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Comparison · हिन्दी

Axis ACE vs SC Smart

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

Updated · Terms checked by Prashant Parikh
AXIS
ACE
ASHOK KUMAR
VS
STANDARD C
SMART
ASHOK KUMAR
Our verdict
Axis ACE Credit Card wins for most people
Axis ACE emerges as the clear winner, delivering ₹4,181 in annual benefits versus SC Smart's ₹2,501. Its category-based rewards structure, especially 5% on utilities, significantly outpaces SC Smart's capped cashback approach for this spend profile.
Side-by-side comparison
Axis ACE Credit Card ✓ Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card
Annual benefit ₹4,181 ₹2,501
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 ₹1,20,000/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 2% cashback on all online spends (capped ₹1,000/month); 1% on all offline spends (capped ₹500/month)
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) None
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 Simple flat cashback on online and offline spends with no category restrictions
Min. incomeThe minimum income, credit score, and other conditions a bank requires before approving your application.Full definition → ₹3L+ per year ₹25,000/month (salaried)
Credit scoreYour 3-digit credit score (300-900), higher scores make approval easier and can unlock better cards.Full definition → 700+ 700+
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When each card wins
Axis ACE Credit Card
Axis ACE wins when you prioritize utility bill payments and dining rewards. Its 5% cashback on utility bills via Google Pay and 4% on food delivery apps directly align with your monthly spending pattern, maximizing returns.
Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card
SC Smart suits those preferring simplicity without category tracking. Its flat 2% online and 1% offline rates work best for balanced spenders across all categories, though caps limit its upside for this profile.
Who should get which card
Get Axis ACE if you…
· Regular utility bill payers seeking 5% cashback on Google Pay
· Swiggy and Zomato users wanting 4% rewards on dining
· Those spending ₹2L+ annually to waive the ₹499 fee
· Maximum rewards potential with ₹14,000 monthly spend profile
Get Standard Chartered Smart if you…
· Prefer uncomplicated flat-rate cashback without category tracking
· Limited online spending below ₹5,000/month (avoids 2% cap)
· Occasional credit card users with minimal annual spend
· Value consistency over category-based optimization
Partner offer
YES Bank ACE Credit Card
Everyday online shoppers wanting a low-fee, easily-waived entry card with a straightforward tiered reward structure
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YES
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, Axis ACE 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). Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹499 + taxes (waived on ₹1,20,000/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. Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card offers 2% cashback on all online spends (capped ₹1,000/month); 1% on all offline spends (capped ₹500/month).
Axis ACE Credit Card lounge access: 4 domestic visits/year (on ₹50,000/quarter spend). Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card lounge access: None.
Axis ACE Credit Card charges 3.5% forex markup. Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card charges 3.5% forex markup.