Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card ⓘ wins with a higher base reward rate of 1.5% compared to 1% on the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ.
  • For travel and lounge access, Samsung Axis Bank Infinite offers more domestic lounges and international lounge access, making it better suited for frequent travelers.
  • The Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fees, while Tata Neu Plus HDFC charges Rs 499 for both.
  • Pick Samsung Axis Bank Infinite ⓘ if you want a no-fee card with strong rewards on online and dining spends and travel benefits. Choose Tata Neu Plus HDFC ⓘ if you prefer a card with some grocery and UPI rewards and can comfortably meet the lower fee waiver threshold.

Side by Side

DetailSamsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card ⓘTata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ
Annual feeNil (lifetime free)Rs 499
Joining feeNil (lifetime free)Rs 499
Fee waiver on spendRs 3.00 lakhRs 1.00 lakh
Reward rate1.5% base1% base
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge8 per year4 per year
International lounge4 per yearNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forshopping, lounge, rewards, travelupi-rupay, shopping, first-card, grocery, lounge

Rewards Compared

The Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card ⓘ offers a base reward rate of 1.5%, which translates to Rs 150 earned on Rs 10,000 spent. It significantly shines in online spends, offering a 10% effective return, equating to Rs 1,000 on Rs 10,000 spent, and a 3% return on dining, or Rs 300 per Rs 10,000. This makes it highly rewarding for users who spend heavily online or on dining out.

In contrast, the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ provides a 1% base reward rate, yielding Rs 100 on Rs 10,000 spent. Its category rewards are more modest, with 2% returns on online and grocery spends (Rs 200 each on Rs 10,000) and a 1% return on UPI transactions (Rs 100). This card suits users who prioritize grocery and UPI spends but offers lower rewards compared to the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite card.

Fees Compared

The Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card ⓘ stands out with no joining or annual fees, making it a cost-effective option. However, to keep the card free, you must spend Rs 3 lakh annually, which breaks down to Rs 25,000 monthly. This higher waiver threshold suits high spenders who want to avoid fees.

On the other hand, the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ charges Rs 499 as both joining and annual fees but offers a lower fee waiver threshold of Rs 1 lakh annually or about Rs 8,333 monthly. The card's break-even spend to cover the annual fee at the base reward rate is Rs 49,900, making it more accessible to moderate spenders who can meet this requirement.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card ⓘ if you are a frequent online shopper or diner who spends heavily and values premium travel benefits such as multiple domestic and international lounge accesses. It is ideal for those who can meet the Rs 3 lakh annual spend to keep it fee-free and want a card that rewards generously in key categories.

Opt for the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ if you are a moderate spender looking for rewards on grocery and UPI transactions and prefer a card with a lower fee waiver threshold. It suits first-time credit card users or those who want lounge access domestically without the need for international lounges.

Skip Samsung Axis Bank Infinite ⓘ if you cannot meet the high waiver spend or do not travel often. Avoid Tata Neu Plus HDFC ⓘ if you dislike paying upfront fees or want higher rewards on online and dining spends.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Verify the exact caps on category rewards to ensure your spend qualifies for higher rates.
  • Understand the redemption value of points as some cards may have varying conversion rates or limited redemption options.
  • Calculate the monthly spend needed to waive fees and ensure it aligns with your spending habits.
  • Consider the 3.5% forex markup if you plan to use the card abroad; neither card offers a waiver on this fee.
  • Check the lounge access gates and eligibility, especially for Tata Neu Plus HDFC ⓘ, which has a quarterly Rs 50,000 spend gate for domestic lounges.

FAQ

What are the welcome benefits offered by these cards?+
The Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card ⓘ offers Samsung cashback vouchers worth Rs 2,500 as a welcome benefit. The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ provides 499 NeuCoins upon joining.
Are there any international lounge benefits with the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card?+
No, the Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ does not offer international lounge access, whereas the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card ⓘ provides 4 international lounge visits per year.
How do the fee waiver thresholds compare?+
Samsung Axis Bank Infinite requires Rs 3 lakh annual spend to waive fees, which is Rs 25,000 per month. Tata Neu Plus HDFC requires Rs 1 lakh annually or Rs 8,333 monthly for fee waiver.
Is the forex markup the same on both cards?+
Yes, both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which can add significant cost for international spenders.
Can I use these cards for UPI transactions?+
The Tata Neu Plus HDFC Credit Card ⓘ offers a 1% reward rate on UPI spends, making it suitable for those who use UPI frequently. The Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card ⓘ does not specify a category rate for UPI transactions.