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Comparison · हिन्दी

HDFC MoneyBack+ vs YES Essence

Both cards compared on real rupee returns for HDFC MoneyBack+ vs YES Essence which better credit card India. We ran the numbers so you can make the right call.

Last updated: September 2026 · Based on current card terms
HDFC
MONEYBACK+
ASHOK KUMAR
VS
YES
ESSENCE
ASHOK KUMAR
Our verdict
HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card wins for most people
Card A wins with ₹3,520 annual benefit versus Card B's ₹2,021. Its higher cashback rates on your shopping and grocery categories, combined with easier fee waiver at ₹50,000 annual spend, deliver superior value.
Side-by-side comparison
HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card ✓ YES Essence Credit Card
Annual benefit ₹3,520 ₹2,021
Annual feeThe yearly fee a bank charges for holding the card, often waived if you spend enough in a year.Full definition → ₹500 + taxes (waived on ₹50,000/year spend) ₹799 + taxes (reversed on ₹20,000 spend in first month; renewal waived on ₹1,00,000 spend in preceding 12 months)
Reward rateCashback pays you directly in rupees; reward points need converting first, and their real value depends on the redemption ratio.Full definition → 10X CashPoints (2.5%) on Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, BigBasket, Reliance Smart; 1% on others 12 reward points per ₹200 on online dining, grocery, shopping, beauty and travel (effective 1.5%); 8 RP per ₹200 on other online spends (effective 1%); 4 RP per ₹200 on offline spends (effective 0.5%); 1 RP = ₹0.25
Lounge accessFree entry to airport lounges, usually limited to a set number of visits per quarter or year.Full definition → None 1 domestic visit/quarter, conditional on ₹25,000+ spend in the previous quarter
Forex markupThe extra fee your bank adds on top of the real exchange rate for any spend in a foreign currency.Full definition → 2.5% 2.75%
Best for Online shopping and food delivery on a budget Salaried women wanting lifestyle rewards on dining, shopping, beauty and travel with lounge access
Min. incomeThe minimum income, credit score, and other conditions a bank requires before approving your application.Full definition → ₹20,000/month (salaried) ₹30,000/month net salary (salaried women only; not eligible if you already hold a YES Bank credit card)
Credit scoreYour 3-digit credit score (300-900), higher scores make approval easier and can unlock better cards.Full definition → 700+ 700+
When each card wins
HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card
Choose Card A if you frequently shop on Amazon, Flipkart, or order from Swiggy and BigBasket. The 2.5% cashback on these platforms aligns perfectly with your ₹5,000 monthly shopping and ₹4,000 grocery spending.
YES Essence Credit Card
Choose Card B if you prioritize lifestyle benefits like airport lounge access and want rewards on beauty purchases alongside dining and travel. It suits salaried women seeking holistic lifestyle benefits beyond pure cashback.
Who should get which card
Get HDFC MoneyBack+ if you…
· Higher cashback (2.5%) on your major spend categories
· Fee waives at ₹50,000/year—easily achievable with your ₹17,000 monthly spend
· Better suited for online-first shoppers and food delivery users
Get YES Essence if you…
· Airport lounge access and lifestyle-focused benefits
· Preferred for women seeking curated rewards on dining and beauty
· Fee reversal on ₹20,000 first-month spend is achievable
Partner offer
Axis Bank Select Credit Card
Higher spenders (₹6L+ income) who will spend ₹3L+ a year, want international lounge access through Priority Pass with 12 visits, and want a 2% earn rate on everyday retail spends
Apply now →
AXIS
ASHOK KUMAR

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Related guides
YES Bank SELECT vs YES Essence →HDFC MoneyBack+ vs HDFC Millennia →SBI Cashback vs HDFC MoneyBack+ →Axis ACE vs HDFC MoneyBack+ →Best Dining Credit Cards →Best Shopping Credit Cards →Best Credit Cards for Swiggy and Zomato →
Frequently asked questions
Based on our analysis, HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card offers better annual returns for most spend profiles.
HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹500 + taxes (waived on ₹50,000/year spend). YES Essence Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹799 + taxes (reversed on ₹20,000 spend in first month; renewal waived on ₹1,00,000 spend in preceding 12 months).
HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card offers 10X CashPoints (2.5%) on Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, BigBasket, Reliance Smart; 1% on others. YES Essence Credit Card offers 12 reward points per ₹200 on online dining, grocery, shopping, beauty and travel (effective 1.5%); 8 RP per ₹200 on other online spends (effective 1%); 4 RP per ₹200 on offline spends (effective 0.5%); 1 RP = ₹0.25.
HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card lounge access: None. YES Essence Credit Card lounge access: 1 domestic visit/quarter, conditional on ₹25,000+ spend in the previous quarter.
HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card charges 2.5% forex markup. YES Essence Credit Card charges 2.75% forex markup.