Comparison Summary
The IDFC FIRST Bank WOW Credit Card is a lifetime free secured card offering 4X reward points, zero forex markup, and instant FD-backed approval—ideal for international travelers and budget-conscious users building credit. The Tata Neu Plus SBI Card delivers up to 7% NeuCoins on Tata brands, 1% on UPI transactions, and 4 domestic lounge visits annually with a ₹499 joining fee (waived on ₹1 lakh spend)—perfect for Tata ecosystem shoppers and moderate domestic travelers. Verdict: Choose IDFC FIRST WOW for zero fees and international travel; pick Tata Neu Plus for Tata brand rewards and lounge access.
| Feature | IDFC FIRST Bank WOW Credit Card | Tata Neu Plus Sbi Card |
|---|---|---|
| Card Image |
|
|
| Card Network | Visa | RuPay, Visa |
| USP | The IDFC FIRST Bank WOW Credit Card is a lifetime free secured credit card offering 4X reward points on everyday spends with zero forex markup, making it perfect for budget-conscious users seeking international shopping benefits and instant credit approval against fixed deposits. | The Tata Neu SBI Plus Credit Card offers up to 7% NeuCoins on Tata Neu app and partner brand spends, plus 1% rewards on other retail and UPI transactions, making it perfect for regular Tata shoppers and digital payers. It also provides 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits annually, catering to moderate travelers seeking valuable rewards and convenience. |
| Annual Fee | N/A | 499 - + Applicable Taxes |
| Joining Fee | N/A | 499 - + Applicable Taxes |
| Welcome Benefits | 5% cashback on first EMI transaction within 90 days, maximum ₹1,000 cashback | Get 499 NeuCoins only on payment of Rs. 499 Joining Fee |
| Lounge Access | N/A | Domestic: 1 per quarter On spends of ₹50,000+ in the last 3 months |
| Reward Rate | N/A | Earn 7% NeuCoins on Tata Neu app and partner Tata brands, 2% on other Tata brand spends, and 1% on all other spends including UPI (with monthly caps on some categories) |
| Interest Rate | 0.75% to 3.65% per month (9% to 43.8% per annum) | Finance charges are 3.75% per month on outstanding balances |
| Best For | 0% Forex Markup | Online Shopping, UPI |
| Apply Now | Apply Now | Apply Now |
Table of Contents
- Loading table of contents…
Who Can Apply for IDFC FIRST WOW vs Tata Neu Plus SBI Card?
The IDFC FIRST Bank WOW Credit Card requires no credit history or income verification—simply maintain a minimum ₹20,000 fixed deposit with IDFC FIRST Bank for instant approval. Applicants must be 18+ years with valid Aadhaar and PAN documents. This makes it an excellent choice for first-time credit card users, students, or those rebuilding credit.
The Tata Neu Plus SBI Card targets established borrowers with a recommended CIBIL score of 700+. Applicants should be between 18-65 years and apply through the SBI Card website or Tata Neu app. While specific income requirements aren’t disclosed, the card suits those with existing credit history and regular income.
| Eligibility Criteria | IDFC FIRST WOW | Tata Neu Plus SBI |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum FD | ₹20,000 | Not Required |
| Credit Score | Not Required | 700+ Recommended |
| Age Requirement | 18+ years | 18-65 years |
| Income Requirement | None (FD-backed) | Not Disclosed |
| Documents | Aadhaar, PAN | Standard KYC |
| Approval Timeline | Instant (with FD) | Standard Processing |
IDFC FIRST WOW vs Tata Neu Plus SBI Card: Complete Fee Structure
The IDFC FIRST Bank WOW Credit Card stands out with ₹0 joining and annual fees forever—truly lifetime free with no spending thresholds. It charges zero forex markup on international transactions, making it exceptional for overseas purchases. However, cash withdrawals cost ₹199 + GST per transaction, and the card doesn’t support add-on cards due to its FD-backed nature.
The Tata Neu Plus SBI Card charges ₹499 + GST (₹588.82) as both joining and annual fee, but this is waived on annual spends of ₹1 lakh or more. It applies a 3.5% foreign currency markup—standard for entry-level cards. Cash withdrawals are costlier at 2.5% or ₹499 (whichever is higher), and each reward redemption incurs a ₹99 fee. Late payment fees range from ₹0 to ₹1,300 based on outstanding amount.
| Fee Type | IDFC FIRST WOW | Tata Neu Plus SBI |
|---|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹0 | ₹499 + GST (₹588.82) |
| Annual Fee | ₹0 (Lifetime Free) | ₹499 + GST (waived on ₹1L spend) |
| Foreign Markup | 0% | 3.5% |
| Cash Withdrawal | ₹199 + GST | 2.5% or ₹499 (higher) |
| Redemption Fee | NA | ₹99 per redemption |
| Late Payment | NA | ₹0–₹1,300 (slab-wise) |
| Overlimit Charge | NA | 2.5% or ₹600 |
Welcome Offers: IDFC FIRST WOW vs Tata Neu Plus SBI Card
The IDFC FIRST Bank WOW Credit Card offers 5% cashback (maximum ₹1,000) on your first EMI transaction completed within 90 days of card activation. This welcome bonus rewards users who convert large purchases into EMIs early, providing immediate value for those planning big-ticket expenses like electronics or appliances.
The Tata Neu Plus SBI Card grants 499 NeuCoins (worth ₹499) instantly upon payment of the joining fee. Since NeuCoins function as ₹1 = 1 NeuCoin, this effectively offsets the entire joining fee when used within the Tata Neu ecosystem, making the first-year fee virtually free for active Tata shoppers.
| Welcome Benefit | IDFC FIRST WOW | Tata Neu Plus SBI |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus Amount | 5% cashback (max ₹1,000) | 499 NeuCoins |
| Requirement | First EMI within 90 days | Joining fee payment |
| Timeline | Within 90 days | Immediate after fee payment |
How You Earn: IDFC FIRST WOW vs Tata Neu Plus SBI Card Rewards Breakdown
The IDFC FIRST Bank WOW Credit Card earns 4X reward points per ₹150 spent on retail and utility transactions. Each reward point is valued at ₹0.25, translating to an effective 2.67% return on eligible purchases. However, fuel, EMI transactions, and cash withdrawals are excluded from rewards. Points are evergreen (no expiration) and can be redeemed for statement credits, bank transfers, or shopping vouchers.
The Tata Neu Plus SBI Card operates on the NeuCoins system (1 NeuCoin = ₹1) with tiered earning rates: 7% on Tata Neu app purchases, 2% on other Tata brand spending, and 1% on all other retail and UPI transactions. This structure heavily favors Tata ecosystem users. However, monthly caps apply: 500 NeuCoins for UPI, 1,000 for groceries, and 2,000 for insurance/utilities. Redemptions require a ₹99 fee per transaction through the Tata Neu wallet.
| Reward Feature | IDFC FIRST WOW | Tata Neu Plus SBI |
|---|---|---|
| Base Earning | 4X RP per ₹150 | 7% (Tata Neu app), 2% (Tata brands), 1% (others) |
| Point Value | 1 RP = ₹0.25 | 1 NeuCoin = ₹1 |
| Effective Return | ~2.67% on retail | 7%/2%/1% tiered |
| Exclusions | Fuel, EMI, cash | Monthly caps on UPI/groceries/utilities |
| Expiration | Never (evergreen) | Per Tata Neu terms |
Redeeming Your Rewards: IDFC FIRST WOW vs Tata Neu Plus SBI Card
IDFC FIRST Bank WOW cardholders enjoy flexible, fee-free redemption options. Reward points never expire and can be converted into statement credits to reduce outstanding bills, direct bank transfers for cash-like value, or used for shopping on partner platforms. The redemption process is straightforward through IDFC’s mobile app or website with no minimum threshold restrictions for most redemption categories.
Tata Neu Plus SBI Card redemptions are restricted to the Tata Neu ecosystem. NeuCoins can be applied toward purchases on the Tata Neu app (including BigBasket, Tata Cliq, Croma, 1mg) or credited to the Tata Neu wallet for future use. Each redemption incurs a ₹99 processing fee, which can reduce effective value for smaller redemptions. Minimum redemption thresholds and expiration policies follow Tata Neu program terms, typically requiring users to maintain activity within the ecosystem.
IDFC FIRST WOW vs Tata Neu Plus SBI Card: Airport Lounge Benefits
The IDFC FIRST Bank WOW Credit Card does not offer airport lounge access—a trade-off for its lifetime free status and other benefits. Users seeking lounge privileges would need to rely on lounge memberships or upgrade to premium IDFC cards.
The Tata Neu Plus SBI Card provides 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year (1 per quarter) through the Visa/Mastercard lounge network. Access is conditional: cardholders must spend ₹50,000 or more in the preceding 3 months before each visit. This quarterly spend requirement ensures the benefit reaches active users while encouraging consistent card usage. The lounge benefit is ideal for domestic travelers who fly 3-4 times annually and can meet the spending threshold.
| Lounge Feature | IDFC FIRST WOW | Tata Neu Plus SBI |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Access | Not Available | 4 visits/year (1 per quarter) |
| Spend Requirement | NA | ₹50,000 in prior 3 months |
| Lounge Network | NA | Visa/Mastercard lounges |
| International Access | NA | Not Available |
When to Use IDFC FIRST WOW vs Tata Neu Plus SBI Card
Choose IDFC FIRST Bank WOW Credit Card for international travel and forex transactions thanks to its 0% foreign currency markup, saving 3-4% on every overseas purchase compared to standard cards. Use it for building credit history with no income requirements, online shopping for consistent 2.67% returns, and as a backup card with zero maintenance costs. It’s ideal for students studying abroad, frequent international travelers, and first-time credit users who want guaranteed approval via FD.
Choose Tata Neu Plus SBI Card when you’re a Tata ecosystem loyalist—earning 7% NeuCoins on Tata Neu app purchases (BigBasket groceries, 1mg medicines, Croma electronics) delivers exceptional value. Use it for UPI payments (1% back, capped at 500 NeuCoins monthly), domestic flights where lounge access adds comfort, and everyday retail where the 1% baseline beats no-reward cards. Perfect for families shopping primarily on Tata platforms and moderate domestic travelers flying 3-4 times yearly.
Real-world example: A ₹50,000 foreign trip saves ₹1,750 in forex fees with IDFC WOW versus Tata Neu Plus. Conversely, ₹30,000 monthly BigBasket shopping earns ₹2,100 NeuCoins (capped at ₹1,000/month) with Tata Neu Plus, far exceeding IDFC’s ₹533 reward value.
Common Questions About IDFC FIRST WOW vs Tata Neu Plus SBI Card
1. Is the IDFC FIRST Bank WOW Credit Card truly lifetime free?
Yes, the card has ₹0 joining and annual fees forever with no spending requirements or hidden conditions. It remains free as long as the underlying FD is maintained.
2. How do I redeem NeuCoins on the Tata Neu Plus SBI Card?
NeuCoins are redeemed exclusively through the Tata Neu app or wallet. Each redemption costs ₹99, so accumulating larger balances before redeeming maximizes value. Coins can be used across Tata brands like BigBasket, Tata Cliq, and Croma.
3. Can I get lounge access with the IDFC FIRST Bank WOW Credit Card?
No, the WOW card does not include lounge access. For lounge benefits, consider the Tata Neu Plus (4 visits/year with spend conditions) or premium IDFC cards.
4. Which card is better for international travel?
IDFC FIRST Bank WOW wins decisively with 0% forex markup versus Tata Neu Plus’s 3.5% charge. On ₹1 lakh foreign spending, IDFC saves ₹3,500.
5. Can I upgrade from these entry-level cards later?
Yes, both issuers offer upgrade paths. IDFC FIRST provides cards like CLUB VISTARA and SELECT based on usage and FD amount. SBI Cards offers Tata Neu Infinity and other premium variants for high spenders with good credit history.
Which Card Should You Choose: IDFC FIRST WOW or Tata Neu Plus SBI Card?
Both cards serve distinct user profiles effectively. The IDFC FIRST Bank WOW Credit Card excels as a zero-cost, high-utility secured card with lifetime free status, 0% forex markup, and FD-backed instant approval. Its 4X reward points and evergreen rewards provide consistent value without fee pressure. The Tata Neu Plus SBI Card delivers category-leading 7% rewards within the Tata ecosystem, 4 annual lounge visits, and 1% UPI cashback—though its ₹499 annual fee (waived on ₹1 lakh spend) and ₹99 redemption charges require active usage to justify costs.
Choose IDFC FIRST Bank WOW if:
- You want a lifetime free card with zero annual fees
- You travel internationally and need 0% forex markup
- You’re building credit for the first time or have limited credit history
- You prefer simple rewards without ecosystem lock-in
- You don’t need airport lounge access
Choose Tata Neu Plus SBI Card if:
- You shop frequently on Tata Neu, BigBasket, Croma, or 1mg
- You want 7% rewards on Tata platforms
- You make regular UPI payments and want 1% back
- You fly domestically 3-4 times/year and value lounge access
- You can easily spend ₹1 lakh annually to waive the fee
Final Verdict: For budget-conscious users, international travelers, and credit builders, the IDFC FIRST Bank WOW Credit Card offers unbeatable value with zero costs. For Tata ecosystem enthusiasts and domestic travelers willing to meet spend thresholds, the Tata Neu Plus SBI Card delivers superior category rewards and lounge perks. Your spending pattern determines the winner.
You might also be interested in:
Latest Blogs
Club Vistara IDFC FIRST vs HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card Comparison
IDFC FIRST WOW vs Tata Neu Plus SBI Card: Best Pick?
HDFC Regalia Gold vs Tata Neu Plus: Which Card Wins?
ICICI Sapphiro vs Axis Reserve Credit Card: Which Premium Card Wins?
IndiGo Kotak XL vs IndiGo Kotak Credit Card
Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card vs Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card: Which Cashback Card is Best in 2025?