Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ wins with a higher base reward rate of 0.5% versus 0.25% on the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ.
  • For fuel purchases, the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ clearly leads, offering 4.25% rewards.
  • The Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold with a lower annual fee of Rs 299 and no fee waiver requirement compared to Rs 499 with waiver on Rs 1,00,000 annual spend for the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ.
  • Pick the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ if you spend mainly on fuel or want a first card with fuel benefits. Choose the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ if your focus is on online shopping and lower fees.

Side by Side

DetailBPCL SBI Credit CardⓘShoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 499Rs 299
Joining feeRs 499Rs 299
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.00 lakh
Reward rate0.25% base0.5% base
Reward typepointspoints
Fuel category rate4.25%
Online category rate1.25%6%
Domestic loungeNoneNone
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forfuel, first-cardshopping, lifetime-free

Rewards Compared

The BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ returns Rs 25 on Rs 10,000 spent at the base rate of 0.25%. Its standout category is fuel, where it delivers Rs 425 back per Rs 10,000 spent, making it highly rewarding for fuel purchases. Online spend earns Rs 125 on Rs 10,000, which is modest.

In contrast, the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ offers double the base reward at Rs 50 per Rs 10,000 spent. Its online category is particularly lucrative, giving Rs 600 back per Rs 10,000 spent, significantly higher than the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ. This makes it a top choice for online shopping enthusiasts.

Fees Compared

The BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 499 each for joining and annual fee. However, this annual fee is waived if you spend Rs 1,00,000 annually, translating to about Rs 8,333 per month. If you do not meet this threshold, the fee stands. To cover the fee purely via base rewards, you need to spend approximately Rs 1,99,600 annually.

The Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ has a lower joining and annual fee of Rs 299 each, with no fee waiver condition. The base reward rate covers the fee at around Rs 59,800 spend annually, much lower than the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ. This makes it easier to justify holding for moderate spenders.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ if you spend heavily on fuel and want a card that rewards this category generously. It is also a good option for those looking for a first credit card with fuel benefits. However, if you do not spend Rs 1,00,000 annually, the fee waiver is hard to achieve, making it less attractive.

Go for the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ if your primary expenses are online shopping and you want a card with a lower annual fee and no waiver hassles. It suits shoppers who want steady rewards without worrying about hitting spend thresholds. But skip this if fuel rewards or lounge access are priorities, as it lacks these benefits.

Overall, the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ edges out as the better all-rounder for everyday and online spenders due to higher base rewards and lower fees, while the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ excels for fuel spenders.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm if the fuel rewards on the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ have any monthly or yearly caps that limit benefits.
  • Check the actual redemption value of points for both cards since points are the reward type and can vary in worth.
  • Verify the monthly spend needed to waive the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ fee and realistically assess if you can meet it.
  • Consider that both cards have a 3.5% forex markup, which is costly for foreign currency transactions.
  • Neither card offers domestic or international lounge access, so do not expect travel luxury perks.

FAQ

What is the forex markup on these cards?+
Both the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ and Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which is standard but relatively high if you frequently spend abroad.
Do these cards offer lounge access?+
No, neither card provides access to domestic or international airport lounges.
Can I get the annual fee waived on both cards?+
Only the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ offers an annual fee waiver if you spend Rs 1,00,000 annually. The Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ has no fee waiver condition but charges a lower fee.
Which card is better for online shopping?+
The Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ is the clear winner for online shopping, offering 6% rewards in that category versus 1.25% from the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ.
Is the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ suitable as a first credit card?+
Yes, it is recommended as a first card especially for those who want to maximize fuel rewards.