Best Credit Cards for Fuel Expenses in India (2025): Maximize Cashback & Rewards
With fuel prices in India soaring, smart spenders are turning to credit cards tailored for fuel expenses to cut costs.
This guide explores the top fuel credit cards of 2025, their rewards, hidden perks, and strategies to optimize savings.
Why Fuel-Specific Credit Cards Matter in 2025
Fuel costs account for 15–30% of monthly expenses for Indian vehicle owners. Fuel credit cards offer:
- Cashback/Rewards: Up to 5% savings on fuel spends.
- Surcharge Waivers: Save 1% on every transaction (₹100–₹400 monthly).
- Additional Discounts: Partnered petrol stations often give extra savings.
How Fuel Credit Cards Work
- Cashback/Reward Points: Earn points or direct cashback on fuel purchases.
- Surcharge Waiver: Most cards waive the 1% fuel surcharge (capped monthly).
- Fuel Station Partnerships: Extra benefits at specific outlets (e.g., IndianOil, HPCL).
Top 10 Fuel Credit Cards in India (2025)
1. SBI Octane Credit Card
Key Features:
- Fuel Rewards: 6.25% value back at BPCL stations (25 points/₹100; 1 point = ₹0.25).
- Surcharge Waiver: 1% waived, up to ₹500/month.
- Annual Fee: ₹1,499 (reversed on spends over ₹1.5 lakh).
- Other Benefits: 4x rewards on groceries, movies, and dining.
Pros:
- Highest fuel rewards in India (6.25%).
- Complimentary BPCL VIP membership for priority service.
- No fuel transaction limit for surcharge waiver.
Cons:
- High joining fee (₹1,499 + GST).
- Rewards locked to BPCL outlets.
Eligibility:
- Salaried (₹30,000+ monthly) or self-employed (ITR ₹4 lakh+).
2. HDFC Bank IndianOil Credit Card
Key Features:
- Fuel Cashback: 5% at IndianOil outlets (₹250/month cap).
- Surcharge Waiver: 1% waived (up to ₹500/month).
- Annual Fee: ₹500 (waived for spends over ₹50,000).
- Other Benefits: 2% cashback on groceries and bill payments.
Pros:
- Low annual fee with easy waiver.
- Wide network of IndianOil pumps.
- No minimum fuel transaction requirement.
Cons:
- Monthly cashback capped at ₹250.
- Limited rewards on non-fuel spends.
Eligibility:
- Salaried professionals (₹25,000+ monthly income).
3. ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver Credit Card
Key Features:
- Fuel Rewards: 4% cashback at HPCL pumps (₹300/month cap).
- Surcharge Waiver: 1% waived (up to ₹400/month).
- Annual Fee: ₹499 (waived for spends over ₹1 lakh).
- Other Benefits: 2% rewards on dining and utility bills.
Pros:
- Low annual fee.
- Easy redemption via ICICI net banking.
- HPCL’s 2X reward points stackable.
Cons:
- Lower reward rate than competitors.
- No lounge access.
Eligibility:
- Existing ICICI account holders preferred.
4. Axis Bank IOCL Credit Card
Key Features:
- Fuel Rewards: 4.25% cashback at IndianOil pumps.
- Surcharge Waiver: 1% waived (up to ₹500/month).
- Annual Fee: ₹500 (lifetime free for first-year spends over ₹50k).
- Other Benefits: 2% cashback on Amazon/Flipkart.
Pros:
- Accelerated rewards on e-commerce.
- Lifetime free option available.
Cons:
- Complex reward redemption process.
- Limited to IndianOil stations.
Eligibility:
- CIBIL score 750+ required.
5. BPCL SBI Card Octane
Key Features:
- Fuel Rewards: 7.25% value at BPCL pumps (up to ₹1,000/month).
- Surcharge Waiver: 1% waived (₹500/month cap).
- Annual Fee: ₹1,499 (reversed on ₹3L annual spends).
- Other Benefits: 10% off at partner restaurants.
Pros:
- Highest monthly reward cap.
- Free airport lounge access (4/year).
Cons:
- Steep spending threshold for fee reversal.
- Targets high-spenders only.
Eligibility:
- Annual income ₹6 lakh+.
6. IDFC FIRST Power+ Fuel Credit Card
Key Features:
- Fuel Rewards: 5x reward points (4% value) at all pumps.
- Surcharge Waiver: 1% waived (₹300/month).
- Annual Fee: ₹499 (lifetime free for ₹50k spends in 90 days).
- Other Benefits: 2x rewards on groceries.
Pros:
- Works at all fuel stations (not brand-specific).
- Low entry barrier.
Cons:
- Lower surcharge waiver cap.
- Points expire in 24 months.
Eligibility:
- Salaried (₹20,000+ monthly).
7. Kotak Mahindra Urbane Gold Credit Card
Key Features:
- Fuel Rewards: 3.75% cashback (no brand restrictions).
- Surcharge Waiver: 1% waived (₹250/month).
- Annual Fee: ₹499 (waived on ₹50k spends).
- Other Benefits: 1.5% unlimited cashback on all spends.
Pros:
- Brand-agnostic fuel rewards.
- Simple cashback structure.
Cons:
- Low surcharge waiver cap.
- No premium perks.
Eligibility:
- Credit score 700+ preferred.
8. Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Credit Card
Key Features:
- Fuel Rewards: 5% cashback (₹500/month cap).
- Surcharge Waiver: 1% waived (₹400/month).
- Annual Fee: ₹599 (₹299 for first year).
- Other Benefits: 2.5% cashback on groceries.
Pros:
- Flat 5% cashback at all fuel stations.
- Low first-year fee.
Cons:
- High annual fee post first year.
- Limited partner offers.
Eligibility:
- Metro city residents prioritized.
9. Yes Bank HPCL Credit Card
Key Features:
- Fuel Rewards: 6% cashback at HPCL pumps (₹300/month cap).
- Surcharge Waiver: 1% waived (₹500/month).
- Annual Fee: ₹499 (waived for ₹75k annual spends).
- Other Benefits: 2x rewards on dining.
Pros:
- High cashback rate for HPCL users.
- Easy fee waiver.
Cons:
- Strict eligibility criteria.
- Limited acceptance outside HPCL.
Eligibility:
- Salaried (₹30,000+ monthly).
10. Citibank IndianOil Credit Card
Key Features:
- Fuel Rewards: 4.5% cashback at IndianOil pumps.
- Surcharge Waiver: 1% waived (₹500/month).
- Annual Fee: ₹500 (lifetime free for ₹1.5L annual spends).
- Other Benefits: 10% off on flight bookings.
Pros:
- Travel discounts complement fuel savings.
- Global acceptance.
Cons:
- Low reward rate compared to SBI/HDFC.
- Citibank’s phased India exit may impact service.
Eligibility:
- High credit score (750+) mandatory.
Also Read: How to Calculate Income Tax for Freelancers in India (2025 Rules): A Complete Guide
Comparison Table: 2025’s Best Fuel Credit Cards
| Card Name | Fuel Reward Rate | Surcharge Waiver Cap (Monthly) | Annual Fee (₹) | Key Partner | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBI Octane | 6.25% | ₹500 | 1,499 | BPCL | High spenders |
| HDFC IndianOil | 5% | ₹500 | 500 | IndianOil | Budget users |
| ICICI HPCL Super Saver | 4% | ₹400 | 499 | HPCL | Existing ICICI customers |
| Axis IOCL | 4.25% | ₹500 | 500 | IndianOil | E-commerce shoppers |
| BPCL SBI Octane | 7.25% | ₹500 | 1,499 | BPCL | Premium users |
| IDFC Power+ | 4% | ₹300 | 499 | All pumps | Non-brand loyalists |
| Kotak Urbane Gold | 3.75% | ₹250 | 499 | All pumps | Simple cashback seekers |
| Standard Chartered Titanium | 5% | ₹400 | 599 | All pumps | Metro residents |
| Yes Bank HPCL | 6% | ₹500 | 499 | HPCL | HPCL frequenters |
| Citibank IndianOil | 4.5% | ₹500 | 500 | IndianOil | Travel enthusiasts |
FAQs
Q1. Which card offers rewards at all fuel stations?
A: IDFC Power+ and Kotak Urbane Gold.
Q2. Are surcharge waivers taxable?
A: No, they’re treated as discounts, not income.
Q3. Can I hold multiple fuel cards?
A: Yes, but manage spending to avoid high fees.
Q4. Which card is best for non-metro users?
A: HDFC IndianOil (wide IndianOil network).
Q5. How to track reward caps?
A: Use bank apps like SBI Card, HDFC NetBanking.
Also Read: Best Investment Options for Senior Citizens in 2025: Safe & High-Return Strategies
Conclusion
For BPCL users, the SBI Octane is unbeatable, while HDFC IndianOil suits budget-conscious drivers. Frequent travelers should opt for Citibank IndianOil or BPCL SBI Octane. Always align your card with your most-visited fuel brand!
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