Best Fuel Credit Cards in India — How They Actually Save Money
A fuel credit card is a co-branded payment card, usually partnered with IndianOil (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) or Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL). Its purpose is simple — reduce your petrol and diesel expense without changing your driving habits.
The "best" fuel credit card in India depends on your preferred fuel outlet (IndianOil, BPCL, or HPCL) and your monthly spending.
When a normal credit card is used at a petrol pump, banks charge around a 1% fuel surcharge plus GST. Fuel cards reverse this fee and additionally provide reward points or cashback typically worth 2% to 8%, which can later be redeemed as free fuel.
So the distance you drive stays the same — but your yearly fuel bill becomes lower because the payment method changes.
Main Benefits You Actually Receive
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver on most petrol transactions
- Reward points or cashback convertible into free fuel
- Higher rewards at partner petrol pumps
- Annual fee waiver on yearly spending milestones
- Savings on regular daily commuting
- Extra rewards on groceries, bills or UPI payments
- Helps build credit history and CIBIL score
RBI Consumer Protection & Safety Rules
All credit cards in India operate under Reserve Bank of India regulations designed to protect customers.
Reserve Bank of India Credit Card Guidelines
All credit cards in India operate under Reserve Bank of India regulations designed to protect customers.
- Written consent required before increasing credit limit (rule active since Oct 2022)
- Cards must not be activated without OTP approval
- Banks must provide a one-page Key Fact Statement showing fees and interest rates
- If a card is not activated within 30 days, bank must seek confirmation
- Credit score reporting frequency expected to improve to weekly updates around 2026
Reserve Bank of India Credit Card Guidelines
Which Type of Fuel Credit Card Should You Choose?
1. Entry-Level Cards (Fees: ₹199 – ₹500)
- Best for bikers and daily city commuters
- Suitable for ₹2,000–₹5,000 monthly fuel usage
- Easier approval and lower income requirement
- Good starting card to build credit history
2. Mid-Level Cards (Fees: ₹500 – ₹1,000)
- Best for car owners and office commuting families
- Works well for ₹5,000–₹10,000 monthly fuel expense
- Higher reward limits and better redemption value
- Often includes bill payment or grocery rewards
3. Premium Fuel Cards (Fees: ₹1,499 – ₹3,000+)
- Best for heavy commuters and SUV drivers
- Suitable when fuel spending exceeds ₹10,000 monthly
- Highest value-back on fuel
- Includes travel perks like lounge access
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Offers based on your loan profile & financial needs
(1.) Best Entry-Level Fuel Credit Cards in India (₹199–₹500 Fee)
Entry-level fuel credit cards are made for everyday commuters — mostly bike riders, small car users, students and first-time credit card holders. The main idea is simple: spend small money on fuel, but still receive meaningful savings.
These cards usually work best when monthly petrol spending stays around ₹2,000 to ₹5,000. Instead of premium travel perks, they focus on practical savings like surcharge waiver and reward points that directly convert into free petrol.
What does “Entry-Level Card” actually mean?
Banks call a card entry-level when approval requirements are lower — salary requirement is usually ₹15k–₹25k/month, credit history can be new around 725 or Above, and annual fee stays under ₹500. You can also read how cards are classified here → Credit Card Types & Eligibility Guide
Banks call a card entry-level when approval requirements are lower — salary requirement is usually ₹15k–₹25k/month, credit history can be new around 725 or Above, and annual fee stays under ₹500. You can also read how cards are classified here → Credit Card Types & Eligibility Guide
Quick Easemoney Tip:
If your fuel expense is low, premium cards do NOT give extra benefit. Because fuel cards have monthly reward caps, a ₹2,500 petrol user and ₹10,000 petrol user often earn almost the same reward in premium cards — which makes entry-level cards more profitable for light commuters.
If your fuel expense is low, premium cards do NOT give extra benefit. Because fuel cards have monthly reward caps, a ₹2,500 petrol user and ₹10,000 petrol user often earn almost the same reward in premium cards — which makes entry-level cards more profitable for light commuters.
1. IndianOil HDFC Bank Credit Card
★★★★★
This is probably the most balanced entry fuel card in India. It is not only a petrol card — it behaves like a household savings card because utility bill payments also earn accelerated rewards.
- ~5% fuel points at IndianOil petrol pumps
- 5% rewards on electricity, broadband and grocery spends
- Reward value: 1 Fuel Point ≈ ₹0.96 as free petrol
- Monthly cap: 150–250 fuel points depending on period
- Annual fee waiver after ₹50,000 yearly spending
- 1% surcharge waiver on eligible fuel transactions
Easemoney Tip: Pay electricity and mobile bills with this card. Many users recover ₹2,000–₹3,000 yearly without increasing spending.
2. BPCL SBI Card
★★★★☆
This card is simple to understand. Instead of converting points in an app, you can directly redeem rewards at many BPCL pumps while refuelling.
- ~4.25% effective savings (reward points + surcharge waiver)
- 1,300 reward points cap per billing cycle
- Welcome bonus roughly equal to joining fee
- 5X rewards on groceries and dining
- Instant redemption at select BPCL stations
Easemoney Tip: If your daily route has a BPCL pump, this card is easier to manage than most fuel cards because redemption is immediate.
3. IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card
★★★★☆
A modern fuel card especially useful for UPI users. You can scan QR at petrol pump and still earn rewards, which most credit cards don’t allow.
- ~4% value back at IndianOil outlets
- RuPay variant supports UPI fuel payments
- Monthly reward cap around ₹200
- 1% cashback on online purchases
- Welcome fuel cashback on first transaction
Easemoney Tip: Ideal for younger users who pay via PhonePe, Paytm or GPay at petrol pumps.
4. IDFC FIRST Power HPCL Credit Card
★★★★★
One of the most practical low-fee cards. The reward system is simple and points never expire, which removes a common problem many users face.
- ~5% total savings at HPCL pumps
- Rewards + Happy Coins via HP Pay app
- Complimentary roadside assistance cover
- 2.5% rewards on groceries and FASTag
- No redemption fee and no point expiry
Easemoney Tip: Even if fuel usage is low, roadside assistance alone can justify the annual fee.
5. ICICI HPCL Coral Credit Card
★★★☆☆
This card focuses more on convenience than high rewards. Many ICICI customers receive it as lifetime free, making it useful for occasional fuel spending.
- ~2.5% cashback at HPCL pumps
- Reward points on normal purchases
- Movie ticket discounts
- Easy approval for existing ICICI account holders
Easemoney Tip: Good backup card if your primary card fails at petrol pumps.
(2.) Top Mid-Level Fuel Credit Cards in India (₹500–₹1,000 Annual Fee)
Mid-level fuel credit cards are designed mainly for regular car owners — office commuters, small business users, and families using a vehicle daily. These cards become useful when monthly petrol expense starts crossing about ₹5,000 and goes up to ₹10,000.
Entry-level cards stop giving full rewards after a small limit. Mid-level cards solve that problem by increasing monthly reward caps and adding extra benefits like lounge visits, roadside assistance, or bill payment rewards.
What “Mid-Level Card” actually means in India
- Typical income eligibility: ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 monthly salary
- Annual fee: usually ₹500–₹1,000
- Credit score expectation: around 700+ preferred
- Fuel reward cap higher than entry cards
- Often includes 1–2 airport lounge visits yearly
Charges & Fee Reality (Important)
- 1% fuel surcharge still applies first, then reversed as benefit
- Interest rate typically 36%–42% yearly if you carry balance
- Late payment fee usually ₹500–₹1,200 depending on outstanding
- Annual fee often waived after ₹75k–₹1L yearly spending
Easemoney Understanding:
Most people upgrade to premium cards too early. If your petrol spend is around ₹6k–₹7k monthly, mid-level cards usually give the highest actual return because reward caps are designed around this usage.
Most people upgrade to premium cards too early. If your petrol spend is around ₹6k–₹7k monthly, mid-level cards usually give the highest actual return because reward caps are designed around this usage.
1. IDFC FIRST Power+ HPCL Credit Card
★★★★★
One of the strongest mid-segment fuel cards. It suits regular car drivers who also travel highways because the card mixes fuel rewards with safety benefits.
- ~6.5% effective savings (5% rewards + 1.5% HP Pay coins)
- Rewards also on LPG cylinder payments
- 1 airport lounge visit per quarter (spend condition)
- Complimentary roadside assistance cover
- Reward points never expire
- Typical annual fee: ₹499
- Eligibility: 21+ age, ~₹3L annual income, 700+ credit score preferred
Easemoney Tip: Good for people doing long drives — roadside assistance alone can save ₹3k–₹5k once in a breakdown.
2. ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card
★★★★☆
This card works well for family households. It gives rewards not only on petrol but also electricity bills and grocery purchases.
- ~5% total savings at HPCL petrol pumps
- 4% cashback capped around ₹200/month
- Extra rewards through HP Pay app
- 1 lounge visit per quarter
- Movie ticket discount offers
- Eligibility: ~₹20k monthly salary
- Typical fee: around ₹500
Easemoney Tip: If your petrol spend is ₹3,000+ monthly, the annual fee usually recovers within 4–5 months.
3. BOB HPCL Energie Credit Card
★★★★☆
A simple mid-range card focused on predictable savings and easy annual fee waiver.
- ~5% savings at HPCL fuel stations
- 4 domestic lounge visits yearly
- Paytm movie ticket discounts
- Annual fee waiver around ₹50k spending
- Eligibility: ₹2.4L–₹3.6L yearly income
Easemoney Tip: Good choice if you want lounge access without paying premium card fees.
4. IndianOil Kotak Credit Card
★★★★☆
Useful if your nearby petrol pump is IndianOil and you also spend on restaurants and groceries.
- ~5% effective savings at IndianOil pumps
- 2% rewards on dining and groceries
- Personal accident insurance cover
- Monthly reward cap applies
- Typical fee around ₹449
Easemoney Tip: Works best for office commuters who refill weekly at the same pump.
5. Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium
★★★★☆
Different from other cards — it works at almost any petrol pump brand, so you are not restricted to IOCL/HPCL/BPCL.
- 5% cashback on fuel transactions
- Works across all fuel brands
- 5% cashback on utility bills
- Income eligibility ~₹35k monthly and Good Credit Score Above 750
- Fee around ₹750
Easemoney Tip: Best for users who travel across cities and cannot depend on a single petrol company.
(3.) Best Premium Fuel Credit Cards in India (High Usage Tier)
Premium fuel credit cards are designed for heavy drivers — SUV owners, long-distance commuters, transport professionals and business owners whose monthly petrol expense usually crosses ₹10,000.
At this level, the card is not only saving surcharge. Banks design these cards assuming frequent refuelling, highway tolls and travel usage, so the reward caps are much higher and include travel privileges like airport lounge access and milestone bonuses.
Typical Eligibility in India
- Age: 21–65 years
- Credit score: generally 720+ preferred
- Salaried income: ₹50,000–₹80,000 monthly
- Self-employed income: ₹6–₹10 lakh annual ITR
- Stable repayment history required
How Premium Cards Actually Work
- Higher monthly fuel reward caps
- Better redemption ratio (points convert faster to fuel)
- Complimentary airport lounge visits
- Milestone bonuses after yearly spending
- Lower effective cost if usage is high
Example:
A person spending ₹12,000 petrol monthly (~₹1.4L yearly) can recover ₹7,000–₹12,000 in rewards and lounge benefits. But a person spending ₹3,000 monthly will not recover the annual fee — which is why premium cards are not meant for light users.
A person spending ₹12,000 petrol monthly (~₹1.4L yearly) can recover ₹7,000–₹12,000 in rewards and lounge benefits. But a person spending ₹3,000 monthly will not recover the annual fee — which is why premium cards are not meant for light users.
Easemoney Advice:
Many people apply for premium cards for status. In reality, these cards only make financial sense when your fuel bill is high. If monthly fuel is below ₹7,000, mid-level cards usually give a better real return.
Many people apply for premium cards for status. In reality, these cards only make financial sense when your fuel bill is high. If monthly fuel is below ₹7,000, mid-level cards usually give a better real return.
1. BPCL SBI Card Octane
★★★★★
Considered the benchmark fuel card in India. It is built specifically for heavy fuel users who regularly refill at Bharat Petroleum pumps.
- ~7.25% fuel value back
- Instant redemption at BPCL pump
- 4 airport lounge visits yearly
- 10X rewards on groceries and dining
- Annual fee: ₹1,499 (waived on ₹2L yearly spend)
- Eligibility: ₹50k+ monthly income & strong credit score
Easemoney Advice: If BPCL pump is near your house or office, this is usually the most profitable fuel card in India.
2. IndianOil RBL XTRA Credit Card
★★★★★
High percentage return card made for IndianOil loyal users who refill frequently but want maximum raw reward rate.
- ~8.5% fuel savings (one of the highest in India)
- Welcome reward bonus
- Fuel reward cap around ₹5k monthly usage
- Annual fee ~₹1,500
- Eligibility: ₹40k monthly income
Easemoney Advice: Better than Octane only when you use IndianOil pumps consistently.
3. American Express Gold Charge Card
★★★★☆
Not a traditional fuel card. Works on a reward strategy — small monthly transactions generate high-value reward points usable for hotels and flights.
- Milestone bonus points monthly
- Effective 8–10% value when used correctly
- Hotel & airline point transfer
- No preset spending limit (charge card)
- Income requirement: ₹6L+ annual
Easemoney Advice: Only useful if you pay full bill every month. Not for EMI users.
4. Axis Bank Magnus (Fuel Strategy Use)
★★★★☆
A lifestyle premium card rather than a direct fuel card. The savings come when fuel spending converts into airline miles and business-class tickets.
- Luxury travel and concierge services
- Unlimited lounge access
- High reward-to-airline conversion
- Annual fee ~₹12,500
- Income eligibility: ₹18L–₹24L yearly
Easemoney Advice: This is not a saving card — it is a travel optimization card.
5. IndianOil Axis Bank Premium Credit Card
★★★★☆
A balanced option between pure fuel card and premium travel card. Suitable for heavy IndianOil users wanting higher credit limits.
- 6X EDGE reward points on IOCL fuel
- Milestone yearly bonus rewards
- Quarterly lounge visit
- Annual fee ~₹2,500
- Eligibility: ₹6L+ annual income
Easemoney Advice: Good upgrade after mid-level cards once your fuel usage crosses ₹10k monthly.
⭐ Recommended for you
Offers based on your loan profile & financial needs
Top 10 Steps to Choose the Right Fuel Credit Card
Fuel credit cards in India look similar on advertisements, but in reality the “best” card depends on your driving route, spending pattern and payment habits.
Follow these simple checks before applying — it can easily save ₹4,000–₹12,000 yearly.
1. Map Your Daily Petrol Pump
Most fuel cards are brand-linked. Choose IOCL, BPCL or HPCL based on the pump you actually visit weekly — not the one near the highway. Convenience matters more than reward percentage.
2. Calculate Your Monthly Fuel Spend
Below ₹2,000 → Entry cards are enough. ₹5,000–₹10,000 → Mid-level cards give better return. ₹10,000+ → Premium cards start making real financial sense.
3. Check Redemption Method
Prefer cards where fuel points can be used directly at the petrol pump or simple apps like HP Pay. Avoid cards that require voucher conversion or customer care redemption.
4. Verify Surcharge Waiver Slab
Most banks waive the 1% fuel surcharge only between ₹400 and ₹4,000 per transaction. Very small top-ups (₹100–₹200) often do not qualify.
5. Understand Monthly Reward Caps
Many cards limit rewards to ₹100–₹250 monthly. If your petrol bill is ₹8,000 but cap is ₹200, your real return becomes smaller than advertised.
6. Check Annual Fee Waiver Condition
Choose a card where your normal spending easily crosses the waiver target. Example: ₹50k yearly spend is easy. ₹2L spend is not easy for everyone.
7. Look Beyond Fuel Benefits
Good cards also give grocery rewards, FASTag recharge, bill payments or lounge visits. These extra benefits often recover the annual fee faster than fuel rewards alone.
8. Understand “Value-Back” Numbers
Some ads say “free fuel worth ₹5,000”. This is calculated on very high yearly usage. Always check real percentage return (like 4%, 5% or 7.25%).
9. Check RuPay & UPI Compatibility
If you prefer scanning QR at pumps, choose RuPay fuel cards that work with BHIM, PhonePe or GPay. Otherwise rewards may not apply.
10. Don’t Ignore Welcome Benefits
Joining bonuses (₹500 voucher or 2,000 points) often recover the first year fee. But remember — the card must still suit your monthly usage after the first year.
Easemoney Practical Advice:
The biggest mistake people make is choosing the card with the highest percentage. The real best card is the one you will actually use every week without changing your routine.
If you need help, you can match cards based on income and eligibility here:
Find Your Suitable Credit Card →
The biggest mistake people make is choosing the card with the highest percentage. The real best card is the one you will actually use every week without changing your routine.
If you need help, you can match cards based on income and eligibility here:
Find Your Suitable Credit Card →
Fuel Credit Card Questions People Actually Ask
Which fuel credit card is best in India?
There is no single best for everyone. BPCL SBI Octane suits heavy drivers, while IndianOil HDFC suits daily commuters. Choose the card matching your nearby petrol pump network, not advertisement claims.
Which credit card is best for petrol purchases?
For regular bike users spending ₹3,000 monthly, entry fuel cards give highest return. Car owners spending ₹8,000 monthly benefit more from mid-level cards with higher monthly reward caps and surcharge waivers.
Are fuel credit cards worth getting in 2026?
Yes, if you buy petrol every week. A person spending ₹5,000 monthly can save roughly ₹3,000–₹6,000 yearly through surcharge waivers, reward points and milestone benefits, according to current bank reward structures.
What is the top oil company fuel card?
India has three main networks: IndianOil, BPCL and HPCL. The top card depends on which pump is closest to your home or office. Convenience gives more savings than slightly higher percentage rewards.
How can I earn 50 litres of free fuel yearly?
By spending around ₹7,000–₹10,000 monthly on fuel and redeeming points regularly. Premium cards offer higher reward caps. Many users forget redemption, so points expire and actual savings reduce significantly.
What is the 2-3-4 rule for credit cards?
Keep at least 2 cards active, spend below 30% credit limit, and pay full bill within 4 days of statement generation. This habit improves CIBIL score steadily within six to eight months.
How much are 1000 fuel reward points worth?
Usually around ₹250 to ₹500 depending on bank conversion ratio. Some cards give direct pump redemption while others require app conversion. Always check redemption value before applying, not only reward multiplier.
Is an RBL fuel credit card good?
Yes for IndianOil loyal users. RBL fuel cards give high percentage return but monthly caps are smaller. Best for consistent refuelling users, not occasional drivers filling petrol once or twice monthly.
Is HDFC fuel credit card good?
HDFC IndianOil card suits beginners. Approval is easier and yearly fee waives at ₹50,000 spending. It also rewards utility bills, so many households recover annual fee within first six months usage.
Do fuel cards increase CIBIL score?
Yes, if you pay the bill fully every month. Even ₹1,500 monthly usage helps build credit history. Missed payments, however, damage score faster than loan defaults in many cases.
Do all petrol pumps accept fuel credit cards?
Almost all branded pumps accept cards, but rewards apply only on partner network pumps. You can still pay anywhere, but cashback or points will be lower outside partner company stations.
Why surcharge waiver sometimes not applied?
Because most banks allow waiver only between ₹400 and ₹4,000 transactions. Small ₹100 or ₹200 fuel top-ups usually do not qualify. Many people misunderstand this rule and think card failed.
Can I link fuel credit card to UPI?
Yes, if it is RuPay variant. You can connect it with BHIM, PhonePe or GPay. This helps small town users pay by QR code while still earning rewards and building credit history.
Do points expire in fuel credit cards?
Some banks keep validity 24–36 months while others never expire. Always redeem yearly. Many people lose ₹2,000–₹4,000 value simply because they forget to convert points into fuel.
Can a self-employed person get a fuel credit card?
Yes, but banks usually ask ITR return and bank statement. Showing stable income for one year greatly increases approval chances compared to new businesses without financial records.
Tap for 10 More Fuel Questions
