Swiggy HDFC Credit Card vs Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card

Last Updated : April 9, 2025, 3:38 p.m.
In today's digital-first economy, co-branded credit cards have become increasingly popular for consumers who frequently shop on specific platforms. Two of the most prominent offerings in India are the Swiggy HDFC Credit Card and the Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card . This article provides a detailed comparison of these cards to help you determine which one better suits your spending habits and lifestyle. After determining which card suits you the best, you can apply for the card. However, before applying, it is important to understand the eligibility criteria set by the lender and check whether you fulfil their requirements. The credit score is one of the most important eligibility criteria set down by lenders, and hence it is essential to verify the same before applying for the credit card. Get your free CIBIL score on Wishfin . You can also view your comprehensive CIBIL report.
Comparing the features of the Swiggy HDFC Credit Card and the Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card
Feature | Swiggy HDFC Credit Card | Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card |
---|---|---|
Annual fee | Rs. 500 | Lifetime free |
Fee waiver | Annual fee waived on spending Rs. 2 lakhs per year | Not applicable (already lifetime free) |
Welcome benefits | Complimentary 3-month Swiggy One membership | None |
Platform-specific rewards | A cashback of 10% on Swiggy (Dineout & Genie, food ordering, and Instamart) up to Rs. 1,500/month | For Prime members: 5% cashback on Amazon.in For Non-Prime members: 3% cashback on Amazon.in |
Online Spending Rewards | 5% cashback on online spends across eligible categories up to Rs. 1,500/month | 2% cashback on transactions via Amazon Pay partner merchants |
Other Spending Rewards | 1% cashback on all other categories up to Rs. 500/month | 1% cashback on all other payments |
Maximum Monthly Cashback | Rs. 3,500 (Rs. 1,500 Swiggy + Rs. 1,500 online + Rs. 500 others) | No monthly capping |
Reward Redemption | Cashback credited as statement credit | Rewards credited as Amazon Pay balance |
Maximum Annual Savings | Up to Rs. 42,000 (as per official claims) | No specified limit |
Other Benefits | Mastercard Golf Benefits (for Mastercard variant) | No-cost EMI (3 & 6 months) on Amazon.in |
Exclusions | No cashback on Swiggy Money Wallet, Swiggy Minis & Swiggy Liquor | None specified |
Interest-Free Credit Period | Up to 50 days | Standard credit period |
Detailed Comparison of Swiggy HDFC Credit Card vs Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card
Cashback Benefits
The standout feature of the Swiggy HDFC Credit Card is its impressive 10% cashback on all Swiggy platform spends. This includes food ordering, Swiggy Instamart (groceries), Dineout (restaurant reservations), and Genie (delivery services). The card also offers 5% cashback on online shopping across various categories, and 1% cashback on other spends.
The Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card offers tiered cashback rates depending on your Amazon Prime membership status. Prime members earn 5% cashback on Amazon purchases, while non-Prime members earn 3%. Additionally, the card provides 2% cashback when used with Amazon Pay partner merchants and 1% cashback on all other transactions.
Fees and Charges
The Swiggy HDFC Credit Card comes with an annual fee of Rs. 500 plus applicable taxes. However, this fee is waived if you spend Rs. 2 lakh or more in a year before your credit card renewal date.
One of the biggest advantages of the Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card is that it has no joining fee or annual fee, making it a lifetime free credit card. This gives it a clear edge in terms of cost-effectiveness.
Welcome Benefits and Perks
New cardholders are entitled to a complimentary Swiggy One membership for 3 months upon activating the card. This premium subscription offers unlimited benefits across restaurants, Swiggy Instamart, and Genie orders, including free delivery and exclusive discounts from select restaurants.
The Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card doesn't offer specific welcome benefits. However, the card does provide no-cost EMI options for 3 and 6 months on Amazon.in purchases.
Reward Redemption
The cashback earned on the Swiggy HDFC Credit Card is credited directly to your statement and adjusted against outstanding dues. From June 21, 2024, cashback redemption has moved to statement credit while existing Swiggy money will continue to be in the Swiggy App.
Rewards accrued on the Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card are auto credited as Amazon Pay balance. This balance can be used to purchase from more than 10 crore products at Amazon.in and at over 100 Amazon Pay partner merchants.
Maximum Earning Potential
The Swiggy HDFC Credit Card claims to enable users to save up to Rs. 42,000 every year. This is broken down as:
- Rs. 18,000 on Swiggy application through 10% cashback
- Rs. 18,000 on online purchases through 5% cashback
- Rs. 6,000 on other categories through 1% cashback
However, to maximize this benefit, you would need to spend Rs. 90,000 per month across various categories: Rs. 15,000 on Swiggy platforms, Rs. 30,000 on other online platforms, and Rs. 50,000 on other spends.
The Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card doesn't specify a maximum earning potential. One advantage is that there's no limit or expiry date on the rewards earned using this card.
Which Card Should You Choose?
Choose Swiggy HDFC Credit Card if:
- You frequently order food, groceries, or use other services through Swiggy
- You spend significantly on online shopping across various platforms
- You can easily meet the Rs. 2 lakhs annual spending requirement to waive the annual fee
- You value the 3-month complimentary Swiggy One membership
Choose Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card if:
- You're an Amazon Prime member who shops regularly on Amazon.in
- You prefer a completely fee-free credit card with no annual charges
- You frequently transact with Amazon Pay partner merchants
- You value the flexibility of using rewards as Amazon Pay balance.
Conclusion
Both the Swiggy HDFC Credit Card and the Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card offer compelling benefits for different types of consumers. The Swiggy card provides exceptional value for frequent Swiggy users with its 10% cashback, while the Amazon Pay card stands out with its no-fee structure and Amazon-centric rewards system. Your choice should ultimately depend on your spending patterns and preferences. If you're a foodie who frequently orders from Swiggy and spends significantly online, the Swiggy HDFC card might be more beneficial despite its annual fee. Conversely, if you're an avid Amazon shopper looking for a no-fee card with decent rewards, the Amazon Pay ICICI card would be the better option. Consider your monthly expenditure on these platforms and calculate the potential rewards before making your decision. Remember that the best credit card is one that aligns with your spending habits and provides maximum value for your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)