Ixigo AU Credit Card vs BPCL SBI Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spending with a higher base reward rate of 0.5% compared to BPCL SBI’s 0.25%.
• For travel-related expenses, Ixigo AU again leads with 5% rewards on travel spend, while BPCL SBI focuses on fuel rewards.
• The Ixigo AU Credit Card is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fees, compared to BPCL SBI Credit Card’s Rs 499 fees.
• Choose Ixigo AU if you are a traveler or UPI user looking for lounge access and travel perks; pick BPCL SBI if fuel spending is your priority and you want a simple first credit card.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

On a generic Rs 10,000 spend, the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 50 back at the base rate of 0.5%. This rises dramatically to Rs 500 if the spend is on travel, reflecting the generous 5% category rate. Additionally, UPI transactions earn a 1% return or Rs 100 on Rs 10,000. This makes the Ixigo AU card very attractive for users who spend significantly on travel and UPI payments.

The BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ offers a lower base reward rate of 0.25%, translating to Rs 25 on Rs 10,000 spent. However, it shines in its fuel category, offering 4.25% or Rs 425 on Rs 10,000 of fuel spend, which is competitive for drivers and petrol users. Online spends get 1.25% rewards, earning Rs 125 on Rs 10,000. While its base rewards lag behind Ixigo’s, BPCL SBI targets fuel and online spends with better category returns.

Fees Compared

The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ has no joining or annual fees, making it effectively free to hold. The fee waiver threshold is Rs 1 lakh annual spend, or Rs 8,333 monthly, but since fees are nil, this is a non-issue.

The BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 499 each for joining and annual fees. These fees are waived if you spend Rs 1 lakh annually, also Rs 8,333 monthly. However, to cover the Rs 499 annual fee through its base reward rate alone, you need to spend nearly Rs 2 lakh annually, which is quite high unless you consistently spend on fuel or online categories with higher rewards.

Thus, Ixigo AU is cheaper to hold and easier to benefit from immediately, while BPCL SBI requires disciplined spend to justify the fees.

Which One Should You Pick

The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ is ideal for travelers, frequent UPI users, and those who value lounge access. It provides strong travel rewards and the perk of four domestic lounge visits per year given quarterly Rs 30,000 spend. With no fees and good category returns, it suits anyone wanting a versatile card for travel and digital payments.

The BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ fits best for drivers and fuel spenders who want a dedicated fuel rewards card. It is also a decent first credit card with a manageable joining fee and fuel category benefits. However, if you do not spend regularly on fuel or online, the rewards may not justify the fees.

In conclusion, skip BPCL SBI if you are not a heavy fuel user or want a fee-free card. Avoid Ixigo AU if you do not travel or use UPI often and want specific fuel rewards. For most everyday users, especially travelers, the Ixigo AU Credit Card offers better value and flexibility.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm if the Rs 30,000 quarterly spend gate for domestic lounges on Ixigo AU is feasible for your spending pattern.
• Review redemption options and value of points since reward types are points, not cashback.
• Understand that fee waivers require Rs 1 lakh annual spend, which may be high for some users.
• Forex markup of 3.5% applies on both cards; avoid foreign currency spend if you want to save on forex fees.
• Lounge access is limited to domestic lounges only on Ixigo AU; no international lounge access on either card.

FAQ