Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ offers a higher base reward rate, making it the better choice.
  • The ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Cardⓘ wins for fuel purchases with a standout 5% reward rate.
  • The ICICI card is cheaper to hold annually, with a Rs 199 fee compared to Rs 499 for the Tata Neu Plus card.
  • Pick the ICICI card if you want focused fuel rewards and lower fees; choose the Tata Neu Plus card for broader rewards on online, grocery, and UPI spends plus more accessible lounge access.

Side by Side

DetailICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit CardⓘTata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 199Rs 499
Joining feeRs 199Rs 499
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.50 lakhRs 1.00 lakh
Reward rate0.5% base, 5% fuel1% base, 2% online, grocery; 1% UPI
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge4 per year (Rs 75,000 quarterly spend gate)4 per year (Rs 50,000 quarterly spend gate)
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forfuel, first-card, shoppingupi-rupay, shopping, first-card, grocery, lounge

Rewards Compared

On a Rs 10,000 spend, the ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Cardⓘ gives Rs 50 back at its base rate, which is half the Rs 100 return from the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ. However, when spending on fuel, the ICICI card’s category rate shoots up to Rs 500 per Rs 10,000 spent, a substantial gain over Tata Neu Plus’s best category rates capped at Rs 200. On the other hand, the Tata Neu Plus card rewards online and grocery purchases at 2%, doubling the ICICI card’s base and greatly benefiting regular online shoppers or grocery buyers. The Tata Neu Plus card also offers 1% on UPI transactions, adding to its versatility.

Fees Compared

The ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Cardⓘ charges a joining and annual fee of Rs 199 each, with a fee waiver threshold requiring Rs 1.50 lakh in annual spend, equating to Rs 12,500 per month. The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ has higher fees at Rs 499 joining and annual, but its waiver threshold is Rs 1.00 lakh annually or Rs 8,333 monthly. The Tata Neu Plus card demands an additional Rs 300 in fees compared to the ICICI card. To justify this higher fee purely through the base reward rate difference, a cardholder would need to spend Rs 60,000 more annually on the Tata Neu Plus card.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Cardⓘ if you are primarily a fuel buyer or want a low-fee card with decent rewards on general shopping. Its Rs 199 fee is easy to justify if you spend Rs 39,800 or more a year at the base rate or benefit from fuel category rewards. It also suits first-time credit card users looking for simplicity.

The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ is ideal for shoppers with diverse spending habits, especially those who spend significantly on groceries, online platforms, and UPI payments. Despite higher fees, its broader category rewards and lower waiver threshold make it an attractive choice for everyday usage. It also offers a more accessible lounge entry gate for domestic lounges.

Skip the ICICI card if your spending is varied outside fuel or you want better lounge access. Avoid the Tata Neu Plus card if you want to keep fees minimal or your fuel spend dominates your card use.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the quarterly spend gates for lounge access: Rs 75,000 for ICICI Coral, Rs 50,000 for Tata Neu Plus.
  • Understand the redemption value of points earned, especially for category-specific rewards.
  • Calculate whether your monthly spend meets the fee waiver thresholds to avoid paying annual fees.
  • Factor in the 3.5% forex markup cost on foreign currency spends if you travel internationally.
  • Check which domestic airport lounges are accessible and if the card’s lounge benefits suit your travel patterns.

FAQ

What is the base reward rate difference between the two cards?+
The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ offers a 1% base reward rate, double the 0.5% base rate of the ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Cardⓘ.
Are there any forex charges on these cards?+
Both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which is standard for many Indian credit cards.
How do the lounge access benefits compare?+
Both offer 4 domestic lounge visits annually, but the ICICI card requires Rs 75,000 quarterly spend for lounge access while the Tata Neu Plus card requires Rs 50,000 quarterly spend.
Which card offers better fuel rewards?+
The ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Cardⓘ provides a 5% reward rate on fuel, significantly higher than the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ.
What are the fee waiver conditions for each card?+
The ICICI card waives the Rs 199 annual fee with Rs 1.50 lakh yearly spend, while the Tata Neu Plus card waives the Rs 499 fee at Rs 1.00 lakh annual spend.