HPCL BoB ENERGIE vs ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver Credit Card

In the present era, credit card issuers provide a diverse array of credit cards tailored to meet the distinct needs of various consumer segments. Among these segments, individuals who frequently spend on fuel have garnered attention. Similar to categories such as travel, shopping, and entertainment, fuel has emerged as a popular category among both credit card issuers and users.

Several prominent card issuers, including HDFC Bank, SBI Card, ICICI Bank, and BoB Financial, have introduced co-branded fuel credit cards to cater to this specific segment. This discussion will focus on two such cards – one from ICICI Bank and the other from BoB Financial. Both entities have collaborated with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to offer co-branded credit cards.

ICICI Bank provides a total of three HPCL co-branded credit cards, while BoB Financial offers a single card named ‘HPCL Bank of Baroda ENERGIE Credit Card,’ recently launched. Notably, the BoB Financial card bears similarities to the ‘ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver Credit Card.’

When searching for cost-effective fuel credit cards, confusion may arise between these two cards. They share similarities in terms of annual fees, reward rates, and even the travel and entertainment benefits they offer. However, discerning the subtle differences requires a detailed examination of all their features.

Features and Benefits of HPCL BoB ENERGIE and ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver Credit Card

HPCL BoB ENERGIE Credit Card:

1. Introduction:
   • Recently launched by BoB Financial in collaboration with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited.
   • Bank of Baroda’s first fuel card designed for frequent HPCL pump users.
2. Membership Fee and Rewards:
   • Annual fee: Rs. 499 only.
   • Competitive reward rate on fuel purchases.
   • Additional rewards on various spending categories.
3. Card Benefits:
   • Complimentary lounge access.
   • Entertainment benefits for cardholders.
   • Diverse advantages across multiple categories.
4. Key Features:
   • Welcome benefit: 2,000 Reward Points on spending Rs. 5,000 within the first 60 days.
   • Earn 24 Reward Points for every Rs. 150 you spend on fuel at HPCL pumps.
   • 1.5% value back on HP Pay app transactions.
   • 10 Reward Points on Rs. 150 spent on groceries & departmental stores.
   • 4 complimentary domestic lounge accesses annually.
   • 25% discount (up to Rs. 100) on BookMyShow movie ticket bookings.
   • 1% fuel surcharge waiver on all fuel transactions.
   • If you spend Rs. 50,000 or more in the previous year, you’ll be exempt from paying the annual fee.

ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver Credit Card:

1. Introduction:
   • Co-branded card by ICICI Bank and HPCL, launched in July 2021.
   • Gained popularity for its rewarding features.
2. Membership Fee and Rewards:
   • Annual fee: Rs. 500.
   • Attractive reward rate across all spending categories.
   • Savings up to 5% on purchases, with additional cashback on fuel at HPCL pumps.
3. Card Benefits:
   • 2,000 bonus Reward Points on spending Rs. 5,000 within the first 45 days.
   • 4% cashback on fuel at HPCL pumps.
   • Additional 1.5% cashback using the HP Pay app for fuel transactions.
   • 5% cashback on departmental stores & groceries.
   • 2 Reward Points on every Rs. 100 spent on other purchases.
   • 25% discount (up to Rs. 100) on BookMyShow twice every month.
   • 1 complimentary domestic lounge access every quarter (requires Rs. 5,000 spending in the previous quarter).
   • 1% fuel surcharge waiver on all fuel transactions.
4. Annual Fee Waiver:
   • Annual fee waived on spending Rs. 1.5 lakh or more in the previous year.

Comparison between HPCL BoB ENERGIE and ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver Credit Card

HPCL BoB ENERGIE Credit Card:

• Annual Fee:
  • Rs. 499, waived off on spending Rs. 50,000 in the previous year.
• Reward Rate:
  • Earn 24 Reward Points for every Rs. 150 spent on fuel purchased at HPCL pumps.
  • Up to 10 Reward Points on every Rs. 150 spent on other categories.
• Cashback:
  • 4% cashback on fuel purchases at HPCL pumps.
  • 2 Reward Points on every Rs. 100 spent elsewhere.
• Lounge Access:
  • 4 complimentary domestic lounge accesses every year.
• Other Benefits:
  • 25% discount up to Rs. 100 on movie ticket bookings.
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver.

ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver Credit Card:

• Annual Fee:
  • Receive a discount of Rs. 500 when you spend Rs. 1.5 lakhs or above in the preceding year.
• Reward Rate:
  • 4% cashback on fuel purchases at HPCL pumps.
  • 5% cashback on groceries and departmental stores.
  • 2 Reward Points on every Rs. 100 spent elsewhere.
• Lounge Access:
  • You’ll receive one free access to a domestic lounge every quarter simply by making a minimum spend of Rs. 5,000 in the preceding quarter.
• Other Benefits:
  • 25% discount up to Rs. 100 on movie ticket bookings.
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver.

Which credit card suits you best?

• Card Similarities:
  • Two cards discussed are HPCL BoB ENERGIE and ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver.
  • Both cards share similarities in earning potential.
• Annual Fee and Waiver Conditions:
  • Annual fees are alike for both cards.
  • Fee waiver conditions differ:
    • HPCL BoB ENERGIE: Rs. 50,000 minimum annual spend.
    • ICICI HPCL Super Saver: Rs. 1.5 lakhs minimum annual spend.
• Reward Programs:
  • Fuel purchase reward rates are identical for both cards.
  • Super Saver Card has a higher reward rate for groceries and departmental stores.
• Complimentary Lounge Access:
  • Both cards offer 4 complimentary domestic lounge accesses annually.
  • Super Saver Card requires a minimum spend for lounge access, while BoB ENERGIE Card has no such condition.
• Consideration for Best Fit:
  • No one-size-fits-all; individual requirements matter.
  • Super Saver suits those spending more on groceries and departmental stores.
  • BoB ENERGIE is preferable for those desiring free lounge access without spending milestones.
• Conclusion:
  • Analyze personal needs and spending habits to make a well-informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Q: What are the main differences between HPCL BoB ENERGIE and ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver Credit Card?

A: The primary distinctions lie in annual fee waiver conditions, reward rates on groceries, and departmental stores, as well as lounge access requirements.

2. Q: How do the annual fees compare for these credit cards?

A: Both cards have similar annual fees. However, HPCL BoB ENERGIE has a lower minimum annual spend requirement for fee waiver (Rs. 50,000) compared to ICICI HPCL Super Saver (Rs. 1.5 lakhs).

3. Q: Is the reward rate on fuel purchases the same for both cards?

A: Yes, both HPCL BoB ENERGIE and ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card offer an identical reward rate on fuel purchases.

4. Q: What sets the reward programs apart for these cards?

A: While fuel rewards are the same, the Super Saver Card provides a higher reward rate on groceries and departmental store expenses.

5. Q: Do both cards offer complimentary domestic lounge access?

A: Yes, both cards provide 4 complimentary domestic lounge accesses per year.

6. Q: Are there any conditions for availing of the complimentary lounge access benefit?

A: Yes, ICICI HPCL Super Saver Card requires a minimum spend for lounge access, whereas HPCL BoB ENERGIE Card has no such condition.

7. Q: Which card is suitable for those who spend more on groceries and departmental stores?

A: ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card is preferable for individuals with higher expenditures in these categories.

8. Q: What is the best choice for those seeking free lounge access without specific spending milestones?

A: The ENERGIE Card issued by BoB Financial would be the ideal choice in this case.

9. Q: Can one card be considered better for everyone, or does it depend on individual requirements?

A: Each card has its own advantages, and the choice depends on individual needs and spending habits.

10. Q: How should one decide between HPCL BoB ENERGIE and ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card?

A: Analyze your specific needs and spending patterns to make a wise decision based on the features and benefits offered by each card.