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Comparison · हिन्दी

Axis ACE vs HSBC Live+

Both cards compared on real rupee returns for best flat cashback credit card India. We ran the numbers so you can make the right call.

Last updated: October 2026 · Based on current card terms
AXIS
ACE
ASHOK KUMAR
VS
HSBC INDIA
LIVE+
ASHOK KUMAR
Our verdict
HSBC Live+ Credit Card wins for most people
Card B wins decisively, delivering ₹13,101 annual benefits versus Card A's ₹4,841. Despite its higher fee, the 10% cashback cap on dining, groceries, and utilities generates substantially more value for this spend profile.
Side-by-side comparison
Axis ACE Credit Card HSBC Live+ Credit Card ✓
Annual benefit ₹4,841 ₹13,101
Annual feeThe yearly fee a bank charges for holding the card, often waived if you spend enough in a year.Full definition → ₹499 + taxes (waived on ₹2L annual spend) ₹999 + taxes (waived on ₹2,00,000/year spend)
Reward rateCashback pays you directly in rupees; reward points need converting first, and their real value depends on the redemption ratio.Full definition → 5% cashback on utility bills via Google Pay; 4% on Swiggy, Zomato, Ola; 1.5% on all other spends 10% cashback on dining, food delivery, groceries, utility bills and shopping, excluding Amazon, Flipkart and Myntra (shared cap ₹1,200/month across all five categories); 1.5% unlimited on all other spends, including Amazon/Flipkart/Myntra
Lounge accessFree entry to airport lounges, usually limited to a set number of visits per quarter or year.Full definition → 4 domestic visits/year (on ₹50,000/quarter spend) 2 domestic visits per year (1 per 6 months) + 1 international visit per year
Forex markupThe extra fee your bank adds on top of the real exchange rate for any spend in a foreign currency.Full definition → 3.5% 1.99%
Best for Utility bill payments and everyday flat cashback Dining, groceries and utility bills with the best unlimited base cashback in India
Min. incomeThe minimum income, credit score, and other conditions a bank requires before approving your application.Full definition → ₹3L+ per year ₹6L/year (salaried)
Credit scoreYour 3-digit credit score (300-900), higher scores make approval easier and can unlock better cards.Full definition → 700+ 700+
Apply now ↗ Full review →
Apply now ↗ Full review →
When each card wins
Axis ACE Credit Card
Card A suits those who prioritize simplicity and minimal fees. It works best if you spend under ₹2L annually and want uncapped, straightforward cashback without category restrictions or monthly caps.
HSBC Live+ Credit Card
Card B excels for your profile with consistent dining (₹4,000) and grocery (₹4,000) spend that maximizes the 10% cap. It dominates if you leverage the ₹1,200 monthly dining+groceries+utilities limit strategically across high-reward categories.
Who should get which card
Get Axis ACE if you…
· Prefer simple, flat 1.5% cashback with no category limits
· Spend under ₹2L annually and want fee waiver security
· Minimal dining and grocery spending that doesn't justify premium fees
Get HSBC Live+ if you…
· Regular dining and grocery spending benefiting from 10% cashback cap
· Value 10% rewards on utilities paid via any method (unrestricted)
· Annual spend ₹2L+ justifies ₹999 fee for ₹8,260+ net annual gains
Partner offer
Tata Neu Infinity SBI Card
Heavy Tata ecosystem shoppers wanting NeuCoins across Air India, BigBasket, Croma, Westside and Tanishq, with a genuinely strong 1.5% base rate elsewhere
Apply now →
SBI
ASHOK KUMAR

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Related guides
HDFC Millennia vs Axis ACE →Axis ACE vs SBI Cashback →IDFC FIRST Wealth vs Axis ACE →Airtel Axis Bank vs Axis ACE →Best Dining Credit Cards →Best Shopping Credit Cards →Best Credit Cards for Swiggy and Zomato →
Frequently asked questions
Based on our analysis, HSBC Live+ Credit Card offers better annual returns for most spend profiles.
Axis ACE Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹499 + taxes (waived on ₹2L annual spend). HSBC Live+ Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹999 + taxes (waived on ₹2,00,000/year spend).
Axis ACE Credit Card offers 5% cashback on utility bills via Google Pay; 4% on Swiggy, Zomato, Ola; 1.5% on all other spends. HSBC Live+ Credit Card offers 10% cashback on dining, food delivery, groceries, utility bills and shopping, excluding Amazon, Flipkart and Myntra (shared cap ₹1,200/month across all five categories); 1.5% unlimited on all other spends, including Amazon/Flipkart/Myntra.
Axis ACE Credit Card lounge access: 4 domestic visits/year (on ₹50,000/quarter spend). HSBC Live+ Credit Card lounge access: 2 domestic visits per year (1 per 6 months) + 1 international visit per year.
Axis ACE Credit Card charges 3.5% forex markup. HSBC Live+ Credit Card charges 1.99% forex markup.