Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, the IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Cardⓘ offers a higher base reward rate, making it the better pick.
  • When it comes to travel and lounge access, the IndusInd Tiger card also wins with complimentary domestic lounge visits.
  • The HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Cardⓘ has an annual fee with a waiver threshold, while the IndusInd Tiger card is lifetime free, making it cheaper to hold.
  • Choose the HDFC MoneyBack Plus if you want a first credit card focused on cashback and online shopping benefits; pick the IndusInd Tiger card if you prefer a no-fee card with lounge access and better base rewards.

Side by Side

DetailHDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit CardⓘIndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 500Nil (lifetime free)
Joining feeRs 500Nil (lifetime free)
Fee waiver on spendRs 50,000None
Reward rate0.5% base, 3.33% online1% base, 2.5% online, 1% UPI
Reward typePointsPoints
Domestic loungeNone4 per year (Rs 40,000 quarterly spend gate)
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forFirst-card, cashback, shoppingLifetime-free, UPI-RuPay, rewards, lounge, travel

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Cardⓘ at the base rate earns Rs 50 back in points. However, if this spend is online, the effective return jumps impressively to Rs 333, reflecting a 3.33% category reward rate. This makes the MoneyBack Plus card attractive for those focusing on online shopping and digital payments. Outside of online categories, the base rate is modest, so its appeal is limited for general spend.

The IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 100 per Rs 10,000 spent at the base rate, which is double the base return of the MoneyBack Plus. For online spends, it offers Rs 250 per Rs 10,000, or 2.5%, which is lower than HDFC’s online category but still respectable. It also rewards UPI spends at 1%, adding versatility for digital payments. Overall, in diversified spends beyond just online shopping, Tiger’s higher base rate and UPI rewards provide more consistent value.

Fees Compared

The HDFC MoneyBack Plus card charges Rs 500 as both a joining and annual fee. The annual fee can be waived if you spend Rs 50,000 in a year, which breaks down to about Rs 4,167 per month. If you spend less than this, the fee effectively reduces your net rewards. The break-even spend to cover the Rs 500 fee at the base 0.5% rate is Rs 1,00,000 annually, a demanding threshold for many users.

In contrast, the IndusInd Tiger card has no joining or annual fees and is lifetime free. This means there is no waiver spend to worry about, lowering the barrier to entry and ownership cost. For users who want to avoid fees or are unsure about meeting waiver thresholds, Tiger is the more economical choice.

Which One Should You Pick

The HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Cardⓘ is best suited for first-time credit card users who prioritize cashback on online shopping and want a simple rewards structure. If your spends are heavily tilted towards online categories and you can meet the Rs 50,000 annual spend to waive fees, this card offers strong rewards in that niche. However, if you do not spend enough online or want a completely fee-free card, better options exist.

The IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Cardⓘ is ideal for those seeking a no-fee, lifetime free card with a decent base reward rate, plus domestic lounge access for travel. It is also well-suited for users who make UPI payments frequently and want rewards on that channel. The Tiger card’s higher base reward rate means you earn better value on everyday spends outside online shopping. It is a solid all-rounder for those who want travel perks without fees.

Overall, the IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Cardⓘ offers better value and flexibility for most users due to its higher base rewards and fee-free structure. The HDFC MoneyBack Plusⓘ appeals to niche online shoppers willing to pay or waive a fee. Users should skip the MoneyBack Plus if they do not shop online regularly or dislike fee-based cards, and skip the Tiger card if they want a stronger online rewards boost or a first credit card with simple cashback.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Verify if online category spends qualify across all merchants or only select ones, as caps might limit rewards.
  • Confirm the actual redemption value for points as “points” can vary in worth depending on redemption options.
  • Calculate fee waiver thresholds carefully to ensure your typical spend meets the Rs 50,000 annual requirement on MoneyBack Plus.
  • Consider the 3.5% forex markup on foreign spends, which applies equally to both cards and can add significant cost abroad.
  • Check which airports and lounges are accessible with the Tiger card’s 4 domestic lounge visits per year and any spend gates attached.

FAQ

What is the main difference in reward rates between these two cards?+
The IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Cardⓘ offers a higher base reward rate of 1% compared to HDFC MoneyBack Plusⓘ at 0.5%. However, MoneyBack Plusⓘ provides a superior 3.33% reward rate on online spends, outpacing Tiger’s 2.5% in that category.
Are there any fees to worry about with these cards?+
The HDFC MoneyBack Plusⓘ charges Rs 500 joining and annual fees, which can be waived if you spend Rs 50,000 annually. The IndusInd Tiger cardⓘ is lifetime free with no joining or annual fees.
Does either card offer lounge access?+
Only the IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Cardⓘ provides lounge access, with 4 domestic lounge visits per year, subject to a Rs 40,000 quarterly spend gate. The MoneyBack Plus cardⓘ has no lounge benefits.
How much does foreign currency spending cost on these cards?+
Both cards impose a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, meaning Rs 3,500 extra cost on Rs 1,00,000 spent abroad, which is standard among Indian credit cards.
Is the IndusInd Tiger card good for UPI transactions?+
Yes, the Tiger cardⓘ rewards UPI spends at 1%, unlike the MoneyBack Plusⓘ, which does not specify rewards for UPI payments. This makes Tiger more versatile for digital payments.