synopsis: This article compares a FD backed Credit Card and a Unsecured Credit Card, the aim of the article is to help readers understand the difference between Secured and Unsecured cards and help them in choosing the right card.

The younger generation finds it difficult to acquire a credit card. Lack of credit history, inadequate salary slip details, and a low CIBIL score are some hurdles to securing a credit card. FD Backed Credit Cards fills this exact gap. It offers a Fixed Deposit account, most of them are lifetime no fee, and UPI functionality, making them ideal credit-building tools. Lets now compare a Secured card with a Unsecured card. 

IDFC First Hello Cashback Credit Card

IDFC FIRST Hello Cashback Credit Card

The Hello Cashback is a Fixed Deposit (FD) secured credit card offered by IDFC First Bank for credit card users who wish to become part of the credit world without proving their income sources. As it is a credit card that is backed by an FD, anybody can apply for it regardless of their credit rating or employment type.

  • Cash Back Structure
    • 3% cashback on online spending of up to ₹10,000 per statement cycle
    • 5% cashback on additional online spending of more than ₹10,000
    • 1% cashback on non-online/offline spending
    • 1% cashback on UPI spending via the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile application
    • 1% cashback on essentials including utilities, insurance, education, FASTag recharge, railway spends, wallet recharge, rent payment, jewelry purchase, and govt services
    • Extra 1% cashback on booking flights/hotels via the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile application (maximum 6% for travel)
  • Annual Fee Waiver and Milestone Benefits
    • Joining fee: ₹0(Introductory offer)
    • Annual fee: ₹1,0001,000 
    • Spending above ₹2,00,000 per year during the card’s anniversary period entitles you to a complete annual fee waiver
    • Spending between ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,99,999 per year during the card’s anniversary period entitles you to a waiver of 50% of annual fees
  • Built-In Privileges and Safety Net
    • Personal Accident Insurance: ₹2,00,000
    • Credit Shield Insurance (in case of accidental death): ₹50,000
    • Purchase Protection Insurance: ₹25,000 for up to 60 days from the purchase date
    • 4 free RSA services per year, valued at ₹1,399 each, including services like towing, tire changes, jump-start, fuel delivery, and more.
    • 1% fuel surcharge waived (up to ₹100 per billing cycle) on fuel transactions ranging from ₹200 to ₹5,000.

To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website

Also Read: ₹10K Monthly Spend Analysis: HDFC Millennia Credit Card vs Axis Bank ACE Credit Card – Which Card Offers More Cashback?

HDFC Millennia Credit Card

HDFC Millennia Credit Card

This cashback credit card is different from the Hello Cashback as it is an unsecured credit card that demands proof of salary along with a good credit score, making it suitable for salaried professionals and self-employed individuals with a stable income.

  • Cash Back Structure
    • 5% Cashback on 10 Partner Brands
    • 1% Cashback on Remaining spends
    • Redemption of CashPoints: 1 CashPoint = Rs. 1 statement credit. 
    • Welcome Gift: 1,000 CashPoints upon paying annual membership fees.
    • Milestone Benefits: Rs. 1 lakh spend in any calendar quarter and get a choice between a Rs. 1,000 gift voucher OR 1 Domestic airport lounge access for free.
    • Fuel Charges Exemption: 1% for transactions between Rs. 400 and Rs. 5,000 
    • Smart EMIs: Enables you to pay off larger transactions through EMIs.
    • No Card Loss Liability: No liability for fraud post-loss reporting.
    • Contactless Payments: Offers you quick payments within stores.
    • Add-On Cards: Available for family members.
  • Joining & Annual Fee
    • joining fee: Rs. 1,000 plus GST, while the yearly renewal charge is also Rs. 1,000 plus GST, exempted entirely in case spend of Rs. 1 lakh or more in one year.

To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website

Comparison of both the Cards

Conclusion

Deciding whether to opt for the IDFC First Hello Cashback card or HDFC Millennia is entirely dependent on your financial condition, lifestyle, and requirements regarding the features that you expect from a credit card. If your new to credit cards, do not have the means to provide proof of income or want to start establishing a credit score by opting for a secured credit card, the IDFC First Hello Cashback will be a game changer for you. This card makes it possible to get credit card backed by FD and with no income proof requirement, and the FD continues to earn interest. On the other hand, if you are a salaried person with a steady source of income and a habitual user of shopping websites such as Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, and Zomato, then the HDFC Millennia Credit Card will provide you with an excellent offer of brand cashback and quarterly milestones.

Written by Shrikara

  • : Author

    Trade Brains Money’s editorial team is a dedicated group of researchers, finance writers, and editors with over 10 years of experience, committed to delivering clear, accurate, and actionable insights across banking, credit cards, loans, real estate, personal finance, and taxation to help you make informed financial decisions.