Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
HDFC MoneyBack+ vs ICICI Sapphiro
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
HDFC Bank
HDFC MoneyBack+
VISA
Wins 7 of 10
IN
Premium
ICICI Bank
ICICI Sapphiro
VISA
Wins 1 of 10
Verdict
HDFC MoneyBack+ wins 7-1. Entry-level cashback with very low waiver bar. ICICI Sapphiro is still the right call if mid-premium with strong dining + travel mix..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | HDFC MoneyBack+ | ICICI Sapphiro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹500 | · ₹3,500 |
| Joining fee | ₹500 | · ₹6,500 |
| Top reward rate | 5% (shopping) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 500 CashPoints on first transaction | = 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500 |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹50,000 / yr | · ₹600,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹240,000 | · ₹1,000,000 |
| Min credit score | 720 | · 780 |
| 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
ICICI Sapphiro
- 4 PAYBACK points per ₹100
- 2 complimentary international + 4 domestic lounge visits/year
- 15% off at 800+ restaurants (Culinary Treats)
- 25% off BookMyShow tickets
- Comprehensive travel insurance
FAQ
›HDFC MoneyBack+ vs ICICI Sapphiro: 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, ICICI Sapphiro 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. ICICI Sapphiro: 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500.