Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spends, the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Cardⓘ offers a better base reward rate and higher category returns, making it the winner here.
  • For travel-related expenses and domestic lounge access with moderate spend, the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ stands out due to its higher travel rewards and lower lounge spend gate.
  • The Ixigo AU Credit Card is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fee, while ICICI’s card has a Rs 500 joining and annual fee but waives it on higher spend.
  • Choose the Ixigo card if your focus is travel and occasional UPI spends with a moderate budget; pick the ICICI HPCL card if you spend heavily on fuel, groceries, and utilities and want straightforward cashback rewards.

Side by Side

DetailIxigo AU Credit Card ⓘICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card ⓘ
Annual feeNil (lifetime free)Rs 500
Joining feeNil (lifetime free)Rs 500
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.00 lakhRs 1.50 lakh
Reward rate0.5% base1% base
Reward typePointsPoints
Domestic lounge4 per year4 per year
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forTravel, UPI, LoungeFuel, Grocery, Utilities, Cashback, Lounge

Rewards Compared

The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ provides a base reward rate of 0.5%, which translates to Rs 50 back on Rs 10,000 spent. However, it shines in its travel category rewards, offering an effective 5% return, or Rs 500 on Rs 10,000 spent specifically on travel-related expenses. For UPI transactions, it also gives a 1% reward rate, meaning Rs 100 back on Rs 10,000. This makes the Ixigo card attractive for users who prioritize travel and digital payments through UPI.

The ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Cardⓘ doubles the base reward rate to 1%, giving Rs 100 back on Rs 10,000 spent across general categories. Its standout feature is high category returns of 5% on fuel, utilities, and grocery spends, equating to Rs 500 back on Rs 10,000 in these categories. This makes it a compelling choice for users with substantial monthly expenses in these areas. The ICICI card’s rewards are straightforward cashback equivalents, which may appeal to those preferring simple, high-value benefits on essential spends.

Fees Compared

The Ixigo AU Credit Card comes with no joining or annual fees at any point, making it accessible without upfront or recurring charges. The annual fee can be waived on Rs 1,00,000 annual spend, which is about Rs 8,333 per month. Since the card is lifetime free, this waiver applies if fees were ever introduced or for other benefits.

In contrast, the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card charges Rs 500 as a joining fee and Rs 500 annual fee. Both can be waived if you spend Rs 1.50 lakh annually or Rs 12,500 monthly. To justify this fee via rewards alone, you need to spend about Rs 50,000 annually at the base rate. The head-to-head analysis shows an extra Rs 500 annual fee for ICICI’s card, which requires an additional Rs 1,00,000 spend to cover the difference in reward rates compared to Ixigo’s card.

Which One Should You Pick

Pick the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ if you are a traveller who values high rewards on travel bookings and occasional UPI payments. Its zero fees and moderate lounge access with a low quarterly spend gate of Rs 30,000 make it a low-cost, travel-centric card ideal for casual spenders.

Choose the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Cardⓘ if your monthly expenses include significant spends on fuel, groceries, and utilities. The higher base reward rate and category bonuses yield better returns for everyday essentials, and the fee waiver on Rs 1.50 lakh spend makes it worthwhile for heavy users who can unlock its full potential.

If you rarely spend on fuel or utilities or travel less, avoid the ICICI HPCL card as its fees may not be justified. Conversely, if you are not interested in travel rewards or UPI benefits, the Ixigo card’s lower returns outside travel might not suit your needs.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the quarterly Rs 30,000 spend gate for domestic lounges on Ixigo and Rs 75,000 on ICICI’s card to ensure you can meet the lounge access criteria.
  • Understand redemption values and whether points convert cleanly to cashback or vouchers; Ixigo rewards are points with travel partners, while ICICI offers more direct cashback equivalents.
  • Carefully calculate your average monthly spend to see if you can waive the fees on ICICI’s card or if the Ixigo card’s no-fee structure is more beneficial.
  • Be aware that both cards charge 3.5% forex markup on foreign transactions, which can add significant costs if you spend heavily abroad.
  • Check which domestic airport lounges are accessible and if the card’s benefits cover your preferred travel hubs.

FAQ

What happens if I do not spend enough to waive the annual fee on the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card?+
If you fall short of the Rs 1.50 lakh annual spend required to waive the Rs 500 annual fee, you will be charged the fee. This reduces the net rewards and may make the card less economical unless your category spends are very high.
Does the Ixigo AU Credit Card offer any international lounge access?+
No, the Ixigo AU Credit Card does not provide any international lounge access. It only offers four domestic lounge visits per year subject to a quarterly spend gate.
Can I earn rewards on UPI transactions with the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card?+
No, the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card does not list UPI transactions as a specific category for accelerated rewards, unlike the Ixigo AU Credit Card which gives 1% rewards on UPI spends.
How much forex markup do these cards charge on foreign currency transactions?+
Both cards charge a standard forex markup of 3.5%, which is Rs 3,500 on Rs 1,00,000 foreign spend, making overseas transactions costly if not managed carefully.
Is the welcome benefit on the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card valuable?+
The ICICI card offers 2,000 bonus reward points on paying the membership fee and spending Rs 5,000 within 45 days, plus Rs 100 cashback on the first fuel purchase via HP Pay. This can offset initial costs if you meet conditions early.