Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Cardⓘ offers a stronger base reward rate and better category returns, making it the winner.
  • For travel and lounge access, the ICICI card provides 4 domestic lounge visits per year, whereas the IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ has none, giving ICICI an edge for lounge seekers.
  • The IDFC card is cheaper to hold with a lower joining and annual fee and a much lower waiver threshold.
  • Choose the ICICI card if you spend heavily on fuel, groceries, and utilities and value lounge access; pick the IDFC card if you want a low-fee card with decent rewards and lower spend requirements for fee waiver.

Side by Side

DetailICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit CardⓘIDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 500Rs 199
Joining feeRs 500Rs 199
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.50 lakhRs 50,000
Reward rate1% base0.75% base
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge4 per yearNone
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forfuel, grocery, cashback, shopping, loungefuel, upi-rupay, first-card

Rewards Compared

On a Rs 10,000 spend, the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 100 back at its base reward rate of 1%. When spending in its best categories, fuel, utilities, and grocery, it delivers 5% or Rs 500 back on Rs 10,000 spent. This substantial uplift makes it very rewarding for category spenders. The card also offers welcome benefits such as 2,000 bonus points and Rs 100 cashback on the first fuel purchase, further enhancing value in the early months.

In contrast, the IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ provides Rs 75 back on Rs 10,000 spent at its 0.75% base rate. Similar to the ICICI card, it offers 5% rewards on fuel, grocery, and utilities, equating to Rs 500 on Rs 10,000 spend in these categories. Its welcome benefit includes a Rs 250 gift voucher on the first HPCL fuel transaction and up to 5% cashback capped at Rs 1,000 on the first EMI, which benefits new users.

While both cards reward fuel and grocery at the same 5% rate, the ICICI card’s higher base rate means more consistent returns on all other spends outside these categories. This makes the ICICI card better for a varied spending pattern.

Fees Compared

The ICICI card charges an annual fee of Rs 500 and a joining fee of Rs 500, which is waived if you spend Rs 1.50 lakh annually, equivalent to Rs 12,500 per month. The IDFC card’s fees are significantly lower at Rs 199 each for joining and annual fees, with a waiver threshold of Rs 50,000 per year or around Rs 4,167 per month, making it easier to avoid fees.

Considering the higher base reward rate of the ICICI card, you need to spend Rs 1,20,400 more to cover the extra Rs 301 annual fee compared to the IDFC card. For spenders below this level, the IDFC card is more cost-effective.

Which One Should You Pick

Pick the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Cardⓘ if you are a heavy spender on fuel, groceries, and utilities and want to benefit from a higher base reward rate and domestic lounge access. It suits those who regularly spend over Rs 12,500 per month and can maximize the fee waiver. Frequent shoppers and cashback seekers will find this card rewarding.

Choose the IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ if you are a moderate spender who wants a low-cost card with competitive fuel and grocery rewards but does not require lounge access. It is ideal for first-time cardholders or those whose monthly spend is closer to Rs 4,167, making fee waivers easier to achieve.

Overall, the ICICI card wins for rewards and lounge benefits but at a higher cost and spend requirement. The IDFC card is better for budget-conscious users with modest spending. Those who do not spend enough to waive the ICICI card fees or do not value lounges should skip the ICICI card. Conversely, heavy spenders looking for premium perks should avoid the IDFC card.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Verify if the quarterly Rs 75,000 spend gate for domestic lounge access on the ICICI card fits your spending pattern.
  • Check the redemption value or usability of points earned, especially since both cards use points but do not specify exact conversions.
  • Confirm the monthly spend needed to waive fees, Rs 12,500 for ICICI and Rs 4,167 for IDFC, and realistically assess your ability to meet these.
  • Remember both cards have a 3.5% forex markup, a standard but costly rate for international spending.
  • Consider the availability and location of domestic lounges for the ICICI card to ensure you can fully utilize this benefit.

FAQ

What is the annual fee waiver condition for these cards?+
The ICICI HPCL Super Saver requires Rs 1.50 lakh annual spend for fee waiver, roughly Rs 12,500 per month. The IDFC HPCL First Power card waives fees if you spend Rs 50,000 annually or about Rs 4,167 monthly.
Do both cards offer lounge access?+
Only the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card offers domestic lounge access, limited to 4 visits per year with a Rs 75,000 quarterly spend gate. The IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Card does not offer any lounge access.
How do rewards compare on fuel and grocery spends?+
Both cards provide 5% rewards on fuel, grocery, and utilities, returning Rs 500 on Rs 10,000 spent in these categories. However, ICICI card has a higher base rate of 1% compared to 0.75% on the IDFC card, benefiting other spends.
Are there any differences in forex charges?+
Both cards apply a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which is a standard cost in the Indian credit card market.
What welcome benefits do these cards offer?+
The ICICI card offers 2,000 bonus points for paying the membership fee within 2 months and spending Rs 5,000 within 45 days, plus Rs 100 cashback on the first fuel purchase via HP Pay. The IDFC card provides a Rs 250 gift voucher on the first HPCL fuel transaction above Rs 250 and up to 5% cashback capped at Rs 1,000 on the first EMI.