HDFC MoneyBack+ vs IDFC FIRST Wow
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IDFC FIRST Wow wins 5-4. Secured card backed by FD, accessible to thin-credit-file applicants. HDFC MoneyBack+ is still the right call if entry-level cashback with very low waiver bar..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | HDFC MoneyBack+ | IDFC FIRST Wow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹500 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | · ₹500 | None |
| Top reward rate | 5% (shopping) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | · 3.5% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 500 CashPoints on first transaction | = Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹50,000 / yr | · N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | · ₹240,000 | Not verified |
| Min credit score | · 720 | 600 |
| 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
IDFC FIRST Wow
- 1 reward point per ₹100 (no rate change cliff)
- Lifetime free, no annual fee
- 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits/quarter
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Backed by FD: easy approval
FAQ
›HDFC MoneyBack+ vs IDFC FIRST Wow: which is better?
IDFC FIRST Wow wins on more dimensions (5 vs 4). 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, IDFC FIRST Wow 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. IDFC FIRST Wow: Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction.