Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, the Yes Prosperity Edge Credit Cardⓘ offers a higher base reward rate, making it the better choice.
  • For travel and lounge access, the Yes Prosperity Edge Credit Cardⓘ also wins with four domestic lounge visits per year.
  • The HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold, requiring less annual spend to waive fees.
  • Pick the MoneyBack Plus card if you want a low-fee, straightforward cashback card mainly for online shopping. Choose the Prosperity Edge if you want better rewards on dining and groceries plus lounge access.

Side by Side

DetailHDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit CardⓘYes Prosperity Edge Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 500Rs 599
Joining feeRs 500Rs 599
Fee waiver on spendRs 50,000Rs 1.00 lakh
Reward rate0.5% base, 3.33% online0.8% base, 2% dining & grocery
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic loungeNone4 per year (with Rs 50,000 quarterly spend gate)
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forfirst-card, cashback, shoppingrewards, dining, first-card, lounge, shopping
Golf accessNoYes

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Cardⓘ yields Rs 50 in rewards at the base rate. If you spend online, the rate jumps to an effective 3.33%, giving Rs 333 back for the same amount. This makes it very attractive for online shoppers who want decent cashback without high fees. The reward is issued as points, which can be redeemed but the exact redemption value should be checked.

In comparison, the Yes Prosperity Edge Credit Cardⓘ offers a higher base reward rate of 0.8%, returning Rs 80 on Rs 10,000 spend. It also provides 2% rewards on dining and groceries, equating to Rs 200 back for these categories. This card is more rewarding for those who spend heavily in these categories and want some lounge benefits. However, the overall returns for general spend are lower than the MoneyBack Plus’s online category.

Fees Compared

The HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Cardⓘ carries a joining and annual fee of Rs 500 each, with the annual fee waived if you spend Rs 50,000 annually (about Rs 4,167 per month). To cover the Rs 500 annual fee purely from base rate rewards, you would need to spend about Rs 1,00,000 annually.

The Yes Prosperity Edge Credit Cardⓘ has a higher joining and annual fee of Rs 599 each, waived only if you spend Rs 1.00 lakh annually (Rs 8,333 per month). Due to the higher base reward rate, the break-even spend to cover the Rs 599 fee is about Rs 74,875 annually. You pay Rs 99 more yearly for this better rewards rate and lounge access, but that requires an extra Rs 33,000 in spend compared to the MoneyBack Plus.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Cardⓘ if you are a first-time credit card user or primarily spend online and want a simple cashback card with a low fee and easy waiver. It suits shoppers who do not spend heavily on dining or groceries or want lounge access.

Opt for the Yes Prosperity Edge Credit Cardⓘ if you want higher base rewards, especially on dining and groceries, and value domestic lounge access. It fits those willing to spend more each month to get better rewards and travel perks like golf access.

Skip the MoneyBack Plus if you want lounge benefits or higher reward rates on dining. Bypass the Prosperity Edge if you spend less than Rs 50,000 annually or dislike paying fees without easy waivers.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm if reward points have caps or expiry that limit your redemption value.
  • Check the actual redemption process and value of points or vouchers.
  • Understand the monthly spend needed to waive the annual fee and if it matches your budget.
  • Beware of the 3.5% forex markup on foreign transactions, which is standard but costly for travel abroad.
  • If lounge access matters, verify the quarterly Rs 50,000 spend gate for domestic lounges on the Prosperity Edge.

FAQ

What is the annual fee waiver threshold for each card?+
The MoneyBack Plus waives the Rs 500 annual fee if you spend Rs 50,000 annually, about Rs 4,167 monthly. The Prosperity Edge waives its Rs 599 fee only after Rs 1.00 lakh annual spend, or Rs 8,333 per month.
Does either card offer international lounge access?+
Neither the MoneyBack Plus nor the Prosperity Edge provides international lounge access.
How does forex markup affect using these cards abroad?+
Both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which adds a significant surcharge on overseas spends.
Are there category-specific reward rates?+
Yes, the MoneyBack Plus gives 3.33% rewards on online spends, while the Prosperity Edge provides 2% back on dining and groceries.
Can the Prosperity Edge cardholder access golf facilities?+
Yes, the Prosperity Edge card includes golf access as a perk, which the MoneyBack Plus does not offer.