HDFC MoneyBack+ vs Kotak White
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
HDFC MoneyBack+ wins 7-1. Entry-level cashback with very low waiver bar. Kotak White is still the right call if mid-premium kotak card; rewards come from milestone white pass value, not a per-spend rate..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | HDFC MoneyBack+ | Kotak White |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹500 | · ₹3,000 |
| Joining fee | ₹500 | · ₹3,000 |
| Top reward rate | 5% (shopping) | · Milestone |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · Milestone |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 500 CashPoints on first transaction | = White Pass value of ₹1,500 on ₹30,000 spend within 60 days of card set-up |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹50,000 / yr | · ₹500,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹240,000 | · ₹2,500,000 |
| Min credit score | 720 | · N/A |
| 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
Kotak White
- Milestone White Pass rewards, up to ₹27,000 per year on ₹12 lakh spend
- 3.5% forex markup
- Annual fee waived at ₹5 lakh annual spend
FAQ
›HDFC MoneyBack+ vs Kotak White: which is better?
HDFC MoneyBack+ wins on more dimensions (7 vs 1). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern, see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use HDFC MoneyBack+ for its best categories, Kotak White 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. Kotak White: White Pass value of ₹1,500 on ₹30,000 spend within 60 days of card set-up.