Side-by-side · honest numbers
American Express SmartEarn Credit Card vs Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card vs IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card
Honest side-by-side comparison of American Express SmartEarn Credit Card, Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card, IDFC FIRST Select 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 IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card by about ₹15,182/yr.
| Feature | American Express SmartEarn Credit Card American Express | Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card Axis Bank | IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card IDFC FIRST Bank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees & eligibility | |||
| Annual fee | ₹495 | ₹12,500 | Lifetime free |
| Fee waiver threshold | Waived at ₹40,000/yr spend | No waiver published | Lifetime free |
| Min income | ₹25,000/mo | ₹1,00,000/mo | ₹30,000/mo |
| Secured / FD-backed | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Rewards | |||
| Net annual value (moderate) | ₹1,650/yr | ₹17,252/yr | ₹2,070/yr |
| Online shopping | 5 pts per ₹25 spend → ₹25/mo (₹300/yr) (cap hit) | — | — |
| Travel | — | 12 pts per ₹200 spend → ₹120/mo (₹1,440/yr) | — |
| Top reward rate | 10X Membership Rewards | 12 Edge Miles/₹200 | 3X reward points |
| Primary reward cap | ₹500 eligible spend/mo | No monthly cap published | No monthly cap published |
| 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) | 2 domestic visits/quarter + railway lounges · ₹20,000 spend in previous calendar month per visit block (issuer T&Cs) |
| 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 · Rent |
| Bonuses | |||
| Signup bonus | — | ₹25,000 | — |
Frequently asked questions
- Which card has the lower annual fee?
- IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card has a ₹0 annual fee (lifetime free or zero-fee tier).
- 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?
- American Express SmartEarn Credit Card lists a minimum monthly income of ₹25,000.
- 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
IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card
IDFC FIRST 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 | IDFC FIRST BankPlatinum IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card •••• •••• •••• 4242 Quick facts IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card Top reward3X reward points Annual feeLifetime Free Min income₹30,000/mo Tap to flip back IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card IDFC FIRST Bank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees & eligibility | |||
| Annual fee | ₹495 | ₹12,500 | Lifetime free |
| Fee waiver threshold | Waived at ₹40,000/yr spend | No waiver published | Lifetime free |
| Min income | ₹25,000/mo | ₹1,00,000/mo | ₹30,000/mo |
| Secured / FD-backed | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Rewards | |||
| Net annual value (moderate) | ₹1,650/yr | ₹17,252/yr | ₹2,070/yr |
| Online shopping | 5 pts per ₹25 spend → ₹25/mo (₹300/yr) (cap hit) | — | — |
| Travel | — | 12 pts per ₹200 spend → ₹120/mo (₹1,440/yr) | — |
| Top reward rate | 10X Membership Rewards | 12 Edge Miles/₹200 | 3X reward points |
| Primary reward cap | ₹500 eligible spend/mo | No monthly cap published | No monthly cap published |
| 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) | 2 domestic visits/quarter + railway lounges · ₹20,000 spend in previous calendar month per visit block (issuer T&Cs) |
| 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 · Rent |
| Bonuses | |||
| Signup bonus | — | ₹25,000 | — |
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https://cardhungry.com/in/en/compare/amex-smartearn-vs-axis-magnus-vs-idfc-first-selectMore American Express SmartEarn Credit Card comparisons
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