Axis Bank ACE vs Paytm HDFC Bank Credit Card
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 Paytm HDFC Bank Credit Card differ first on recurring cost: Axis Bank ACE has an annual fee of ₹499 against ₹500 + GST for Paytm HDFC Bank Credit Card, so Axis Bank ACE is cheaper to hold. On rewards, Axis Bank ACE earns 1.5% in Cashback while Paytm HDFC Bank Credit Card earns 1% CashPoints on eligible retail spend, capped at ₹1,000/month. 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 | Paytm HDFC Bank Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Axis Bank | HDFC Bank |
| Joining fee | ₹499 | ₹500 + GST |
| Annual fee | ₹499 | ₹500 + GST |
| Fee waiver | ₹2,00,000 annual eligible spend | ₹50,000 annual eligible spend |
| Base rewards | 1.5% in Cashback | 1% CashPoints on eligible retail spend, capped at ₹1,000/month |
| Accelerated routes | GPay bill payments/DTH/recharge · Swiggy, Zomato and Ola | 3% CashPoints, capped at ₹500/month · 2% CashPoints, capped at ₹500/month |
| Reward exclusions | fuel, rent, wallet load, emi, utility, telecom, education, government, insurance, gold, jewellery, financial institutions, cash advance, repayments | fuel, rent, wallet load, emi, government, education, gaming |
| Forex markup | 3.5% | 3.5% |
| Domestic lounge | 4/yr (spend condition) | none |
| International lounge | none | none |
| Card networks | Visa | Visa |
| Best suited to | bills utilities, cashback, flat rate | paytm ecosystem, bills utilities, first card |
| Issuer evidence | Checked 2026-07-23 | Checked 2026-07-26 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Axis Bank ACE better than the Paytm HDFC Bank Credit Card?
Neither is universally better. Axis Bank ACE charges ₹499 a year and earns 1.5% in Cashback; Paytm HDFC Bank Credit Card charges ₹500 + GST and earns 1% CashPoints on eligible retail spend, capped at ₹1,000/month. 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 Paytm HDFC Bank Credit Card?
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 Paytm HDFC Bank Credit Card?
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.