Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, both cards offer the same base reward rate, but the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ wins with a higher online category reward.
  • Neither card provides lounge access, so neither wins for travel or lounges.
  • The Shoppers Stop card is cheaper to hold with a joining and annual fee of Rs 299 each, compared to Rs 500 for the MoneyBack Plus.
  • First-time cardholders and casual spenders should consider the MoneyBack Plus, while frequent online shoppers and those wanting a lifetime-free card will benefit more from the Shoppers Stop card.

Side by Side

DetailHDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Card ⓘShoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Card ⓘ
Annual feeRs 500Rs 299
Joining feeRs 500Rs 299
Fee waiver on spendRs 50,000 (Rs 4,167 per month)Not recorded
Reward rate0.5% base0.5% base
Reward typepointspoints
Category rate (online)3.33% (Rs 333 on Rs 10,000)6% (Rs 600 on Rs 10,000)
Domestic loungeNoneNone
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forfirst-card, cashback, shoppingshopping, lifetime-free

Rewards Compared

Both the HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Card ⓘ and the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Card ⓘ offer a base reward rate of 0.5%, which translates to Rs 50 back on a Rs 10,000 spend. This makes them equally rewarding for generic spend categories.

However, the cards differ significantly when spending within the online category. The MoneyBack Plus card offers an effective return of 3.33%, equating to Rs 333 on Rs 10,000 spent online. In contrast, the Shoppers Stop card doubles this benefit, offering 6%, or Rs 600 per Rs 10,000 online spend. This makes the Shoppers Stop card substantially better for heavy online shoppers, delivering nearly twice the rewards in this category.

Fees Compared

The HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Card ⓘ charges a joining fee and an annual fee of Rs 500 each. The annual fee is waived if the cardholder spends Rs 50,000 annually, which breaks down to a monthly spend of Rs 4,167. To cover the Rs 500 annual fee purely through base rewards, a cardholder needs to spend approximately Rs 1,00,000 annually on generic categories.

On the other hand, the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Card ⓘ has a lower joining and annual fee of Rs 299 each. There is no specified fee waiver threshold, which implies the fee is likely fixed. Due to the lower fees, the break-even spend to cover the annual fee at the base rate is about Rs 59,800, making it easier to justify the cost for moderate spenders.

Which One Should You Pick

The HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Card ⓘ suits first-time credit card users who want a straightforward cashback card with a reasonable fee waiver threshold. Those who prefer a card that rewards online shopping decently while also catering to general spend will find this card a balanced option. However, if you rarely meet the Rs 50,000 annual spend required for the fee waiver, the fees might feel steep.

The Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Card ⓘ is ideal for frequent online shoppers and those looking for a lower-fee card with a better reward rate in the online category. The included Shoppers Stop voucher and complimentary Silver Edge membership add value for regular shoppers at that retailer. This card is also attractive for users who want a card that is effectively lifetime-free, as there is no fee waiver condition.

In conclusion, if you are a first-card user or want broader cashback benefits with a fee waiver option, the MoneyBack Plus is the better choice. If you spend heavily online, especially at Shoppers Stop, or want to pay less in fees without complex waiver conditions, the Shoppers Stop card wins. Avoid the MoneyBack Plus if you cannot meet the waiver spend, and skip the Shoppers Stop card if you want comprehensive lounge access or travel perks.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm if the fee waiver on the MoneyBack Plus card is strictly annual and if your monthly spend patterns align.
  • Check for any caps on the 3.33% and 6% online category rewards; these can limit actual earnings.
  • Understand the redemption process and value of points, especially since both cards use points for rewards.
  • Both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup; factor this in if you travel or shop overseas frequently.
  • Neither card offers domestic or international lounge access, so do not expect travel perks.

FAQ

Are these cards suitable for frequent travelers looking for lounge access?+
No, neither the HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Card ⓘ nor the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Card ⓘ provide domestic or international lounge access.
What is the forex markup fee on these cards?+
Both cards charge a forex markup of 3.5% on foreign currency transactions, which is standard for many Indian credit cards.
Can the annual fee on the MoneyBack Plus card be waived?+
Yes, the Rs 500 annual fee on the MoneyBack Plus card is waived if you spend Rs 50,000 annually, which translates to about Rs 4,167 monthly.
Does the Shoppers Stop card offer a fee waiver?+
There is no specified fee waiver on the Shoppers Stop card; the Rs 299 annual fee is likely fixed.
What kind of welcome benefits do these cards offer?+
The MoneyBack Plus card offers 500 CashPoints as a welcome benefit, while the Shoppers Stop card provides a Shoppers Stop voucher worth Rs 500 and a complimentary Silver Edge membership.