Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Card vs IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• For everyday spend, the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ wins with a higher base reward rate and excellent category bonuses.
• For fuel and grocery spenders, the IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Cardⓘ offers more targeted rewards, making it the better choice in those categories.
• The Samsung Axis Bank Infinite card is cheaper to hold as it has no joining or annual fees, unlike the IDFC HPCL card which charges Rs 499 for both.
• Choose the Samsung card if you want a fee-free, versatile rewards card with lounge access and good travel benefits; pick the IDFC card if your spend is focused on fuel and groceries and you can meet the lower waiver threshold.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

The Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ offers Rs 150 back per Rs 10,000 spent at the base rate of 1.5%. Its category rewards are particularly strong for online shopping with 10% returns, translating to Rs 1,000 on Rs 10,000 spend, and 3% on dining or Rs 300. This makes it an excellent choice for users who spend broadly across lifestyle and e-commerce categories.

In contrast, the IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Cardⓘ delivers Rs 75 on Rs 10,000 spent at the base rate of 0.75%. However, it boosts rewards significantly in fuel at 6.5% (Rs 650 on Rs 10,000 spent), grocery and utilities at 5% (Rs 500). This card is tailored for those prioritizing fuel and essential spends rather than general lifestyle or travel categories.

Fees Compared

The Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ stands out with no joining or annual fees ever, provided you spend Rs 3.00 lakh annually or Rs 25,000 monthly to avoid fees. This is a relatively high waiver threshold but balanced by the card’s strong rewards and benefits.

The IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 499 for joining and annual fees, which can be waived with Rs 1.50 lakh annual spend or Rs 12,500 monthly. Its lower waiver threshold makes it accessible to moderate spenders, but you must spend at least Rs 66,533 annually at base rates to cover the fees through rewards alone.

Which One Should You Pick

Pick the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ if you want a no-fee card with solid rewards on online shopping, dining, and travel plus access to 8 domestic and 4 international lounges annually. It suits premium spenders who can meet the Rs 3.00 lakh annual spend waiver and want a versatile card with a strong welcome benefit of Samsung cashback vouchers worth Rs 2,500.

Choose the IDFC HPCL First Power Plus Credit Cardⓘ if your spending is heavy on fuel, groceries, and utilities, and you value domestic lounge access with a lower fee waiver threshold of Rs 1.50 lakh annually. The Rs 499 fees are reasonable if you can leverage the welcome gift vouchers and cashback on your first fuel transactions.

Skip the Samsung card if you cannot meet the high waiver spend or rarely shop online or dine out. Avoid the IDFC card if you dislike paying upfront fees or want international lounge access.

What to Check Before You Apply

• The Samsung card’s fee waiver spend of Rs 3.00 lakh annually is high; ensure your spend justifies this.
• Redemption of reward points may have category restrictions or caps; verify how you can use points effectively.
• The IDFC First card’s lower waiver threshold is attractive but comes with joining and annual fees; calculate if your rewards offset these.
• Both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, a standard but costly rate for international travel.
• Lounge access limits and any monthly spend gates (such as Rs 20,000 monthly spend for IDFC domestic lounges) may restrict usage.

FAQ