IRCTC SBI Premier vs HDFC MoneyBack+
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
HDFC MoneyBack+ wins 6-1. Entry-level cashback with very low waiver bar. IRCTC SBI Premier is still the right call if frequent rail travelers, 10% irctc train ticket value back..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | IRCTC SBI Premier | HDFC MoneyBack+ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹1,499 | ₹500 |
| Joining fee | · ₹1,499 | ₹500 |
| Top reward rate | 10% (travel) | · 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 2% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 1,500 IRCTC reward points | = 500 CashPoints on first transaction |
| Fee waiver threshold | · ₹200,000 / yr | ₹50,000 / yr |
| Min income | · ₹360,000 | ₹240,000 |
| Min credit score | = 720 | = 720 |
| Editorial rating | · 4/5 | 4.1/5 |
Benefits compared
IRCTC SBI Premier
- 10% rewards on IRCTC train ticket bookings
- 4 reward points per ₹125 on dining + groceries
- Up to 5% railway lounge access discount
- 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits/year
- 3.5% forex markup (offered on both Visa and RuPay networks)
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
FAQ
›IRCTC SBI Premier vs HDFC MoneyBack+: which is better?
HDFC MoneyBack+ wins on more dimensions (6 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 IRCTC SBI Premier for its best categories, HDFC MoneyBack+ for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
IRCTC SBI Premier: 1,500 IRCTC reward points. HDFC MoneyBack+: 500 CashPoints on first transaction.