Quick Verdict

  • The Indianoil HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spending with a higher base reward rate of 1% compared to 0.5% on the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ.
  • The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ is better for travel spend, offering 5% rewards on travel and complimentary access to 4 domestic lounges annually, whereas the Indianoil card offers no lounge access.
  • The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fees, while the Indianoil card charges Rs 500 each for joining and annual fees.
  • Choose the Ixigo cardⓘ if you prioritize travel rewards and lounge access without fees; select the Indianoil cardⓘ if you spend heavily on fuel or groceries and want higher base rewards despite fees.

Side by Side

DetailIxigo AU Credit CardⓘIndianoil HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeNil (lifetime free)Rs 500
Joining feeNil (lifetime free)Rs 500
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.00 lakhRs 50,000
Reward rate0.5% base, 5% travel, 1% UPI1% base, 5% fuel, 5% grocery
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge4 per yearNone
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited fortravel, UPI-Rupay, loungefuel, first-card, UPI-Rupay

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ yields Rs 50 in rewards at the base rate of 0.5%. However, for travel category spends, the rewards jump significantly to Rs 500 per Rs 10,000 spent, making it very lucrative for frequent travelers. UPI transactions also earn slightly more with 1% rewards, equivalent to Rs 100 per Rs 10,000. This card is ideal when a significant portion of spend falls within travel or UPI categories, boosting returns beyond the modest base rate.

In contrast, the Indianoil HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ delivers Rs 100 at the base rate of 1% per Rs 10,000 spent, doubling the Ixigo card’s base returns. Its standout categories are fuel and grocery, both at 5% rewards, translating to Rs 500 per Rs 10,000 spend in each category. This makes it highly attractive for users with consistent fuel and grocery expenses. For general spends outside these categories, it still offers better rewards than the Ixigo card’s base rate.

Fees Compared

The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ impresses with no joining or annual fees, making it effectively free to hold. The fee waiver is structured as Rs 1.00 lakh annual spend, which when divided monthly is about Rs 8,333. Meeting this spend ensures continued waiver benefits and maximizes value especially for travel users seeking lounge access.

On the other hand, the Indianoil HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 500 each for joining and annual fees. The annual fee is waived if Rs 50,000 is spent annually, or about Rs 4,167 monthly. To justify its Rs 500 extra annual fee over the Ixigo card’s free offering, a user must spend approximately Rs 1.00 lakh more annually to earn higher rewards that cover this cost. This fee break-even point is crucial for deciding if the higher base rate and category rewards are worth the cost.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ if you are a traveler who values complimentary access to domestic lounges and high rewards on travel-related spends. Its zero fees make it a low-risk option for those who want good travel rewards without worrying about fee recovery. It also suits users focused on UPI spends and those who prefer a card with no annual burden.

Opt for the Indianoil HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ if you have significant fuel and grocery expenses and can comfortably meet the Rs 50,000 annual spend threshold to waive the fee. It is also suitable for first-time credit card users looking for a simple rewards structure and better base rates on all spends. However, if your spend pattern does not include fuel or groceries or if you want to avoid fees altogether, this card may not be ideal.

In conclusion, travelers and lounge users should pick the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ for its niche benefits and fee-free ownership. Everyday spenders with heavy fuel and grocery bills who can justify the fee will find the Indianoil HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ more rewarding. Those who do not fit these precise use cases should skip each respective card.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Caps on lounge access with the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ require Rs 30,000 quarterly spend for 4 domestic lounges.
  • Redemption value of points may vary; confirm how rewards convert and expire before applying.
  • Fee waiver spending thresholds differ considerably and affect cost-effectiveness.
  • Forex markup is 3.5% on both cards; international travelers should factor this in.
  • Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ lounges are domestic only; no international lounge access available.

FAQ

What is the annual fee for each card?+
The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ has no joining or annual fees, while the Indianoil HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 500 for both joining and annual fees.
Which card offers better rewards on general spends?+
The Indianoil HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ offers a higher base reward rate of 1% compared to 0.5% on the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ.
Do these cards provide lounge access?+
Only the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ offers lounge access, specifically 4 domestic lounges per year, subject to quarterly spend gates. The Indianoil card does not provide lounge access.
How does the fee waiver work?+
The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ waives fees with Rs 1.00 lakh annual spend, roughly Rs 8,333 monthly. The Indianoil HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ waives annual fees with Rs 50,000 annual spend, or Rs 4,167 monthly.
Are these cards suitable for international travel?+
Both cards have a forex markup of 3.5%, which is standard but on the higher side. The Ixigo cardⓘ lacks international lounge access, so international travelers should consider this factor.