Credit cards are now an essential part of daily financial life in India. From online shopping to fuel, groceries, and bill payments, credit cards help users earn rewards, get discounts, and manage expenses better. Among India’s most popular entry-level cards, the HDFC Bank MoneyBack+ Credit Card stands out as a smart, beginner-friendly cashback card.
This detailed guide covers everything: features, eligibility, fees, benefits, cashback structure, charges, how to apply, and more.
What Is a Credit Card? Why Are Indian Bank Credit Cards Popular?
A credit card lets you borrow money from your bank to make purchases, with a 30–45 day interest-free period. If you pay your full bill before the due date, you pay zero interest.
Why Indian Bank Credit Cards Are So Popular
- Digital India boom + UPI integration
- Great cashback & reward programs
- Heavy festival discounts (Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra)
- EMI on big purchases
- Access to fuel, travel, lifestyle benefits
- Better acceptance & customer support
Types of Credit Cards in India
Indian banks provide different cards based on lifestyle needs:
1. Shopping Credit Cards
For Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Ajio shoppers.
Example: MoneyBack+, SBI SimplyClick
2. Travel Credit Cards
With lounge access, flight miles, hotel discounts.
Example: HDFC Regalia, Axis Atlas
3. Cashback Credit Cards
Flat cashback on daily expenses.
Example: MoneyBack+, Axis Ace
4. Fuel Credit Cards
Savings on HPCL/IOCL/BPCL fuel pumps.
5. Co-Branded Cards
Partnered with brands like Amazon, IRCTC, Tata Neu.
6. Lifetime Free Cards
No joining fee.
Example: IDFC Classic, Amazon ICICI
Eligibility Criteria for HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age (Salaried) | 21–60 years |
| Age (Self-employed) | 21–65 years |
| Minimum Income (Salaried) | ₹20,000–₹30,000 per month |
| Minimum Income (Self-employed) | ₹6 lakh ITR |
| Credit Score | 700+ preferred |
| Residence | Must be in serviceable location |
Required Documents (KYC)
Identity Proof
- Aadhaar
- PAN
- Passport
- Driving Licence
Address Proof
- Aadhaar
- Utility bill
- Rent agreement
- Passport
Income Proof
- Salary slips (last 3 months)
- Bank statement (6 months)
- ITR for self-employed
How to Apply for HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card
You can apply online or offline depending on convenience.
Online Application Process
- Visit hdfcbank.com → Credit Cards → MoneyBack+
- Enter your mobile number & PAN
- Fill income details
- Complete digital KYC
- Upload required documents
- Get instant approval (for eligible users)
- Receive virtual card instantly in NetBanking
Offline (Branch) Process
- Visit the nearest HDFC Bank branch
- Ask for the MoneyBack+ application form
- Submit documents
- Complete verification
- Card arrives in 5–7 working days
Benefits of Indian Bank Credit Cards
Before we talk specifically about MoneyBack+, let’s understand general benefits:
1. Cashback
On shopping, food, fuel, travel, bills.
2. Reward Points
Redeem for vouchers, flights, electronics.
3. Fuel Benefits
1% surcharge waiver at pumps.
4. Travel Benefits
Lounge access, hotel discounts.
5. Instant EMI Conversion
Convert transactions above ₹2,500.
6. Insurance Coverage
Travel, accidental, and fraud protection.
7. UPI Credit Card Benefits (RuPay cards)
- Pay through UPI
- Earn rewards
- No need for physical card
#️⃣ HDFC Bank MoneyBack+ Credit Card – Full Review (2025)
The HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card is designed for daily spenders, especially online shoppers. It is one of India’s best reward credit cards for beginners, offering accelerated reward points on major platforms.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Cashback / Reward Points |
| Best For | Online shopping, groceries, EMI |
| Reward Type | CashPoints (convertible to cashback or vouchers) |
| Annual Fee | ₹500 + GST |
| Annual Fee Waiver | On ₹50,000 yearly spending |
| Welcome Benefit | 500 CashPoints |
| UPI Compatible | Yes (RuPay variant) |
MoneyBack+ Credit Card Cashback & Rewards
This is where the card shines — accelerated 10X CashPoints on top brands.
Cashback Structure
| Category | Cashback |
|---|---|
| Amazon, Flipkart, BigBasket, Swiggy, Zomato, Myntra | 10X CashPoints |
| EMI transactions | 5X CashPoints |
| Online spends | 2X CashPoints |
| Offline spends | 1X CashPoints |
| Wallet reloads | No cashback |
UPI Credit Card Benefits (RuPay Variant)
- Can be linked to PhonePe, Google Pay, BHIM
- Earn 2X CashPoints on UPI spending
- Works for daily expenses like groceries, medical, and utilities
Fuel Benefits
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Valid at all petrol pumps
- For ₹400–₹5,000 transactions
EMI Conversion
- Transactions above ₹2,500 can be converted to EMI
- Tenure options: 3–24 months
- Useful for buying electronics, gadgets, appliances
MoneyBack+ Credit Card Fees & Charges
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹500 + GST |
| Annual Fee | ₹500 (waived on ₹50,000 yearly spend) |
| Finance Charges (APR) | 3.6% per month (43.2% annually) |
| Late Payment Fee | ₹100 – ₹1,300 |
| Cash Withdrawal Fee | 2.5% (min ₹500) |
| Overlimit Fee | 2.5% |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3.5% |
Billing Cycle & Interest Calculation
Billing Cycle
A typical cycle: 30 days + 15–20 days interest-free period.
Interest Applies When
- You don’t pay total due
- You withdraw cash
- You carry forward balance
Interest = Daily balance × APR × number of days
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Paying only minimum due
❌ Using more than 70% of credit limit
❌ Not redeeming CashPoints before expiry
❌ Taking cash advances
❌ Applying for many cards at once
❌ Ignoring annual fee waiver requirement
Best Alternative Indian Credit Cards (2025)
| Credit Card | Best For | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| MoneyBack+ | Daily online spends | ₹500 |
| SBI SimplyClick | Amazon/Flipkart | ₹499 |
| Axis Ace | Flat 2%–5% cashback | ₹499 |
| HDFC Millennia | Premium cashback | ₹1,000 |
| ICICI Amazon Pay | Amazon users | Free |
Comparison Table – MoneyBack+ vs Other Popular Cards
| Feature | MoneyBack+ | SimplyClick | Axis Ace | Millennia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | ₹500 | ₹499 | ₹499 | ₹1,000 |
| Online Rewards | 10X | 10X | Cashback | 5% |
| UPI Support | Yes (RuPay) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lounge Access | No | No | No | Yes |
| Fee Waiver | ₹50k spend | ₹1L | ₹2L | ₹1L |
| Best For | Beginners | Shoppers | Cashback users | Regular online users |
How to Choose the Right Credit Card
✔ Identify your spending habit
Shopping? Travel? Fuel? Cashback?
✔ Check annual fee vs rewards
Make sure rewards exceed cost.
✔ See if the card supports UPI
UPI credit cards are the future.
✔ Check eligibility
Income + CIBIL score matters.
✔ Compare reward structure
Cashback vs points.
FAQs – MoneyBack+ Credit Card (10 Questions)
1. Is the HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card good for beginners?
Yes, it’s one of the best starter cards in India.
2. Does MoneyBack+ support UPI payments?
Yes, if you choose the RuPay variant.
3. How much income is required?
Minimum ₹20,000–₹30,000 per month.
4. Does this card offer lounge access?
No.
5. Can I convert purchases to EMI?
Yes, above ₹2,500.
6. What is 10X CashPoints?
Enhanced points on Amazon, Flipkart, BigBasket, Swiggy, Zomato, etc.
7. Do CashPoints expire?
Yes, after 2 years.
8. How do I avoid the annual fee?
Spend ₹50,000 in a year.
9. What’s the maximum cashback I can earn?
Varies by usage, but reward caps apply.
10. Can students apply?
Only if income proof is available.
Conclusion
The HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card is one of the best affordable cashback cards in India for 2025. With 10X CashPoints, UPI support (RuPay), low annual fee, and easy approval — it’s ideal for beginners, online shoppers, and everyday users.
If you want a budget-friendly, reward-focused credit card, the MoneyBack+ is a great choice.
