HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Card vs Yes Bank Rupay Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• For everyday spend, the Yes Bank Rupay Credit Cardⓘ offers a higher base reward rate and better returns in groceries and dining.
• For travel benefits and domestic lounge access, the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ stands out with a superior travel reward rate and more lounge visits.
• The Yes Bank card is cheaper to hold for most, with no joining fee and a lower waiver threshold.
• Pick the HDFC IRCTC card if you prioritize travel and domestic lounges; go for the Yes Bank Rupay card if you want better rewards on shopping and grocery spends.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

With Rs 10,000 spent, the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ yields Rs 50 back at the base rate. However, if the spend is travel-related, the effective reward rate leaps to 5%, delivering Rs 500 on the same amount. For UPI transactions, it offers a smaller but notable 1% return, or Rs 100 per Rs 10,000 spent. This card clearly rewards travel spends more generously, making it attractive to frequent travelers.

In contrast, the Yes Bank Rupay Credit Cardⓘ doubles the base reward rate to Rs 100 for Rs 10,000 of general spend. It also offers category bonuses of 3% for grocery and dining spends, equating to Rs 300 per Rs 10,000 in these categories. Like the HDFC card, it provides 1% returns on UPI transactions. This makes the Yes Bank card better for daily expenses, especially groceries and dining, while also serving as a solid first card due to its overall higher base rewards.

Fees Compared

The HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ charges a joining fee of Rs 500 but no annual fee thereafter. The fee waiver requires spending Rs 1.50 lakh annually, which breaks down to Rs 12,500 per month. Until this threshold is met, the cardholder effectively pays the joining fee upfront with no further annual fees.

The Yes Bank Rupay Credit Cardⓘ has neither joining nor annual fees, making it a no-cost card to hold. The fee waiver is set at Rs 75,000 annually or Rs 6,250 per month, but since there are no fees, this waiver is effectively moot. From a cost perspective, the Yes Bank card is cheaper to maintain, especially for low to medium spenders.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ if you frequently travel and value domestic lounge access, as it provides 8 lounge visits per year with a reasonable quarterly spend gate of Rs 75,000. It also rewards travel spends generously at 5%, making it ideal for those who spend a significant portion on travel and UPI payments. However, the Rs 500 joining fee and higher spend requirement to waive fees mean it suits committed users.

Pick the Yes Bank Rupay Credit Cardⓘ if you want a simple, cost-effective card with solid rewards on grocery and dining spends. Its higher base reward of 1% and no joining or annual fees make it a great first credit card or an everyday spender’s choice. The lower quarterly spend gate for lounges and fewer lounge visits mean it is less attractive for travel enthusiasts.

In summary, travel-focused users should favor the HDFC IRCTC card, while those prioritizing everyday rewards and cost efficiency should go with the Yes Bank Rupay card. Skip the HDFC card if you do not travel much or dislike the joining fee. Skip the Yes Bank card if you want higher travel rewards or more lounge visits.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm quarterly lounge visit spend gates: Rs 75,000 for HDFC IRCTC, Rs 50,000 for Yes Bank.
• Check reward redemption options and point expiry, as point values are not detailed.
• Understand the fee waiver math: HDFC’s higher waiver threshold requires more monthly spending.
• Both charge 3.5% forex markup, so avoid using either for frequent foreign currency spends.
• Verify if domestic lounges are accessible at preferred airports and if the card limits fit your usage.

FAQ