Quick Verdict

  • The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend due to its higher base reward rate and decent category bonuses.
  • The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ is better for travel-focused users looking for a zero-fee option and strong travel category rewards.
  • The Ixigo card is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fees, while the Tata Neu Plus card charges Rs 499 for both.
  • Choose the Tata Neu Plus cardⓘ if you want solid rewards on online and grocery spends and can meet the fee waiver; pick the Ixigo cardⓘ if you prefer a free card with strong travel perks and occasional UPI rewards.

Side by Side

DetailIxigo AU 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 lakhRs 1.00 lakh
Reward rate0.5% base1% base
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge4 per year4 per year
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited fortravel, upi-rupay, loungeupi-rupay, shopping, first-card, grocery, lounge

Rewards Compared

The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ offers a base reward rate of 0.5%, earning Rs 50 per Rs 10,000 spent. Its standout feature is the travel category rate at 5%, delivering Rs 500 per Rs 10,000 spent on travel bookings, making it very attractive for frequent travelers. For UPI transactions, it provides a 1% return, or Rs 100 per Rs 10,000. This card’s reward structure is sharply tilted towards travel, with minimal rewards on everyday spends outside travel and UPI.

On the other hand, the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ boasts a higher base reward rate of 1%, translating to Rs 100 per Rs 10,000 spent. Its category bonuses include 2% returns on both online shopping and grocery spends, amounting to Rs 200 per Rs 10,000 in these categories. UPI transactions also yield 1%, matching the Ixigo card. This card thus offers a more balanced rewards profile, rewarding multiple spending categories moderately well, making it suitable for a broader range of spenders.

Fees Compared

The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ is a standout for its zero joining and annual fees, making it a completely free card to hold. To waive the fee, if it were charged, a spend of Rs 1.00 lakh annually is required, which breaks down to about Rs 8,333 per month. Since there is no fee, this threshold is mainly informational.

Conversely, the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 499 each for joining and annual fees. The same annual spend of Rs 1.00 lakh (Rs 8,333 per month) is necessary to waive the annual fee. The card’s higher base reward rate means you need to spend approximately Rs 49,900 to earn rewards equivalent to the Rs 499 fee, which is roughly half the waiver threshold, making it easier to justify the fee if you spend moderately.

The head-to-head comparison highlights that the Tata Neu Plus cardⓘ demands an extra Rs 499 fee but offers double the base reward rate. You would need to spend Rs 99,800 more than the Ixigo cardⓘ to cover this extra fee purely through rewards.

Which One Should You Pick

If you are a frequent traveler who values zero fees and strong travel rewards, the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ is the clear choice. Its 5% travel category rate and free membership make it ideal for users who book flights, hotels, or other travel services often, and who appreciate domestic lounge access without the cost burden. However, if your spending is more diverse or you want a card that rewards online shopping and groceries as well, this card may fall short.

The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ suits users who want a well-rounded card covering groceries, online shopping, and UPI spends with decent rewards. Those who can meet the Rs 1.00 lakh annual spend to waive the fees will find the Rs 499 annual fee a reasonable trade-off for the higher base and category rewards. The card’s appeal extends to first-time credit card users who want a simple and rewarding card.

In the final call, travel-focused users and those averse to fees should pick the Ixigo cardⓘ. For users seeking broader rewards across multiple categories and willing to pay a modest fee, the Tata Neu Plus cardⓘ is better. Skip the Tata Neu Plus cardⓘ if you spend less than Rs 50,000 annually or dislike paying fees. Avoid the Ixigo cardⓘ if you want more balanced rewards on groceries and online shopping.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Verify the quarterly Rs 30,000 spend gate for domestic lounges on the Ixigo cardⓘ, which may limit lounge access.
  • Understand that point redemption values can vary and the cards use points rather than cashback; verify how you convert rewards.
  • Confirm your monthly spend ability to waive fees, especially Rs 8,333 per month on both cards.
  • Both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign spends; consider this cost if you travel internationally often.
  • Check if the domestic lounges are accessible at airports you frequent, as some cards limit lounge locations.

FAQ

What is the forex markup on these cards?+
Both the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ and the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Cardⓘ levy a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which increases your cost when spending abroad.
Can I waive the annual fee on the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card?+
Yes, the annual fee of Rs 499 on the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card can be waived if you spend Rs 1.00 lakh annually, which breaks down to around Rs 8,333 per month.
Do these cards offer international lounge access?+
No, neither the Ixigo AU Credit Card nor the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card provides international lounge access, but both offer 4 domestic lounge visits per year.
Which card is better for UPI payments?+
Both cards offer a 1% reward rate on UPI spends, meaning you earn Rs 100 per Rs 10,000 spent, so they are equal in this category.
Is the Ixigo AU Credit Card truly free to hold?+
Yes, the Ixigo AU Credit Card has no joining or annual fees, making it a lifetime free card, provided you meet the Rs 1.00 lakh annual spend for fee waiver conditions, which are mainly formal here.