HDFC Marriott Bonvoy 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 Marriott Bonvoy is still the right call if marriott loyalists — every ₹150 = 8 bonvoy points on marriott + 2 elsewhere..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | HDFC Marriott Bonvoy | IDFC FIRST Wow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹3,000 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | · ₹3,000 | None |
| Top reward rate | 8% (travel) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | · 1.99% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 1 free night at any Marriott property + Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status | = Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹800,000 / yr | · N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | · ₹1,500,000 | — |
| Min credit score | · 770 | 600 |
| Editorial rating | 4.5/5 | · 4/5 |
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
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 Marriott Bonvoy 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 — 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, IDFC FIRST Wow 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. IDFC FIRST Wow: Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction.