Find my best card →
Comparison · हिन्दी

Axis ACE vs IDFC FIRST Power Plus

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

Last updated: August 2026 · Based on current card terms
AXIS
ACE
ASHOK KUMAR
VS
IDFC FIRST
POWER PLUS
ASHOK KUMAR
Our verdict
IDFC FIRST Power Plus Credit Card wins for most people
Card B wins with ₹5,921 annual benefit versus Card A's ₹4,001. Its superior rewards on fuel, groceries, and utilities align perfectly with your spend profile, delivering ₹1,920 more value despite identical fee structure.
Side-by-side comparison
Axis ACE Credit Card IDFC FIRST Power Plus Credit Card ✓
Annual benefit ₹4,001 ₹5,921
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) ₹499 + taxes (waived on ₹1,50,000/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 5% on HPCL fuel (30 RP per ₹150, capped ₹12,000/month); 5% on grocery and utility; 0.5% base; RuPay network
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) 1 domestic visit/quarter (on ₹5,000/month spend)
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% 3.5%
Best for Utility bill payments and everyday flat cashback Best HPCL fuel card in India for medium-to-high monthly fuel spenders
Min. incomeThe minimum income, credit score, and other conditions a bank requires before approving your application.Full definition → ₹3L+ per year ₹20,000/month (salaried)
Credit scoreYour 3-digit credit score (300-900), higher scores make approval easier and can unlock better cards.Full definition → 700+ 700+
When each card wins
Axis ACE Credit Card
Choose Card A if you prioritize simplicity and consistent flat cashback across categories. Its straightforward 1.5% base rate works well for irregular spenders who don't want to track category-specific caps.
IDFC FIRST Power Plus Credit Card
Choose Card B if you spend ₹4,000+ monthly on HPCL fuel. Its 5% fuel rewards and bonus grocery/utility cashback leverage your category spending efficiently, maximizing returns on your ₹17,000 monthly budget.
Who should get which card
Get Axis ACE if you…
· Prefer uncapped cashback without monthly limits
· Want simpler reward structure across all categories
· Don't exclusively use HPCL for fuel purchases
Get IDFC FIRST Power Plus if you…
· Spend ₹4,000+ monthly on HPCL fuel
· Value 5% rewards on groceries and utilities
· Seek highest annual benefits for category-heavy spenders
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

See which card suits your exact spending

Get a personalised rupee estimate based on how you actually spend

Try the tool →

Already have one of these cards?

Upload your credit card statement. We'll show your real cashback, catch subscriptions, and flag if you're leaving money on the table

Analyse my statement →
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 Fuel Credit Cards →Best Dining Credit Cards →Best Credit Cards for Swiggy and Zomato →
Frequently asked questions
Based on our analysis, IDFC FIRST Power Plus 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). IDFC FIRST Power Plus Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹499 + taxes (waived on ₹1,50,000/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. IDFC FIRST Power Plus Credit Card offers 5% on HPCL fuel (30 RP per ₹150, capped ₹12,000/month); 5% on grocery and utility; 0.5% base; RuPay network.
Axis ACE Credit Card lounge access: 4 domestic visits/year (on ₹50,000/quarter spend). IDFC FIRST Power Plus Credit Card lounge access: 1 domestic visit/quarter (on ₹5,000/month spend).
Axis ACE Credit Card charges 3.5% forex markup. IDFC FIRST Power Plus Credit Card charges 3.5% forex markup.