Quick Verdict
- The ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card ⓘ wins for everyday spends in categories like fuel, grocery, and utilities thanks to its 5% reward rate in these categories.
- For travel and lounge access, the ICICI card also leads with 4 domestic lounge visits per year, compared to 2 visits per year on the LIC Classic Credit Card ⓘ.
- The LIC Classic Credit Card stands out as the cheaper card to hold with no joining or annual fees.
- Choose the ICICI HPCL Super Saver if you spend heavily in fuel, grocery, or utilities and can meet the Rs 1.5 lakh annual spend for fee waiver. Opt for the LIC Classic if you prefer a no-fee lifetime free card with lounge access and lower spend requirements.
Side by Side
| Detail | ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card ⓘ | LIC Classic Credit Card ⓘ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | Rs 500 | Nil (lifetime free) |
| Joining fee | Rs 500 | Nil (lifetime free) |
| Fee waiver on spend | Rs 1.50 lakh | None |
| Reward rate | 1% base, 5% fuel, grocery, utilities | 0.5% base |
| Reward type | points | points |
| Domestic lounge | 4 per year (Rs 75,000 quarterly spend gate) | 2 per year (Rs 20,000 monthly spend gate) |
| International lounge | None | None |
| Forex markup | 3.5% | 3.5% |
| Best suited for | fuel, grocery, cashback, shopping, lounge | lifetime-free, first-card, lounge |
Rewards Compared
On a Rs 10,000 spend, the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card ⓘ generates Rs 100 back at its base rate of 1%. However, in its key spend categories, fuel, grocery, and utilities, the card delivers a significantly higher return of Rs 500 for the same Rs 10,000 spent, reflecting a 5% reward rate. This makes it particularly lucrative for users with high spends in these categories. Additionally, the card offers a welcome benefit of 2,000 bonus Reward Points when paying the membership fee and meeting a Rs 5,000 spend threshold, plus Rs 100 cashback on the first fuel purchase via the HP Pay app.
In contrast, the LIC Classic Credit Card ⓘ offers a simple flat 0.5% return across all spends, equating to Rs 50 for every Rs 10,000 spent. It has no category-specific bonuses or welcome benefits. Thus, while the LIC Classic card’s rewards are modest, it is straightforward and consistent for general usage without the need to track categories.
Fees Compared
The ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card charges Rs 500 as both a joining fee and an annual fee. The annual fee can be waived if the cardholder spends Rs 1.5 lakh annually, which breaks down to approximately Rs 12,500 per month. To cover the extra Rs 500 fee through its higher base reward rate of 1% (versus 0.5% on the LIC Classic), a cardholder would need to spend about Rs 50,000 annually just to break even. However, considering the 5% reward rate in key categories, the break-even spend to justify the fee is effectively lower if the cardholder spends heavily in fuel, grocery, or utilities.
The LIC Classic Credit Card has no joining or annual fees at any spend level, making it a clear winner for cost-conscious users or those with low monthly spends. Its lounge access requires a much lower spend gate of Rs 20,000 monthly compared to Rs 75,000 quarterly on the ICICI card, making lounges more accessible for moderate spenders.
Which One Should You Pick
Pick the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card ⓘ if you have substantial monthly spends on fuel, groceries, or utilities and can comfortably meet the Rs 12,500 monthly spend requirement to waive the annual fee. This card rewards category-focused spenders with excellent returns and offers four domestic lounge visits annually, which adds value for frequent travelers who stay domestic. The welcome benefits also sweeten initial usage.
The LIC Classic Credit Card ⓘ is ideal for first-time cardholders or those who want a lifetime free card with no fees or complicated spending thresholds. Its lower spend gate to access two domestic lounges per year suits occasional travelers who want lounge access without committing to high expenditure. It is also a good choice for users who prefer simplicity and no annual fees.
In conclusion, heavy spenders in specific categories should lean towards the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card to maximize rewards and lounge visits. Casual users and fee-sensitive customers should choose the LIC Classic Credit Card. Those who do not spend Rs 12,500 monthly should skip the ICICI card as the fee may outweigh rewards, while users seeking higher rewards should skip the LIC Classic.
What to Check Before You Apply
- Verify the quarterly Rs 75,000 spend gate to access 4 domestic lounges on the ICICI HPCL Super Saver ⓘ; it is high for moderate spenders.
- Confirm the actual redemption value of points earned on both cards as it can vary and impact effective returns.
- Understand the fee waiver math: ICICI HPCL requires Rs 1.5 lakh annual spend versus zero fees on LIC Classic ⓘ.
- Be aware that both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency spends, making them less ideal for international use.
- Check which domestic airport lounges are accessible with each card and if you frequently visit those airports.
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