Ixigo AU Credit Card vs IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• The IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend thanks to its higher base reward rate of 0.75% compared to the 0.5% on the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ.
• For travel enthusiasts, the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ is better suited due to its 5% reward rate on travel spend and complimentary domestic lounge access.
• The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fees, versus Rs 199 each on the IDFC card.
• Pick the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ if you travel frequently and can meet the higher waiver spend. Choose the IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ if your spend is more fuel, grocery, or utility heavy and you want better baseline rewards.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ yields Rs 50 back at base rates, reflecting a 0.5% return. However, in the travel category, this card rewards a high 5% rate, translating to Rs 500 back on Rs 10,000 spent, making it very attractive for travel bookings. UPI transactions also earn a decent 1% rate or Rs 100 for Rs 10,000 spent. This card’s reward focus clearly leans towards travel and digital payments.

On the other hand, the IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ offers a superior base return of Rs 75 per Rs 10,000 spent (0.75%), a 50% improvement over the Ixigo AU. Its standout feature lies in the 5% rewards on fuel, grocery, and utility spends, each delivering Rs 500 back on Rs 10,000. This card suits daily essentials and fuel expenses well but does not provide travel or lounge benefits.

Fees Compared

The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ is free for life with no joining or annual fee, which is a significant advantage. To avoid any fee waiver conditions, you need to spend Rs 1,00,000 annually or about Rs 8,333 monthly. This is a relatively high threshold but reasonable for frequent travelers and UPI users.

Conversely, the IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 199 for joining and Rs 199 annually. These fees are waived if you spend Rs 50,000 annually or Rs 4,167 monthly, a much lower barrier suitable for moderate spenders. The break-even to justify this card’s higher base rate over the Ixigo AU is Rs 79,600 annually, meaning you must spend this much to offset the Rs 199 extra fee through rewards.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ if you are a frequent traveler who values lounge access and high travel category rewards. The no-fee lifetime benefit combined with 4 domestic lounge visits per year after Rs 30,000 quarterly spend on lounges makes it ideal for those prioritizing travel perks and who can clear the Rs 1,00,000 annual spend for fee waiver. Avoid this card if your spending is limited or mostly outside travel and UPI categories.

The IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ suits customers who spend heavily on fuel, groceries, and utilities and want a solid base return of 0.75%. The low fee waiver threshold of Rs 50,000 makes it a good option for moderate spenders who want rewards without a heavy commitment. Skip this card if you do not spend on fuel or essentials frequently, or if you prefer travel benefits and lounge access.

Overall, the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ is a better pick for travel-focused users who can meet the waiver spend, while the IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Cardⓘ is more suited to everyday essentials spenders looking for a straightforward reward rate.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm the quarterly Rs 30,000 spend gate for lounge access on the Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ.
• Verify the redemption options and value of points since both cards provide points but details on redemption value are not stated.
• Understand the monthly spend required to waive fees: Rs 8,333 for Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ and Rs 4,167 for IDFC HPCL First Power Credit Card ⓘ.
• Both cards have a 3.5% forex markup; consider this if you plan significant foreign currency spending.
• Check if domestic lounges offered by Ixigo AU Credit Card ⓘ are accessible at your preferred airports and if international lounges are important to you.

FAQ