Axis Bank ACE vs ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver
A field-by-field comparison of fees, reward rates, accelerated categories, caps, exclusions, lounge access and forex markup, using each issuer's own published terms. Affiliate payout never decides the verdict.
Short answer
Axis Bank ACE and ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver differ first on recurring cost: Axis Bank ACE has an annual fee of ₹499 against ₹500 + GST for ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver, so Axis Bank ACE is cheaper to hold. On rewards, Axis Bank ACE earns 1.5% in Cashback while ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver earns 2 ICICI Bank Reward Points per ₹100 on eligible retail spends. Both publish the same 3.5% forex markup. Neither card wins outright: the better choice depends on which accelerated categories match your spend, the monthly caps, the exclusions and issuer approval fit.
Source: CardMasters issuer-evidence catalogue, release 2026-08-01. Confirm final terms with the issuer.
| Feature | Axis Bank ACE | ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Axis Bank | ICICI Bank |
| Joining fee | ₹499 | ₹500 + GST |
| Annual fee | ₹499 | ₹500 + GST |
| Fee waiver | ₹2,00,000 annual eligible spend | ₹1,50,000 annual eligible spend |
| Base rewards | 1.5% in Cashback | 2 ICICI Bank Reward Points per ₹100 on eligible retail spends |
| Accelerated routes | GPay bill payments/DTH/recharge · Swiggy, Zomato and Ola | 4% statement cashback · 20 points per ₹100 (about 5% at ₹0.25/point) |
| Reward exclusions | fuel, rent, wallet load, emi, utility, telecom, education, government, insurance, gold, jewellery, financial institutions, cash advance, repayments | emi, cash advance, fees |
| Forex markup | 3.5% | 3.5% |
| Domestic lounge | 4/yr (spend condition) | 1/quarter (₹75,000 spend in previous quarter) |
| International lounge | none | none |
| Card networks | Visa | Visa |
| Best suited to | bills utilities, cashback, flat rate | fuel, bills utilities, commuter |
| Issuer evidence | Checked 2026-07-23 | Checked 2026-07-26 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Axis Bank ACE better than the ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver?
Neither is universally better. Axis Bank ACE charges ₹499 a year and earns 1.5% in Cashback; ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver charges ₹500 + GST and earns 2 ICICI Bank Reward Points per ₹100 on eligible retail spends. The better card is the one whose accelerated categories, caps and exclusions match your actual spending, after subtracting the annual fee and GST.
Which of the two has the lower annual fee, Axis Bank ACE or ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver?
Axis Bank ACE has the lower recorded annual fee at ₹499. A spend-based waiver may reduce the effective cost of the other card, so check the waiver threshold before deciding.
Which is better for international spending, Axis Bank ACE or ICICI Bank HPCL Super Saver?
Both publish a 3.5% forex markup, so compare international reward eligibility and lounge access instead.
Can I hold both cards together?
Yes, provided each is approved on its own merits and you can pay both statements in full. Holding both makes sense only when their accelerated categories do not overlap; otherwise the second card adds an annual fee without adding rewards.