HDFC MoneyBack+ vs ICICI Sapphiro
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
HDFC MoneyBack+ wins 7-1. Entry-level cashback with very low waiver bar. ICICI Sapphiro is still the right call if mid-premium with strong dining + travel mix..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | HDFC MoneyBack+ | ICICI Sapphiro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹500 | · ₹3,500 |
| Joining fee | ₹500 | · ₹6,500 |
| Top reward rate | 5% (shopping) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 500 CashPoints on first transaction | = 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500 |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹50,000 / yr | · ₹600,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹240,000 | · ₹1,000,000 |
| Min credit score | 720 | · 780 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.1/5 | 4.3/5 |
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 Sapphiro
- 4 PAYBACK points per ₹100
- 2 complimentary international + 4 domestic lounge visits/year
- 15% off at 800+ restaurants (Culinary Treats)
- 25% off BookMyShow tickets
- Comprehensive travel insurance
FAQ
›HDFC MoneyBack+ vs ICICI Sapphiro: which is better?
HDFC MoneyBack+ wins on more dimensions (7 vs 1). 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 Sapphiro 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 Sapphiro: 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500.