ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Card vs IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• The IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend with a higher base reward rate of 0.75% compared to 0.5% on the ICICI card.
• Both cards offer the same 5% fuel category reward, but only the ICICI card provides domestic lounge access, making it better for lounge users.
• The IDFC card is cheaper to hold with a lower annual fee waiver threshold of Rs 50,000 versus Rs 1.5 lakh on the ICICI card.
• Choose the ICICI cardⓘ if you value lounge access and occasional shopping rewards; pick the IDFC cardⓘ if you want better base rewards and groceries or utilities category benefits.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

On a Rs 10,000 generic spend, the ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Cardⓘ returns Rs 50 through its base reward rate of 0.5%. The IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ outperforms here, returning Rs 75 at its 0.75% base rate.

When focusing on fuel spending, both cards offer a 5% reward rate, translating to Rs 500 back on Rs 10,000 spent at fuel stations. However, the IDFC card extends this 5% category rate to groceries and utilities too, effectively boosting rewards for users with diversified spending, while the ICICI card restricts the higher rate only to fuel. This makes the IDFC card more rewarding for users with mixed monthly expenses beyond just fuel.

Fees Compared

Both cards charge an identical joining and annual fee of Rs 199. However, the spend required to waive the annual fee differs significantly. The ICICI card demands Rs 1.5 lakh in annual spend (approximately Rs 12,500 per month) to waive the fee, whereas the IDFC card requires just Rs 50,000 annually (around Rs 4,167 per month).

Considering the base reward rates, the ICICI card needs about Rs 39,800 in spending to cover the annual fee through rewards, while the IDFC card reaches this break-even point much sooner at Rs 26,533 of spend. This lower threshold makes the IDFC card more economical for moderate spenders who want to avoid fees.

Which One Should You Pick

If you frequently spend on fuel and value access to domestic airport lounges, the ICICI Bank HPCL Coral Credit Cardⓘ suits you well. It also appeals to first-time credit card users looking for a simple rewards structure and occasional shopping rewards. However, you should be prepared to meet a high annual spend to waive the fee or accept the Rs 199 charge.

Conversely, the IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ is ideal if you want higher base rewards on all purchases and benefit from 5% cashback on groceries and utilities, alongside fuel. Its lower fee waiver threshold and better overall reward rate make it a strong choice for everyday spenders and those with varied monthly expenses. The lack of lounge access might be a downside for premium travelers.

In conclusion, pick the IDFC cardⓘ if you want better rewards on everyday spend and a low fee waiver barrier. Opt for the ICICI cardⓘ if lounge access and shopping rewards are priorities. Avoid the ICICI card if you cannot meet the high spend waiver; skip the IDFC card if you need lounge access.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm if the lounge access on the ICICI card requires you to spend Rs 75,000 quarterly to unlock the benefit.
• Check if reward points on both cards have caps or expiry that limit their real value.
• Carefully calculate if your monthly spend meets the annual fee waiver threshold to justify holding the card.
• Remember both cards have a forex markup of 3.5%, so foreign currency transactions will incur extra cost.
• Verify which airports and lounges accept the ICICI card domestic lounge benefit to avoid disappointment.

FAQ