Quick Verdict

  • The HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend due to its higher base reward rate.
  • For fuel and grocery spends, the Indianoil RBL Bank Xtra Credit Cardⓘ offers better category-specific rewards.
  • The HDFC Diners card is cheaper to hold if you meet the higher waiver spend, while the RBL Xtra card has a slightly lower waiver threshold but higher fees.
  • Choose the HDFC Diners Club Privilege card if you prioritize travel, dining, and online shopping rewards. Opt for the Indianoil RBL Xtra card if you want fuel benefits and occasional lounge access.

Side by Side

DetailHDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit CardⓘIndianoil RBL Bank Xtra Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 1,000Rs 1,500
Joining feeRs 1,000Rs 1,500
Fee waiver on spendRs 3.00 lakhRs 2.75 lakh
Reward rate2.67% base, 13.33% online category0.4% base, 8.5% fuel, 1% grocery
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge8 per year4 per year
International lounge4 per yearNone
Forex markup2%3.5%
Best suited forrewards, dining, lounge, shopping, travelfuel, rewards, lounge

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 267 back at the base rate. If you use it for online purchases, the return jumps significantly to Rs 1,333 due to the 13.33% category rate. This makes it very lucrative for heavy online shoppers who want to maximize rewards on digital spends. The rewards are paid in points, which can be redeemed in various ways, although the exact redemption value is not specified here.

In contrast, the Indianoil RBL Bank Xtra Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 40 back on Rs 10,000 spent at the base rate, which is much lower than the Diners card. However, it shines on fuel spends, offering Rs 850 back on Rs 10,000, which is a strong incentive for regular petrol users. The 1% grocery return is modest but adds some value for daily essentials. The reward type is also points, but with a focus on fuel-related benefits and cashback.

Fees Compared

The HDFC Diners Club Privilege card charges Rs 1,000 as both joining and annual fees. These fees can be waived if you spend Rs 3.00 lakh annually, which breaks down to Rs 25,000 per month. The card’s break-even spend to cover the base fee through rewards is Rs 37,453, making it suitable for medium to high spenders who shop online or travel frequently.

The Indianoil RBL Xtra card has a higher joining and annual fee of Rs 1,500 each. The waiver threshold is slightly lower at Rs 2.75 lakh annually or approximately Rs 22,917 per month. However, the base reward rate is much lower, so you need to spend significantly more, about Rs 3.75 lakh annually, to cover the fee purely through base rewards. This card is more beneficial if you take advantage of the fuel category benefits and other premium perks.

Which One Should You Pick

If you are a frequent traveler or online shopper looking for a card that offers solid base rewards plus excellent category returns, the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Cardⓘ is a strong choice. It also appeals to those who value airport lounge access, both domestic and international, and appreciate concierge services and premium benefits like dining offers and movie ticket deals. However, skip this card if you do not meet the waiver spend easily or rarely shop online.

The Indianoil RBL Bank Xtra Credit Cardⓘ suits fuel buyers who want strong valueback at IndianOil stations and can utilize the free petrol litres as fuel points annually. It offers moderate lounge access but no international lounges and charges a higher forex markup. This card is best for those who prioritize fuel savings and can meet the fee waiver threshold. Avoid this card if you rarely buy fuel or want premium travel perks.

Overall, the HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card edges out the Indianoil RBL Bank Xtra Credit Card for most users due to higher base rewards, better travel perks, and lower forex costs. The RBL card is more niche, catering well to heavy fuel spenders.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the exact caps on category rewards, especially the online and fuel categories, to avoid surprises.
  • Check the redemption value of points to ensure you get good value; points systems vary widely.
  • Understand the monthly spend required to waive fees and realistically assess your spending habits.
  • Consider the forex markup, especially if you travel abroad frequently, 2% vs 3.5% is a significant difference.
  • Verify the lounge access locations and the spend gates needed to unlock additional lounge vouchers.

FAQ

What is the best card for online shopping between these two?+
The HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Cardⓘ offers a standout 13.33% reward rate on online spends, making it the better choice for online shopping rewards.
Can I waive the annual fee on both cards?+
Yes, both cards offer fee waivers based on annual spend. The HDFC Diners card requires Rs 3.00 lakh annually, and the RBL Xtra card requires Rs 2.75 lakh annually.
Do both cards offer airport lounge access?+
The HDFC Diners Club Privilege card provides 8 domestic and 4 international lounge visits per year. The Indianoil RBL Bank Xtra card offers 4 domestic lounges annually but no international lounge access.
Which card has a lower foreign exchange markup?+
The HDFC Diners Club Privilege card charges a 2% forex markup, whereas the Indianoil RBL Bank Xtra card charges a higher 3.5%, making the former more cost-effective for international transactions.
Are there any additional premium benefits with these cards?+
Yes, the HDFC Diners card includes concierge service, movie ticket offers, and complimentary memberships like Swiggy One & Times Prime. The RBL Xtra card offers fuel surcharge waivers and up to 250 litres of free petrol annually via fuel points.