Quick Verdict

  • The IndusInd Legend Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spending with a higher base reward rate and excellent category bonuses.
  • For travel and lounge access, the IndusInd Legend Credit Cardⓘ also leads with more domestic lounge visits per year.
  • Both cards are lifetime free with no joining or annual fees, so cost is equal.
  • Choose the LIC Classic Credit Cardⓘ if you want a no-frills, lifetime-free card with basic lounge access and minimal fuss.
  • Opt for the IndusInd Legend Credit Cardⓘ if you prioritize rewards, especially on dining, and want more lounge visits despite no international lounge access.

Side by Side

DetailLIC Classic Credit CardⓘIndusInd Legend Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeNil (lifetime free)Nil (lifetime free)
Joining feeNil (lifetime free)Nil (lifetime free)
Reward rate0.5%0.7% base, 1.75% on dining
Reward typePointsPoints
Domestic lounge2 per year (Rs 20,000 monthly spend gate)8 per year
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forLifetime-free, first-card, loungeRewards, lifetime-free, lounge, shopping

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the LIC Classic Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 50 worth of points at the base rate of 0.5%. There are no category-specific accelerators, so this rate applies uniformly across spends. This card is straightforward but offers modest returns.

In contrast, the IndusInd Legend Credit Cardⓘ yields Rs 70 for every Rs 10,000 spent at the base rate of 0.7%. It shines in dining where the reward rate jumps to 1.75%, delivering Rs 175 on Rs 10,000 spent in that category. This makes it more rewarding for cardholders who spend heavily on dining and shopping, while also providing a better base rate for all other expenses.

Fees Compared

Both cards share the advantage of being completely free to hold with no joining or annual fees. Neither card requires a minimum spend to waive fees since there are none. This simplifies the cost consideration: you get to keep your card without worrying about fee waivers or break-even spends. The fee structure is equally attractive for cost-conscious users who want to avoid yearly charges.

Which One Should You Pick

The LIC Classic Credit Cardⓘ is ideal for first-time credit card users or those seeking a simple, lifetime free card with the bonus of some domestic lounge access. If you prefer minimal commitments or are new to credit cards, this card offers a no-hassle option with basic rewards and lounge benefits without any fees. However, skip it if you want higher rewards or more lounge visits.

The IndusInd Legend Credit Cardⓘ suits savvy spenders who want to maximize rewards, especially on dining and shopping, while also enjoying a generous number of domestic lounge visits. It is perfect for users who value points accumulation and plan to leverage the 1.75% dining category return. Avoid this card if you do not spend much on dining or do not require extensive lounge access.

Overall, the IndusInd Legend Credit Cardⓘ offers superior rewards and lounge benefits, making it the better pick for rewards-focused users. The LIC Classic Credit Cardⓘ works well as a no-cost, straightforward starter card with some lounge perks.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the Rs 20,000 monthly spend gate for domestic lounges on the LIC Classic Credit Cardⓘ as it limits free lounge access.
  • Understand the actual redemption value of points since both cards earn points and the effective value can impact returns.
  • Note that both cards have no fee waivers to worry about but check if any future changes might introduce fees or spend thresholds.
  • Both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency spends, which is standard but can add cost when traveling abroad.
  • Verify the specific domestic lounge locations and participating airports to ensure the lounge access suits your travel patterns.

FAQ

What is the annual fee for each card?+
Both the LIC Classic Credit Cardⓘ and IndusInd Legend Credit Cardⓘ have no annual or joining fees and are lifetime free to hold.
How many free domestic lounge visits do the cards offer?+
The LIC Classic Credit Cardⓘ provides 2 free domestic lounge visits per year with a monthly spend requirement of Rs 20,000 to qualify. The IndusInd Legend Credit Cardⓘ offers 8 free domestic lounge visits annually with no spend gate mentioned.
Do either of these cards offer international lounge access?+
No, neither card provides access to international airport lounges.
What is the forex markup charged on foreign currency transactions?+
Both cards apply a 3.5% forex markup on all foreign currency spends, which is standard for Indian credit cards.
Which card is better for dining and shopping rewards?+
The IndusInd Legend Credit Cardⓘ is better for dining and shopping due to its elevated 1.75% reward rate on dining spends compared to the LIC Classic Credit Cardⓘ flat 0.5% across all categories.