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

Quick Verdict

• For everyday spending, the IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Cardⓘ offers a higher base reward rate, making it more rewarding for general use.
• The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ excels in travel-related spends and provides domestic lounge access with a lower quarterly spend gate.
• The Ixigo card is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fees, while the IDFC card demands Rs 499 each, waived only on higher spend.
• Choose the Ixigo cardⓘ if you prioritize travel benefits and fee-free usage; opt for the IDFC cardⓘ if your spending is heavy on fuel, groceries, and utilities.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

On a Rs 10,000 spend, the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ yields Rs 50 back at the base rate of 0.5%, which is quite modest. However, it shines in travel spends, returning Rs 500 effectively at 5%, and offers 1% on UPI transactions, corresponding to Rs 100 per Rs 10,000. This makes it a strong pick for travelers and those frequently transacting via UPI on the RuPay network.

The IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Cardⓘ provides a better base reward of Rs 75 per Rs 10,000 spent at 0.75%. Its category rewards are even more compelling, especially for fuel, which returns Rs 650 (6.5%), and for groceries and utilities, both returning Rs 500 (5%). If your spending is concentrated in these categories, the IDFC card offers superior value, especially given its decent base rewards as well.

Fees Compared

The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ is fee-free with no joining or annual fees, making it highly accessible and cost-effective for users who want to avoid maintenance costs. The annual fee waiver threshold is Rs 1.00 lakh, translating to about Rs 8,333 monthly spend to avoid fees if they were to be imposed.

Conversely, the IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Cardⓘ charges a joining and annual fee of Rs 499 each. The fee waiver requires Rs 1.50 lakh annual spend, or approximately Rs 12,500 monthly. The break-even spend for the IDFC card to cover its Rs 499 fee through the higher base rate alone is Rs 66,533. However, the head-to-head analysis shows that to fully justify the fee difference by rewards alone, one would need to spend nearly Rs 2.00 lakh annually on the IDFC card.

Which One Should You Pick

If you are a traveler or someone who uses UPI frequently and values a fee-free card with lounge access at a reasonable quarterly spend level, the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ suits you best. It avoids fees entirely and gives you strong travel rewards, although it lacks international lounge access.

The IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Cardⓘ is ideal if your spend is regularly on fuel, groceries, and utilities, and you can meet the higher waiver spend threshold to avoid fees. It offers robust category rewards and a better base rate, making it worthwhile for heavy spenders in those areas. You get more lounge access flexibility with a lower monthly spend requirement.

In summary, pick the Ixigo cardⓘ for travel-focused, fee-averse users and the IDFC cardⓘ for category-focused, higher spenders willing to pay the fees or meet waiver levels. Skip the Ixigo card if you want more than domestic lounges or heavy fuel rewards. Skip the IDFC card if you spend less than Rs 1.50 lakh annually or dislike annual fees.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm the quarterly or monthly spend gates for lounge access to ensure your spending patterns qualify.
• Check if the reward points have any caps or restrictions on redemption value that might limit returns.
• Review the fee waiver calculations carefully; the IDFC card has a higher waiver threshold.
• Both cards charge 3.5% forex markup, so consider alternatives for foreign currency spends.
• Verify the availability and accessibility of domestic lounge locations to match your travel routes.

FAQ