IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Card vs IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• The IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ wins for lower annual fees and easier fee waiver on everyday spend.
• The IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Cardⓘ edges ahead for fuel spending rewards and offers domestic lounge access, making it better for frequent fuel buyers and occasional lounge users.
• The First Power card is cheaper to hold with a Rs 199 annual fee and waiver at Rs 50,000 annual spend, while the Power Plus card costs Rs 499 annually with a higher waiver threshold of Rs 1.5 lakh.
• Pick the First Power card if you want a no-frills, low-fee card focused on fuel, groceries, and utilities. Choose the Power Plus card if you want enhanced fuel rewards and domestic lounge access and can meet a higher spend requirement.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

With a Rs 10,000 spend, the IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ yields Rs 75 in rewards at the base rate of 0.75%. In its enhanced categories, fuel, grocery, and utilities, it offers a 5% return, which translates to Rs 500 back on Rs 10,000 spent in these categories. This makes it quite rewarding for everyday essential spends focused on these segments.

The IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Cardⓘ offers the same base rate of 0.75%, also Rs 75 on Rs 10,000 spent generally. However, it boosts the fuel category reward rate to 6.5%, resulting in Rs 650 back on Rs 10,000 spent on fuel, while grocery and utilities remain at 5%. This higher fuel cashback makes the Power Plus card more attractive for heavier fuel spenders.

Fees Compared

The First Power card comes with a joining and annual fee of Rs 199 each. This fee is waived if you spend Rs 50,000 annually, which breaks down to about Rs 4,167 monthly. The break-even spend to cover the fee purely from base rewards is Rs 26,533 annually.

The First Power Plus card charges Rs 499 for both joining and annual fees, with a much higher waiver threshold of Rs 1.5 lakh annually or Rs 12,500 per month. Its break-even spend based on base rewards alone is Rs 66,533 annually. This higher spend requirement makes the Plus card more suitable for bigger spenders who also benefit from category bonuses and lounges.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ if you want a low-cost card that rewards fuel, groceries, and utilities well enough, and if you are not a frequent lounge user or a big spender. The lower fee and easier waiver threshold make it suitable for moderate spenders and first-time credit card users.

Opt for the IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Cardⓘ if you spend heavily on fuel and grocery and want the added benefit of four domestic lounge visits annually. This card suits those who can comfortably meet the higher waiver threshold and can take advantage of the enhanced fuel rewards and lounge access.

If you rarely spend on fuel or do not require lounge access, you should skip the Power Plus card due to its higher fee and waiver bar. Conversely, if you want lounges or higher fuel rewards, skip the Power card.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm if the 5% and 6.5% category rewards have any monthly or transaction caps that limit returns.
• Understand the actual redemption value of points, as "points" reward type does not always mean direct cashback.
• Calculate if your monthly spend meets the waiver threshold to avoid paying the annual fee.
• For overseas use, the 3.5% forex markup is standard but expensive; consider alternatives if you travel internationally often.
• Check if the domestic lounges are accessible at your usual airports and what the Rs 20,000 monthly spend gate means for lounge access on the Plus card.

FAQ