Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, the IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Card ⓘ wins with a higher base reward rate and excellent category bonuses on fuel, grocery, and utilities.
  • For travel and lounge access, IndusInd Legend Credit Card ⓘ offers more domestic lounge visits with 8 per year versus 4, making it better for lounge lovers.
  • The IndusInd Legend card is cheaper to hold since it has no joining or annual fees, while the IDFC HPCL card charges Rs 499 each.
  • Choose the IDFC HPCL First Power Plus if you spend heavily on fuel, groceries, or utilities and can meet the Rs 1.50 lakh annual spend for fee waiver. Opt for the IndusInd Legend if you want a lifetime free card with decent rewards and more lounge access.

Side by Side

DetailIDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Card ⓘIndusInd Legend Credit Card ⓘ
Annual feeRs 499Nil (lifetime free)
Joining feeRs 499Nil (lifetime free)
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.50 lakhNone
Reward rate0.75% base0.7% base
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge4 per year8 per year
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forfuel, upi-rupay, grocery, loungerewards, lifetime-free, lounge, shopping

Rewards Compared

The IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Card ⓘ offers a base reward rate of 0.75%, which translates into Rs 75 for every Rs 10,000 spent. More importantly, it shines in specific categories with a 6.5% return on fuel spend, yielding Rs 650 on Rs 10,000, and a 5% return on grocery and utilities spend, equating to Rs 500 each per Rs 10,000. This makes it highly rewarding for users who spend significantly on these categories.

In contrast, the IndusInd Legend Credit Card ⓘ has a slightly lower base reward rate of 0.7%, giving Rs 70 back on Rs 10,000 spent. Its standout category is dining, where it offers a 1.75% return, or Rs 175 per Rs 10,000. While it does not match the category bonuses of the IDFC HPCL card, it delivers consistent rewards on general spend and is better suited for users who prefer a simpler rewards structure with no fees.

Fees Compared

The IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Card ⓘ charges a joining fee and an annual fee of Rs 499 each. However, these fees are waived if you spend Rs 1.50 lakh annually, which breaks down to Rs 12,500 per month. The card’s higher reward rate means you need to spend about Rs 66,533 annually to cover the annual fee just from base rewards. But when factoring in the extra Rs 499 joining fee and the reward rate advantage over the IndusInd Legend, you would need to spend nearly Rs 9.98 lakh annually for the IDFC HPCL card’s higher base rate to financially justify the fees compared to the zero-fee IndusInd Legend.

On the other hand, the IndusInd Legend Credit Card ⓘ has no joining or annual fees, making it a cost-effective option for users unwilling or unable to meet high spend thresholds. This lifetime free structure is a strong advantage for those who prefer fee-free credit cards with reasonable rewards.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Card ⓘ if you frequently spend on fuel, grocery, and utilities and can meet the Rs 1.50 lakh annual spend to waive fees. Its higher category returns and welcome benefits such as a Rs 500 gift voucher on the first HPCL fuel transaction add value for targeted spenders. It is less suited for casual users or those who do not spend enough to justify the fees.

Opt for the IndusInd Legend Credit Card ⓘ if you want a no-fee, lifetime free card with decent rewards and more domestic lounge visits. It suits shoppers and diners who prefer simplicity and cost efficiency. This card should be avoided by those seeking high category rewards on fuel or groceries.

In a decisive call, the IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Card ⓘ is the better choice for category-focused spenders who can clear the fee waiver threshold, while the IndusInd Legend Credit Card ⓘ is ideal for fee-conscious users prioritizing lounge access and straightforward rewards.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the Rs 1.50 lakh annual spend requirement for fee waiver on the IDFC HPCL card and whether your typical spend meets this.
  • Understand the redemption process and value of points for both cards, especially since reward types are points and may vary in value.
  • Check the monthly Rs 20,000 spend gate for domestic lounge access on the IDFC HPCL card to ensure you qualify for free lounges.
  • Consider the 3.5% forex markup on both cards if you plan to use them abroad, as this is a significant cost on foreign currency spends.

FAQ

What is the annual fee for each card?+
The IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Card charges Rs 499 annually, waived on Rs 1.50 lakh yearly spend. The IndusInd Legend Credit Card has no annual or joining fees and is lifetime free.
Which card offers better rewards on fuel?+
The IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Card offers an excellent 6.5% return on fuel spend, much higher than the IndusInd Legend Credit Card which does not have a specific fuel category bonus.
How many domestic lounge visits do these cards provide?+
The IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Card offers 4 domestic lounge visits per year with a Rs 20,000 monthly spend gate. The IndusInd Legend Credit Card offers 8 domestic lounge visits annually with no specified spend gate.
Is there any welcome benefit on these cards?+
The IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Card provides a Rs 500 gift voucher on the first HPCL fuel transaction above Rs 500 and up to 5% cashback up to Rs 1,000 on the first EMI transaction. The IndusInd Legend Credit Card has no welcome benefit.
What is the forex markup on these cards?+
Both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which is standard but can add significant cost for overseas spenders.