HDFC Bank Fuel Credit Card – Maximise Savings on Every Refuel

Let's be honest, seeing petrol prices rise can make anyone wince at the pump. 

While we can't do much about these prices, how you pay for fuel can make a real difference, and that's where HDFC Bank steps in.

As one of India's top credit card providers, HDFC offers credit cards specially designed to ease the fuel burden. With benefits like fuel surcharge waivers and cashback, these cards help you save every time you fill up.

Fuel prices have stayed high and steady, so waiting for a price drop might not be the best plan. Instead, using a fuel credit card offers a consistent way to cut down on costs.

This guide will walk you through how HDFC's fuel cards work, what perks they offer, how to pick the right one, and how to apply easily online. 

Table of Contents

• Why Choose an HDFC Bank Fuel Credit Card?
• Decoding the Dreaded Fuel Surcharge & HDFC's Waiver Benefits
• Best HDFC Credit Card for Fuel
• Other HDFC Credit Cards with Notable Fuel Benefits/Surcharge Waivers
• How to Maximise Your Savings on Fuel with HDFC Credit Cards
• Applying for an HDFC Fuel Credit Card Online

Why Choose an HDFC Bank Fuel Credit Card?

Paying for fuel with a credit card isn't just about convenience. It's also about unlocking meaningful benefits that help you save and manage expenses better. And with HDFC Bank's fuel-focused credit cards, you get access to features designed specifically for regular drivers and smart spenders.

• General benefits of using a credit card for fuel:

• Expense tracking: Credit card statements provide a clear, itemised view of your fuel spending, making budgeting easier.
• Rewards & savings: Earn reward points, cashback, or discounts on fuel, turning everyday refuelling into real savings over time.
• Convenience & security: Paying by card is faster than cash and offers stronger protection against fraud or theft. If you lose your card, you're usually covered with zero liability.
• Interest-free period: Most credit cards offer up to 50 days of interest-free credit, giving you time to manage your payments effectively.

• Specific advantages of HDFC Bank fuel credit cards:

• Wide network & trust: As a leading issuer with a significant market share, HDFC cards are widely accepted and backed by a reliable, trusted institution.

• Tailored fuel benefits: Cards like the IndianOil HDFC Bank credit card offer accelerated rewards or cashback at partner petrol pumps.
• Fuel surcharge waivers: A standard feature across many HDFC cards, this directly lowers the cost at the pump.
• Diverse card options: Even non-fuel-specific cards may include surcharge waivers, letting you save on fuel while enjoying other lifestyle benefits.

With HDFC Bank, a smarter way to manage fuel expenses is just a swipe away.

Also, check out the Top HDFC Credit Cards with features, eligibility, and charges on Finology Select.

Decoding the Dreaded Fuel Surcharge & HDFC's Waiver Benefits

If you've ever noticed a slightly higher bill when paying for fuel with a credit card, you've likely encountered the fuel surcharge. It is an extra fee typically ranging from 1% to 2.5% of the transaction. 

This fuel surcharge on HDFC credit cards and others is added to cover transaction processing costs and protect banks against fuel price fluctuations.

That's where the HDFC Bank fuel credit card comes in. Most HDFC petrol cards and diesel cards offer a fuel surcharge waiver, meaning the bank absorbs this additional cost, helping you save instantly at the pump. It's one of the most appreciated HDFC credit card fuel benefits, especially for frequent drivers.

However, to make the most of the fuel surcharge waiver on HDFC credit cards, it's important to understand the typical conditions:

• Minimum transaction: Usually, ₹400 or more is required to activate the waiver.
• Waiver limit: Most cards cap the benefit at ₹250 per billing cycle, while premium cards may offer higher caps (up to ₹500).
• GST charges: While the surcharge is waived, the GST on that amount (typically 18%) may not be, slightly reducing the overall savings.
• Eligible locations: Waivers apply at select petrol pumps, so using a co-branded HDFC petrol credit card (like the IndianOil HDFC Bank credit card) at partner stations can maximise rewards.

If you're looking for the best HDFC credit card for fuel, consider options that offer cashback on petrol, HDFC fuel card benefits, or a mix of lifestyle perks and fuel savings. Many HDFC credit card petrol offers are built into cards that are not solely focused on fuel, making them versatile choices.

Best HDFC Credit Card for Fuel

HDFC Bank offers a selection of credit cards specifically designed or well-suited for fuel savings. Understanding their distinct features, reward structures, and fee policies is key to choosing the right one.

IndianOil HDFC Bank Credit Card

The IndianOil HDFC Bank credit card is a co-branded HDFC petrol card created in partnership with IndianOil. It is designed for individuals who want to reduce the burden of rising fuel prices while enjoying consistent savings on fuel and everyday purchases.

This is one of the best HDFC credit cards for fuel due to its focused reward structure:

• Joining/renewal fee: ₹500 + taxes.

• Earn up to 50 litres of free fuel annually by accumulating and redeeming Fuel Points (FP).
• 5% FP on fuel spends at IndianOil petrol pumps.
  • Max. 250 points per month for the first 6 months from card issuance.
  • Max. 150 points per month after the initial 6 months.
• You also earn 5% FP on groceries and bill payments, both POS and online (capped at 100 FP per month per category).
• For all other spends, you earn 1 FP per ₹150, including UPI transactions.
• You also get a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations in India (on transactions of ₹400 or more, capped at ₹250 per statement cycle).

FPs earned with this card can be redeemed in 3 flexible ways:

Redemption Option	Details	FP Value
Free fuel at IndianOil outlets	Via XTRAREWARDS™ Program (converted to XRP)	1 FP = ₹0.96
Cashback on card statement	Direct adjustment against outstanding balance	1 FP = ₹0.20
Product catalogue via HDFC netbanking	Redeem FP for gifts and merchandise	1 FP = up to ₹0.20

Points are valid for 2 years, giving users ample time to accumulate and redeem.

Note: No reward points are earned on rental payments or government spending. Grocery spend points are capped at 100 per month. Cashback/travel redemptions are limited to 50,000 points/month.

For anyone who frequently drives and refuels at IndianOil pumps, this HDFC Bank fuel credit card is a smart, long-term tool for savings.

Even though HDFC does not offer many dedicated fuel cards, it provides several other credit cards that include fuel surcharge waivers and fuel-related benefits.

Other HDFC Credit Cards with Notable Fuel Benefits/Surcharge Waivers

Apart from the popular fuel-centric credit cards, HDFC Bank offers a range of other credit cards that provide impressive fuel benefits and surcharge waivers. Helping you save on every litre while enjoying additional perks tailored to your lifestyle. Here's a closer look at some of these options.

HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card

This card is ideal for those who want to earn cashback effortlessly on everyday lifestyle expenses.

• Joining/renewal fee: ₹1,000 + taxes.
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel transactions across India (on transactions ranging ₹400 - ₹5,000, capped at ₹250 per statement cycle).
• 5% cashback on spends at:
  • Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra
  • Swiggy, Zomato, Uber
  • BookMyShow, Cult.fit, SonyLIV, Tata CLiQ
• 1% Cashback on all other spends.
• Spend ₹1 lakh+ in a calendar quarter and receive ₹1,000 worth of gift vouchers.
• 10% additional discount using coupon code HDFCCARDS on Swiggy Dineout.
• Get CashPoints equivalent to your joining fee (₹1,000 + taxes).
• Spend ₹1 lakh in a year to waive the renewal fee.

Cashback is earned as CashPoints, with the following redemption flexibility:

• 1 CashPoint = ₹1 when redeemed against your card statement (minimum 500 points required).
• Can also be used for flights/hotel bookings via SmartBuy at 1 CashPoint = ₹0.30.
• Redeem against products/vouchers at a similar rate.
• CashPoints are valid for 2 years from the date of credit.

Redemption caps apply:

• ₹3,000 worth of cashback per calendar month.
• ₹50,000 worth of flight/hotel redemptions monthly.

With lifestyle rewards, milestone benefits, and practical perks like fuel surcharge waivers, it offers a well-rounded financial tool for young professionals and high-frequency online shoppers.

HDFC Bank MoneyBack+ Credit Card

The HDFC Bank MoneyBack+ credit card is a great fit for value seekers who want reliable rewards and cashback. It's best suited for those who shop online, spend via UPI, and look for easy redemption options.

• Joining / renewal fee: ₹500 + GST.
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel transactions across India (on transactions ranging ₹400 - ₹5,000, capped at ₹250 per statement cycle).
• 10x CashPoints on:
  • Amazon, Flipkart
  • Swiggy
  • Reliance Smart SuperStore
  • BigBasket
• 2 CashPoints per ₹150 on all other spends.
• Spend ₹50,000 in a calendar quarter and receive a ₹500 gift voucher (up to ₹2,000 in vouchers per year).
• 2 Reward Points (RP) per ₹150 spent via UPI (excluding fuel, wallet loads, voucher purchases), capped at 500 points per month.
• 500 CashPoints (on payment of the joining fee)
• Spend ₹50,000+ in a year to get your next year's fee waived
• Redeem CashPoints against your statement:
  • 1 CashPoint = ₹0.25
  • Minimum 500 points required
  • Redeem via NetBanking or a physical form
• Can also redeem on:
  • Flights/Hotels via SmartBuy (max 50% of booking)
  • Rewards Catalogue (Products/Vouchers)
  • Airmiles

Points Redemption Limits:

• Cashback: Max. 50,000 points/month
• Flights/Hotels: Max. 50,000 points/month
• Vouchers: Up to 70% value can be covered using points

The HDFC MoneyBack Plus credit card offers consistent value for users who regularly shop online, buy groceries, or use UPI. With 3.3% valueback on select merchants, quarterly vouchers, and straightforward redemption options, it's a powerful entry-level card for daily use, backed by HDFC's robust service network.

The 1% fuel surcharge waiver is a common feature offered by many HDFC credit cards. This waiver typically applies on a minimum transaction amount (often ₹400) and provides relief from the usual 1% fuel surcharge on credit card fuel purchases. 

Want to see which card gives you the best per-litre savings? Dive into the complete Fuel Credit Cards list ranked by benefits and annual fee efficiency.

How to Maximise Your Savings on Fuel with HDFC Credit Cards

If you're looking for the best HDFC credit card for fuel, having the card is just the start. To truly benefit from the HDFC credit card fuel benefits and fuel surcharge waiver on HDFC credit card offers, you need to use it wisely and avoid common pitfalls.

1. Make sure your purchase at the petrol pump meets the minimum amount (usually around ₹400) or you'll still incur HDFC credit card petrol surcharge.
2. If you use your HDFC fuel card or HDFC diesel card often, you might hit the capping limits before your billing cycle ends.
3. Some options offer the surcharge waiver but don't provide regular cashback or points on fuel transactions. The HDFC credit card fuel cashback or reward points may only be available on select cards.
4. The HDFC credit card charges at petrol pumps can be offset by fuel cashback and offers only if you pay your bills fully and on time. 
5. Besides the annual fees, keep an eye on potential charges like late payment fees. These can reduce the benefits you get from your HDFC credit card petrol offer.
6. Most HDFC fuel credit cards come with widely accepted Visa or Mastercard networks. However, some HDFC diesel credit cards on the Diners Club network might have limited acceptance.

For those ready to get started, you can easily apply online for an HDFC fuel card and enjoy the range of fuel benefits and offers available to make every petrol purchase more rewarding.

Applying for an HDFC Fuel Credit Card Online

Applying for an HDFC Fuel credit card, such as the IndianOil HDFC Bank credit card, is quick and convenient through the official HDFC Bank website. Follow the steps below to complete your application:

Step 1: Go to www.hdfcbank.com and navigate to Cards > Credit Cards > Fuel Credit Cards. Select the IndianOil HDFC Credit Card and click "Apply Now".

Step 2: Fill out the online application form. Enter your personal details such as:

• Full name (as per PAN)
• Date of birth
• Mobile number (linked to Aadhaar)
• PAN number
• Employment type and income details

Step 3:Complete eKYC verification

During the application, HDFC Bank offers an eKYC option to verify your identity digitally:

• If you select Aadhaar-based eKYC, an OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
   
• This secure digital verification helps avoid physical documentation and speeds up the approval process.
   
• In some cases, you may be required to complete a video KYC or attend an in-person verification if additional checks are needed.

Step 4: Upload supporting documents (if required)

You may still need to upload or confirm:

• Identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar or PAN)
• Address proof
• Income proof (salary slips or ITR, depending on employment type)

Once submitted, you'll receive an application reference number that can be used to track your application status. If approved, your card will typically be dispatched within 7 to 10 working days.

Conclusion

Let's face it — petrol prices aren't going anywhere but up, and watching your wallet shrink at the pump is no fun. That's where HDFC fuel credit cards come in, like your trusty sidekick, giving you cashback, fuel surcharge waivers, and cool perks to keep your fuel costs in check. 

But here's the catch — you've got to use them smartly: spend the right amount, redeem those points like a pro, and know your limits. 

If picking the perfect card feels like decoding hieroglyphics, don't stress — Finology Select makes it super easy by letting you compare 90+ credit cards at once. So, next time you fill it out, you'll know your card's got your back, saving you money while you cruise. 

Want to balance fuel perks with strong cashback returns? Review the Best HDFC Credit Card for Cashback, designed for dual savings on fuel and lifestyle spends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the fuel surcharge on HDFC credit cards? 

The fuel surcharge is an additional fee, usually 1% to 2.5%, levied on fuel transactions made with a credit card. On HDFC credit cards, this surcharge typically stands at 1% of the transaction value.

How can I get the fuel surcharge waived on my HDFC credit card? 

To receive a fuel surcharge waiver, ensure you meet these conditions:

• The transaction amount must be ₹400 or more (but not exceeding ₹5,000 in most cases).
• Waiver is capped at ₹250 per billing cycle (higher on premium cards).
• Use the card at eligible fuel stations (especially IndianOil pumps for co-branded cards).

Once these criteria are met, the 1% surcharge is automatically reversed on your billing statement.

Which is the best HDFC credit card for petrol? 

For frequent fuel spenders, choose a card offering high fuel rewards and surcharge waivers. If you also shop online or dine out often, pick one that combines fuel benefits with cashback on lifestyle expenses for maximum savings and flexibility.

Are there any hidden charges when using HDFC credit card at petrol pumps? 

HDFC credit cards may have hidden charges like fuel surcharge if minimum spend criteria aren't met, GST on waived surcharge, late payment fees, and possible cash advance fees. Always pay bills on time and check terms to avoid extra costs when using your card at petrol pumps.

How do I redeem fuel points on my IndianOil HDFC card? 

Fuel Points earned with this card can be redeemed in 3 flexible ways:

Redemption Option	Details	FP Value
Free fuel at IndianOil outlets	Via XTRAREWARDS™ Program (converted to XRP)	1 FP = ₹0.96
Cashback on the card statement	Direct adjustment against the outstanding balance	1 FP = ₹0.20
Product catalogue via HDFC netbanking	Redeem FP for gifts and merchandise	1 FP = up to ₹0.20

Points are valid for 2 years, giving users ample time to accumulate and redeem.

What is the minimum transaction for a fuel surcharge waiver on HDFC cards?

To qualify for the fuel surcharge waiver:

• The minimum transaction amount is ₹400.
• The maximum amount is typically ₹5,000 (beyond which the waiver may not apply).
• The waiver is capped at ₹250 per billing cycle for most cards, though premium cards may offer more.