Introduction
Choosing the right credit card can be confusing, especially if you're just getting started. If you're comparing the Axis ACE vs Amazon Pay ICICI credit card, you're already on the right trackโthey're two of the most popular cashback cards in India. While both cards help you save on everyday spending, they serve different types of users. In this post, we'll break down their features, fees, rewards, and perks to help you make an informed choice based on your needs and spending habits.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Axis ACE Credit Card | Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card |
| Annual Fee | โน499 + GST (waived on โน2 lakh annual spend) | โน0 (Lifetime free) |
| Cashback on Bills | 5% via Google Pay | Not applicable |
| Amazon Shopping | Not applicable | 5% for Prime members, 3% for others |
| Additional Spending Cashback | 2% on all additional spends | 1% on all additional spends |
| Lounge Access | 4 domestic visits per year | None |
Fees and Charges
Axis ACE:
- Annual fee: โน499 + GST.
- The first-year fee is waived if $10,000 is spent within 45 days of receiving the card.
- Renewal fee waived on spending โน2,00,000 annually.
Amazon Pay ICICI:
- No joining fee.
- No annual or renewal chargesโtruly lifetime free.
Eligibility Criteria
Axis ACE:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Requires a stable monthly income.
- Good credit history improves approval chances.
Amazon Pay ICICI:
- Open to most customers with a valid Amazon account and KYC.
- ICICI Bank often pre-approves this card for its customers.
- Very beginner-friendlyโideal for first-time credit card users.
Milestone Benefit Comparison
Axis ACE:
- Reverse the joining fee by spending $10,000 in the first 45 days.
- On reaching โน2 lakh in yearly spending, the annual fee will be waived.
Amazon Pay ICICI:
- No milestone benefits as the card is already free for life.
- Spending targets are not required to avoid charges.
Rewards, Cashback & Redemption
Axis ACE:
- You can use Google Pay to pay for utility bills, mobile recharges, and DTH services and receive 5% cashback.
- Earn 4% cashback when you spend at Swiggy, Ola, and Zomato.
- 2% cashback on all other card transactions.
- Cashback is auto-credited to your credit card bill every billing cycle.
Amazon Pay ICICI:
- 5% of Amazon purchases are cashback for Prime members.
- 3% cashback for non-Prime users on Amazon.
- 2% cashback at Amazon Pay partner merchants.
- 1% cashback on other transactions.
- Rewards are credited as Amazon Pay balance and can be used for shopping or bill payments on Amazon and its partner platforms.
Lifestyle Benefits and Perks
Axis ACE:
- Domestic airport lounge access is free for four visits each calendar year.
- There will be a 1% fuel surcharge waiver for transactions between $400 and 4,000 (up to 500 transactions per month).
- Dining discounts at select partner restaurants.
- EMI facility available on purchases above โน2,500.
Amazon Pay ICICI:
- India's petrol pumps will waive 1% of the fuel surcharge.
- Dining discounts up to 15% at partner restaurants through ICICI's Culinary Treats program.
- No lounge access or major travel benefits.
- EMI options available for select purchases on Amazon.
Which Card is Better for You?
Choose Axis ACE if:
- You frequently pay bills or recharge via Google Pay.
- You order food online or use ride-hailing apps like Ola regularly.
- You spend enough annually to waive the cardโs fee.
- You value lounge access and higher flat-rate cashback.
Choose Amazon Pay ICICI if:
- You shop often on Amazon, especially as a Prime member.
- No annual or joining fees are important to you when choosing a credit card.
- Youโre new to credit cards and want something easy to manage.
- Youโre comfortable earning cashback as Amazon Pay balance.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
When comparing the Axis ACE vs Amazon Pay credit card, both offer excellent valueโbut in different ways. Axis ACE provides higher cashback rates, especially on utility bills, food apps, and general spending. It also includes travel perks like lounge access, making it great for active users willing to meet the fee-waiver milestones.
On the other hand, Amazon Pay ICICI is perfect for online shoppersโespecially Prime membersโand for those who want a zero-maintenance credit card without worrying about meeting spending thresholds. Itโs simple, effective, and rewarding within the Amazon ecosystem.
Final Recommendation:
- Go with Axis ACE if you want broad cashback coverage, lifestyle benefits, and donโt mind a small annual fee that can be waived.
- Pick Amazon Pay ICICI if you're focused on Amazon shopping, prefer simplicity, and want a card thatโs always free.
