Quick Verdict

  • The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend with a higher base reward rate of 1% versus 0.5% for the ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ.
  • For travel and lounge access, the ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ holds an edge with international lounge access and golf benefits, while the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ offers more generous travel category rewards but no international lounges.
  • The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold with a lower annual fee and joining fee and no spend required for fee waiver, compared to the higher fees and Rs 5 lakh annual spend waiver threshold on the Rubyx.
  • Choose the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ if you prioritize travel rewards and lower fees. Opt for the ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ if you value premium benefits like international lounges, golf access, and welcome vouchers for shopping and dining.

Side by Side

Detail6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit CardICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Card
Annual feeRs 1,500Rs 2,000
Joining feeRs 1,500Rs 3,000
Fee waiver on spendNoneRs 5.00 lakh
Reward rate1% base0.5% base
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge8 per year8 per year
International loungeNone2 per year
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited fortravel, lounge, rewards, fueltravel, rewards, lounge, shopping

Rewards Compared

On a Rs 10,000 spend, the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 100 back at the base rate and significantly more in its travel (Rs 500), dining (Rs 250), and grocery (Rs 250) categories. This makes it a strong choice for those who spend in these categories, especially travel where it offers a 5% reward rate.

The ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 50 at the base rate on Rs 10,000 spend, with category returns of Rs 100 on dining and online spends. While lower than the IndiGo card, the Rubyx compensates with valuable welcome vouchers and premium benefits that can add indirect value for users focusing on dining and online shopping.

Fees Compared

The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ charges an annual and joining fee of Rs 1,500 each, with no spend required to waive these fees. Its break-even point based on base rewards alone is Rs 1.5 lakh in annual spend.

The ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ has a higher joining fee of Rs 3,000 and annual fee of Rs 2,000, which can be waived only if you spend Rs 5 lakh annually (about Rs 41,667 per month). Its break-even at base rate is much higher at Rs 4 lakh annually. This makes the Rubyx less cost-effective for moderate spenders but potentially rewarding for heavy spenders who can unlock fee waivers and premium perks.

Which One Should You Pick

Pick the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ if you fly IndiGo frequently, want a simple and cost-effective card with strong travel category rewards and domestic lounge access, and prefer lower fees without complicated waiver conditions. It is also suited for fuel and grocery spenders who want decent rewards.

Choose the ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ if you are a big spender who can meet the Rs 5 lakh waiver threshold, want international lounge access and golf privileges, and value premium welcome vouchers for shopping and dining. It suits users who want a well-rounded luxury credit card with concierge services and are willing to pay higher fees.

If you rarely fly IndiGo or travel internationally less often, skip the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo card. If you cannot meet the high waiver spend or do not need international lounges and golf, the Rubyx may not be cost-effective.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Check if your monthly spends can meet the Rs 41,667 threshold to waive the Rubyx card's fees.
  • Understand the redemption process and value of points, especially on the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo card, to ensure you maximize benefits.
  • Watch for any caps on lounge visits or category rewards that might limit your returns.
  • Both cards have a 3.5% forex markup; avoid heavy foreign currency spend if you want to save on fees.
  • Confirm which airports and lounges are accessible domestically and internationally as these may affect your travel experience.

FAQ

What are the joining and annual fees for each card?+
The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ has Rs 1,500 joining and Rs 1,500 annual fee with no waiver. The ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 3,000 joining and Rs 2,000 annual fee, waived only after Rs 5 lakh annual spend.
Does the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo card provide international lounge access?+
No, the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ offers 8 domestic lounge visits per year but no international lounge access.
What premium benefits does the ICICI Rubyx offer?+
The ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ provides 8 domestic and 2 international lounge visits per year, golf access, concierge service, and welcome vouchers worth several thousand rupees for shopping and dining.
How do the reward rates compare for travel and dining?+
The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ offers 5% rewards on travel and 2.5% on dining, while the ICICI Rubyx provides 1% on dining and online spends, with no special travel category rate.
Is the forex markup different on these cards?+
Both cards charge a standard 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions.