6E Rewards - Indigo HDFC Bank Credit Card vs IDFC First Indigo Dual Mastercard Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?

6E Rewards - Indigo Hdfc Bank Credit Card vs Idfc First Indigo Dual Mastercard Credit Card

In short: HDFC 6E Rewards - Indigo has the lower annual fee (₹500 vs ₹4,999); IDFC First Indigo Dual has the lower forex markup (0% vs 3.5%).

Key factsHDFC 6E Rewards - IndigoIDFC First Indigo Dual
Annual fee₹500₹4,999
Joining fee₹500₹4,999
Top reward rate2.5 6E Rewards Per ₹100 Spends on Indigo22 IndiGo BluChips Per ₹100 on IndiGo
Base rewards1 6E Rewards Per ₹1003 IndiGo BluChips Per ₹100
Forex markup3.5%0%

From issuer benefit data, checked 5 Nov 2026. Milestones, welcome benefits and caps are in the full table below.

The 6E Rewards - Indigo Hdfc Bank Credit Card and the Idfc First Indigo Dual Mastercard Credit Card both offer rewards tailored to frequent Indigo flyers, but they differ significantly in fees, rewards structure, and forex charges. The HDFC card has a lower joining and renewal fee of Rs.500 each, while the IDFC First card charges Rs.4999 for both. Rewards on Indigo spends are higher on the IDFC First card, and it also features milestone bonuses and zero forex markup.

Comparison notes and quick badges use AI, grounded in the benefit data shown in the table. Confirm details on each issuer’s site.

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Best for rewards → Idfc First Indigo Dual Mastercard Credit Card
Best for travel → Idfc First Indigo Dual Mastercard Credit Card
Best for low fee → 6E Rewards - Indigo Hdfc Bank Credit Card
Best for beginners → 6E Rewards - Indigo Hdfc Bank Credit Card
Feature 6E Rewards - Indigo Hdfc Bank Credit Card Idfc First Indigo Dual Mastercard Credit Card
BankHDFC BankIDFC First Bank
NetworkMasterCardMasterCard
Joining feeJoining Fee of Rs.500Joining Fee - Rs.4999
Annual / renewal feeRenewal Fee of Rs. 500Renewal Fee of Rs.4999
Top reward rateEarn 2.5 6E Rewards Per Rs.100 Spends on IndigoEarn 22 IndiGo BluChips Per Rs.100 on IndiGo
Base rate (other spends)Earn 1 6E Rewards Per Rs.100Earn 3 IndiGo BluChips Per Rs.100
Welcome benefitGet 1 Complimentary Flight Ticket Worth Rs.1500Joining Benefits - Voucher of 5000 IndiGo BluChips
Milestone benefit—Earn 3000 Bonus IndiGo Bluchips on Spend Rs.1Lac; Earn 5000 Bonus IndiGo BluChips Voucher on Spend of Rs.2 Lakhs
Foreign currency markup3.5% - Foreign Currency Transactions0% - Zero Forex Markup

Which is better for rewards?

The Idfc First Indigo Dual Mastercard Credit Card offers a much higher top reward rate of 22 IndiGo BluChips per Rs.100 spent on Indigo compared to 2.5 6E Rewards per Rs.100 on the HDFC card. Its base reward rate is also higher at 3 BluChips per Rs.100 versus 1 6E Reward per Rs.100 on the HDFC card. Additionally, the IDFC First card provides milestone bonuses up to 5000 IndiGo BluChips at various spend thresholds, which can significantly boost rewards for high spenders. The HDFC card offers steady rewards on dining, entertainment, and grocery. Overall, the IDFC First card’s rewards structure is more rewarding for frequent Indigo flyers and high spenders.

Which is better for travel?

Both cards focus on Indigo airline spends, but the IDFC First card stands out with a much higher reward rate on Indigo transactions and milestone bonuses that reward frequent travelers with additional IndiGo BluChips. The HDFC card offers a complimentary flight ticket worth Rs.1500 as a welcome benefit, which is a one-time value. The IDFC First card also includes a welcome voucher of 5000 IndiGo BluChips and renewal benefits, adding ongoing value for regular Indigo flyers. Neither card lists domestic or international lounge access in our data.

Which has lower effective cost?

The 6E Rewards - Indigo Hdfc Bank Credit Card has a significantly lower joining and renewal fee of Rs.500 each, making it more accessible for those seeking a low-cost option. In contrast, the Idfc First Indigo Dual Mastercard Credit Card charges Rs.4999 for both joining and renewal, which is ten times higher. The IDFC First card offers zero forex markup, which can be beneficial for international travelers, whereas the HDFC card charges 3.5% on foreign currency transactions. Neither card lists fee waivers or fuel surcharge waivers in our data.

Forex Charges

The Idfc First Indigo Dual Mastercard Credit Card offers zero forex markup, making it more cost-effective for international transactions. In contrast, the 6E Rewards - Indigo Hdfc Bank Credit Card charges a 3.5% forex markup, which increases the cost of foreign currency spends.

Milestone Benefits

The IDFC First card provides multiple milestone bonuses, including 3000 IndiGo BluChips on spending Rs.1 lakh and additional bonuses up to 5000 BluChips at higher spend thresholds annually. Milestone benefits for the HDFC card are not listed in our data.

Who should pick 6E Rewards - Indigo Hdfc Bank Credit Card?

Consider 6E Rewards - Indigo Hdfc Bank Credit Card if you prefer a low joining and renewal fee and want steady rewards on Indigo spends along with decent rewards on dining, entertainment, and grocery. It is a practical choice for moderate spenders who value a complimentary flight ticket worth Rs.1500 as a welcome benefit and are less concerned about forex charges or milestone bonuses.

Who should pick Idfc First Indigo Dual Mastercard Credit Card?

Consider Idfc First Indigo Dual Mastercard Credit Card if you are a frequent Indigo flyer looking for the highest rewards on Indigo spends and want to benefit from milestone bonuses that reward high annual spending. It is suitable for those who can justify the higher joining and renewal fees of Rs.4999 and want zero forex markup for international transactions. Additionally, the card offers a 3-month complimentary Eazydiner Prime membership and ongoing renewal benefits, adding value beyond rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the joining and renewal fees for these cards?

The 6E Rewards - Indigo Hdfc Bank Credit Card has a joining and renewal fee of Rs.500 each, while the Idfc First Indigo Dual Mastercard Credit Card charges Rs.4999 for both joining and renewal.

Which card offers better rewards on Indigo spends?

The Idfc First Indigo Dual Mastercard Credit Card offers 22 IndiGo BluChips per Rs.100 spent on Indigo, significantly higher than the 2.5 6E Rewards per Rs.100 on the HDFC card.

Are there any forex charges on these cards?

The Idfc First Indigo Dual Mastercard Credit Card has zero forex markup, whereas the 6E Rewards - Indigo Hdfc Bank Credit Card charges 3.5% on foreign currency transactions.

Do these cards offer lounge access benefits?

Neither card lists domestic or international lounge access benefits in our data; check with the issuer for details.

Are there milestone rewards available?

The Idfc First Indigo Dual Mastercard Credit Card offers milestone bonuses of IndiGo BluChips at various annual spend levels. Milestone benefits for the HDFC card are not listed in our data.

What welcome benefits do these cards provide?

The HDFC card offers a complimentary flight ticket worth Rs.1500 as a welcome benefit. The IDFC First card provides a voucher of 5000 IndiGo BluChips and a postcard voucher worth Rs.3000.