In 2026, fuel prices in India remain a major monthly expense for vehicle owners. Whether you drive a scooter or an SUV, paying with cash or UPI is a missed opportunity. The right Fuel Credit Card can save you anywhere from 4% to 8.5% annually on petrol and diesel bills, essentially giving you free fuel for one month every year.
Choosing the right card depends on your preferred fuel station (IOCL, BPCL, or HPCL). This guide ranks the 5 best fuel credit cards in India for 2026 based on reward rates, annual fees, and additional lifestyle perks.
Why You Need a Co-Branded Fuel Card
Generic credit cards usually exclude fuel transactions from earning reward points. Co-branded cards, however, are designed specifically for this purpose. They offer:
- Surcharge Waiver: Waiver of the standard 1% fuel surcharge.
- Accelerated Rewards: High reward points (e.g., 20X or 30X) on fuel spends.
- Free Fuel: Points can be directly redeemed for free petrol at partner pumps.
The Top 5 Fuel Cards (2026 Rankings)
1. IndianOil RBL Bank XTRA Credit Card (Best for High ROI)
Currently the king of fuel cards in 2026, the RBL XTRA card offers the highest return on investment if you are an IndianOil loyalist.
- Reward Rate: Massive 8.5% value back (7.5% as Fuel Points + 1% Surcharge Waiver).
- Fuel Partner: IndianOil (IOCL).
- Annual Fee: ₹1,500 + GST (Waived on spending ₹2.75 Lakhs).
- Best For: Heavy users who spend ₹10,000+ monthly on fuel.
2. BPCL SBI Card Octane (Best Premium All-Rounder)
If you prefer Bharat Petroleum, the SBI Octane is unbeatable. It is not just a fuel card; it is a lifestyle card that offers lounge access and dining benefits.
- Reward Rate: 7.25% value back on BPCL fuel.
- Lounge Access: 4 Complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year.
- Annual Fee: ₹1,499 + GST (Waived on spending ₹2 Lakhs).
- Feature: No minimum transaction threshold for earning points.
3. IDFC FIRST Power+ Credit Card (Best for Families)
Partnered with HPCL, this card is excellent for families because it rewards you for utility bills and grocery shopping too. Plus, the reward points never expire.
- Reward Rate: Up to 6.5% savings (5% as Rewards + 1.5% as HP Pay App cashback).
- Fuel Partner: HPCL.
- Utility Benefits: 5% savings on utility bills and FASTag recharge.
- Annual Fee: ₹499 + GST.
4. IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card (Best for Beginners)
This is a great entry-level card. It is now available on the RuPay platform, meaning you can link it to UPI apps like GPay or PhonePe for scanning and paying at pumps.
- Reward Rate: 4% value back on fuel transactions.
- Movie Perk: 10% instant discount on BookMyShow.
- Annual Fee: ₹500 + GST (Waived on spending ₹50,000).
- Key Advantage: Very easy to get approved for; often Lifetime Free under special offers.
5. Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium (Best for Any Pump)
If you hate being tied to one brand (IOCL/BPCL/HPCL), this is your card. It gives cashback at any petrol pump in India.
- Reward Rate: Flat 5% cashback on fuel, utility bills, and phone bills.
- Cap: Cashback is capped at ₹200 per month per category.
- Annual Fee: ₹750 (often waived for Premium Banking customers).
- Best For: Users with moderate monthly fuel usage (approx ₹4,000).
Quick Comparison Table
| Card Name | Fuel Partner | Value Back | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBL Bank XTRA | IndianOil | 8.5% | ₹1,500 |
| SBI BPCL Octane | BPCL | 7.25% | ₹1,499 |
| IDFC Power+ | HPCL | 6.5% | ₹499 |
| Axis IndianOil | IndianOil | 4.0% | ₹500 |
| Std. Chartered Titanium | All Pumps | 5.0% | ₹750 |
Final Verdict
For the highest raw savings, go for the RBL XTRA (if you fill at IndianOil). If you want a card that handles fuel, travel, and dining together, the SBI BPCL Octane is the most versatile choice in 2026. For low spenders or students, the Axis IndianOil card is the safest bet.
Disclaimer: Credit card features and fees are subject to change. Always check the Most Important Terms and Conditions (MITC) on the bank’s website before applying.