IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Card vs Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• For everyday spend, the IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ wins with a higher base reward rate of 0.75% compared to 0.5% on the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ.
• For category-specific spending, IDFC First Power excels in fuel, grocery, and utilities with 5% returns, while Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank card offers 6% returns only on online shopping.
• Both cards have similar forex markup of 3.5%, making neither better for foreign currency transactions.
• The IDFC First Power card is cheaper to hold if you can spend Rs 50,000 annually to waive fees, while the Shoppers Stop card has higher fees and a higher break-even spend.
• Pick the IDFC HPCL First Power card if you spend heavily on fuel, groceries, or utilities and want a low-fee first card. Choose the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank card if you prioritize online shopping rewards and want a card with a slightly higher joining fee but complimentary membership benefits.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 75 at the base rate of 0.75%. This increases significantly to Rs 500 when spent on fuel, groceries, or utilities thanks to the 5% category rate. This makes the card highly rewarding for users with regular expenses in these categories.

The Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ, by contrast, yields Rs 50 at the base rate of 0.5% for general spending. It boosts rewards to Rs 600 on online shopping, reflecting its 6% category rate. This card is more niche, favoring customers who do a lot of online shopping but offers lower rewards outside this category.

Fees Compared

The IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Card charges a joining fee and annual fee of Rs 199 each. These fees are waived if you spend Rs 50,000 annually or approximately Rs 4,167 per month. The card requires an annual spend of Rs 26,533 at the base rate to cover the annual fee cost purely through rewards.

The Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Card has a higher joining and annual fee of Rs 299 each with no stated fee waiver on spend. It demands Rs 59,800 in annual spend at base rates to break even on the fee cost. This makes it more expensive to hold unless you maximize category rewards or value the welcome benefits.

Which One Should You Pick

The IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ is ideal for those who want a low-fee entry-level card especially focused on fuel, grocery, and utility spends. It suits first-time credit card users and Rupay/UPI loyalists who want to maximize everyday category rewards with a manageable waiver spend.

The Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ fits customers who frequently shop online and want additional perks like a Shoppers Stop voucher and Silver Edge membership. However, it demands a higher fee commitment and is less rewarding on non-online spends.

In a clear call, the IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Card is better for most everyday users, especially those with fuel or grocery expenses. The Shoppers Stop card is a more specialized choice for online shopping enthusiasts willing to pay a premium.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm if category spend caps or exclusions apply to the 5% or 6% rewards.
• Check redemption options and point values as these can impact actual returns.
• Understand the monthly spend required to waive fees and realistically assess if you can meet it.
• Verify the forex markup of 3.5% applies to your typical foreign currency use and consider alternatives for travel.
• Note that neither card offers domestic or international lounge access, so do not expect travel perks.

FAQ