Quick Verdict

  • The ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Card ⓘ wins for everyday spend with a higher base reward rate of 0.5% versus 0.25% on the BPCL SBI Credit Card ⓘ.
  • For fuel purchases, the ICICI card also leads with a 5% return compared to 4.25% on the BPCL SBI card.
  • The ICICI Bank card offers domestic lounge access, which the BPCL SBI card lacks, giving it an edge for occasional lounge users.
  • The BPCL SBI card has a higher joining and annual fee but a lower waiver threshold, making it potentially cheaper for lower spenders.
  • Choose the ICICI Bank HPCL Coral card if you want better rewards on fuel and occasional lounge access. Opt for the BPCL SBI card if you prefer a lower waiver spend and are okay with fewer perks.

Side by Side

DetailICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Card ⓘBPCL SBI Credit Card ⓘ
Annual feeRs 199Rs 499
Joining feeRs 199Rs 499
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.50 lakhRs 1.00 lakh
Reward rate0.5% base, 5% fuel0.25% base, 4.25% fuel, 1.25% online
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge4 per yearNone
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forfuel, first-card, shoppingfuel, first-card

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on everyday purchases with the ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Card ⓘ yields Rs 50 in rewards due to its 0.5% base reward rate. For the same amount spent on fuel, the card offers a significantly higher return of Rs 500, reflecting its 5% fuel category bonus. This makes the ICICI card very attractive for fuel spenders and those looking for decent rewards on general transactions.

In contrast, the BPCL SBI Credit Card ⓘ delivers Rs 25 on ordinary spend at its 0.25% base rate, which is half of what the ICICI card offers. Its fuel category reward of 4.25% returns Rs 425 on Rs 10,000 spent, slightly less than the ICICI card but still competitive. Additionally, it has a 1.25% reward rate on online spending, equating to Rs 125 for Rs 10,000, which the ICICI card does not specifically offer. This makes the BPCL SBI card somewhat versatile but less rewarding overall for fuel spenders.

Fees Compared

The ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Card ⓘ charges a joining and annual fee of Rs 199 each, which is low compared to the BPCL SBI card’s Rs 499 for both fees. The ICICI card’s fee waiver requires Rs 1.50 lakh in annual spend, or Rs 12,500 monthly, whereas the BPCL SBI card waives fees at Rs 1.00 lakh annual spend, or about Rs 8,333 monthly. This means the BPCL SBI card is easier to keep fee-free if your spending is moderate.

Regarding break-even on fees through base rewards alone, the ICICI card requires about Rs 39,800 in annual spend to cover its Rs 199 fee, while the BPCL SBI card’s higher fees demand nearly Rs 2.00 lakh of spend to break even. This confirms the ICICI card is more cost-effective for typical users.

Both cards impose a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which is standard and should be considered if you travel internationally.

Which One Should You Pick

Pick the ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Card ⓘ if you frequently buy fuel and want to benefit from one of the highest fuel cashback rates at 5%. Its low fees and domestic lounge access (4 entries per year) make it a good all-rounder for first-time credit card users who also shop regularly. However, if your monthly spend is below Rs 12,500, the fee waiver may be hard to achieve.

Choose the BPCL SBI Credit Card ⓘ if you want a card with a lower waiver spend threshold of Rs 8,333 monthly and enjoy rewards on online purchases at 1.25%. Although the reward rates are lower, the higher joining and annual fees might be justified if you spend enough to waive them. This card suits users who want basic fuel rewards without needing lounge access.

In a direct comparison, the ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Card takes the lead for most users due to better fuel rewards, lower fees, and lounge benefits. The BPCL SBI Credit Card should be skipped by anyone seeking higher returns or lounge access but might be useful for those with lower spend who value online rewards.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the quarterly Rs 75,000 spending gate to access the ICICI card’s domestic lounges; missing this means no lounge access.
  • Check if reward points on each card have any caps or expiry which may limit overall value.
  • Verify the fee waiver threshold and ensure your monthly spend matches or exceeds it to avoid paying fees.
  • Consider the 3.5% forex markup if you travel abroad regularly; both cards have identical charges.
  • Confirm the availability and locations of the domestic lounges for the ICICI card to see if they fit your travel patterns.

FAQ

How do the rewards on fuel purchases compare between these two cards?+
The ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Card ⓘ offers a 5% reward rate on fuel, returning Rs 500 for every Rs 10,000 spent, while the BPCL SBI Credit Card ⓘ provides a 4.25% rate, which is Rs 425. The ICICI card thus delivers better fuel rewards.
Are there any lounge access benefits with these cards?+
Only the ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Card ⓘ offers domestic lounge access, granting 4 entries per year with a Rs 75,000 quarterly spend requirement. The BPCL SBI Credit Card ⓘ does not provide any lounge access.
What are the annual fees and how can they be waived?+
ICICI’s card charges Rs 199 for both joining and annual fees, waived if you spend Rs 1.50 lakh annually. The BPCL SBI card charges Rs 499 for both fees, waived on Rs 1.00 lakh annual spend. Lower waiver limits make the BPCL card easier to maintain fee-free if your spend is moderate.
Is the forex markup the same on both cards?+
Yes, both cards have a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which is the standard charge in India for credit cards.
Which card is better for first-time credit card users?+
The ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Card ⓘ is better suited for first-time users due to its lower fees, higher fuel rewards, and lounge access. The BPCL SBI Credit Card ⓘ also targets first-card users but offers fewer perks and lower base rewards.