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

Quick Verdict

• The IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend, especially on fuel, grocery and utilities due to its high category reward rates.
• For travel or lounge access, the IDFC card also leads with 4 complimentary domestic lounges per year, while the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ offers none.
• The Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold with a lower joining and annual fee of Rs 299 each, compared to Rs 499 each on the IDFC card.
• Pick the IDFC card if you spend heavily on fuel and groceries and value domestic lounge access. Choose the Shoppers Stop card for online shopping and if you want a lower annual cost without lounge benefits.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

With Rs 10,000 spent on general categories, the IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 75 back at its base reward rate of 0.75 percent. However, it shines in categories like fuel, grocery, and utilities where it returns Rs 650, Rs 500, and Rs 500 respectively per Rs 10,000 spent. This makes it highly rewarding for users who spend significantly on these everyday essentials.

In contrast, the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ offers Rs 50 back per Rs 10,000 spent at the base rate of 0.5 percent. Its standout category is online shopping, where it offers Rs 600 back per Rs 10,000 spent, which is competitive but limited to that category alone. For other spends, its returns are lower than the IDFC card.

Fees Compared

The IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Cardⓘ charges an annual fee and joining fee of Rs 499 each, which can be waived if you spend Rs 1.50 lakh annually, equivalent to Rs 12,500 per month. The Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ has a lower joining and annual fee of Rs 299 each, but no waiver option is specified, so these fees are payable regardless of spend.

To cover the higher Rs 200 annual fee difference between the two, you would need to spend an additional Rs 80,000 on the IDFC card assuming you benefit from its higher reward rates. The IDFC card’s break-even spend for the base rate to cover its fee is Rs 66,533, whereas the Shoppers Stop card requires Rs 59,800 at its base rate.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Cardⓘ if you are a regular fuel buyer or spend heavily on groceries and utilities. Its superior category rewards and lounge access make it ideal for those who want both value and perks. However, you should be willing to meet the Rs 1.50 lakh annual spend to waive fees and maximize benefits.

Opt for the Shoppers Stop HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ if you are primarily an online shopper and prefer a card with a lower upfront and annual cost. The complimentary Shoppers Stop Silver Edge Membership and voucher add to its appeal for frequent shoppers who do not require lounge access.

Skip the IDFC card if you do not spend enough to justify the higher fees or if you rarely buy fuel or groceries. Avoid the Shoppers Stop card if you want rewards across a wider range of categories or value lounge access during travel.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Check the monthly Rs 20,000 spend gate required to access domestic lounges on the IDFC card.
• Confirm the redemption value and flexibility of points, especially for the IDFC card's category rewards.
• Understand the fee waiver maths carefully; the IDFC card requires Rs 12,500 monthly spend, while the Shoppers Stop card has no waiver.
• Be aware that both cards have a 3.5 percent forex markup, which is standard but costly for frequent international spenders.
• Verify which airports support the domestic lounge access on the IDFC card to ensure convenience.

FAQ