Looking to earn maximum cashback on online shopping, bill payments, and daily spends? The HDFC Millennia and SBI Cashback Credit Card are two of the most popular choices among Indian users in 2025.
But which one is actually better?
Let’s compare them side-by-side and see who wins.
⚔️ Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | HDFC Millennia Card | SBI Cashback Card |
|---|---|---|
| Cashback Rate | 5% on Amazon, Flipkart & Myntra (via SmartBuy), 1% elsewhere | 5% on all online spends (excluding a few categories), 1% offline |
| Max Cashback/Month | ₹1,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Cashback Redemption | Quarterly (auto credit) | Monthly (auto credit) |
| Annual Fee | ₹1,000 (Waived on ₹1L spend) | ₹999 (Waived on ₹2L spend) |
| Joining Bonus | ₹1,000 gift voucher | ₹500 cashback |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Yes (1%) | Yes (1%) |
| Cashback on Utilities/Insurance | ❌ No cashback | ❌ No cashback |
| Mobile Wallet Payments | ✅ Cashback applies | ❌ No cashback |
| App Ecosystem | SmartBuy, PayZapp | Native SBI Cards app |
| Ideal For | Loyal HDFC users & tech-savvy shoppers | General online shoppers |
🔍 Deep Dive: HDFC Millennia Credit Card
💰 Cashback Structure
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5% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra (ONLY via SmartBuy or PayZapp)
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1% cashback on all other online spends
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Cashback capped at ₹1,000/month
🎁 Welcome Benefits
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₹1,000 voucher on spending ₹30,000 within 90 days
✅ Pros
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Partner benefits with Zomato, Myntra, BookMyShow
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Contactless payments
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Fuel surcharge waiver
❌ Cons
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Cashback credited quarterly
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Requires usage of SmartBuy/PayZapp for max benefits
🔍 Deep Dive: SBI Cashback Credit Card
💰 Cashback Structure
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5% cashback on all online transactions (except utilities, insurance, rent, fuel, wallet loads)
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1% cashback on all offline spends
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Cashback capped at ₹5,000/month
🎁 Welcome Benefit
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₹500 cashback on first online spend of ₹2,000
✅ Pros
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No partner restriction – works on all apps/websites
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Simple and automated monthly cashback
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High cashback ceiling
❌ Cons
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No cashback on bill payments, insurance, fuel
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No exclusive partner deals or privileges
📈 Which One Gives More Cashback?
| Monthly Online Spend | HDFC Millennia | SBI Cashback |
|---|---|---|
| ₹10,000 (Amazon) | ₹500 (via SmartBuy) | ₹500 |
| ₹15,000 (Myntra) | ₹750 (via PayZapp) | ₹750 |
| ₹20,000 (mixed spend) | ₹1,000 (capped) | ₹1,000 |
| ₹25,000 (including utility bills) | ₹1,000 (utilities excluded) | ₹1,000 (utilities excluded) |
| ₹40,000 (across categories) | ₹1,000 (maxed) | ₹2,000 |
Verdict: SBI Cashback wins for heavy online spenders. HDFC Millennia is best for branded shopping through HDFC platforms.
🔥 Ideal User Profiles
| User Type | Best Card |
|---|---|
| Shops frequently on Amazon, Flipkart (via SmartBuy) | HDFC Millennia |
| Wants maximum cashback across multiple websites | SBI Cashback |
| Doesn’t want to remember using SmartBuy or PayZapp | SBI Cashback |
| Already holds an HDFC salary/savings account | HDFC Millennia |
| Monthly spends above ₹20,000 online | SBI Cashback |
💬 FAQs
Q1. Can I hold both HDFC Millennia and SBI Cashback cards?
A: Yes, you can. Use HDFC for SmartBuy-exclusive offers and SBI for general purchases.
Q2. Which card has better mobile app experience?
A: HDFC SmartHub and PayZapp are improving, but SBI Card app is simpler and faster.
Q3. Do both cards allow EMI conversion?
A: Yes, both support EMI on big-ticket purchases.
🏁 Final Verdict: Who Wins?
| Criteria | Winner |
|---|---|
| Cashback Simplicity | ✅ SBI Cashback |
| Online Shopping Offers | ✅ HDFC Millennia |
| App + Ecosystem | ✅ HDFC |
| Cashback Limit | ✅ SBI Cashback |
| Redemption Speed | ✅ SBI Cashback |
👉 Verdict:
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Choose SBI Cashback Credit Card if you want max cashback without platform restrictions.
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Choose HDFC Millennia Credit Card if you shop heavily via SmartBuy or prefer curated deals and a branded ecosystem.