Side-by-side · honest numbers
American Express SmartEarn Credit Card vs Axis Bank Airtel Credit Card vs Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card
Honest side-by-side comparison of American Express SmartEarn Credit Card, Axis Bank Airtel Credit Card, Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card — annual fees, reward rates, income eligibility, and estimated net annual value on the same spend profile.
At a glance (moderate spend)
Quick verdict: On moderate spend, Axis Bank Airtel Credit Card ranks first for estimated net annual value — ahead of American Express SmartEarn Credit Card by about ₹6,420/yr.
| Feature | American Express SmartEarn Credit Card American Express | Axis Bank Airtel Credit Card Axis Bank | Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card Kotak Mahindra Bank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees & eligibility | |||
| Annual fee | ₹495 | ₹500 | ₹999 |
| Fee waiver threshold | Waived at ₹40,000/yr spend | Waived at ₹2,00,000/yr spend | Waived at ₹1,00,000/yr spend |
| Min income | ₹25,000/mo | ₹20,000/mo | ₹25,000/mo |
| Secured / FD-backed | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Rewards | |||
| Net annual value (moderate) | ₹1,650/yr | ₹8,070/yr | ₹140/yr |
| Online shopping | 5 pts per ₹25 spend → ₹25/mo (₹300/yr) (cap hit) | — | — |
| Dining & delivery | — | 10% cashback → ₹250/mo (₹3,000/yr) (cap hit) | — |
| Fuel | — | — | 2 pts per ₹150 spend → ₹13/mo (₹160/yr) |
| Utilities & bills | — | 25% cashback → ₹250/mo (₹3,000/yr) (cap hit) | — |
| Top reward rate | 10X Membership Rewards | 25% | 2X reward points |
| Primary reward cap | ₹500 eligible spend/mo | ₹250 rewards/mo cap | No monthly cap published |
| Perks & restrictions | |||
| Lounge access | None | None | Limited domestic lounge visits — verify on issuer site |
| UPI rewards | Not supported (Visa/MC) | Not supported (Visa/MC) | Not supported (Visa/MC) |
| Key exclusions | Fuel · Insurance · Utilities · EMI · Rent | EMI · Fuel · Rent · Wallet · Government | EMI · Rent · Wallet |
| Bonuses | |||
| Signup bonus | — | — | — |
Frequently asked questions
- Which card has the lower annual fee?
- American Express SmartEarn Credit Card has the lowest annual fee at ₹495.
- Which card earns more on moderate spend?
- Axis Bank Airtel Credit Card leads with an estimated ₹8,070/yr net annual value on moderate spend.
- Which card has the lower income requirement?
- Axis Bank Airtel Credit Card lists a minimum monthly income of ₹20,000.
- Does this comparison pull my credit score?
- No. CardHungry estimates net value from public fee and reward rules only — no bureau check.
Customize your spend
Change spend profile or swap cards — results update live below.
American Express SmartEarn Credit Card
American Express
Axis Bank Airtel Credit Card
Axis Bank
Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card
Kotak Mahindra Bank
Your adjusted comparison
| Feature | American ExpressGold American Express SmartEarn Credit Card •••• •••• •••• 4242 Quick facts American Express SmartEarn Credit Card Top reward10X Membership Rewards Annual fee₹495 Min income₹25,000/mo Tap to flip back American Express SmartEarn Credit Card American Express | Axis BankGold Axis Bank Airtel Credit Card •••• •••• •••• 4242 Quick facts Axis Bank Airtel Credit Card Top reward25% Annual fee₹500 Min income₹20,000/mo Tap to flip back Axis Bank Airtel Credit Card Axis Bank | Kotak Mahindra BankSignature Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card •••• •••• •••• 4242 Quick facts Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card Top reward2X reward points Annual fee₹999 Min income₹25,000/mo Tap to flip back Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card Kotak Mahindra Bank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees & eligibility | |||
| Annual fee | ₹495 | ₹500 | ₹999 |
| Fee waiver threshold | Waived at ₹40,000/yr spend | Waived at ₹2,00,000/yr spend | Waived at ₹1,00,000/yr spend |
| Min income | ₹25,000/mo | ₹20,000/mo | ₹25,000/mo |
| Secured / FD-backed | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Rewards | |||
| Net annual value (moderate) | ₹1,650/yr | ₹8,070/yr | ₹140/yr |
| Online shopping | 5 pts per ₹25 spend → ₹25/mo (₹300/yr) (cap hit) | — | — |
| Dining & delivery | — | 10% cashback → ₹250/mo (₹3,000/yr) (cap hit) | — |
| Fuel | — | — | 2 pts per ₹150 spend → ₹13/mo (₹160/yr) |
| Utilities & bills | — | 25% cashback → ₹250/mo (₹3,000/yr) (cap hit) | — |
| Top reward rate | 10X Membership Rewards | 25% | 2X reward points |
| Primary reward cap | ₹500 eligible spend/mo | ₹250 rewards/mo cap | No monthly cap published |
| Perks & restrictions | |||
| Lounge access | None | None | Limited domestic lounge visits — verify on issuer site |
| UPI rewards | Not supported (Visa/MC) | Not supported (Visa/MC) | Not supported (Visa/MC) |
| Key exclusions | Fuel · Insurance · Utilities · EMI · Rent | EMI · Fuel · Rent · Wallet · Government | EMI · Rent · Wallet |
| Bonuses | |||
| Signup bonus | — | — | — |
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