Cardⓘ.
Do both cards provide lounge access benefits?+
Yes, but the CUB card offers 12 domestic lounge visits per year with a Rs 10,000 monthly spend gate, while the IDFC First Wealth card provides 4 domestic and 2 international lounge visits annually with a Rs 20,000 monthly spend gate.
What is the forex markup on these cards for foreign currency transactions?+
The CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Cardⓘ charges a 1% forex markup, whereas the IDFC First Wealth Credit Cardⓘ charges 1.5%.
Are there any special welcome benefits?+
The IDFC First Wealth Credit Cardⓘ offers a ₹500 voucher from Uber, Amazon, and Bigbasket on spending ₹5,000 within 30 days and 5% cashback up to ₹1,000 on the first EMI transaction. The CUB card does not specify welcome benefits.