Quick Verdict

  • The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ wins for travel and domestic lounge access with 4 complimentary visits annually.
  • The HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Cardⓘ is better suited for online shopping and first-time credit card users.
  • The Ixigo AU card is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fees, while the HDFC card charges Rs 500 for both.
  • Choose the Ixigo AU card if you travel frequently and want lounge access; pick the HDFC MoneyBack Plus for casual spending and online purchases.

Side by Side

DetailIxigo AU Credit Card ⓘHDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Card ⓘ
Annual feeNil (lifetime free)Rs 500
Joining feeNil (lifetime free)Rs 500
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.00 lakhRs 50,000
Reward rate0.5% base; 5% travel; 1% UPI0.5% base; 3.33% online
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge4 per year (Rs 30,000 quarterly spend gate)None
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited fortravel, UPI-RuPay, loungefirst-card, cashback, shopping

Rewards Compared

When spending Rs 10,000 on general purchases, both the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ and the HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Cardⓘ offer a base reward of Rs 50, reflecting a 0.5% return rate. However, the category-specific rewards reveal clear differences. The Ixigo AU card shines in travel with a 5% effective reward rate, giving Rs 500 back on Rs 10,000 spent on travel-related expenses, and also offers 1% back on UPI transactions, amounting to Rs 100. This makes it more rewarding for travel enthusiasts and digital payment users.

On the other hand, the HDFC MoneyBack Plus card delivers a solid 3.33% return on online spends, which translates to Rs 333 per Rs 10,000 spent. This makes it attractive for shoppers who spend heavily on e-commerce platforms. Both cards earn the same base rate on other purchases, but the Ixigo AU card's higher category rewards for travel and UPI give it an edge for those specific spends, whereas HDFC’s card is tailored to online retail spenders.

Fees Compared

The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ has no joining or annual fees, making it free to hold for life. Fee waiver requires Rs 1.00 lakh annual spend, which breaks down to about Rs 8,333 monthly. Given the fees are zero, this is effectively a no-cost card, with the waiver threshold relevant only if fees were introduced later.

Conversely, the HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 500 as both joining and annual fees. The fee waiver applies if the cardholder spends Rs 50,000 annually, or about Rs 4,167 monthly. The break-even spend to cover the annual fee at base reward rates is around Rs 1,00,000. This means if you spend less than Rs 1,00,000 per year, the rewards will not offset the fees, making the card less cost-effective for low spenders.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ if you are a frequent traveler who values domestic lounge access and higher rewards on travel and UPI transactions. Its zero fee structure and quarterly spend gates for lounges make it a strong companion for those who can meet the Rs 30,000 quarterly spend requirement on lounges and Rs 1.00 lakh annually for fee waiver. Avoid it if you rarely travel or use lounges, as the reward categories will not maximize your benefits.

The HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Cardⓘ suits first-time credit card users and those who primarily shop online. Its moderate joining and annual fees can be offset if you spend Rs 50,000 or more annually, especially on online purchases where you earn 3.33%. It is less attractive for travelers or lounge users. Skip this card if your spending is below Rs 50,000 annually or if you want lounge perks.

Overall, for travel and complimentary lounges at no cost, the Ixigo AU Credit Card is the better pick. For online shopping and entry-level credit card needs, HDFC MoneyBack Plus is a reasonable choice despite fees.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the quarterly Rs 30,000 spend gate to access the 4 domestic lounges with the Ixigo AU Credit Card.
  • Understand the redemption value and flexibility of points, as both cards offer points but the ease of redemption may vary.
  • Carefully calculate your monthly spend against the fee waiver thresholds, Rs 8,333 for Ixigo AU and Rs 4,167 for HDFC MoneyBack Plus.
  • Both cards have a 3.5% forex markup. Check if you frequently spend abroad, as this cost can add up.
  • Verify the locations and availability of domestic lounges offered by the Ixigo AU card to ensure they align with your travel habits.

FAQ

What rewards do these cards offer on general purchases?+
Both the Ixigo AU Credit Card and HDFC Bank MoneyBack Plus Credit Card offer a base reward rate of 0.5%, equating to Rs 50 back on Rs 10,000 spent outside their bonus categories.
Do these cards provide lounge access?+
Only the Ixigo AU Credit Card offers domestic lounge access with 4 free visits per year, subject to a Rs 30,000 quarterly spend gate. The HDFC MoneyBack Plus card does not offer lounge access.
Are there any fees I should be aware of?+
The Ixigo AU Credit Card has no joining or annual fees, while the HDFC MoneyBack Plus card charges Rs 500 each for joining and annual fees, which can be waived with Rs 50,000 annual spend.
What is the forex markup on these cards?+
Both cards apply a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which is standard but can be costly for frequent international spenders.
Which card is better for online shopping?+
The HDFC MoneyBack Plus Credit Card offers a higher category reward rate of 3.33% on online purchases, making it preferable for online shoppers compared to the Ixigo AU Credit Card.