Quick Verdict

  • The ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Cardⓘ wins for fuel, grocery, and utilities spend with a 5% reward rate.
  • The IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Cardⓘ is better for online and UPI spends and has no annual or joining fees.
  • ICICI HPCL Super Saver has a fee waiver threshold of Rs 1.50 lakh annual spend, while IndusInd Tiger is lifetime free.
  • Choose ICICI HPCL Super Saverⓘ if you spend heavily on fuel, groceries, or utilities and want lounge access with a fee waiver. Opt for IndusInd Tigerⓘ if you prefer a fee-free card with decent rewards on online and UPI spends.

Side by Side

DetailICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit CardⓘIndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 500Nil (lifetime free)
Joining feeRs 500Nil (lifetime free)
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.50 lakhNone
Reward rate1% base, 5% on fuel, utilities, grocery1% base, 2.5% on online, 1% on UPI
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge4 per year4 per year
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forfuel, grocery, cashback, shopping, loungelifetime-free, UPI-Rupay, rewards, lounge, travel
Lounge spend gateRs 75,000 quarterlyRs 40,000 quarterly
Golf accessNoYes

Rewards Compared

The ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Cardⓘ offers a base reward rate of 1%, which means you earn Rs 100 on Rs 10,000 spent across general categories. However, it significantly boosts rewards to 5% in key categories like fuel, utilities, and grocery, resulting in Rs 500 back on Rs 10,000 spent in these segments. This makes it a strong contender for everyday essentials and fuel purchases.

In contrast, the IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Cardⓘ provides a flat 1% base reward rate, also Rs 100 on Rs 10,000 spent, but shines in online spends with a 2.5% return (Rs 250 on Rs 10,000) and maintains 1% on UPI transactions. This card suits users who frequently shop online or use UPI payments, offering better rewards in these digital categories despite lacking elevated rates for fuel or groceries.

Fees Compared

The ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 500 for both joining and annual fees. These fees can be waived if the cardholder spends Rs 1.50 lakh annually, which breaks down to Rs 12,500 monthly. The card’s base reward rate means you need to spend about Rs 50,000 annually at 1% to cover the Rs 500 fee with rewards alone, but the higher category rates improve value if you spend heavily on fuel, utilities, or groceries.

On the other hand, the IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Cardⓘ is lifetime free with no joining or annual fees, making it attractive for users who want to avoid fee commitments. There is no waiver threshold since there are no fees to waive. This makes it a low-risk card financially, especially for moderate spenders or those who dislike annual fee hassles.

Which One Should You Pick

Pick the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Cardⓘ if your spending is concentrated on fuel, groceries, and utilities, and you can meet the Rs 1.50 lakh annual spend to waive fees. The card’s higher rewards in these categories and 4 domestic lounge visits per year with a reasonable quarterly spend gate of Rs 75,000 add to its appeal. It suits shoppers who want cashback-like rewards and occasional lounge access.

Choose the IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Cardⓘ if you prefer a truly fee-free card with no joining or annual fees ever. It is ideal for users focusing on online shopping and UPI transactions who want decent rewards without worrying about fee waivers. The card also offers 4 domestic lounges annually with a lower spend gate of Rs 40,000 quarterly and golf access, making it attractive for travel and lifestyle benefits.

In conclusion, heavy spenders on fuel and groceries should avoid the IndusInd Tiger card due to its lack of elevated category rewards. Conversely, those unwilling or unable to meet the fee waiver on the ICICI HPCL Super Saver should skip it and opt for the lifetime free IndusInd Tiger.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm if the quarterly lounge spend gate fits your spending pattern to maximize lounge access.
  • Check if the reward points redemption options suit your preferences and provide good value.
  • Understand the fee waiver calculation and ensure you can realistically meet the Rs 1.50 lakh annual spend on the ICICI HPCL Super Saver.
  • Be aware of the 3.5% forex markup on both cards if you travel internationally or shop abroad.

FAQ

Is the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Cardⓘ good for international travel?+
No, it does not offer international lounge access and charges a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency spends, which is standard but adds to cost abroad.
Does the IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Cardⓘ have any joining or annual fees?+
No, it is a lifetime free card with no joining or annual fees, making it cost-effective for all users.
Can I earn rewards on UPI transactions with the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Cardⓘ?+
No specific elevated rewards are offered on UPI transactions with this card; it provides a 1% base reward rate generally.
What are the lounge access limits on these cards?+
Both cards provide 4 domestic lounge visits per year. The ICICI HPCL Super Saver requires Rs 75,000 quarterly spend to unlock lounges, while the IndusInd Tiger requires Rs 40,000 quarterly.
Is there a welcome benefit on the IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Cardⓘ?+
No, the IndusInd Tiger card does not offer any welcome benefits, unlike the ICICI HPCL Super Saver, which provides bonus points and cashback offers on initial spends.