Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, the IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Cardⓘ wins with a simple lifetime free structure and no joining fee.
  • For travel benefits and domestic lounge access, both cards offer 4 visits per year, but the IndusInd Tiger card’s lower spend gate for lounges may appeal to lighter travelers.
  • The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ has a joining and annual fee of Rs 499 each, but offers a fee waiver on Rs 1,00,000 annual spend.
  • Choose the IndusInd Tiger cardⓘ if you want a no-fee card with decent online rewards and golf access; pick Tata Neu Plus HDFCⓘ if you shop frequently online and at groceries and can meet the waiver spend.

Side by Side

DetailIndusInd Bank Tiger Credit CardⓘTata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeNil (lifetime free)Rs 499
Joining feeNil (lifetime free)Rs 499
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.00 lakh
Reward rate1% base, 2.5% online, 1% UPI1% base, 2% online & grocery, 1% UPI
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge4 per year4 per year
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forlifetime-free, upi-rupay, rewards, lounge, travelupi-rupay, shopping, first-card, grocery, lounge
Lounge spend gateRs 40,000 quarterlyRs 50,000 quarterly
Golf accessYesNo

Rewards Compared

The IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Cardⓘ offers a base reward rate of 1%, which translates to Rs 100 earned on every Rs 10,000 spent. For online spends, the reward rate jumps to 2.5%, resulting in Rs 250 back per Rs 10,000. UPI transactions earn the base 1% rate, providing Rs 100 on Rs 10,000 spend. This card’s rewards structure favors online spenders who want a straightforward no-fee card with decent points accrual.

The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ also has a base reward rate of 1%, yielding Rs 100 for Rs 10,000 spent. However, it offers 2% rewards on both online and grocery categories, equating to Rs 200 per Rs 10,000 in these categories, slightly less than the Tiger card’s online rate but with an added grocery benefit. UPI payments earn 1%, similar to the Tiger card. This makes it a good choice for shoppers who spend heavily online and on groceries.

Fees Compared

The IndusInd Tiger cardⓘ is lifetime free with no joining or annual fees, which is a significant advantage for cost-conscious users. There is no fee waiver threshold to worry about, making it simple to hold indefinitely without cost.

In contrast, the Tata Neu Plus HDFC cardⓘ charges Rs 499 as joining and annual fees. However, these fees are waived if you spend Rs 1,00,000 annually, which breaks down to about Rs 8,333 per month. The break-even spend to cover the base reward rate against the fee is approximately Rs 49,900 annually. Users who can consistently spend above this threshold and utilize the higher category rewards will find the fee worthwhile.

Which One Should You Pick

The IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Cardⓘ is ideal for those who want a truly fee-free card forever, with simple rewards and the perk of four domestic lounge visits a year accessible after Rs 40,000 quarterly spend. It suits users who transact often online and via UPI and appreciate golf access. It is not suited for those seeking international lounge access or who want enhanced grocery rewards.

The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ suits first-time credit card users who spend regularly on groceries and online shopping and can meet the Rs 8,333 monthly spend waiver. The card’s Rs 499 fee can be offset with rewards and the welcome benefit of NeuCoins. However, those who spend less or want a no-fee card should avoid this option.

Overall, if you prioritize lifetime free usage and slightly higher online rewards, go for the IndusInd Tiger credit cardⓘ. If you want category bonuses on groceries and are comfortable with the fee waiver spend, the Tata Neu Plus HDFC credit cardⓘ is a solid alternative.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Verify the quarterly lounge spend gates: Rs 40,000 on Tiger cardⓘ vs Rs 50,000 on Tata Neu Plus HDFCⓘ.
  • Understand redemption value of points and any restrictions on NeuCoins versus Tiger points.
  • Calculate your expected monthly spend to confirm Tata Neu Plus HDFC’s fee waiver eligibility.
  • Be aware of the 3.5% forex markup on both cards for international transactions.
  • Check which airports support the domestic lounge access offered by these cards.

FAQ

What are the joining and annual fees for these cards?+
The IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Cardⓘ has no joining or annual fees and is lifetime free. The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 499 for both joining and annual fees, but these can be waived with Rs 1,00,000 annual spend.
Which card offers better rewards for online spending?+
The IndusInd Tiger cardⓘ offers 2.5% rewards on online spends, higher than Tata Neu Plus HDFC’sⓘ 2%. However, Tata Neu Plus HDFC also gives 2% rewards on groceries, which Tiger does not.
Do both cards offer lounge access?+
Yes, both cards offer 4 domestic lounge visits per year, but no international lounge access. The IndusInd Tiger cardⓘ requires Rs 40,000 quarterly spend for lounge access, while Tata Neu Plus HDFCⓘ requires Rs 50,000 quarterly.
What is the forex markup fee on these credit cards?+
Both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which is the standard in India.
Is the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ suitable for low spenders?+
No, because of its joining and annual fees and a relatively high waiver spend requirement, it is better suited for users who spend at least Rs 8,333 per month. Low spenders will benefit more from the lifetime free IndusInd Tiger cardⓘ.