Fuel expenses can take up a significant portion of your monthly budget, especially with rising fuel prices. Fortunately, credit cards offering fuel benefits can help you save on these expenses. Two popular options in India are the SBI BPCL Credit Card and the HDFC Bank Bharat Cashback Credit Card. In this article, we compare these cards to help you decide which one is the best for fuel savings.

Why Choose a Fuel Credit Card?

Fuel credit cards provide cashback, reward points, or direct discounts on fuel purchases. These benefits not only help in saving money but also provide other perks like waiver of fuel surcharge, reward points on utility bills, and more. Choosing the right card can lead to substantial savings, especially if you have a high monthly fuel expense.

Overview of the Cards

SBI BPCL Credit Card

The SBI BPCL Credit Card is specifically designed for those who frequently refuel at Bharat Petroleum outlets. It offers substantial reward points and cashback on fuel purchases, making it ideal for daily commuters and long-distance travelers.

HDFC Bank Bharat Cashback Credit Card

The HDFC Bank Bharat Cashback Credit Card is a versatile cashback card that not only offers fuel savings but also provides cashback on utility bills, mobile recharges, and other daily expenses. It is suitable for those looking for an all-rounder cashback card.

Key Features and Benefits

SBI BPCL Credit Card

• Fuel Savings: 4.25% value back on fuel purchases at Bharat Petroleum outlets.
• Reward Points: Earn 13X reward points on every ₹100 spent on fuel.
• Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹500 and ₹4,000.
• Annual Fee: ₹499 (Waived off on spending ₹50,000 in a year).
• Welcome Benefit: 2,000 bonus reward points on payment of joining fee.

HDFC Bank Bharat Cashback Credit Card

• Fuel Savings: 5% cashback on fuel transactions (capped at ₹150 per billing cycle).
• Cashback on Utility Bills: 5% cashback on utility bills and mobile recharges.
• Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel transactions.
• Annual Fee: ₹500 (Waived off on spending ₹20,000 in a year).
• Reward Redemption: Cashback is credited as a statement credit.

Comparison Table

Feature	SBI BPCL Credit Card	HDFC Bharat Cashback Credit Card
Fuel Savings	4.25% value back at BPCL outlets	5% cashback on fuel (capped at ₹150)
Reward Points	13X on fuel purchases	Not Applicable
Fuel Surcharge Waiver	1% on transactions ₹500-₹4,000	1% on all fuel transactions
Annual Fee	₹499 (Waived on ₹50,000 spend)	₹500 (Waived on ₹20,000 spend)
Other Cashback	Not Applicable	5% on utility bills and recharges
Welcome Benefits	2,000 bonus reward points	Not Available
Ideal For	Frequent BPCL fuel buyers	General fuel and utility bill payers

Which Card is Better for Fuel Savings?

Choose SBI BPCL Credit Card If

• You frequently refuel at Bharat Petroleum outlets.
• You want to maximize your reward points on fuel purchases.
• You are looking for a higher value back on fuel without monthly caps.

Choose HDFC Bharat Cashback Credit Card If

• You want cashback on all fuel purchases, irrespective of the fuel brand.
• You also spend significantly on utility bills and mobile recharges.
• You prefer a simpler cashback system credited as statement credit.

Pros and Cons

SBI BPCL Credit Card

Pros:

• Higher value back (4.25%) at BPCL outlets.
• Generous reward points system.
• Welcome bonus points.

Cons:

• Benefits restricted to Bharat Petroleum outlets only.
• No cashback on other utility expenses.

HDFC Bharat Cashback Credit Card

Pros:

• 5% cashback on fuel across all brands.
• Additional cashback on utility bills and recharges.
• Lower annual fee waiver limit.

Cons:

• Cashback capped at ₹150 per billing cycle.
• No reward points system.

Application Process

How to Apply for SBI BPCL Credit Card

• Visit the official SBI Card website or nearest SBI branch.
• Fill in the application form with required details like name, contact, income, and KYC documents.
• Submit the application and wait for verification.
• Upon approval, the card will be dispatched to your registered address.

How to Apply for HDFC Bharat Cashback Credit Card

• Visit the HDFC Bank website or nearby branch.
• Complete the application form with personal and financial details.
• Upload necessary documents for identity and income verification.
• Post verification, the card will be delivered to your address.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between the SBI BPCL Credit Card and the HDFC Bank Bharat Cashback Credit Card depends on your spending habits:

• If you mostly refuel at Bharat Petroleum outlets, the SBI BPCL Credit Card offers more value back.
• If you want a more versatile card with cashback on fuel, utility bills, and mobile recharges, the HDFC Bharat Cashback Credit Card is the better option.

Both cards come with their own set of advantages, so choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle and spending patterns.

Our Recommendation

Both the SBI BPCL Credit Card and the HDFC Bharat Cashback Credit Card offer excellent fuel savings but cater to different types of users. If you are loyal to Bharat Petroleum, the SBI BPCL Credit Card is a clear winner. However, for a more versatile cashback experience, including utility payments, the HDFC Bharat Cashback Credit Card is a better choice. Choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and spending habits to maximize your savings.

Frequently Asked Questions