Quick Verdict

  • The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ wins for everyday spends with a higher base reward rate and strong category returns.
  • For travel and lounge access, Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ also leads with complimentary domestic lounge visits.
  • The IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fees.
  • Choose Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ if you spend regularly and value lounges; pick IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ if you want a lifetime free card with decent rewards and no fees.

Side by Side

DetailIndusInd Platinum AUra Edge 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% base, 2.1% dining, grocery, online1% base, 2% online, grocery, 1% UPI
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic loungeNone4 per year (Rs 50,000 quarterly spend gate)
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forlifetime-free, rewards, first-card, shoppingupi-rupay, shopping, first-card, grocery, lounge

Rewards Compared

On a Rs 10,000 spend, the IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ earns Rs 70 back at the base rate. In its key categories, dining, grocery, and online, it offers an effective 2.1% return, translating to Rs 210 per Rs 10,000 spent. This makes it rewarding for targeted spends in these categories but modest for general use.

In contrast, the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ delivers Rs 100 back on Rs 10,000 at its base rate of 1%. Its category rewards are slightly lower than IndusInd’s at 2% for grocery and online spends (Rs 200 per Rs 10,000), but it also offers 1% on UPI spends, adding flexibility. Overall, Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ provides better returns on everyday and online transactions, making it more lucrative for diverse spending patterns.

Fees Compared

The IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ has no joining or annual fees, making it a zero-cost card to hold indefinitely. This suits users who want to avoid fees altogether.

The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ charges Rs 499 for both joining and annual fees. However, this fee is waived if you spend Rs 1,00,000 annually, which breaks down to about Rs 8,333 per month. The card’s base rewards justify the fee only after roughly Rs 49,900 of annual spend, meaning you need to spend at least this amount to get net positive value over IndusInd’s free card. The break-even for the base rate gap to cover the extra fee is about Rs 1,66,333, so heavy spenders benefit most.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ if you want a no-fee, no-hassle card that still rewards you well in dining, grocery, and online spends. It is ideal as a first card or for those who prefer a lifetime free card without worrying about minimum spends or fee waivers. However, it lacks lounge access and has lower base rewards.

The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ suits users who spend regularly, especially Rs 1,00,000 or more annually, and want rewards on a wider range of categories including UPI payments. Its domestic lounge access is a strong plus for frequent travelers or shoppers who value convenience. Avoid this card if you spend less than Rs 50,000 annually or dislike paying upfront fees.

In summary, pick Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ for higher rewards and lounge benefits if you meet the spend requirements. Otherwise, IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ is the better choice for fee-conscious, moderate spenders.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm if your spending habits align with the category reward rates, especially online, grocery, and dining.
  • Check the lounge access gate for Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ: Rs 50,000 quarterly spend is required to enjoy domestic lounges.
  • Understand the fee waiver math on Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ to avoid paying Rs 499 fees unnecessarily.
  • Be aware of the 3.5% forex markup on both cards for foreign currency transactions, which can add significant cost on international spends.

FAQ

What are the key differences in fee structures between these two cards?+
The IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ has no joining or annual fees, making it free to hold for life. The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ charges Rs 499 for joining and annual fees but waives these if you spend Rs 1,00,000 annually.
How do the reward rates compare for everyday spending?+
Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ offers a higher base reward rate of 1% versus 0.7% for IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ. In category spends like grocery and online, IndusInd pays 2.1% while Tata Neu Plus HDFC pays 2%, making them close but Tata Neu Plus HDFC has a slight edge overall.
Does either card offer lounge access?+
Only the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ offers complimentary domestic lounge access, limited to four visits per year with a Rs 50,000 quarterly spend requirement. The IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ does not provide lounge access.
Are there any forex fees to consider?+
Both cards apply a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which is standard but can make overseas spends costly.
Who should avoid these cards?+
Avoid the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ if you do not meet the Rs 1,00,000 annual spend threshold or dislike paying upfront fees. Skip the IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ if you want lounge access or higher base rewards.