HDFC MoneyBack+ vs ICICI HPCL Coral
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
HDFC MoneyBack+ wins 3-2. Entry-level cashback with very low waiver bar. ICICI HPCL Coral is still the right call if fuel-heavy spenders at hpcl pumps..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | HDFC MoneyBack+ | ICICI HPCL Coral |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹500 | ₹199 |
| Joining fee | · ₹500 | ₹199 |
| Top reward rate | = 5% (shopping) | = 5% (fuel) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 500 CashPoints on first transaction | = 2,000 PAYBACK points on first transaction |
| Fee waiver threshold | = ₹50,000 / yr | = ₹50,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹240,000 | · ₹250,000 |
| Min credit score | = 720 | = 720 |
| Editorial rating | 4.1/5 | · 4/5 |
Benefits compared
HDFC MoneyBack+
- 5% on Amazon, Flipkart, Big Basket, Reliance Smart Bazaar (capped ₹1K/month)
- 2% on EMI transactions
- 1 fuel surcharge waiver
- Quarterly milestone vouchers
ICICI HPCL Coral
- 5% cashback on HPCL fuel
- 4% on grocery + dining
- 2.5% on utility bills via DragonPass
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- 2 domestic lounge visits/year
FAQ
›HDFC MoneyBack+ vs ICICI HPCL Coral: which is better?
HDFC MoneyBack+ wins on more dimensions (3 vs 2). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern. Run your own monthly spend through the maximizer to see which one pays you more.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use HDFC MoneyBack+ for its best categories, ICICI HPCL Coral for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
HDFC MoneyBack+: 500 CashPoints on first transaction. ICICI HPCL Coral: 2,000 PAYBACK points on first transaction.