HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Card vs RBL Bank ShopRite Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• For everyday spend, the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ offers a higher base reward rate, making it better for general use.
• When it comes to category-specific rewards, RBL Bank ShopRite Credit Cardⓘ wins for grocery and fuel expenses.
• The Rupay IRCTC card is cheaper to hold with no annual fee and a lower waiver threshold.
• Choose the Rupay IRCTC cardⓘ if you are a frequent traveler or UPI user; go for the ShopRite cardⓘ if your spending focuses on groceries and fuel.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

With a spend of Rs 10,000, the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ returns Rs 50 at its base rate of 0.5%, which is higher than the Rs 40 earned on the RBL Bank ShopRite Credit Cardⓘ at a base rate of 0.4%. For travel-related expenses, the Rupay IRCTC cardⓘ significantly outperforms with a 5% reward rate, translating to Rs 500 back on Rs 10,000 spent. It also offers 1% back on UPI transactions, bringing niche value for digital payments.

On the other hand, the ShopRite cardⓘ caters specifically to grocery and fuel spends with a 5% reward rate in each category, also yielding Rs 500 on Rs 10,000 spent. This makes it ideal for shoppers and fuel buyers who want to maximize rewards in these everyday categories. If your expenses align with these categories, ShopRite’s targeted rewards can be more lucrative despite the lower base rate.

Fees Compared

The HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ charges a joining fee of Rs 500 but no annual fee thereafter, which is waived if you spend Rs 1.50 lakh annually or Rs 12,500 monthly on average. The RBL Bank ShopRite Credit Cardⓘ has no joining or annual fees, but you must spend Rs 2.00 lakh annually or about Rs 16,667 monthly to avoid fees. While both cards are marketed as lifetime free, the Rupay IRCTC cardⓘ demands a lower spend threshold to maintain this status, which is easier for moderate spenders to achieve.

Which One Should You Pick

The HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ is best suited for travelers who want good rewards on travel and UPI transactions, along with access to eight domestic lounges annually. It is also an excellent first card due to its zero annual fee after waiver and decent base rewards. However, if you rarely travel or don’t use UPI much, this card’s benefits might not justify the Rs 500 joining fee.

The RBL Bank ShopRite Credit Cardⓘ is ideal for heavy grocery shoppers and those with significant fuel expenses, as it delivers a strong 5% reward in these categories. It also suits those who prefer a no-joining fee card with straightforward cashback benefits. This card is less attractive for travelers or lounge seekers due to lack of lounge access and forex benefits identical to Rupay IRCTC.

In a direct comparison, the HDFC Rupay IRCTC cardⓘ wins for travel and general use rewards with lounge access, while the RBL ShopRiteⓘ card is better for focused grocery and fuel rewards. Avoid the Rupay IRCTC cardⓘ if you do not meet the joining fee or lounge spend conditions. Skip the ShopRite cardⓘ if your spending is mostly outside grocery or fuel categories.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm whether your typical spend categories align with the higher reward categories of each card.
• Review the redemption values and ease of using points, especially since both cards use points rather than direct cashback.
• Calculate the monthly spend needed to waive fees and ensure it fits your budget.
• Consider the 3.5% forex markup if you plan to use the card abroad; neither card offers a forex fee waiver.
• Check the domestic lounge access conditions on the Rupay IRCTC cardⓘ, as Rs 75,000 quarterly spend is required to avail lounges.

FAQ