It started like every other hopeful swipe story. March had just begun, and I was looking to optimize my fuel spends with a dedicated credit card. With high hopes, I opted for the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Rupay Credit Card, believing the tall claims splashed across their marketing page. A card designed for fuel savings? With 5% back and complimentary roadside assistance? Count me in! I even planned to stack the rewards with my HP Pay app.
The First Red Flag: Billed Before Benefits
Within just 2 days, I was slammed with the joining fee – Rs. 500 + GST. Fast service, huh? Sadly, it was the only thing ICICI was quick about. As per the ICICI HPCL credit card T&C, I was supposed to receive 2000 reward points on paying the first year fee. I waited. And waited.
Spoiler alert: no points ever arrived.
This is where the horror began. What should’ve been a pleasant cashback card turned into an exercise in frustration, broken promises, and empty rewards.
Where’s My 5%? The Mysterious Case of Vanishing Fuel Benefits
When a card markets itself as a fuel saver card, you expect one thing — savings on fuel.
Guess what I got instead? Extra charges.
Tried and Tested (And Failed): All Modes Explored
I tried every route:
- Swiping directly at HPCL pumps.
- Using the HP Pay app’s credit card option.
- Even loading balance into HP Pay wallet using the card.
Result? Fuel surcharge every single time.
No sign of any reward points. Definitely not the advertised 5% return. Zero cashback. Nada. It’s almost as if the benefits were mythical creatures — much talked about but never seen.
To add insult to injury, when I reached out to customer care, they gave me the classic response — “We’ll look into it.” That was weeks ago. Still looking, ICICI?
Movie Tickets and Empty Promises: INOX & BookMyShow Shenanigans
Let’s talk about that enticing 25% movie ticket discount, capped at Rs. 100.
I did manage to use it once on the BookMyShow website. So, props to that. But the next time? The offer mysteriously vanished into thin air.
When I tried to use it again:
- The ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card was not listed in the BookMyShow offer section.
- INOX? Same story.
Here’s the kicker — the main credit card page still flaunts the offer, but it clearly no longer applies. Another case of silent benefit devaluation.
That Free Roadside Assistance? Must Be in Another Dimension
Let’s talk safety. That nice shiny complimentary 24×7 Roadside Assistance perk? Supposed to kick in within 60 days of joining.
Guess what I received after 60 days?
- No emails.
- No letters.
- No helpline numbers.
- No assistance.
Imagine being stuck on a highway at night, counting on that “feature”. No thanks. I’d rather depend on Google Maps and a power bank.
Step-by-Step: My Efforts to Get Things Fixed (Spoiler: Didn’t Work)
- Called Customer Service:
- Got vague replies.
- Was told benefits apply “only on ICICI POS machines” at HPCL outlets.
- But the T&C clearly says otherwise!
- Raised Online Complaint:
- No actionable resolution.
- Automated responses.
- Asked for Cancellation:
- Finally, after a weekend of frustration, I asked them to cancel the card.
- Was Offered a Joining Fee Reversal:
- They tried to retain me by reversing the joining fee.
- I accepted – only because I wanted that money back.
But make no mistake, I’ll still be cancelling this card soon.
Let’s Talk Secondary Features: Or Lack Thereof
This credit card touts benefits that simply don’t exist in real life. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Promised Feature | Actual Experience |
|---|---|
| 5% Fuel Benefit at HPCL | No cashback, no points, only charges |
| 2000 Points on Joining Fee | Never received |
| Movie Discount (INOX/BMS) | Worked once, then vanished |
| 24×7 Roadside Assistance | Never activated |
Why This is a Classic Case of Misleading Marketing
The core issue with the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card isn’t just that the benefits are missing.
It’s that ICICI Bank continues to advertise them, luring unsuspecting customers into this credit trap. There’s a fine line between marketing and misrepresentation. And this card? Feels like it tiptoed right past it.
Customers trust banks to deliver on advertised promises. But when you start noticing silent benefit removals, vague terms, and customer service that reads off a cue card — that trust evaporates.
Should You Get the ICICI HPCL Super Saver Credit Card?
Short Answer: No. Just No.
Unless you:
- Only refuel at ICICI POS HPCL stations (good luck finding one),
- Don’t mind false promises, and
- Enjoy playing detective trying to track down missing benefits…
This card is not worth your time.
Final Verdict: A “Super Garbage” Card, Not a Super Saver
In the world of credit cards, we all want value for our spending. What ICICI has delivered here is the exact opposite.
Instead of:
- Real rewards,
- Tangible benefits,
- Seamless customer experience,
You get:
- Frustration,
- Confusion,
- And a sense of being duped.
If you’re looking for a fuel credit card, explore alternate fuel credit cards in India that actually fulfill their promises. Options like HDFC Bharat Cashback Card or SBI BPCL Card might just save you from this horror story.
Parting Words to the Reader
Take my story as a cautionary tale. Don’t fall for a shiny name or flashy brochure. Always:
- Read the fine print.
- Check real user reviews.
- Question too-good-to-be-true offers.
And if you’ve already got this card? Monitor your spends. Check if your rewards match your expectations. If not, don’t hesitate to cancel the card and demand a fee reversal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What went wrong with the ICICI Super Saver HPCL Credit Card?
Many users have reported issues such as unexpected charges, problems with redeeming rewards, and difficulty in customer service response. These issues can cause frustration, especially when cardholders do not get the promised benefits or face delays in resolving complaints.
Why did I get unexpected charges on my ICICI Super Saver HPCL Credit Card?
Some customers have experienced hidden or unclear fees, such as annual maintenance charges or foreign transaction fees that were not disclosed clearly at the time of application. It’s always important to thoroughly check the terms and conditions before applying for a credit card to avoid such surprises.
How can I redeem rewards from the ICICI Super Saver HPCL Credit Card?
While this card promises fuel-related benefits, many users report difficulty in redeeming accumulated rewards for fuel discounts. Some common complaints include reward points not being applied correctly at HPCL outlets or a complicated redemption process that delays benefits.
What should I do if I encounter poor customer service with ICICI Bank?
If you’re facing delays or unhelpful responses from ICICI customer service, it’s advised to escalate the issue to a higher authority within the bank. You can also lodge a formal complaint through their official website or via social media channels, where responses tend to be quicker.
Is it worth applying for the ICICI Super Saver HPCL Credit Card?
While the card offers attractive rewards and discounts for fuel purchases, many users express dissatisfaction due to technical issues, poor customer support, and unclear terms. If you’re considering applying, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons based on user reviews and assess if the rewards outweigh potential issues.
Conclusion
The overall experience with the ICICI Super Saver HPCL Credit Card has been profoundly disappointing. Users have encountered significant challenges, including poor customer service, unclear communication, and unresolved issues that have undermined trust and satisfaction. This negative experience underscores the importance of thorough research and careful consideration when choosing financial products, as such complications can lead to long-lasting frustration and potential financial setbacks.
