Quick Verdict

  • The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend with a higher base reward rate of 1% compared to 0.25% on the IRCTC SBI Card Premierⓘ.
  • For travel spend, especially on IRCTC tickets, the IRCTC SBI Card Premierⓘ delivers superior returns with 10% rewards, versus 5% on the IndiGo card.
  • Both cards have almost identical joining and annual fees around Rs 1,500, but the IndiGo card offers slightly better value for the fee.
  • Choose the IndiGo card if you prioritize regular rewards and IndiGo travel benefits; pick the IRCTC SBI Card Premier if your spending is heavily IRCTC-based or you want railway lounge access.

Side by Side

Detail6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit CardⓘIRCTC SBI Card Premierⓘ
Annual feeRs 1,500Rs 1,499
Joining feeRs 1,500Rs 1,499
Fee waiver on spendRs 1,50,000 (about 1.50 lakh)Rs 5,99,600 (about 6.00 lakh)
Reward rate1% base, 5% travel, 2.5% dining/grocery0.25% base, 10% travel, 1% UPI
Reward typePointsPoints
Domestic lounge8 per year8 per year
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forTravel, lounge, rewards, fuelTravel, UPI-Rupay, lounge

Rewards Compared

The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ provides Rs 100 back on Rs 10,000 spent at the base rate of 1%. It offers enhanced rewards of Rs 500 on travel spend, and Rs 250 each on dining and grocery categories, reflecting its focus on travel and lifestyle. This makes it a compelling choice for users who spend across multiple categories but especially value travel perks.

The IRCTC SBI Card Premierⓘ returns a modest Rs 25 on Rs 10,000 at its base rate of 0.25%. However, it excels with a 10% reward rate on travel spend, yielding Rs 1,000 back on Rs 10,000 spent specifically on IRCTC ticket bookings, double the IndiGo card’s travel rewards. It also offers 1% rewards on UPI payments, adding utility for digital payments. This card is best for frequent railway travelers who can leverage its generous IRCTC rewards.

Fees Compared

Both cards have very similar joining and annual fees, around Rs 1,499 to Rs 1,500. The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ requires Rs 1,50,000 annual spend to waive the fee, making it more accessible for mid-level spenders. In contrast, the IRCTC SBI Card Premierⓘ mandates a much higher spend of Rs 5,99,600 annually to waive its fee, which may not suit average users.

The head-to-head fee difference is just Rs 1 extra annually for the IndiGo card, justified by its higher base reward rate. The extra spend needed to offset this fee difference is a negligible Rs 133, so the IndiGo card offers better value at most spending levels.

Which One Should You Pick

The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ is ideal for travelers who fly IndiGo regularly and want solid rewards on broader categories like dining and grocery. Its complimentary flight ticket worth Rs 3,000 and 6E Prime Add-On add good value. This card suits users who want a balanced travel and lifestyle rewards card with moderate fees and manageable waiver criteria. Skip this card if you do not fly IndiGo or spend significantly on IRCTC.

The IRCTC SBI Card Premierⓘ is best for those who primarily book train tickets on IRCTC and want maximum rewards there. Its 10% travel rewards and 8 railway lounge visits per annum make it perfect for frequent railway travelers. The card also appeals to users who prefer a card supporting UPI payments and want fraud liability protection. Avoid this card if your spend is mostly outside IRCTC or you cannot meet the high waiver threshold.

Ultimately, for everyday spenders with diverse categories and IndiGo travel, the IndiGo card wins. For dedicated IRCTC users focused on railway travel rewards, the IRCTC SBI Card Premier is the better pick.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the spending caps for category rewards, if any, to avoid unexpected limits.
  • Understand redemption rules and point expiry to ensure you can fully utilize rewards.
  • Calculate the effective monthly spend needed to waive annual fees to avoid paying fees unnecessarily.
  • Note that both cards charge 3.5% forex markup, standard for Indian cards, which can add cost to foreign transactions.
  • Check which airports and railway stations support the complimentary lounge access to ensure convenience.

FAQ

What are the key differences in reward rates between the two cards?+
The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ offers a 1% base reward rate with enhanced 5% travel and 2.5% dining and grocery rates. The IRCTC SBI Card Premierⓘ has a lower base rate of 0.25% but provides a very high 10% reward on IRCTC travel bookings and 1% on UPI payments.
Is the annual fee waiver easy to achieve on both cards?+
The IndiGo card requires Rs 1,50,000 annual spend for fee waiver, which is reachable for many. The IRCTC SBI Card Premier’s waiver at Rs 5,99,600 is significantly higher, making fee waiver difficult for average users.
Do both cards offer airport lounge access?+
Yes, both cards provide 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits annually but no international lounge access. The IRCTC SBI Card Premier specifically grants railway lounge access as well.
Are there any foreign transaction fees on these cards?+
Both cards charge a forex markup of 3.5% on foreign currency transactions, which is standard but can add to the cost of overseas spending.
Can I use these cards for fuel purchases with rewards?+
The IndiGo card mentions fuel as a best-suited category but does not specify a special reward rate. The IRCTC SBI Card Premier offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver up to Rs 250 per statement cycle but no extra reward on fuel spend.