In today's blog, we will provide you with information about the IDFC First Power+ Credit Card, specifically its welcome benefits, cashback rate, and more. For more information, read below:
The IDFC FIRST Power+ Credit Card is a co-branded credit card launched in collaboration with Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL), specifically created for individuals who frequently spend on fuel, groceries, utilities, and everyday essentials.
Lately, there’s been a heated debate about the government pushing to blend 20% ethanol into petrol (E20) instead of the usual 10%. The idea is to help the environment, reduce oil imports, and support cleaner energy, but many car owners worry that E20 may reduce fuel mileage by 2–5% or even harm older engines not designed for it. In fact, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court arguing that such a high ethanol blend could damage engines, especially the older ones.
On the flip side, experts from organizations like ARAI and SIAM, along with the government, say that performance remains almost normal, with only a minor 1–2% drop in efficiency, and that well-designed E20-compatible engines handle it fine. Because of these worries, many drivers now prefer super-premium petrol, such as IOCL’s XP100 or HPCL’s Power 100, which is high-octane and ethanol-free, to avoid any potential wear or mileage loss. In India, there are generally three types of petrol:
Standard petrol (~91 octane) with about 10% ethanol,
Premium options (like XP95, Speed 97) with 5–10% ethanol,
And super-premium (100 RON) fuels with 0% ethanol, these are considered safest for engines sensitive to ethanol and offer better combustion quality
If you’re frustrated paying extra for petrol, the IDFC FIRST Power+ Credit Card can help soften the blow. While it doesn’t eliminate the ethanol concern directly, it offers up to 6.5% fuel savings at HPCL pumps, plus other perks like grocery and FASTag discounts, lounge access, and more, making your fuel spends more rewarding even as a policy.
What Are The Welcome Benefits Of the IDFC First Power+ Credit Card?
INR 500 Gift Voucher
You get an INR 500 voucher on your first HPCL fuel transaction of INR 500 or more (within 30 days of card issuance).
Value: INR 500
5% Cashback on First EMI Conversion
If you convert any purchase to a 6-month EMI within the first 30 days, you get 5% cashback up to INR 1,000.
For example, if you convert an INR 20,000 purchase to EMI, you’ll get INR 1,000 cashback.
Value: Up to INR 1,000 (depends on your transaction)
Partner Platform Offers / Coupons
IDFC FIRST Bank sometimes includes free coupons or promotional deals with select merchants (e.g., food, travel, fashion apps).
These are valued at around INR 150 or more.
What Is The Cashback Rate Of the IDFC First Power+ Credit Card?
Users will get up to 6.5% savings on fuel expenses.
5% savings as rewards on grocery & utility expenses.
5% savings as rewards on IDFC FIRST FASTag recharge.
3X rewards on other retail transactions. 1 RP = 0.25 paisa.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of the IDFC First Power+ Credit Card?
Pros:
High Fuel Rewards at HPCL
Earn up to 6.5% value back (30 points + Happy Coins) on HPCL fuel spends using HP Pay.
Excellent Value on Essentials
Get 5% rewards on groceries, utilities, and FASTag recharges, ideal for monthly household spending.
UPI Transaction Rewards
Unlike most cards, this one rewards UPI-based purchases (0.75% value back).
Affordable Annual Fee
Just INR 499/year and waived on spending INR 1.5 lakh+ annually.
Useful Welcome Benefits
INR 500 fuel voucher + up to INR 1,000 cashback on first EMI = INR 1,650 value on joining.
Extra Perks
1 free domestic lounge access/quarter, 25% off on movie tickets, and free roadside assistance (worth INR 1,399).
Interest-Free Cash Withdrawals
No interest on ATM cash withdrawal until the due date (rare feature).
Cons:
Reward Caps in Key Categories
Grocery (INR 2,000/month), FASTag (INR 1,000/month), and fuel rewards are capped, limiting monthly savings.
Low Rewards on General Spends
Non-fuel, non-essential purchases earn only 0.75% back, which is average.
Reward Redemption Fee
You pay INR 99 + GST every time you redeem reward points.
Only for HPCL Users
Fuel rewards apply only at HPCL stations, not at IOCL, BPCL, or other.
Happy Coins are App-Specific
Happy Coins earned via HP Pay can be limited in redeeming if you don’t use the app often.
Eligibility:
Nationality: You must be an Indian citizen.
Age: You must be at least 21 years old.
Income: Your annual income should be Rs. 3 lakh or more.
Conclusion:
The IDFC FIRST Power+ Credit Card is a smart choice for individuals who prioritize everyday utility and fuel savings, particularly those who frequently refuel at HPCL petrol pumps. With a reward rate of up to 6.5% on fuel (when used with the HP Pay app) and 5% value back on essential categories like groceries, utility bills, and FASTag recharges, it directly marks the most common monthly expenses of an average Indian household. The addition of UPI rewards is another major advantage, especially in a market where many cards eliminate UPI transactions from rewards.
The welcome benefits worth INR 1,650, low annual fee of INR 499 (waived on spends of INR 1.5 lakh), and lifestyle perks like free domestic lounge access, movie ticket discounts, and roadside assistance make this card more than just a fuel card it offers a comprehensive spending experience.
The card comes with some limitations. The rewards are capped across most high-earning categories, and there's no fuel surcharge waiver, which may affect net savings slightly. Also, the card is best suited for those who spend specifically at HPCL petrol pumps, as fuel transactions with other cards will not give this many benefits. The INR 99 + GST redemption fee also slightly reduces the net value of your reward earnings if you redeem frequently.
In conclusion, the IDFC FIRST Power+ Credit Card is highly beneficial for salaried individuals, daily commuters, and families looking to maximize savings on daily expenses without paying a high annual fee. If your lifestyle involves regular HPCL fuel usage, this card can offer good returns with low maintenance effort. However, for luxury travel or high-end retail benefits, other premium cards may be more suitable.
FAQ's
Q1: What is the IDFC FIRST Power+ Credit Card?
A: It is a co-branded fuel credit card by IDFC FIRST Bank and HPCL, designed to help you save more whenever you refuel your vehicle.
Q2: Where can I use this card for fuel benefits?
A: The extra fuel savings and offers are available only at HPCL petrol pumps across India.
Q3: How much fuel savings do I get?
A: You can save up to 6.5% on fuel spends when you pay at HPCL pumps using the HP Pay app.
Q4: Is there a fuel surcharge waiver?
A: Yes, you get a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at HPCL outlets, which further reduces your fuel cost.
Q5: What is the joining and annual fee of this card?
A: The card comes with a INR 999 + GST fee, but it can be waived off if you spend a set amount in a year.
Q6: Do I get rewards on other spends too?
A: Yes, apart from fuel, you earn rewards on dining, shopping, groceries, and bill payments.
Q7: How can I maximize my savings?'
A: Always refuel at HPCL pumps and make payments through the HP Pay app to unlock the full 6.5% benefit.
Q8: Who should apply for this card?
A: It is best suited for people who drive frequently and spend regularly on fuel, such as daily commuters.
Q9: How can I apply for this card?
A: You can apply easily through the IDFC FIRST Bank website, mobile app, or by visiting the nearest branch.
Q10: How much can I save in a year?
A: For example, if you spend around INR 5,000 per month on fuel, you can save up to INR 3,500–INR 4,000 in a year.
If you want to know the unbiased AI score of IDFC First Power+ Credit Card, read their detailed review, click here
