Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
If you’re looking for a credit card that offers great rewards, significant savings, and exclusive perks, the Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card might have caught your eye. But is it really worth getting? In this review, we’ll dive deep into the benefits, drawbacks, and everything in between to help you decide whether this card is right for you.
Key Features of Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card
The Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card is available in two variants:
- Tata Neu HDFC Bank NeuCard Plus
- Tata Neu HDFC Bank NeuCard Infinity
Both cards come with their own set of benefits, NeuCoin rewards, and spending bonuses, but let’s break down what makes this card stand out.
1. NeuCoin Rewards System
One of the main reasons to consider the Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card is the NeuCoins rewards system. You earn NeuCoins on every purchase made with this card, and the rate depends on the type of transaction:
- 5% NeuCoins on purchases made at Tata brand stores (both online and offline).
- 2% NeuCoins on other general purchases with the Plus card.
- 1% NeuCoins on everyday spending, excluding fuel, government, rental, and wallet load transactions.
For instance, if you make purchases at Tata Cliq, Croma, or Westside, you’ll earn bonus NeuCoins which can be redeemed for future purchases across Tata brands.
Quote: “With this card, I’ve easily saved a good chunk every month just by using NeuCoins at Tata brand stores.”
2. Lounge Access Perks
The Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card also offers airport lounge access. Depending on the card variant, you can enjoy:
- 1 domestic lounge visit per quarter with the NeuCard Plus.
- 2 domestic lounge visits and 1 international visit per quarter with the NeuCard Infinity.
This feature makes the card ideal for frequent travelers, especially those who value comfort at airports.
3. Fuel Surcharge Waiver
Another great feature is the fuel surcharge waiver, which helps save money when filling up your tank. Here’s the breakdown:
- ₹250 per month cap on fuel surcharge waiver with the NeuCard Plus.
- ₹500 per month cap with the NeuCard Infinity.
The fuel surcharge waiver applies to all fuel stations across India, with a minimum transaction of ₹400 and a maximum of ₹5,000.
Pros of the Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card
The Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card shines in several areas:
- Generous NeuCoins earning rate, especially when shopping at Tata brands.
- Lounge access perks for frequent travelers.
- Fuel surcharge waiver that can save up to ₹6,000 annually.
- Flexible NeuCoins redemption across a wide range of Tata services and brands.
- Complimentary airport lounge access with international visits for NeuCard Infinity holders.
Key Takeaway:
The card offers exceptional rewards for Tata brand shoppers, with additional savings on fuel and access to airport lounges—a combination rarely seen in other credit cards.
Drawbacks of Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card
While the card has plenty of benefits, it does have a few limitations:
- Limited rewards on non-Tata brand purchases: While you earn 5% NeuCoins on Tata brand purchases, the rewards drop to 1% or 2% on non-Tata spends.
- NeuCoins are capped for certain transactions, such as grocery spending, which is limited to 1,000 or 2,000 NeuCoins per month depending on the card variant.
- No NeuCoins on wallet loads or government-related transactions, which might be a drawback for those who frequently use e-wallets.
Key Takeaway:
The card is best suited for people who often shop at Tata brands. If your purchases are spread across multiple brands, the rewards might not be as attractive.
How to Redeem NeuCoins?
Redeeming NeuCoins is incredibly simple, and you can do so both online and at physical Tata brand stores.
Online Redemption:
- Visit the Tata Neu App or Website.
- At checkout, choose Tata Pay as your payment option.
- Select the amount of NeuCoins you want to redeem.
- Complete the payment with the selected NeuCoins.
In-Store Redemption:
- Visit any participating Tata brand store.
- Provide your registered mobile number at the cashier desk.
- The cashier will confirm your NeuCoins balance and initiate the redemption.
- A one-time password (OTP) will be sent to your phone. Provide the OTP to the cashier to complete the redemption.
Partner Brands Where You Can Use NeuCoins:
| Online Brands | In-Store Brands |
|---|---|
| Tata Neu | Croma |
| AirAsia | Westside |
| bigbasket | Tanishq |
| Tata 1mg | IHCL Hotels |
Table: Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card Reward Breakdown
| Category | NeuCoins on NeuCard Infinity | NeuCoins on NeuCard Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Tata Brand Purchases | 5% | 2% |
| Other Purchases | 1.50% | 1% |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | ₹500 per month | ₹250 per month |
| Lounge Access | 2 domestic + 1 international | 1 domestic |
Who Should Get the Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card?
This card is a perfect fit for:
- Frequent Tata brand shoppers: You’ll get maximum rewards on every purchase at Tata’s many brands.
- Frequent travelers: If you travel often, the lounge access perks are hard to ignore.
- Fuel buyers: With the fuel surcharge waiver, you can save more on petrol or diesel purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I earn NeuCoins?
You earn NeuCoins on every purchase with the Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card. The reward rate is higher when you shop at Tata brands.
2. Where can I redeem NeuCoins?
NeuCoins can be redeemed at Tata partner brands such as Croma, Westside, Tanishq, and more. You can use them both online and in stores.
3. Is there a cap on NeuCoins earned?
Yes, NeuCoins on grocery transactions are capped at 1,000 per month for NeuCard Plus and 2,000 per month for NeuCard Infinity.
4. Can I earn NeuCoins on fuel purchases?
Fuel purchases are not eligible for NeuCoins, but you do get a fuel surcharge waiver.
5. What is the annual fee for the Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card?
The NeuCard Plus has an annual fee of ₹499, while the NeuCard Infinity has a fee of ₹1,499.
6. How can I check my NeuCoins balance?
You can check your NeuCoins balance through the Tata Neu app by navigating to the NeuPass section.
7. Can I transfer my NeuCoins to someone else?
No, NeuCoins are non-transferable.
8. Do NeuCoins expire?
Yes, NeuCoins expire 365 days after your last transaction. Additional NeuCoins earned during promotions may have different expiry dates.
9. Is there a joining bonus?
Yes, both card variants offer welcome NeuCoins as a joining bonus.
10. Can I use NeuCoins on Air India?
Yes, you can earn and redeem NeuCoins for Air India services starting from October 2023.
Final Verdict
The Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card is an excellent option for anyone who frequently shops at Tata brands. The NeuCoins rewards system offers great value, especially when combined with perks like airport lounge access and fuel surcharge waivers. However, if your spending is mostly outside Tata’s ecosystem, the rewards may not be as enticing.
In summary, this card is best suited for loyal Tata brand customers and frequent travelers who want to maximize their savings and enjoy exclusive benefits.
