HDFC Marriott Bonvoy vs ICICI Platinum Chip
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
HDFC Marriott Bonvoy wins 5-4. Marriott loyalists — every ₹150 = 8 Bonvoy points on Marriott + 2 elsewhere. ICICI Platinum Chip is still the right call if lifetime free entry-tier icici card..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | HDFC Marriott Bonvoy | ICICI Platinum Chip |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹3,000 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | · ₹3,000 | None |
| Top reward rate | 8% (travel) | · 0.5% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 0.5% |
| Forex markup | 1.99% | · 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 1 free night at any Marriott property + Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status | = No welcome bonus — fee-free for life |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹800,000 / yr | · N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | · ₹1,500,000 | ₹200,000 |
| Min credit score | · 770 | 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.5/5 | · 3.6/5 |
Benefits compared
HDFC Marriott Bonvoy
- 8 Bonvoy points per ₹150 on Marriott
- 4 Bonvoy points per ₹150 on travel + dining
- 2 Bonvoy points per ₹150 on everything else
- 1 free night annually at Marriott (up to 15K Bonvoy point value)
- Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status (15 elite night credits)
- 8 international + 8 domestic lounge visits/year
ICICI Platinum Chip
- 2 PAYBACK points per ₹100
- 15% off at 800+ restaurants
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Lifetime free, no annual fee ever
FAQ
›HDFC Marriott Bonvoy vs ICICI Platinum Chip: which is better?
HDFC Marriott Bonvoy wins on more dimensions (5 vs 4). 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 Marriott Bonvoy for its best categories, ICICI Platinum Chip for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
HDFC Marriott Bonvoy: 1 free night at any Marriott property + Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. ICICI Platinum Chip: No welcome bonus — fee-free for life.