Airtel Axis Bank vs IDFC FIRST Bank HPCL Power+
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
Airtel Axis Bank and IDFC FIRST Bank HPCL Power+ differ first on recurring cost: Airtel Axis Bank has an annual fee of ₹500 + GST against ₹499 + GST for IDFC FIRST Bank HPCL Power+ , so IDFC FIRST Bank HPCL Power+ is cheaper to hold. On rewards, Airtel Axis Bank earns 1% cashback on eligible other spends while IDFC FIRST Bank HPCL Power+ earns 2% in Reward Points. 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 2026-08-25. Confirm final terms with the issuer.
| Feature | Airtel Axis Bank | IDFC FIRST Bank HPCL Power+ |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Axis Bank | IDFC FIRST Bank |
| Joining fee | ₹500 + GST | ₹499 + GST |
| Annual fee | ₹500 + GST | ₹499 + GST |
| Fee waiver | ₹2,00,000 annual eligible spend | ₹1,50,000 annual eligible spend |
| Base rewards | 1% cashback on eligible other spends | 2% in Reward Points |
| Accelerated routes | Airtel mobile/broadband/DTH via Airtel Thanks app · utility bills via Airtel Thanks · Zomato/Blinkit/District Movies | HPCL fuel (card + Happy Coins via HP Pay app) · grocery and utility |
| Reward exclusions | cash advance, financial institution, fuel, rent, wallet load, emi, fees, jewellery, insurance, education, government, utility, telecom | rent, emi, wallet load, non HPCL fuel earns base only |
| Forex markup | 3.5% | 3.5% |
| Fuel surcharge waiver | 1% fuel surcharge waiver on ₹400–₹4,000 transactions, up to ₹500 per statement | Not recorded — confirm with issuer |
| Domestic lounge | none (4/yr removed Apr 2026) | 1 complimentary visit per quarter on minimum monthly spend of ₹20,000 |
| International lounge | none | none |
| Card networks | Visa | RuPay, Visa |
| Best suited to | bills utilities, airtel users, cashback | fuel, commuter, utilities |
| Issuer evidence | Checked 2026-07-30 | Checked 2026-08-08 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Airtel Axis Bank better than the IDFC FIRST Bank HPCL Power+ ?
Neither is universally better. Airtel Axis Bank charges ₹500 + GST a year and earns 1% cashback on eligible other spends; IDFC FIRST Bank HPCL Power+ charges ₹499 + GST and earns 2% in Reward Points. 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, Airtel Axis Bank or IDFC FIRST Bank HPCL Power+ ?
IDFC FIRST Bank HPCL Power+ has the lower recorded annual fee at ₹499 + GST. 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, Airtel Axis Bank or IDFC FIRST Bank HPCL Power+ ?
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.