HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Card vs Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• For everyday spending, the Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Cardⓘ wins with a higher base reward rate of 1.25% compared to 0.33% on the HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Cardⓘ.
• For travel and lounge benefits, the Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Cardⓘ is superior, offering travel category rewards at 6% and multiple domestic and international lounge accesses.
• The HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold with a total annual fee of Rs 500 versus Rs 999 on the Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Cardⓘ.
• Choose the HDFC Freedomⓘ if you want a low-cost card for online shopping and cashback. Opt for the Makemytrip ICICI Signatureⓘ if you prioritize travel rewards and lounge access despite the higher fees.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

On a Rs 10,000 spend, the HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 33 in rewards at its base rate of 0.33%. However, if the spend is online, the return jumps significantly to Rs 333, reflecting a 3.33% reward rate, which makes it attractive for online shoppers. In contrast, the Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Cardⓘ offers Rs 125 at its base rate of 1.25% on Rs 10,000 spent. This card shines in travel and dining categories, rewarding Rs 600 and Rs 250 respectively on Rs 10,000 spent, thanks to its 6% and 2.5% category rates. Thus, while the HDFC Freedomⓘ is better for online shopping rewards, the Makemytrip ICICI Signatureⓘ is more rewarding for travel and dining expenses.

Fees Compared

The HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 500 as both joining and annual fees, with a waiver if you spend Rs 50,000 annually, which breaks down to about Rs 4,167 per month. The Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Cardⓘ has a higher joining and annual fee of Rs 999 each, and no specified fee waiver on spend. The extra Rs 499 annual fee on the Makemytrip ICICI Signatureⓘ is justified if you spend at least Rs 54,239 more annually to cover the reward rate gap. For users who spend less or prefer a lower fee, the HDFC Freedomⓘ is more economical.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the HDFC Bank Freedom Credit Cardⓘ if you are a first-time cardholder or primarily shop online and want a low-cost card with decent cashback. It suits those who want to keep fees minimal and do not require travel lounge benefits. However, skip this card if you travel frequently or want better rewards on dining and travel spends.

Opt for the Makemytrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Cardⓘ if you are a frequent traveler who values lounge access and higher rewards on travel and dining categories. It is ideal for those who can justify the higher fees through their spend patterns and want premium travel perks. Avoid this card if you have low annual spends or do not use lounges, as the fees may outweigh the benefits.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm if the fee waiver on the HDFC Freedomⓘ applies only to annual online spends or all spends.
• Understand the redemption value of points on both cards, especially for travel vouchers on the Makemytrip ICICI Signatureⓘ.
• Calculate your monthly spend carefully to ensure you meet the waiver threshold on the HDFC Freedomⓘ.
• Be aware that both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup, which is standard but costly for frequent foreign transactions.
• Check the lounge locations and access conditions for the Makemytrip ICICI Signatureⓘ to ensure they match your travel routes.

FAQ