Quick Verdict

  • The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend with a higher base reward rate and better category bonuses on online and grocery purchases.
  • The IndusInd Legend Credit Cardⓘ offers more domestic lounge visits annually, making it preferable for frequent lounge users.
  • The IndusInd Legend card is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fees, while the Tata Neu Plus card charges Rs 499 for both but offers a fee waiver on Rs 1,00,000 annual spend.
  • Choose the Tata Neu Plus cardⓘ if you want higher rewards on essential spends and can meet the fee waiver; pick the IndusInd Legend cardⓘ if you want a lifetime free card with lounge access and moderate rewards.

Side by Side

DetailIndusInd Legend 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 rate0.7%1%
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge8 per year4 per year
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forrewards, lifetime-free, lounge, shoppingupi-rupay, shopping, first-card, grocery, lounge

Rewards Compared

On a Rs 10,000 spend, the IndusInd Legend Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 70 back at its base rate of 0.7%. Its dining category rewards are better, giving Rs 175 per Rs 10,000 spent, which is more than the base but limited to dining only. This makes it attractive for users who spend significantly on dining.

The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ delivers Rs 100 back on Rs 10,000 at its 1% base rate, higher than the IndusInd Legend’s base. It further boosts rewards to Rs 200 per Rs 10,000 spent on online and grocery categories, making it ideal for frequent online shoppers and grocery buyers. It also offers Rs 100 per Rs 10,000 on UPI payments, adding value for digital payment users.

Fees Compared

The IndusInd Legend cardⓘ has no joining or annual fees, making it truly lifetime free. The Tata Neu Plus cardⓘ charges Rs 499 for both joining and annual fees. However, the annual fee is waived if you spend Rs 1,00,000 annually, which translates to about Rs 8,333 per month. To cover the extra Rs 499 fee through rewards alone at the base rate, you need to spend roughly Rs 49,900 annually. The higher base rate and category bonuses help offset this fee if you meet the waiver threshold.

Which One Should You Pick

Pick the IndusInd Legend Credit Cardⓘ if you want a no-fee card with decent rewards and more domestic lounge access. It suits users who prefer a lifetime free card and spend moderately on dining and shopping but do not prioritize online or grocery spends heavily. It is also good for those who travel domestically and value lounge access.

Choose the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ if you are a frequent online shopper, grocery buyer, or UPI user who can meet the Rs 1,00,000 annual spend for fee waiver. Its higher base reward rate and category bonuses make it better for everyday spends in these segments. It also suits first-time credit card users looking for a card with multiple benefits.

If you rarely spend Rs 50,000 annually or do not shop much online or at groceries, skip the Tata Neu Plus cardⓘ to avoid paying fees without adequate rewards. Conversely, if you want international lounge access or lower forex markup, neither card offers an advantage.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the quarterly Rs 50,000 spend gate on the Tata Neu Plus cardⓘ for domestic lounge access to avoid surprises.
  • Check if the reward points redemption value or restrictions affect your effective returns, especially for the Tata Neu Plus cardⓘ.
  • Understand the fee waiver calculations on the Tata Neu Plus cardⓘ to ensure you meet the Rs 1,00,000 annual spend threshold.
  • Note that both cards charge 3.5% forex markup, which is standard but costly for foreign transactions.
  • Verify the domestic lounge locations and access rules to ensure they match your travel patterns.

FAQ

What is the forex markup on these cards?+
Both the IndusInd Legend Credit Cardⓘ and Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ charge a forex markup of 3.5% on foreign currency transactions. This is the standard rate and can add significant cost to international spends.
Does the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card offer any welcome benefits?+
Yes, the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ offers 499 NeuCoins as a welcome benefit, which can be redeemed within the Tata ecosystem. The IndusInd Legend cardⓘ does not have a welcome benefit.
How many lounge visits do these cards provide annually?+
The IndusInd Legend Credit Cardⓘ offers 8 domestic lounge visits per year, while the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ provides 4 domestic lounge visits per year. Neither card offers international lounge access.
Is there a joining fee on these cards?+
The IndusInd Legend Credit Cardⓘ has no joining fee and is lifetime free. The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 499 as a joining fee, which is waived if you meet the Rs 1,00,000 annual spend requirement.
Who should avoid applying for these cards?+
If you do not spend enough to waive the Tata Neu Plus cardⓘ fees or do not shop online or at groceries frequently, you should avoid the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ. The IndusInd Legend Credit Cardⓘ may not suit those seeking international lounge access or lower forex fees.