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American Express SmartEarn Credit Card vs Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card vs HSBC Cashback Credit Card

Honest side-by-side comparison of American Express SmartEarn Credit Card, Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card, HSBC Cashback 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, HSBC Cashback Credit Card ranks first for estimated net annual value — ahead of American Express SmartEarn Credit Card by about ₹6,291/yr.

American Express SmartEarn Credit Card vs Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card vs HSBC Cashback Credit Card comparison table
FeatureAmerican Express SmartEarn Credit Card

American Express

Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card

Axis Bank

HSBC Cashback Credit Card

HSBC

Fees & eligibility
Annual fee₹495₹3,000₹999
Fee waiver thresholdWaived at ₹40,000/yr spendWaived at ₹3,00,000/yr spendNo waiver published
Min income₹25,000/mo₹50,000/mo₹40,000/mo
Secured / FD-backedStandardStandardStandard
Rewards
Net annual value (moderate)₹1,650/yr-₹62/yr₹7,941/yr
Online shopping5 pts per ₹25 spend → ₹25/mo (₹300/yr) (cap hit)
Dining & delivery10% cashback → ₹400/mo (₹4,800/yr)
Travel2 pts per ₹150 spend → ₹13/mo (₹160/yr)
Top reward rate10X Membership Rewards2 EDGE miles/₹15010%
Primary reward cap₹500 eligible spend/moNo monthly cap published₹1,000 eligible spend/mo
Perks & restrictions
Lounge accessNoneDomestic lounge — typically 2 visits per quarter · Minimum spend required — see issuer T&Cs for current thresholdNone
UPI rewardsNot supported (Visa/MC)Not supported (Visa/MC)Not supported (Visa/MC)
Key exclusionsFuel · Insurance · Utilities · EMI · RentEMI · Fuel · Rent · WalletEMI · Fuel · 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?
HSBC Cashback Credit Card leads with an estimated ₹7,941/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 SELECT Credit Card

Axis Bank

HSBC Cashback Credit Card

HSBC

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 BankPlatinum

Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card

•••• •••• •••• 4242

Quick facts

Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card

Top reward2 EDGE miles/₹150
Annual fee₹3,000
Min income₹50,000/mo

Tap to flip back

Axis Bank SELECT Credit Card

Axis Bank

HSBCGold

HSBC Cashback Credit Card

•••• •••• •••• 4242

Quick facts

HSBC Cashback Credit Card

Top reward10%
Annual fee₹999
Min income₹40,000/mo

Tap to flip back

HSBC Cashback Credit Card

HSBC

Fees & eligibility
Annual fee₹495₹3,000₹999
Fee waiver thresholdWaived at ₹40,000/yr spendWaived at ₹3,00,000/yr spendNo waiver published
Min income₹25,000/mo₹50,000/mo₹40,000/mo
Secured / FD-backedStandardStandardStandard
Rewards
Net annual value (moderate)₹1,650/yr-₹62/yr₹7,941/yr
Online shopping5 pts per ₹25 spend → ₹25/mo (₹300/yr) (cap hit)
Dining & delivery10% cashback → ₹400/mo (₹4,800/yr)
Travel2 pts per ₹150 spend → ₹13/mo (₹160/yr)
Top reward rate10X Membership Rewards2 EDGE miles/₹15010%
Primary reward cap₹500 eligible spend/moNo monthly cap published₹1,000 eligible spend/mo
Perks & restrictions
Lounge accessNoneDomestic lounge — typically 2 visits per quarter · Minimum spend required — see issuer T&Cs for current thresholdNone
UPI rewardsNot supported (Visa/MC)Not supported (Visa/MC)Not supported (Visa/MC)
Key exclusionsFuel · Insurance · Utilities · EMI · RentEMI · Fuel · Rent · WalletEMI · Fuel · Rent · Wallet
Bonuses
Signup bonus

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