Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
HDFC MoneyBack+ vs IDFC FIRST Wow
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
HDFC Bank
HDFC MoneyBack+
VISA
Wins 4 of 10
IN
IDFC FIRST Bank
IDFC FIRST Wow
VISA
Wins 5 of 10
Verdict
IDFC FIRST Wow wins 5-4. Secured card backed by FD — accessible to thin-credit-file applicants. HDFC MoneyBack+ is still the right call if entry-level cashback with very low waiver bar..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | HDFC MoneyBack+ | IDFC FIRST Wow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹500 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | · ₹500 | None |
| Top reward rate | 5% (shopping) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | · 3.5% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 500 CashPoints on first transaction | = Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹50,000 / yr | · N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | · ₹240,000 | — |
| Min credit score | · 720 | 600 |
| Editorial rating | 4.1/5 | · 4/5 |
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
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 MoneyBack+ 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 MoneyBack+ 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 MoneyBack+: 500 CashPoints on first transaction. IDFC FIRST Wow: Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction.