Quick Verdict

  • The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend with a higher base reward rate of 1% versus 0.4% on the Indianoil RBL Bank Xtra Credit Cardⓘ.
  • For fuel spends, the Indianoil RBL Bank Xtra Credit Cardⓘ is clearly superior, offering 8.5% returns compared to no special fuel rewards on the 6E Rewards XL.
  • The 6E Rewards XL has a more achievable fee waiver threshold at zero, whereas the Indianoil RBL Xtra requires Rs 2.75 lakh annually to waive the Rs 1,500 annual fee.
  • Pick the 6E Rewards XL if you travel frequently with IndiGo and want lounge access and travel rewards. Choose the Indianoil RBL Xtra if your primary spend is on fuel and you can meet the high waiver spend.

Side by Side

Detail6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit CardⓘIndianoil RBL Bank Xtra Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 1,500Rs 1,500
Joining feeRs 1,500Rs 1,500
Fee waiver on spendNoneRs 2.75 lakh annual (Rs 22,917 per month)
Reward rate1% base0.4% base
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge8 per year4 per year
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited fortravel, lounge, rewards, fuelfuel, rewards, lounge

Rewards Compared

The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 100 back on every Rs 10,000 spent at its base rate of 1%. This base earning is substantially higher than the Indianoil RBL Bank Xtra Credit Cardⓘ, which returns Rs 40 per Rs 10,000 spent at its 0.4% base rate. The 6E Rewards XL shines on travel spends, offering a 5% return (Rs 500 on Rs 10,000), and also gives 2.5% back on dining and grocery spends (Rs 250 per Rs 10,000).

In contrast, the Indianoil RBL Xtra card’s standout category is fuel, where it delivers an 8.5% reward rate or Rs 850 per Rs 10,000 spent. Grocery earns a modest 1% or Rs 100 per Rs 10,000. For non-fuel categories, this card’s returns are weaker compared to the 6E Rewards XL. The 6E Rewards XL is thus better for diversified spends including travel and dining, while the Indianoil RBL Xtra is ideal for heavy fuel spenders.

Fees Compared

Both cards charge a joining and annual fee of Rs 1,500. The 6E Rewards XL does not offer an annual fee waiver, so cardholders must absorb Rs 1,500 yearly unless the rewards they earn offset this cost. Given its 1% base rate, you need to spend about Rs 1,50,000 annually to cover the annual fee purely through rewards.

The Indianoil RBL Xtra card waives the annual fee if you spend Rs 2.75 lakh annually, which translates to about Rs 22,917 per month. This is a high bar to clear, and the card’s lower base reward rate means you need substantial fuel spending or other benefits to justify holding it. The break-even spend to recover the fee through rewards alone is about Rs 3,75,000, making fee waiver spend essential for value.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ if you frequently fly IndiGo, want solid rewards on travel, dining, and groceries, and value domestic lounge access. Its discounted IndiGo ticket convenience fee and welcome complimentary flight ticket add to the appeal. It suits those with moderate to high travel budgets who want a straightforward rewards structure with no fee waiver hassle.

The Indianoil RBL Bank Xtra Credit Cardⓘ is made for heavy fuel spenders who can capitalize on the 8.5% fuel rewards and additional fuel surcharge waivers. If you regularly spend over Rs 22,917 monthly to waive the fee and can utilize the up to 250 litres free petrol annually benefit, this card delivers great value. It is less suitable for travelers or those seeking broad lifestyle rewards.

In summary, the 6E Rewards XL is the better all-rounder for everyday and travel spends, while the Indianoil RBL Xtra excels in fuel rewards for high spenders. Avoid the 6E Rewards XL if you do not fly IndiGo or travel much. Skip the Indianoil RBL Xtra if your fuel spend is low or you cannot meet the high fee waiver threshold.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Caps on reward categories: Verify any limits on maximum points or cashback in travel, fuel, or dining.
  • Redemption value: Understand if points convert at fixed rates or if their value fluctuates, especially for flight tickets or fuel redemptions.
  • Fee waiver math: Confirm the exact spend needed monthly to waive the annual fee and whether it includes all categories or specific ones.
  • Forex markup: Both cards charge 3.5% on foreign currency spends, making them costly for international use.
  • Lounge access gates: Check the number of complimentary lounge visits and the spend gates needed, especially on the Indianoil RBL Xtra.

FAQ

What are the joining and annual fees for these cards?+
Both the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ and the Indianoil RBL Bank Xtra Credit Cardⓘ charge a joining fee and an annual fee of Rs 1,500 each.
Which card offers better rewards on travel expenses?+
The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ offers a 5% return on travel spends, making it considerably better than the Indianoil RBL Bank Xtra Credit Cardⓘ, which does not have a special travel category reward.
Does the Indianoil RBL Xtra Credit Card offer a fee waiver?+
Yes, it waives the Rs 1,500 annual fee if you spend Rs 2.75 lakh annually, approximately Rs 22,917 per month. The 6E Rewards XL does not offer such a waiver.
Are there any lounge access benefits?+
The 6E Rewards XL offers 8 domestic lounge visits per year with no international lounges. The Indianoil RBL Xtra offers 4 domestic lounge visits annually but requires Rs 75,000 quarterly spend to unlock these.
What is the forex markup on international spends?+
Both cards charge a standard 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which can make overseas spending expensive.