Airtel Axis Bank vs PhonePe HDFC Bank Uno
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 PhonePe HDFC Bank Uno differ first on recurring cost: Airtel Axis Bank has an annual fee of ₹500 + GST against ₹499 + GST for PhonePe HDFC Bank Uno, so PhonePe HDFC Bank Uno is cheaper to hold. On rewards, Airtel Axis Bank earns 1% cashback on eligible other spends while PhonePe HDFC Bank Uno earns Rewards apply only to issuer-listed PhonePe categories, select online brands and QR Scan & Pay transactions. 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 | Airtel Axis Bank | PhonePe HDFC Bank Uno |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Axis Bank | HDFC Bank |
| Joining fee | ₹500 + GST | ₹499 + GST |
| Annual fee | ₹500 + GST | ₹499 + GST |
| Fee waiver | ₹2,00,000 annual eligible spend | ₹1,00,000 annual eligible spend |
| Base rewards | 1% cashback on eligible other spends | Rewards apply only to issuer-listed PhonePe categories, select online brands and QR Scan & Pay transactions |
| Accelerated routes | Airtel mobile/broadband/DTH via Airtel Thanks app · utility bills via Airtel Thanks · Zomato/Blinkit/District Movies | 2 Reward Points per ₹100, capped at 500 points/month · 1 Reward Point per ₹100, capped at 500 points/month · 1 Reward Point per ₹100, capped at 500 points/month |
| Reward exclusions | cash advance, financial institution, fuel, rent, wallet load, emi, fees, jewellery, insurance, education, government, utility, telecom | fuel, rent, wallet load, emi, gift card, cash advance, credit card bill payment, fees, government, education, insurance, investment, jewelry |
| Forex markup | 3.5% | 3.5% |
| Domestic lounge | none (4/yr removed Apr 2026) | none |
| International lounge | none | none |
| Card networks | Visa | RuPay |
| Best suited to | bills utilities, airtel users, cashback | phonepe ecosystem, first card, upi credit |
| Issuer evidence | Checked 2026-07-30 | Checked 2026-07-26 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Airtel Axis Bank better than the PhonePe HDFC Bank Uno?
Neither is universally better. Airtel Axis Bank charges ₹500 + GST a year and earns 1% cashback on eligible other spends; PhonePe HDFC Bank Uno charges ₹499 + GST and earns Rewards apply only to issuer-listed PhonePe categories, select online brands and QR Scan & Pay transactions. 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 PhonePe HDFC Bank Uno?
PhonePe HDFC Bank Uno 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 PhonePe HDFC Bank Uno?
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.