Side-by-side · honest numbers
American Express SmartEarn Credit Card vs Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card vs HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card
Honest side-by-side comparison of American Express SmartEarn Credit Card, Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card, HDFC MoneyBack+ 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 Magnus Credit Card ranks first for estimated net annual value — ahead of American Express SmartEarn Credit Card by about ₹15,602/yr.
| Feature | American Express SmartEarn Credit Card American Express | Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card Axis Bank | HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card HDFC Bank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees & eligibility | |||
| Annual fee | ₹495 | ₹12,500 | ₹500 |
| Fee waiver threshold | Waived at ₹40,000/yr spend | No waiver published | No waiver published |
| Min income | ₹25,000/mo | ₹1,00,000/mo | ₹20,000/mo |
| Secured / FD-backed | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Rewards | |||
| Net annual value (moderate) | ₹1,650/yr | ₹17,252/yr | ₹690/yr |
| Online shopping | 5 pts per ₹25 spend → ₹25/mo (₹300/yr) (cap hit) | — | 10 pts per ₹150 spend → ₹42/mo (₹500/yr) (cap hit) |
| Travel | — | 12 pts per ₹200 spend → ₹120/mo (₹1,440/yr) | — |
| Top reward rate | 10X Membership Rewards | 12 Edge Miles/₹200 | 10X points |
| Primary reward cap | ₹500 eligible spend/mo | No monthly cap published | ₹2,500 eligible spend/mo |
| Perks & restrictions | |||
| Lounge access | None | Unlimited domestic + 8 international/year · ₹50,000 spend in previous 3 calendar months for domestic lounge (waived first 3 months on new issuance) | None |
| 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 · Jewellery | EMI · Fuel · Rent |
| Bonuses | |||
| Signup bonus | — | ₹25,000 | ₹500 |
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 Magnus Credit Card leads with an estimated ₹17,252/yr net annual value on moderate spend.
- Which card has the lower income requirement?
- HDFC MoneyBack+ 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 Magnus Credit Card
Axis Bank
HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card
HDFC 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 BankMetal Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card •••• •••• •••• 4242 Quick facts Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card Top reward12 Edge Miles/₹200 Annual fee₹12,500 Min income₹1,00,000/mo Tap to flip back Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card Axis Bank | HDFC BankClassic HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card •••• •••• •••• 4242 Quick facts HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card Top reward10X points Annual fee₹500 Min income₹20,000/mo Tap to flip back HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card HDFC Bank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees & eligibility | |||
| Annual fee | ₹495 | ₹12,500 | ₹500 |
| Fee waiver threshold | Waived at ₹40,000/yr spend | No waiver published | No waiver published |
| Min income | ₹25,000/mo | ₹1,00,000/mo | ₹20,000/mo |
| Secured / FD-backed | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Rewards | |||
| Net annual value (moderate) | ₹1,650/yr | ₹17,252/yr | ₹690/yr |
| Online shopping | 5 pts per ₹25 spend → ₹25/mo (₹300/yr) (cap hit) | — | 10 pts per ₹150 spend → ₹42/mo (₹500/yr) (cap hit) |
| Travel | — | 12 pts per ₹200 spend → ₹120/mo (₹1,440/yr) | — |
| Top reward rate | 10X Membership Rewards | 12 Edge Miles/₹200 | 10X points |
| Primary reward cap | ₹500 eligible spend/mo | No monthly cap published | ₹2,500 eligible spend/mo |
| Perks & restrictions | |||
| Lounge access | None | Unlimited domestic + 8 international/year · ₹50,000 spend in previous 3 calendar months for domestic lounge (waived first 3 months on new issuance) | None |
| 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 · Jewellery | EMI · Fuel · Rent |
| Bonuses | |||
| Signup bonus | — | ₹25,000 | ₹500 |
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https://cardhungry.com/in/en/compare/amex-smartearn-vs-axis-magnus-vs-hdfc-moneyback-plusMore American Express SmartEarn Credit Card comparisons
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