Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spending, the IndusInd Legend Credit Card ⓘ wins with a higher base reward rate of 0.7% compared to 0.5% on the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Card ⓘ.
  • When it comes to travel rewards and UPI transactions, the HDFC Rupay IRCTC card stands out with a 5% return on travel spend and 1% on UPI payments.
  • The IndusInd Legend card is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fees, while the HDFC IRCTC card charges a Rs 500 joining fee but no annual fee.
  • Choose the IndusInd Legend card if you want a lifetime free card focused on dining and shopping rewards with lounge access; pick the HDFC Rupay IRCTC card if travel rewards and UPI benefits matter more, and you don’t mind the joining fee.

Side by Side

DetailIndusInd Legend Credit Card ⓘHDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Card ⓘ
Annual feeNil (lifetime free)Nil (lifetime free)
Joining feeNil (lifetime free)Rs 500
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.50 lakh annually (Rs 12,500 monthly)
Reward rate0.7% base; 1.75% dining0.5% base; 5% travel; 1% UPI
Reward typePointsPoints
Domestic lounge8 per year8 per year
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forRewards, lifetime-free, lounge, shoppingTravel, UPI Rupay, first-card

Rewards Compared

The IndusInd Legend Credit Card ⓘ offers a base reward of Rs 70 on Rs 10,000 spent, which is the highest base rate among the two cards. Its standout category is dining, where it returns Rs 175 on Rs 10,000 spent, making it a rewarding option for foodies and shoppers who spend regularly on lifestyle expenses. The rewards are in points, which typically can be redeemed for various benefits depending on the issuer’s program.

On the other hand, the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Card ⓘ offers Rs 50 back on Rs 10,000 spent at the base level, but it excels in travel-related spend with a significant 5% reward rate, translating to Rs 500 on Rs 10,000 spent on travel. Additionally, it gives Rs 100 back on Rs 10,000 spent via UPI transactions, enhancing its appeal for users who frequently use digital payments. However, the base rate is lower, which means non-travel and non-UPI spends earn less compared to the IndusInd Legend card.

Fees Compared

The IndusInd Legend Credit Card ⓘ has no joining or annual fees, making it truly a lifetime free card. There is no minimum spend required to waive fees since none exist, which is a significant advantage for users looking to avoid maintenance costs.

The HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Card ⓘ comes with a Rs 500 joining fee but no annual fee. However, the annual fee is waived only if you spend Rs 1.50 lakh annually, which breaks down to Rs 12,500 monthly. This means that if you do not meet the spend threshold, you will pay the joining fee upfront and may risk paying an annual fee later. For users with a spend pattern below Rs 12,500 monthly, the cost of holding this card increases.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the IndusInd Legend Credit Card ⓘ if you want a no-fee card with a better base rewards rate, especially if your expenses are focused on dining and shopping. It is well suited for individuals who prefer a lifetime free card with occasional lounge access domestically and do not prioritize international travel perks.

Pick the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Card ⓘ if you travel frequently within India and use UPI often. The high reward rate on travel spend and UPI transactions can outweigh the Rs 500 joining fee, especially if you meet the Rs 12,500 monthly spend threshold to waive any fees. It also suits first-time credit card users who want focused travel benefits.

If you want a card with no fees and rewards on everyday spends, skip the HDFC Rupay IRCTC card. Conversely, if you rarely travel or use UPI payments, the IndusInd Legend card is more rewarding and cost-effective.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Verify if the lounge access on both cards requires a minimum spend or has any usage caps.
  • Confirm the redemption value of points, as points-only reward types vary in real value and ease of use.
  • Understand the fee waiver calculation for the HDFC Rupay IRCTC card to ensure you can meet the Rs 12,500 monthly spend requirement.
  • Note that both cards have a 3.5% forex markup, making them expensive for foreign currency transactions.
  • Check which airports and lounges accept these cards domestically since international lounge access is unavailable.

FAQ

What is the forex markup on these cards?+
Both the IndusInd Legend Credit Card ⓘ and the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Card ⓘ charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which is standard but relatively high.
Is there a joining fee for these cards?+
The IndusInd Legend card has no joining fee and is lifetime free, whereas the HDFC Rupay IRCTC card charges Rs 500 as a joining fee.
How do the reward rates compare for travel spending?+
The HDFC Rupay IRCTC card offers a superior 5% reward rate on travel spend, much higher than the IndusInd Legend card’s base rate of 0.7% and no special travel bonus.
Are there any annual fee waiver conditions?+
The IndusInd Legend card has no annual fee to waive. The HDFC Rupay IRCTC card waives the annual fee if you spend Rs 1.50 lakh annually, which is Rs 12,500 per month.
Do both cards offer lounge access?+
Yes, both cards offer 8 domestic lounge visits per year, but neither provides international lounge access. The HDFC Rupay IRCTC card requires Rs 75,000 quarterly spend to access domestic lounges.