Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
ICICI HPCL Coral vs IDFC FIRST Wow
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
ICICI Bank
ICICI HPCL Coral
VISA
Wins 2 of 10
IN
IDFC FIRST Bank
IDFC FIRST Wow
VISA
Wins 5 of 10
Verdict
IDFC FIRST Wow wins 5-2. Secured card backed by FD — accessible to thin-credit-file applicants. ICICI HPCL Coral is still the right call if fuel-heavy spenders at hpcl pumps..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | ICICI HPCL Coral | IDFC FIRST Wow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹199 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | · ₹199 | None |
| Top reward rate | 5% (fuel) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | · 3.5% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 2,000 PAYBACK points on first transaction | = Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹50,000 / yr | · N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | · ₹250,000 | — |
| Min credit score | · 720 | 600 |
| Editorial rating | = 4/5 | = 4/5 |
Benefits compared
ICICI HPCL Coral
- 5% cashback on HPCL fuel
- 4% on grocery + dining
- 2.5% on utility bills via DragonPass
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- 2 domestic lounge visits/year
IDFC FIRST Wow
- 1 reward point per ₹100 (no rate change cliff)
- Lifetime free, no annual fee
- 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits/quarter
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Backed by FD: easy approval
FAQ
›ICICI HPCL Coral vs IDFC FIRST Wow: which is better?
IDFC FIRST Wow wins on more dimensions (5 vs 2). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use ICICI HPCL Coral for its best categories, IDFC FIRST Wow for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
ICICI HPCL Coral: 2,000 PAYBACK points on first transaction. IDFC FIRST Wow: Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction.