Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
AU Bank LIT vs HDFC Smart Pay
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
AU Small Finance Bank
AU Bank LIT
VISA
Wins 3 of 10
IN
HDFC Bank
HDFC Smart Pay
Wins 3 of 10
Verdict
It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | AU Bank LIT | HDFC Smart Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee | · ₹199 |
| Joining fee | None | · ₹199 |
| Top reward rate | = 1% (general) | = 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = Customizable category boosts at sign-up | = 500 CashPoints on activation |
| Fee waiver threshold | · N/A (no fee) | ₹20,000 / yr |
| Min income | · ₹360,000 | ₹180,000 |
| Min credit score | · 720 | 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.4/5 | · 3.8/5 |
Benefits compared
AU Bank LIT
- Customize 1 of 8 spend categories at any time
- 5x reward points on chosen category
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- 4 free domestic lounge visits/year
- No annual fee, ever
HDFC Smart Pay
- 1 CashPoint per ₹150 on retail
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Auto-pay reminders
- Contactless payments
FAQ
›AU Bank LIT vs HDFC Smart Pay: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. AU Bank LIT wins on 3 criteria, HDFC Smart Pay on 3.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use AU Bank LIT for its best categories, HDFC Smart Pay for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
AU Bank LIT: Customizable category boosts at sign-up. HDFC Smart Pay: 500 CashPoints on activation.