HDFC Tata Neu Credit Card Review: Plus vs Infinity
The HDFC Tata Neu Credit Card is not a “luxury” card or a points-gaming card. It is a practical rewards card designed for people who already spend money within the Tata ecosystem.
But many people get confused between its two variants:
- Tata Neu Plus
- Tata Neu Infinity
In this post, I’ll explain:
- What the Tata Neu card actually offers
- The real differences between Plus and Infinity
- Which card makes sense for different types of users
What Is the HDFC Tata Neu Credit Card?
The HDFC Tata Neu Credit Card is a co-branded card launched by HDFC Bank in partnership with Tata Group.
Instead of traditional reward points, it earns NeuCoins.
- 1 NeuCoin = ₹1
- NeuCoins can be used only within the Tata Neu ecosystem
This includes brands like:
BigBasket, Tata 1mg, Croma, Air India, Westside, Tanishq, Tata Play, IHCL hotels, and bill payments via the Tata Neu app.
In plain words, if you don’t use these brands, this card is not for you.
Tata Neu Plus vs Tata Neu Infinity: Core Differences
1. Fees
Tata Neu Plus
- Joining / Annual Fee: ~₹499 + GST
- Fee waiver on lower annual spend
Tata Neu Infinity
- Joining / Annual Fee: ~₹1,499 + GST
- Higher spend required for fee waiver
Infinity is clearly the premium variant, priced accordingly.
2. Rewards on Tata Brand Spends
This is where the real difference lies.
Plus Variant
- Around 7% total value back on Tata Neu and partner brands
Infinity Variant
- Up to 10% total value back on Tata Neu and partner brands
If most of your spending is on groceries, medicines, flights, electronics, and shopping from Tata brands, Infinity gives significantly better returns.
3. Rewards on Other Spends (Non-Tata)
Plus
- Around 1% NeuCoins
Infinity
- Around 1.5% NeuCoins
Not market-leading, but decent for a co-branded card.
4. UPI Payments (RuPay Variant)
Both cards are available on the RuPay network, which allows UPI payments via credit card.
- Plus: ~1% value back on UPI spends
- Infinity: ~1.5% value back on UPI spends
This is useful for daily small payments where most credit cards offer nothing.
5. Travel & Lounge Benefits
Tata Neu Plus
- Limited domestic lounge access
- No international lounge access
Tata Neu Infinity
- More domestic lounge visits
- International lounge access included
- Better travel insurance and protections
If you travel even a few times a year, Infinity is clearly superior.
Which Card Should You Choose?
Choose Tata Neu Plus if:
- You want a low-cost, simple rewards card
- You spend moderately within the Tata ecosystem
- You don’t care much about airport lounges or premium travel benefits
- You want a good everyday card without pressure to spend big
This is a sensible card for middle-class, value-focused users.
Choose Tata Neu Infinity if:
- You frequently shop on Tata Neu and partner brands
- You want maximum rewards from groceries, flights, electronics, and shopping
- You travel and value lounge access
- You can comfortably hit the annual spend required for fee waiver
Infinity makes sense only if you actually use it heavily.
Important Limitations You Should Know
- Rewards are NeuCoins, not cash. You must redeem them within Tata brands.
- NeuCoins have an expiry period if left unused.
- The Tata Neu app experience can sometimes feel slow or buggy.
- Lounge access rules may depend on spending milestones, not just card ownership.
This is not a “set and forget” premium card. It works best when used intentionally.
Final Verdict
The HDFC Tata Neu Credit Card is not for everyone.
But if your daily life already includes Tata brands, it is one of the most practical co-branded cards in India.
- Tata Neu Plus → Best for moderate spenders who want value without high fees
- Tata Neu Infinity → Best for heavy Tata ecosystem users and frequent travelers
Choose based on your spending pattern, not on marketing promises.
That’s how credit cards should be selected.
