Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, both the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ and the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ offer the same base reward rate of 0.5%, making them equally rewarding for general purchases.
  • When it comes to travel and lounge benefits, the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ wins with 8 domestic lounge visits per year compared to 4 for the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ, though both lack international lounge access.
  • The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold with no joining fee and no annual fee, whereas the HDFC card has a Rs 500 joining fee but no annual fee.
  • Pick the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ if you want a no-fee card with moderate lounge access and good travel rewards. Choose the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ if you value more lounge visits and can meet a higher spend for fee waiver.

Side by Side

DetailIxigo AU Credit CardⓘHDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeNil (lifetime free)Nil (lifetime free)
Joining feeNil (lifetime free)Rs 500
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.00 lakhRs 1.50 lakh
Reward rate0.5% base, 5% travel, 1% UPI0.5% base, 5% travel, 1% UPI
Reward typePointsPoints
Domestic lounge4 per year8 per year
International loungeNoneNone
Lounge spend gateRs 30,000 quarterlyRs 75,000 quarterly
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forTravel, UPI-Rupay, LoungeTravel, UPI-Rupay, First card

Rewards Compared

Both the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ and the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ provide a base reward rate of 0.5%, which translates to Rs 50 earned on Rs 10,000 spent. This base rate applies to general purchases outside the specified categories. For travel-related expenses, each card offers an enhanced reward rate of 5%, meaning Rs 500 back on Rs 10,000 spent on travel bookings. Additionally, both cards provide a 1% return on UPI transactions, which amounts to Rs 100 per Rs 10,000 spent. Thus, in terms of rewards, the two cards are evenly matched across all key spending categories, making neither distinctly superior in earning potential.

Fees Compared

The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ stands out for its zero joining fee and no annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for those wary of upfront charges. To maintain fee waiver benefits, cardholders need to spend Rs 1,00,000 annually, or about Rs 8,333 monthly. In contrast, the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ requires a joining fee of Rs 500 but no annual fee thereafter. Its fee waiver threshold is higher at Rs 1,50,000 annually, equivalent to Rs 12,500 monthly spend. Neither card charges an annual fee, so once the joining fee is absorbed, ongoing costs are minimal. Given the higher waiver spend on the HDFC card, the break-even point favors the Ixigo card for lower spenders, while heavier spenders might justify the HDFC card’s higher waiver threshold.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ if you want a completely free credit card with solid travel rewards and some lounge access without worrying about an upfront joining fee. It suits moderate spenders who appreciate Rs 30,000 quarterly lounge spend gates and do not require more than four domestic lounges annually. This card is ideal for travelers who want good perks but minimal cost and hassle.

Opt for the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ if you are a frequent traveler who can meet a higher quarterly spend of Rs 75,000 for domestic lounge access and values twice the number of lounge visits per year at eight. This card also works well as a first credit card due to its reasonable joining fee and no annual fee. It is best for users who prioritize lounge access and can justify the Rs 500 joining fee with their spending pattern.

In conclusion, if you want a no-fee card with decent travel benefits, pick the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ. If you want more lounge visits and can handle a joining fee and higher spend requirement, the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ is better. Those who do not travel often or want to avoid fees altogether should skip the HDFC card. Conversely, heavy lounge users should skip the Ixigo card.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Verify the quarterly lounge spend gates (Rs 30,000 for Ixigo, Rs 75,000 for HDFC) to ensure you can realistically meet them.
  • Confirm the redemption value and ease of using points since both cards offer points as rewards, which can vary in value.
  • Understand the fee waiver math carefully, especially for the HDFC card’s higher Rs 1.50 lakh annual spend requirement.
  • Be aware of the 3.5% forex markup fee on foreign currency transactions, which is standard but costly for international travelers.
  • Check which airports and lounges accept these cards domestically, as both lack international lounge access.

FAQ

What are the welcome benefits for each card?+
The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ offers 1000 reward points and a Rs 1000 ixigo Money Voucher on the first transaction within 30 days of card issuance. The HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ provides an Amazon voucher worth Rs 500 as a welcome benefit.
Do both cards charge an annual fee?+
Neither card charges an annual fee. The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ has no joining or annual fee, while the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ has a joining fee of Rs 500 but no annual fee.
How many domestic lounge visits do these cards offer?+
The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ allows 4 domestic lounge visits per year, whereas the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ offers 8 domestic lounge visits annually.
Are these cards suitable for international travel?+
Both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions and do not provide international lounge access, making them less ideal for frequent international travelers.
What is the minimum spend required to waive fees on these cards?+
The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ requires Rs 1.00 lakh annual spend (about Rs 8,333 monthly) to waive fees, while the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ requires Rs 1.50 lakh annually (Rs 12,500 monthly) for fee waiver.