Quick Verdict

  • The ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card ⓘ wins for everyday spends in fuel, grocery, and utilities categories due to its higher reward rate.
  • The IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ is best for those seeking a no-fee, lifetime-free card with moderate rewards on dining, grocery, and online spends.
  • The ICICI card has a modest annual and joining fee of Rs 500 each, waivable on Rs 1.50 lakh annual spend, while the IndusInd card has no fees at all.
  • Choose the ICICI card if you want enhanced rewards on fuel and grocery and can meet the fee waiver threshold; pick the IndusInd card if you prefer zero fees and simpler rewards without any spending commitment.

Side by Side

DetailICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card ⓘIndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ
Annual feeRs 500Nil (lifetime free)
Joining feeRs 500Nil (lifetime free)
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.50 lakh per yearNone
Reward rate1% base0.7% base
Reward typepointspoints
Fuel rate5%,
Utilities rate5%,
Grocery rate5%2.1%
Dining rate,2.1%
Online rate,2.1%
Domestic lounge4 per year (with Rs 75,000 quarterly spend gate)None
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forfuel, grocery, cashback, shopping, loungelifetime-free, rewards, first-card, shopping

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card ⓘ yields Rs 100 back at the base rate of 1%. However, this card shines in specific categories such as fuel, utilities, and grocery, each offering a 5% effective return, which means Rs 500 back on Rs 10,000 spent in those categories. This substantial uplift makes it very attractive for those who spend heavily on these essentials.

The IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ returns Rs 70 on Rs 10,000 at its base rate of 0.7%. It offers a 2.1% reward rate on dining, grocery, and online spends, translating to Rs 210 back on Rs 10,000 in these categories. While lower than the ICICI card’s category rates, these rewards come without any fees or spending thresholds, appealing to casual spenders or first-time credit card users.

Fees Compared

The ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card ⓘ charges Rs 500 each for joining and annual fees, but these fees are waived if you spend Rs 1.50 lakh annually, which works out to about Rs 12,500 per month. If you do not meet this spend, you will pay Rs 1,000 in the first year combining joining and annual fees. The break-even spend to cover the higher reward rate versus the IndusInd card is Rs 1,66,667 annually, reflecting that you need to spend significantly to justify the fees.

Conversely, the IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ has no joining or annual fees at any level of spend. This makes it a worry-free option for those who want steady rewards without a cost commitment or those who spend below the ICICI card’s fee waiver threshold.

Which One Should You Pick

If you regularly spend on fuel, utilities, and groceries and can commit to spending Rs 1.50 lakh annually to waive fees, the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card ⓘ is an excellent choice. It delivers superior rewards in these categories and offers domestic lounge access, which adds value for frequent travelers or commuters. However, skip this card if you do not meet the waiver spend or if you prefer a no-fee card.

The IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ suits users looking for a lifetime free card with decent rewards on dining, grocery, and online spends without any spending requirements. It is ideal as a first credit card or for light spenders who want to avoid fees completely. Avoid this card if you want higher rewards on fuel or utilities or access to lounges.

Overall, the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card ⓘ is the winner for category-specific rewards and lounge access, while the IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ wins for zero fees and simplicity. Your choice depends on your spending habits and fee sensitivity.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm if your typical spend aligns with the fee waiver threshold on the ICICI card to avoid paying fees unnecessarily.
  • Understand the actual redemption value of points, as points do not have a fixed rupee conversion here.
  • Be aware of the forex markup of 3.5% on both cards if you plan to use them abroad, which can add significant costs.
  • Check the quarterly Rs 75,000 spend gate for domestic lounge access on the ICICI card to ensure you qualify.

FAQ

What is the forex markup on these cards?+
Both the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card ⓘ and the IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions. This is standard but can add substantial costs on international spend.
Can I get lounge access with the IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card?+
No, the IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ does not offer domestic or international lounge access. Only the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card ⓘ provides 4 domestic lounge visits per year, subject to quarterly spending limits.
Is the annual fee on the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card avoidable?+
Yes, the Rs 500 annual fee on the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card ⓘ is waived if you spend Rs 1.50 lakh annually, which equates to around Rs 12,500 per month.
Are there any welcome benefits on these cards?+
The ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card ⓘ offers 2,000 bonus reward points on paying the membership fee within 2 months and spending Rs 5,000 in the first 45 days, plus Rs 100 cashback on the first HP fuel purchase via the HP Pay app. The IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ does not offer any welcome benefits.
Which card is better for grocery shopping?+
For grocery spend, the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card ⓘ offers a superior 5% return versus 2.1% on the IndusInd Platinum AUra Edge Credit Card ⓘ, making it a better pick if you frequently shop for groceries and can meet the fee waiver.