Both cards compared on real rupee returns for IDFC FIRST Ashva vs Axis Horizon which travel credit card is better. We ran the numbers so you can make the right call.
Last updated: October 2026 · Based on current card terms
IDFC FIRST
ASHVA
ASHOK KUMAR
VS
AXIS
HORIZON
ASHOK KUMAR
Our verdict
IDFC FIRST Ashva Credit Card wins for most people
Card A wins with ₹1,057 annual benefit versus Card B's ₹360, despite higher fees. Card A's superior travel rewards through the IDFC app make it the clear winner for this spend profile.
Side-by-side comparison
IDFC FIRST Ashva Credit Card ✓Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card
Reward rateCashback pays you directly in rupees; reward points need converting first, and their real value depends on the redemption ratio.Full definition →Points are earned per ₹150 spent, not ₹100, and the "X" multipliers printed on the card are point counts, not percentages. Redeemed at the best rate (₹0.40/point via the IDFC FIRST app for travel bookings), the real effective returns are: 8% on hotel bookings via the app (30X), 4% on flight bookings via the app (15X), 2.7% on monthly spend above ₹20,000 or on your birthday (10X), and 1.3% on spend up to ₹20,000 per cycle (5X). Redeemed on the general rewards portal instead (₹0.25/point), these roughly halve. Insurance, utilities, railways and FASTag earn only 1X (about 0.3-0.4%), with 2X on international spends and up to 3X on rent, education, wallet loads and UPI via the app.5 EDGE Miles per ₹100 on travel and direct airline spends (1%); 2 EDGE Miles on all others (0.4%); 1 EDGE Mile = ₹0.20 or transfer to 15+ airline/hotel partners at 1:1
Best forFrequent travellers who book hotels and flights through the IDFC FIRST Bank app specifically, where the real redemption value is highest; weak for everyday spending outside the appFrequent flyers wanting an airline-agnostic travel card with generous lounge access
Choose Card A if you book hotels and flights regularly through the IDFC FIRST Bank app, where 8% and 4% returns respectively justify the fee. Your ₹20,000 monthly travel spend heavily favors this card's strengths.
Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card
Choose Card B if you prefer airline flexibility and value lounge access over maximizing redemption rates. Best for those who don't use a single app for bookings or want partner transfer options.
Who should get which card
Get IDFC FIRST Ashva if you…
· ₹20,000+ monthly travel spend unlocks premium rewards via the IDFC app
· 8% effective return on hotel bookings is significantly higher than competitors
· Superior value for frequent app-based travelers despite ₹3,577 annual fee
Get Axis Bank Horizon if you…
· Prefer airline partner flexibility without app-specific booking requirements
· Value premium lounge access as part of card benefits
· Want simpler redemption across 15+ airline and hotel partners
Partner offer
Axis Bank Select Credit Card
Higher spenders (₹6L+ income) who will spend ₹3L+ a year, want international lounge access through Priority Pass with 12 visits, and want a 2% earn rate on everyday retail spends
Based on our analysis, IDFC FIRST Ashva Credit Card offers better annual returns for most spend profiles.
IDFC FIRST Ashva Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹2,999 + GST annual (both joining and renewal). Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹3,000 + taxes (no spend-based fee waiver).
IDFC FIRST Ashva Credit Card offers Points are earned per ₹150 spent, not ₹100, and the "X" multipliers printed on the card are point counts, not percentages. Redeemed at the best rate (₹0.40/point via the IDFC FIRST app for travel bookings), the real effective returns are: 8% on hotel bookings via the app (30X), 4% on flight bookings via the app (15X), 2.7% on monthly spend above ₹20,000 or on your birthday (10X), and 1.3% on spend up to ₹20,000 per cycle (5X). Redeemed on the general rewards portal instead (₹0.25/point), these roughly halve. Insurance, utilities, railways and FASTag earn only 1X (about 0.3-0.4%), with 2X on international spends and up to 3X on rent, education, wallet loads and UPI via the app.. Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card offers 5 EDGE Miles per ₹100 on travel and direct airline spends (1%); 2 EDGE Miles on all others (0.4%); 1 EDGE Mile = ₹0.20 or transfer to 15+ airline/hotel partners at 1:1.
IDFC FIRST Ashva Credit Card lounge access: 4 domestic + 2 international airport lounge visits per quarter, plus 4 railway lounge visits per quarter - all gated behind ₹20,000 spend in the preceding month. Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card lounge access: 8 domestic visits/quarter (32/year, on ₹50,000/quarter spend); 2 international visits/quarter via Priority Pass.
IDFC FIRST Ashva Credit Card charges 1% forex markup. Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card charges 3.5% forex markup.