Why Use a Credit Card for Fuel and Utility Bills?

best loan

Before diving into the list, here are a few reasons why using a credit card for fuel and utility bill payments is beneficial:

  • Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Save up to 2.5% on fuel transactions.
  • Cashback & Reward Points: Earn money back or points redeemable for vouchers.
  • Bill Payment Reminders: Automate recurring utility payments to avoid late fees.
  • Exclusive Offers: Access to discounts and partner benefits.
  • Budget Management: Consolidate payments and track expenses via statements.

🥇 Top Credit Cards for Fuel & Utility Bill Payments in India (2025)

Here’s a comprehensive list of the best cards categorized by fuel and utility features:

Credit CardBest ForAnnual FeeFuel Surcharge WaiverUtility Benefits
HDFC Bharat Cashback CardFuel + Utility Cashback₹5001% waiver at fuel stations5% cashback on utility bills via PayZapp/SmartPay
IndianOil HDFC Bank Credit CardFuel Savings₹5001% waiver at all fuel pumpsLimited
SBI BPCL Credit CardBPCL Fuel Spenders₹4991% waiver at BPCL pumpsReward points on bill payments
Axis ACE Credit CardUtility Bills Cashback₹4991% fuel surcharge waiver5% cashback on Google Pay bill payments
Standard Chartered Super Value TitaniumFuel Cashback₹7502.5% cashback (up to ₹200/month)5% cashback on utility bills
ICICI HPCL Super Saver CardHPCL Users₹5001% waiver at HPCLReward points on utilities
Amazon Pay ICICI CardZero Annual Fee + UtilityNIL1% fuel waiver1% cashback on utility bills

🔍 Detailed Review of Each Card

1. HDFC Bharat Cashback Credit Card

Best For: All-round savings on fuel and utility bills
Annual Fee: ₹500 (Waived on annual spend of ₹50,000)
Key Benefits:

  • 5% cashback on utility bill payments via PayZapp and SmartPay
  • 5% cashback on fuel spends
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver (on transactions ₹400–₹5000)

Ideal For: Users who prefer an all-in-one card for daily fuel and bill payments.


2. IndianOil HDFC Credit Card

Best For: Frequent Indian Oil fuel buyers
Annual Fee: ₹500
Key Benefits:

  • Earn up to 50 litres of free fuel annually
  • 5% fuel points on IndianOil transactions
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver

Utility Benefits: Limited rewards on utility bills, but can be used via SmartPay.

best loan
Timer Redirect Button
10
Wait your video link is ready….

3. SBI BPCL Credit Card

Best For: BPCL fuel customers
Annual Fee: ₹499 (Reversed on spend of ₹50,000/year)
Key Benefits:

  • 4.25% value back (13X reward points) on BPCL fuel
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver
  • 5X points on groceries and department stores
  • Acceptable rewards for bill payments

Drawback: Points are redeemable only for BPCL fuel.


4. Axis Bank ACE Credit Card

Best For: Utility bill cashback via UPI
Annual Fee: ₹499 (Waived on ₹2 lakh annual spend)
Key Benefits:

  • 5% cashback on Google Pay utility payments
  • 2% flat cashback on other spends
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver (up to ₹500/month)

USP: One of the best cards for bill payments through UPI.


5. Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium

Best For: High cashback on fuel and bills
Annual Fee: ₹750 (Waived on ₹60,000 annual spend)
Key Benefits:

  • 5% cashback on utility bills
  • 5% cashback on fuel (at select fuel stations)
  • 1 reward point per ₹150 on other spends

Conditions: Cashback is capped monthly, so best for moderate users.


6. ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card

Best For: HPCL fuel station users
Annual Fee: ₹500
Key Benefits:

  • 4% cashback on HPCL fuel
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions above ₹400
  • 2 reward points per ₹100 on utility bill payments

Note: Use the ICICI HP Pay app for maximum benefits.


7. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card

Best For: No-fee card with steady cashback
Annual Fee: NIL
Key Benefits:

  • 1% cashback on utility payments
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver
  • 5% cashback on Amazon (Prime), 3% (Non-Prime)

Perfect For: Online shoppers and budget-conscious users.


📱 Utility Bill Payments: Which Card Offers the Best Cashback?

Credit CardUtility Bill CashbackBill Payment Method
Axis ACE5%Google Pay
HDFC Bharat5%PayZapp/SmartPay
SC Super Value5%Direct Bill Payment
Amazon Pay ICICI1%Amazon Pay
ICICI HPCL0.5–1% (via points)Direct/Auto Debit

Verdict: For utility bills, Axis ACE and HDFC Bharat Cashback cards offer the highest returns.


⛽ Fuel Payments: Who Wins?

Credit CardFuel Cashback/RewardsPartner Pump
SBI BPCL13X points (~4.25% value)BPCL only
IndianOil HDFC5% fuel pointsIndianOil
ICICI HPCL4% cashbackHPCL
SC Titanium5% cashbackSelect pumps
HDFC Bharat5% cashbackAll pumps

Verdict: If you use one fuel brand regularly, go for its partner card. For all-brand usability, HDFC Bharat Cashback is a winner.


🧠 How to Choose the Best Credit Card for Your Needs?

Here’s what to consider:

1. Fuel Brand Loyalty

  • Use BPCL? → SBI BPCL Card
  • Use IndianOil? → IndianOil HDFC
  • Use HPCL? → ICICI HPCL Card
  • Use All brands? → HDFC Bharat or SC Titanium

2. Bill Payment Channel

  • Prefer UPI? → Axis ACE
  • Prefer Auto Debit? → HDFC SmartPay
  • Prefer Wallets like Amazon Pay? → Amazon ICICI Card

3. Annual Spend

Check if you can meet spend thresholds for annual fee waivers. Otherwise, a lifetime free card like Amazon Pay ICICI may be better.

4. Rewards vs Cashback

  • Prefer cashback? → HDFC Bharat, Axis ACE, SC Titanium
  • Prefer rewards system? → SBI BPCL, IndianOil HDFC

✅ Tips to Maximize Benefits

  1. Automate Payments: Link utility bills via bank portals like SmartPay or UPI apps.
  2. Track Fuel Spends: Stay within surcharge waiver limits (usually ₹400–₹5000).
  3. Use the Right Pump: Some benefits are exclusive to specific fuel stations.
  4. Redeem Points Wisely: Use points for fuel, gift vouchers, or statement credit.
  5. Avoid Cash Withdrawals: High interest + no rewards.

❓ FAQs – Fuel and Utility Credit Cards

Q1. Can I use credit cards to pay electricity and water bills?

Yes, most utility providers accept credit card payments online or via bank apps.

Q2. Is there a limit to fuel surcharge waiver?

Yes, usually up to ₹250–₹500/month and only on transactions within ₹400–₹5000.

Q3. Which card is best if I use Google Pay?

Axis ACE Credit Card – 5% cashback on utility bills via Google Pay.

Q4. Are fuel credit cards good for everyday shopping?

Some offer benefits on groceries and online spends, but check the reward structure.


🏁 Final Thoughts

The best credit card for fuel and utility bill payments depends on your usage pattern, fuel brand preference, and whether you prefer cashback or reward points. If you want an all-in-one solution:

  • Best Overall: HDFC Bharat Cashback Credit Card
  • 💡 Best for Bill Payments via UPI: Axis ACE Credit Card
  • Best for Fuel Savings: SBI BPCL Card or IndianOil HDFC
  • 🆓 Best Zero-Fee Option: Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card

By choosing the right card and using it smartly, you can save thousands annually on routine expenses.

Leave a Comment